Level Of Origin Research Articles

Anatomical study of mesenteric arteries and their variations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Anatomical variations (AV) are modifications in morphological features that do not imply functional impairment. Among the structures most affected by them are the blood vessels, of which the superior (SMA) and inferior (IMA) mesenteric arteries (IMA) stand out. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review with meta-analysis in order to identify the prevalence of different SMA and IMA VAs. The steps taken followed the PRISMA guidelines and the study protocol was registered and published on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42022336763). For the meta-analysis, the R-studio was used, adopting the random distribution model, the chi-square test, and the I-square test to investigate heterogeneity and its amplitude, respectively. After all the steps described in the protocol, 124 articles were obtained for systematic review and 23 for meta-analysis. The most prevalent vertebral level of origin of the SMA was at L1, (95% CI; 0.58: 0.41–0.73; X12= 14.90, p < 0.001; I2= 93%), and that of the IMA was at L3 (IC 95%; 0,40: 0,22–0,62; X12= 10,32, p = 0,001; I2= 90%). Normal prevalence of SMA was observed in 77% of subjects (95% CI; 0.66–0.85; X152= 322.02, p < 0.001; I2= 95%).It also calculated the different prevalence regarding the vessels of origin of the SMA and its branches, which was not always possible to be carried out with the IMA, due to the scarcity of this information in the primary studies included in this review.

Coeliaco-Mesenteric Trunk-- A Rare Anomaly of the Coeliac Trunk

Abstract The Coeliaco-mesenteric trunk, characterized by the shared origin of the coeliac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery, represents a rare but clinically important anatomical variation within the abdominal vasculature. Knowledge of variations of the abdominal vascular system and their origins is of great importance to surgeons to ensure optimal patient outcomes and also to mitigate the potential complications that may arise due to this lack of knowledge. Present case: During routine dissection for 1st year MBBS (2022-23), of the abdominal region of a 60 year-old male cadaver, there was an unusual presentation of multiple blood vessels at the level of origin of the coeliac trunk. Upon further dissection, the superior mesenteric artery was found to be originating from this group of arteries. This artery was found to be passing through mesentery upto transverse colon. No other distinct blood vessel was found at the level where the superior mesenteric artery usually originates. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of thorough pre-operative assessment and awareness of anatomical anomalies to facilitate safe and effective management strategies.

A comprehensive morphometric analysis of superior and inferior mesenteric arteries using cadaveric dissection and MDCT angiography

BackgroundSuperior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are vital vascular structures supplying the majority of the intestinal tract. Despite their clinical significance, comprehensive morphometric studies combining traditional cadaveric dissection with modern imaging techniques are scarce in literature. This study aimed to provide a detailed morphometric analysis of the SMA and IMA using both cadaveric dissection and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography. MethodsThe study utilized a dual approach, combining cadaveric dissection (30 formalin-fixed cadavers) and MDCT angiography (images from 50 patients). Measurements including stem lengths, diameters at origin, and distances from the aortic bifurcation were taken, along with assessment of vertebral levels of origin and branching patterns. Data from both components were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsKey findings for SMA include: Mean stem length: 3.19 ± 0.72 cm (cadaveric) vs. 2.53 ± 0.53 cm (MDCT); Mean diameter at origin: 0.93 ± 0.22 cm (cadaveric) vs. 0.57 ± 0.10 cm (MDCT); Most common vertebral level of origin: Upper border of L1 (78 % of cases); Branching pattern variations observed in 23.3 % of cadaveric specimens, which included the origin of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery from the first jejunal artery, a common trunk for right colic and ileocolic arteries, and absence of middle colic artery. For IMA: Mean stem length: 3.61 ± 1.29 cm (cadaveric) vs. 3.41 ± 0.69 cm (MDCT); Mean diameter at origin: 0.50 ± 0.11 cm (cadaveric) vs. 0.26 ± 0.05 cm (MDCT); Most common vertebral level of origin: Upper border of L3 (40 % of cases). No variations observed in branching pattern. ConclusionsThe detailed measurements, frequency of variations, and comparison between traditional and modern assessment techniques offer a nuanced understanding of mesenteric vascular anatomy. This study bridges the gap between classical anatomical knowledge and contemporary imaging capabilities, potentially improving surgical planning, interventional procedures, and radiological interpretation.

СТРАТЕГІЧНІ НАПРЯМКИ ПІДТРИМКИ БРЕНДУ АГРАРНИХ РЕГІОНІВ НІМЕЧЧИНИ ІНСТРУМЕНТАМИ ПАРТНЕРСЬКОЇ КОНЦЕПЦІЇ ТЕРИТОРІАЛЬНОГО МАРКЕТИНГУ

In the modern conditions of transformation and European integration of the domestic agricultural sphere, the marketing mechanism occupies an important place, which actualizes further research into the branding of agricultural regions and the study of the experience of European countries. Germany, as the most stable European economy, demonstrates the successful practices of its regions in territorial and agrarian marketing, in the creation and promotion of regional brands, local trademarks for agricultural, processing and tourist products and services, therefore its experience is undoubtedly useful for Ukrainian agrarian regions. The purpose of the article is to determine the strategic directions of supporting the brand of agricultural regions of Germany with the tools of the partnership concept of territorial marketing and the possibility of their use in Ukraine. The object of the research is marketing tools to support the brand of agrarian regions. The methods used in the research are the case study method, the method of comparison and grouping, the methods of analysis and synthesis, detailing and generalization, etc. The hypothesis of the study was the assumption that the agricultural regions of Germany have sufficiently successful cases of application of tools of the partnership concept of territorial marketing, which can be adapted to domestic practice. Presenting main material. The article presents the author's understanding of territorial marketing, focusing on the problems of agricultural regions, which can be solved with the help of marketing tools of the partnership concept of marketing. The experience of using territorial marketing tools is considered on the example of Germany, whose agrarian regions successfully develop and implement marketing programs, create, promote and systematically support regional brands, local trademarks. Special attention is paid to the regional marketing programs and marketing initiatives of the state of Bavaria, which guarantee consumers compliance with the declared properties of the product, its level of quality and origin. Generalized marketing tools that contain data programs and initiatives to support the brands of agricultural regions. A separate case presents the umbrella agrobrand Spreewald, which was created to identify products from the Spreewald region based on the criteria of origin, place of production and quality. The originality and practical significance of the research lies in the application of the case study method, which involves the study of the European practice of supporting the brand of an agricultural region with marketing tools of the partnership concept of territorial marketing. Conclusions. Marketing programs and marketing initiatives of agricultural regions of Germany are based on the use of modern tools and technologies aimed at establishing a long-term mutually beneficial partnership between the participants of the interaction process, at defining and creating new values that ensure the sustainable development of the territory. The development, introduction and use of a regional trademark on the market requires competent marketing support for the practical interaction of regional actors. An important area of regional marketing is establishing cooperation between local producers of organic products and large retailers. The study and generalization of the experience of Germany and other EU countries allows us to identify a number of strategic directions of marketing support for brands in agrarian regions and adapt them to the needs of domestic practice. Further research involves the development of a marketing program of the selected agricultural region, which will be based on the tools of strategic (social-ethical and partnership) concepts of territorial marketing.

Hybrid Management of Dysphagia Lusoria with Tevar Implantation and Bilateral Subclavian Arteries Debranching: A Review of the Literature and a Case Report.

Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) causing dysphagia, the so-called "dysphagia lusoria", is a frequent embryologic anomaly of the aortic arch. In symptomatic patients, studies report several management options including surgical, hybrid, and totally endovascular strategies. Hybrid techniques have the advantage of no chest opening with reduced morbidity, but the problem of the ARSA stump causing recurrent or persistent dysphagia remains challenging in some cases. We conducted a literature review on the management strategies of ARSA and presented the case of a 72-year-old female patient with ARSA and dysphagia managed with thoracic endovascular repair of the aorta (TEVAR) and bilateral carotid-subclavian artery bypass. This technique was chosen because of the severe calcifications at the level of ARSA origin that would make surgical ligation difficult, or if an occluder device not suitable. We think that a patient-tailored approach should be considered in cases of dysphagia lusoria, considering that a multitude of strategies are reported.

Development of an Algorithm to Determine Which Costal Cartilage to Harvest.

Rib graft is a common source of cartilage in rhinoplasty. Donor site choices for this resource were identified according to the authors who presented the introduction of this technique. However, the scientific basis of this valuable method lacks information, including the anatomical properties of costal cartilage. In this study, cartilage radioanatomy is examined and tested for if any estimators are present. A total of 148 thoracal CT scans of patients who applied to our facility were analyzed. Patients were divided per their sex and age of 35, and rib cartilage dimensions, including axial length between the sternal and costal ends of the cartilage (TotL), posteroanterior diameters at the sternal end (StDia), costal end (CosDia), the thickest part (MaxDia) as diametrical parameters and vertical height at the thickest part (h) were recorded. Length of the sternum (St), the axial length of the clavicle (ClavL), the distance of the sixth rib from the anterior axillary border (AntAx), and thorax circumferences at the level of both pectoralis major muscle origin (ThC) and nipples (BrC) were recorded. Statistical analyses were done for correlations. St, ClavL, ThC, and BrC were found to have the most correlated measurements in groups with the age of 35 and less of both genders, and the relations were lost in older groups. Thorax shape may change after the age of 35 years, but in younger patients, St in females and ClavL in males can be used as estimators of cartilage amount.

Differential Adjustment Outcomes of International Students at U.S. Universities

We present a methodological example of an initial use of critical quantitative analysis (CritQuant) in international education research focused on international students to explore differences in social-emotional experiences intersectionally. Drawing on a sample of 558 international students attending 14 colleges and universities in the United States, we examined students' belonging, social support, academic stress and confidence, COVID-19 related stress, and social integration by students' gender, graduate level, and region of origin as well as by combinations of gender, graduate level, and region of origin. Key findings include that graduate and undergraduate female students as well as graduate male students reported better social-emotional experiences compared with undergraduate male students and that students' region of origin accounted for a range of differences in student outcomes. Findings are discussed in relation to the current literature and with respect to opportunities in the field of international student engagement and global student mobility.

A radio-anatomical study of median arcuate ligament syndrome: unveiling the morphology and morphometry of median arcuate ligament, celiac trunk, and superior mesenteric artery.

In the context of medical literature, a significant lacuna exists in understanding median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). While clinical aspects are well documented, literature lacks a robust exploration of the anatomical relationship between the celiac trunk and the median arcuate ligament (MAL). Morphometric parameters, including the vertebral level of MAL origin, MAL thickness, celiac trunk (CeT) origin level, diameter, and distances between CeT/Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) and the MAL center were observed on 250 CT angiograms. Cadavers (n = 11) were dissected to examine the same parameters and histo-morphological examination of MAL tissue was done. Radiological findings established average MAL thickness of 7.79 ± 2.58mm. The celiac trunk typically originated at T12. The average distance between the celiac trunk and the MAL center was 1.32 ± 2.04mm. The angle of the celiac trunk to the abdominal aorta was primarily obtuse. The average celiac trunk diameter was 5.53 ± 1.33mm. Histological examinations revealed a diverse MAL composition, indicating variable mechanical properties. This study provides comprehensive morphometric data on the anatomical relationship between the MAL and the celiac trunk. In contrast to available literature which says the average MAL thickness of > 4mm is an indicator of increased thickness, we observed much higher average thickness in the studied population. The findings contribute to a better understanding of normal anatomical variations which can serve as reference values for accurate radiological diagnosis of MALS. The histological examination revealed the heterogeneous nature of the MAL tissue composition, suggesting variable mechanical properties and functions in different regions.

Superior mesenteric artery revisited using magnetic resonance angiography.

We aimed to examine the superior mesenteric artery in detail by magnetic resonance angiography to provide an alternative to other imaging methods, to reduce the exposure time of patients and physicians to X-rays and the time spent in catheter angiography, to determine the variations, positions, and locations of the celiac trunk, and to provide detailed information for surgeons and interventional radiologists using this method. The procedures were approved by the Kocaeli University Medical School Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (10.04.2023, approval number: 2021/51). MR angiography images of 185 patients with abdominal imaging in PACS (Picture Archiving Communication Systems) were retrospectively registered. The level of origin of the superior mesenteric artery according to the vertebral column, angle of origin, distance between the superior mesenteric artery and branches of the abdominal aorta, and branching pattern of the superior mesenteric artery were evaluated. Parameters were evaluated according to gender and age using SPSS version 25. The distance between superior mesenteric artery-inferior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric artery-aortic bifurcation in males was higher than in females, and the difference was statistically significant. In females and the whole study group, a low, positive and significant relationship was found between age and superior mesenteric artery-sagittal angle. The most common origin site for the superior mesenteric artery, according to the vertebral column was found to be at L1 middle for males and L1 upper for females. The most common superior mesenteric artery branching pattern was classical type in both genders. Individual evaluation of the superior mesenteric artery could reduce the risks during surgical interventions, considering the relationship of the superior mesenteric artery, especially with distally located vessels, and the gender differences for the angle of origin. Furthermore, considering that interventional radiologists choose the catheter according to the angle of origin of the artery during catheter angiography procedures, individual evaluation of patients taking into account gender and age is of utmost importance.

The Diversity of the Linguofacial Trunk.

Background and Objectives: Typically, the external carotid artery (ECA) sends off separate anterior branches: the superior thyroid, lingual, and facial arteries. These could, however, form common trunks: thyrolinguofacial, linguofacial (LFT), or thyrolingual. Although known, the LFT variant was poorly detailed previously, and most authors just counted the variant. We aimed to demonstrate the individual anatomical possibilities of the LFT on a case-by-case basis. Materials and Methods: 150 archived angioCT files were used. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 147 files of 86 males and 61 females were kept for this study. Results: In 34/147 cases, LFTs were found (23.12%). Bilateral LFTs were found in 13/34 cases (38.24%) and unilateral LFTs in 21/34 (61.76%) cases. Forty-seven LFTs were thus identified and further studied for different variables. Regarding the vertical topography of LFT origin, type 1a (suprahyoid and infragonial) was found in 28 LFTs (59.57%), type 1b (suprahyoid and gonial) was found in eight LFTs (17.02%), type 3 (suprahyoid and supragonial) was found in two LFTs (4.25%), type 2 (hyoid level of origin) in eight LFTs (17.02%), and type 3 (infrahyoid origin) in just one LFT (2.12%). Types of the initial course of the LFT were determined: type I, ascending, was found in 22/47 LFTs; type II, descending, in 12/47 LFTs; and type III, transverse, in 13/47 LFTs. Regarding the orientation of the first loop of the LFT, 23/47 LFTs had no loop, 4/47 had anterior loops, 1/47 had a posterior loop, 5/47 had superior loops, 5/47 had inferior loops, and 9/47 had medial loops. The position of the LFT relative to the ECA was classified as medial, anterior, or antero-medial. An amount of 12/47 LFTs were anterior to the ECA, 22/47 were antero-medial, 10/47 were medial, 2/47 were inferior, and 1/47 was lateral. Regarding their general morphology, 23/47 LFTs had a rectilinear course, 22/47 had loops, and 2/47 were coiled. A case-by-case presentation of results further demonstrated the diversity of the LFT. Conclusions: In conclusion, the morphology and topography of the LFT are individually specific and unpredictable. It can be anticipated case-by-case by surgeons on CT or MR angiograms.

Lax Uterosacral Ligament and Urge Urinary Incontinence: MRI Findings in Symptomatic Patients Versus Healthy Volunteers

Introduction and hypothesisThe objective was to explore the association between urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and lax uterosacral ligaments (USL) using MRI.MethodsSixty-seven female participants were recruited prospectively: 41 continent volunteers (control group) and 26 patients with UUI. Static proton density- and T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequences of MR images were used. A radiologist employed a standardized grid system to record structural observations of the USLs on sequentially numbered axial MR images and then applied a four-point grading scale to assess ligament visibility. MR images were interpreted by a radiologist and a urologist, and then validated by an expert radiologist.ResultsThe comparison between the mean length of uterosacral ligaments in the control and UUI groups was highly statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean length of the right USL was 38 ± 11 mm, and the left USL was 35 ± 12 mm in the UUI group. In the control group, the mean length of the USL was 22 ± 9 mm on the right side and 18 ± 9 mm on the left side, along their craniocaudal extent. The highest inter-observer agreement was on the level of origin and insertion (image numbers), whereas the lowest agreement was on the anatomical site of origin and insertion of the USL in both the control and UUI groups.ConclusionsThe average length of USLs in patients with UUI is significantly longer than that in healthy continent women, indicating laxity. Our findings support the relationship between the laxity of the USL and UUI symptoms and have therapeutic implications.

Discriminative power of DNA-based, volatilome, near infrared spectroscopy, elements and stable isotopes methods for the origin authentication of typical Italian mountain cheese using sPLS-DA modeling

Origin authentication methods are pivotal in counteracting frauds and provide evidence for certification systems. For these reasons, geographical origin authentication methods are used to ensure product origin. This study focused on the origin authentication (i.e. at the producer level) of a typical mountain cheese origin using various approaches, including shotgun metagenomics, volatilome, near infrared spectroscopy, stable isotopes, and elemental analyses. DNA-based analysis revealed that viral communities achieved a higher classification accuracy rate (97.4 ± 2.6 %) than bacterial communities (96.1 ± 4.0 %). Non-starter lactic acid bacteria and phages specific to each origin were identified. Volatile organic compounds exhibited potential clusters according to cheese origin, with a classification accuracy rate of 90.0 ± 11.1 %. Near-infrared spectroscopy showed lower discriminative power for cheese authentication, yielding only a 76.0 ± 31.6 % classification accuracy rate. Model performances were influenced by specific regions of the infrared spectrum, possibly associated with fat content, lipid profile and protein characteristics. Furthermore, we analyzed the elemental composition of mountain Caciotta cheese and identified significant differences in elements related to dairy equipment, macronutrients, and rare earth elements among different origins. The combination of elements and isotopes showed a decrease in authentication performance (97.0 ± 3.1 %) compared to the original element models, which were found to achieve the best classification accuracy rate (99.0 ± 0.01 %). Overall, our findings emphasize the potential of multi-omics techniques in cheese origin authentication and highlight the complexity of factors influencing cheese composition and hence typicity.

Surgical Significance of Variant Anatomy of Inferior Mesenteric Artery and Left Colic Artery: A Computed Tomography Angiographic Study

Introduction: A variation in vessel morphology determines flow dynamics and vascular disease pathogenesis. Definite information on the distinctive anatomical variations of the mesenteric vessels is extremely important for laparoscopic surgical procedures and interventional radiological procedures in the abdominal region. Three-dimensional-computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA) is a less invasive method to evaluate vascular anatomy using a visual tracking method on high-definition images, contrast-enhanced inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) can be traced to its terminal branches beside the colon wall. Subjects and Methods: Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan data from 180 patients was retrospectively collected, reconstructed, and analyzed. The origin, length of IMA from origin to the first branch, branching patterns of IMA, and tracking patterns of the ascending branch of left colic artery (LCA), were examined, and their associations with clinical features were analyzed. Results: IMA displayed variations in the level of origin ranging from upper 1/3 of L3 to upper 1/3 of L4, mean length from origin to the first branch was 27.4 ± 7.8 mm. Observed branching patterns of IMA were grouped according to Yada classification: Type 1 (52.2%), Type 2 (15.5%), Type 3 (14.4%), and Type 4 (17.7%). Tracking of the ascending branch of LCA before anastomosis with marginal artery revealed four patterns: Type A LCA pattern in 43.9%; Type B LCA anatomy pattern was (19.4%); Type C LCA anatomy pattern was (20.0%); and Type D LCA anatomy pattern was observed (16.7%). Conclusion: Preoperative understanding of the vascular variations of IMA and LCA can be obtained by 3D-CTA. This may be helpful to surgeons in planning preoperative strategies to prevent iatrogenic injuries.

Stigmatisation or Destigmatisation?

Mental health has emerged as an international priority to secure health, well-being and human development. Media are important sources of health information, and this gives media a powerful voice in contributing to the creation, perpetuation, evolution and/or attenuation of stigma towards mental illness. Through employing stigmatisation as the theoretical framework and qualitative content analysis as the research method, this study examined the coverage of mental health problems during the Covid-19 pandemic by Malaysian legacy and online newspapers. Six dimensions of stigma (concealability, origin, course, disruptiveness, aesthetics and peril) were examined and it was found that individual level of origin and peril were the most prominent dimensions of stigma found in the reporting. In addition, the newspapers focused on promoting mental health awareness and literacy in their destigmatisation effort, while reflecting either a positive or neutral valence in their coverage. The implications of the findings were discussed with regard to the role of media in reporting mental health problems and destigmatisation of mental illness.

CONNAISSANCES DES PATIENTS OPERES SUR LEUR MEDECIN, MALADIE ET TRAITEMENT EN UROLOGIE A L’HOPITAL GENERAL IDRISSA POUYE EN 2022

introduction: Our objective was to evaluate the level of knowledge of patients operated on at the department of Urology of Hospital General Idrissa Pouye (HOGIP). patients and methods: Patients scheduled for elective surgery completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic and questions about knowledge regarding their physician, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Quantitative variables were computed for mean (SD) and qualitative variables were computed for proportions. Khi-2 test was used to determine the relation between socio demographic variables and patients’ knowledge. Statistical significance was considered for =0,05. results: Mean age of our 43 patients was 45,48 years (SD: 23,5 years). Patients were from Dakar (48,8%) and the rest of Senegal (46,5%). Percentage of illiterate was 53,5% and 14 patients had at least a secondary school level. Eighteen patients (41,9%) knew their physician and 28 their diagnosis. Eleven patients (25,6%) knew their surgical indication. Type of anesthesia and surgical approach were known by 6 patients (14%). Surgical approach, length of the operation and possible complications were known respectively by 6 patients (14%), 9 patients (21,4%) et 4 patients (9,5%). Level of education (p=0,01) and geographic origin (p=0,03) influenced patients’ knowledge unlike level of education (p=0,1) or geographic origin (p=0,33). Conclusion: We noted that the patients had a limited knowledge on their physicians, their diagnosis, their surgery and post-operative evolution. Keywords: Patients’ Knowledge, Urology, Quality of care, Hopital General Idrissa PouyeCorrespondance : Dr Mohamed Jalloh, Service d’Urologie, Hopital Général Idrissa Pouye, BP : 3270, email : jmohamed60@yahoo.fr Tel: +221776505960Article original

Challenges and Prospects for Women Entrepreneurs in Tunisia

Women who do not have a salaried employment contract have the opportunity to work on a self-employed basis to generate an income. Under self-employed status, these women take on, alone or perhaps in partnership, all the financial, administrative and social risks involved in developing their activities. In this approach, we will focus on the reality of these women who are self-employed. The aim of this research is to understand the entrepreneurial process of women, by distinguishing three different realities: women entrepreneurs, women in the professions and women involved in cooperatives. This shows how complex and diverse the notion of female entrepreneurship is. Through this research, we defend the idea that we need to approach the situation of these women entrepreneurs from a systemic angle, since their daily lives are the result of an interaction between their professional lives and their family lives. Their choices are guided by their positions in society and by the infrastructure that society makes available to them. Finally, understanding these women entrepreneurs, and what motivates and guides their choice, cannot be done without a diversion through the reality of the labour market, and without cross-referencing other variables such as level of qualification, age or origin. Thus, we will mobilize their individual and family variables, the specific features linked to the characteristics of their companies and the sector of activity, and the socio-economic, cultural, political and legal characteristics of Tunisia.

Morphological and Morphometric Analysis of the Renal Artery Using Computed Tomographic Angiography

Objective: The anatomical features of the renal arteries are important for the diagnosis of various diseases affecting the kidneys and the renal arteries (RA), as well as for preoperative planning of surgical interventions. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the morphological and morphometric parameters of renal arteries specific to the Turkish population. Methods: RA diameter, angle, and distance to other vessels were performed on computed tomography angiography images of 299 patients (156 women, 143 men), considering their branching variations and the level of origin from the abdominal aorta. Results: The frequency of RA variations was 16.5%. The right RA was observed to arise between the lower T12 level and middle L4 level, most commonly (25.39%) at the L1-2 disc level. The left RA was found to originate between the upper T12 level and lower L3 level, mostly (27.44%) at the L1-2 disc level. The mean diameter of the right RA was 5.49±1.24 mm in females and 6.01±1.69 mm in males, while the mean diameter of the left RA was 5.96±1.44 mm in females and 6.45±1.74 mm in males. The mean exit angle of the right RA from the abdominal aorta was 57.06±17.27° in females and 57.65±16.62° in males, and that of the left RA was 67.05±18.13° in females and 70.37±17.42° in males. The distance of the right RA to the celiac trunk was 3.1±1.29 cm, and its distance to the aortic bifurcation was 9.56±1.52 cm. The distance of the left RA to the celiac trunk was 3.27±1.25 cm, and its distance to the aortic bifurcation was 9.38±1.41 cm. Analysis of the relationship of the study parameters with age showed statistically significant correlations between age and the left RA diameter and between age and the distance of both the right and left renal arteries to the celiac trunk. Conclusion: This study could contribute to the literature on renal artery morphology and morphometry in the Turkish population and provide guidance to clinicians.

Cross Sectional Study on Thyroid Arteries with Clinical Correlations

Introduction- Thyroid gland is a highly vascular endocrine gland. The aim of our study is to explore thyroid arteries to escape eventual iatrogenic complications.&#x0D; Materials and Methods- Both sides of neck of total 60 adult embalmed cadavers were dissected in West Bengal (2020-2021).&#x0D; Results- We found Superior Thyroid Arteries in 100% cases originating from External Carotid Artery in 77.5% cases, Carotid Bifurcation in 11.67% cases, Common Carotid Artery in 7.5% cases, as well as a common trunk with Lingual artery in 1.67% cases, Lingual and Facial arteries in 1.67% cases. Source of origin of Superior Thyroid Artery when compared with level of origin and between male and female cadavers, the result was found statistically significant (p&lt; 0.05). Inferior Thyroid Artery was present in 90% cases and absent in 10% cases. Inferior Thyroid Artery originated from Thyrocervical Trunk in 92.5% cases, Common Carotid Artery in 1.67% cases, Subclavian Artery in 0.83% cases. Thyroidea Ima Artery was found in 3.33% cases arising from Arch of Aorta and Brachiocephalic Trunk.&#x0D; Conclusion- Knowledge of thyroid arterial variations will help to prevent loss of patient life due to hemorrhage during surgery.

The Influence of Social and Demographic Characteristics on Modern Students’ Self-confidence and Assertiveness

The aim of this article is to study, using various methods, the influence of gender, level of economic well-being, university status, origin and year of study on the self-confidence and assertiveness of modern students studying within the Bologna system (from 1 to 3 courses). As a result of the analysis of theoretical, scientific and practical bibliographic sources on the research problem, we present foreign researchers’ various points of view on the concepts of «self-confidence», «assertiveness» and what influences them. The research sample consisted of 315 participants, 110 men and 205 women, aged 18 to 30 years (M = 20.5). The participants were the representatives of higher educational institutions from the Republic of Moldova (Western Europe) and volunteers from the Internet, students of full-time and part-time education. The results of the study showed that students of private universities are more self-confident and assertive than students of state ones; male students are more self-confident than female students, but equal in assertiveness; students with a high level of economic well-being turned out to be the most confident and assertive, students with an average level of economic well-being were slightly less self-confident and assertive, and students with a low level of economic well-being turned out to be the least confident and assertive; students from rural areas are more self-confident, but equal in assertiveness with urban ones; 2nd year students are more self-confident and assertive than students 3 and 1, whose assertiveness is equal. Self-confidence has long been of growing interest among researchers, because this quality makes people happy, promotes all-round development, increases communication efficiency, and its absence impedes personal development and reduces efficiency. Assertive behavior is also important for modern students because it is based on balance. A person is frank about his intentions, but at the same time he/she considers the rights and needs of other people. In this case, the student is confident and draws from this the strength to state his/her point of view in a firmly fair and balanced way.

Sea level variability at Colombo, Sri Lanka, inferred from the conflation of satellite altimetry and tide gauge measurements

Accurate long-term measurements of sea level are fundamental to evaluating coastal risks, such as the impact of sea-level rise on near-shore ecosystems, groundwater dynamics, and coastal flooding. This study examines sea-level variability at Colombo, Sri Lanka using satellite altimetry, tide gauge measurements separately and their conflated solution under a single model. Modelling of conflated satellite altimetry and tide gauge measurements shows a geocentric (absolute) local sea-level rise of 3.56 ± 0.32 mm/y without any signature of a uniform acceleration since 1981 at this locality. The measurements disclosed statistically significant periodic changes in sea level of luni-solar origin. The conflated model solution enabled the estimation of a statistically significant in-situ vertical land motion (0.58 ± 0.19 mm/yr) without the aid of global positioning measurements. The conflation model explains 98% of the sea-level variability, which makes it suitable for accurate seal level predictions for coastal risk assessments in Colombo, Sri Lanka.