Longitudinal Line Research Articles

Critical Thinking in Authentic Assessment: An Exploration into Argumentative Writing Non-English Department in Higher Education

This research aims to thoroughly explore how authentic assessment methods, designed to emulate real-life challenges, contribute to enhancing the abilities of students to construct logical arguments, critically evaluate evidence, and articulate thoughts coherently in writing. In order to achieve the stated objective, a qualitative research design was adopted, and content analysis was utilized systematically for the examination of the quality of argument, evaluation of evidence, and logical reasoning in the argumentative writings of the observed students. The results obtained from the data analysis conducted showed that all the arguments were relevant in general discussions and added precision through the use of examples. Accordingly, the examples given provided clear insight into how each application related to the general discussions, hence each example was considered relevant in improving the understanding of the topic in question. In an effort to ensure the conducted analysis was carried out thoroughly, deep essays in the expansive coverage of the details relevant to the different aspects of the research were reviewed. Each of the essays threw forward the central contention or stance taken with strength and the support of quality evidence including concrete examples from life, findings from previous research, and case studies. As a recommendation, future research should be conducted with a specific focus on analyzing critical thinking and argumentation skill development in the students along longitudinal lines, with the primary aim of observing how the skills change with different teaching methodologies, curriculum structures, and educational interventions.

An Improved Multi-point Chord Reference Measurement Device and Error Correction Method for Corrugation Measuring in Sharp Curves

Background: The traditional chord reference method and its device have faced challenges matching the sharp curve track. Thus, it is of utmost importance to research and develop a measurement device and method that can obtain accurate and comprehensive information regarding rail running band corrugation. Aims: It provides a solution for the measurement of the multi-point chord reference method on sharply curved rails and, at the same time, meets the demand for data richness and accuracy in theoretical studies on the causes of rail corrugation and wheel-rail contact relationships. Objective: This paper aims to research and design a measurement device based on the multi-point chord reference method for the rail running band corrugation. Meanwhile, the error in measuring the sharp curve rail is corrected and verified by simulation. Methods: The lateral information of rail running band is obtained by using a line laser profile sensor; the rail corrugation measurement model and error correction model of the rail running band area are established based on multi-point reference system; the simulation of the system model is carried out using Matlab; and the mechanical structure is built for static testing. Results: The measurement model based on the profile sensor and multi-point chord reference system can accurately obtain the rail corrugation waveform of any longitudinal measurement line in the running band area. The measurement results can be accurately corrected for a radius of 200m- 400m, the error parameters can be effectively improved, and the mechanical mechanism of the measurement system runs stably. Conclusion: The results show that the measurement model can accurately measure the rail corrugation of the sharp curve section, and the multi-waveform in the rail running band area has good measurement performance, but the mechanical structure can be optimized and improved in the light weight.

Zenarchopterus takaoensis (Perciformes: Zenarchoperidae), a new estuary garfish from southwestern Taiwan

Species of the genus Zenarchopterus are marine, brackish, and freshwater fishes that have modified dorsal-fin and anal-fin rays in adult males. There are 19 valid species worldwide. Three species have been recorded from Taiwan, namely Zenarchopterus buffonis (Valenciennes, in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1847), Z. dispar (Valenciennes, in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1847), and Z. dunckeri Mohr, 1926. However, Collette and Su (1986) noted one uncertain species (female, labeled “Zenarchopterus sp., Takao, Formosa, Hans Sauter, V–VII 1907”) in the Museum of Nature Hamburg (ZMH) from southern Taiwan. This species has only nine pectoral-fin and anal-fin rays, a longer snout, and does not agree well with any other species. In this study, Zenarchopterus takaoensis sp. nov. is described based on seven newly collected specimens from southwestern Taiwan and one (ZMH 6543, 59.4 mm SL) from southern Taiwan. This new species differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: snout slightly longer, prominent pigmentation or dark mark on snout; nine anal-fin rays, 6th anal-fin ray not elongated or thickened in adult male; dorsal body pigmented with three longitudinal dashed lines, oval-like dashed pigmentation on dorsal lateral series scales; anterior lateral stripe on body in dashed line, ventral body with one longitudinal dashed line. In this study, specimens were examined and compared; morphological evidence revealed it is a hidden species. Taxonomic accounts, distribution, and a key to the congener species of Taiwan, along with color photographs of the new species, are provided.

Development and rollout of a national plan on cardiovascular health. Spain's cardiovascular health strategy (ESCAV).

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in most countries; however, few specific political actions have been implemented to increase cardiovascular health at the national or international level. We aimed to describe the methodology used for the development and initial rollout of Spain's Cardiovascular Health Strategy of the National Health System (ESCAV, Estrategia en Salud Cardiovascular del Sistema Nacional de Salud). A multidisciplinary team comprising all relevant stakeholders developed a national strategy to reduce the burden of CVD in Spain. The team used qualitative methodologies to identify and select priorities and design strategic map models. The strategy was structured within a matrix composed of 6 cross-cutting themes (citizen empowerment; health promotion, prevention, and early CVD detection; comprehensive management of acute and chronic CVD; health care coordination; equity; and knowledge management) and 4 longitudinal lines (ischemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve disease). These were framed by 3 overarching axes: continuity of care, patient safety, and leveraging of information systems. A total of 27 critical points were selected, leading to the definition of 99 strategic objectives (32 general and 67 specific) and 136 actions through iterative reviews and prioritization. Strategic maps were developed for the overall strategy and for each action line, incorporating 61 indicators to facilitate and monitor the development of the strategy. ESCAV is one of the most ambitious initiatives to change a nation's cardiovascular health. The steps taken and the methods used to develop this strategy may serve as a valuable reference for other countries seeking to implement similar initiatives. In addition, it may provide an incentive to advance efforts toward establishing a European plan for cardiovascular health.

Rutting extraction from vehicle-borne laser point clouds

Rutting is a type of structural road damage that seriously affects traffic safety, and rutting conditions are typically analyzed only from a two-dimensional cross-sectional perspective. Rutting detection currently lacks directional features and trends along the traveling direction. To address this issue, this paper develops a rutting extraction methodology from vehicle-borne laser point clouds to reflect the actual rutting conditions. The proposed method locates rutting points from cross-sectional data and further integrates the spatial correlation information of continuous cross sections to accurately extract dangerous rutting regions and longitudinal feature lines. Comprehensive experiments show that the Recall and Precision of rutting extraction are higher than 85 % and 90 % respectively, while also exhibiting higher robustness compared to other methods. These results demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method for rutting extraction in large-scale road scenes. Future research will focus on deep learning-based road damage monitoring and provide valuable references for traffic management, road maintenance, and safety.

Wheel wear of mountain metro vehicles with complex line conditions

Purpose Mountain metro vehicles have unique wheel wear characteristics due to the complex flat and longitudinal lines. With a combination of flat and longitudinal curved tracks, the traction and braking conditions are more frequent in mountain metro vehicles. This paper aims to analyze the wheel wear characteristics of mountain metro vehicles in complex flat and longitudinal lines. Design/methodology/approach A dynamic model of the mountain metro vehicle and a wear model are established to analyze the dynamic and wheel wear characteristics of mountain metro vehicles. The wheel wear law of mountain metro vehicles under complex track conditions is analyzed, and the suppression measure based on variable stiffness rotary arm nodes of mountain metro vehicles is proposed. Findings The results showed that the maximum wheel wear depth without considering the ramp track and considering the ramp track are 3.283 mm and 3.717 mm, respectively; the maximum wheel wear depth increases by 13.2%. Wheel wear can be effectively suppressed by the variable stiffness rotary arm model, and the maximum wear depth of the wheel profile is 3.316 mm, which is reduced by 10.79% compared with the constant stiffness model. Originality/value A dynamic model of a mountain metro vehicle is established, and the metro vehicle wheel wear under the large ramps under the traction and braking conditions is analyzed, and the metro vehicle wheel wear suppression measure based on variable stiffness rotary arm nodes is proposed. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0247

A compact wideband filtering rectangular dielectric resonator antenna with U-shaped metal strips

ABSTRACT In this paper, a compact wideband filtering rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (RDRA) loaded with a pair of U-shaped metal strips is proposed. By using a slot-coupled feeding structure, a rectangular DR with a length–width ratio of 3:1 is selected to combine the resonant frequencies of the TE 111 and TE 121 modes to achieve the passband. Two pairs of transverse branches with different lengths are added to the longitudinal microstrip feeding line, and the TE 111 , TE 11+δ1 , and TE 121 modes are successfully excited to enhance the bandwidth. The short pair of transverse branches can generate a null high-frequency radiation. A pair of U-shaped metal strips is loaded at both ends of the top of rectangular DR, introducing a low-frequency radiation null. Both radiation nulls can be independently adjusted. A pair of rectangular grooves is etched inside rectangular DR to boost the impedance matching level. The proposed filtering RDRA has been fabricated and measured for verification. The measured relative impedance bandwidth is 22.67% (4.34–5.45 GHz). The measured average gain and peak gain are 7.19 dBi and 8.06 dBi, respectively. RDRA filtering has broad application potential in modern communications, such as the N79 band.

Three-dimensional MRI analysis of elbow anatomy and kinematics in children with ulnar dimelia.

Ulnar dimelia often presents with restricted elbow movement. To develop a treatment strategy to improve elbow mobility, a detailed understanding of the skeletal deformity is needed. We created 3-D models of the cartilage and bone in the elbows of four children with ulnar dimelia by segmentation of MRI scans. We analysed the anatomy and performed a kinematic analysis. In all four children, the distal humerus was triangular in shape and consisted of a medial epicondyle, an enlarged lateral epicondyle and an anterior epicondyle. By comparing the 3-D images with conventional radiographs, we found that the projection of the enlarged lateral epicondyle created two longitudinal lines, which is a radiographic hallmark feature of the triangular-shaped distal humerus. In addition, during elbow flexion, the radial forearm bone slides along the lateral trochlea rather than rotates. This knowledge can aid surgeons to plan treatment for improving elbow mobility in ulnar dimelia.Level of evidence: IV.

Detection of an unintentional Si doping gradient in site-controlled GaN nanowires grown using a Si3N4 mask by spatially resolved cathodoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy

Highly uniform arrays of site-controlled GaN nanowires are synthesized by selective area growth using a Si3N4 mask and molecular beam epitaxy. Systematic modulation of the emission along the nanowire axis is observed in spectrally resolved cathodoluminescence linescans. We show that this intensity change is an indicator of unintentional Si incorporation during growth resulting from the interaction between the impinging Ga atoms and the mask material. The gradual reduction of the cathodoluminescence intensity along the nanowire highlights the important role of the growth geometry within the synthesis reactor, with shadowing from the elongating nanowires inhibiting the reaction with the mask. This gradient in Si doping is confirmed by the quenching of the longitudinal optical phonon line measured in Raman spectra along the nanowire axis. The corresponding carrier density is derived from the frequency of the coupled phonon–plasmon mode. The spectroscopic identification of inversion domain boundaries in the majority of the nanowires is also attributed to the Si incorporation. From temperature dependent cathodoluminescence experiments, we derive the activation energy for excitons bound to these defects.

Exploring the Link Between Calcaneal Apophysis Maturation and Heel Pain in Youth Baseball Players.

Calcaneal apophysitis is the most common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents. However, the relationship between skeletal maturity and heel pain in the specific youth cohort is unclear. To clarify the relationship between the maturity stages of the calcaneal apophysis and heel pain in youth baseball players. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 336 youth male baseball players participated in this study. Ultrasound scanning of the calcaneal apophysis was performed along the longitudinal line connecting the middle of the Achilles tendon, the middle of the calcaneus, and the second toe, between the proximal calcaneal edge and the medial calcaneal tubercle. The authors classified the maturity of the calcaneal apophysis into 5 stages, from nonpresence of the apophysis (stage 1) to complete fusion (stage 5). The diagnosis of heel pain was based on subjective report of feeling pain on the squeeze test. The relationship between the maturity stages and physical characteristics was investigated using 1-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the relationship between the maturity stages and heel pain was investigated using the chi-square test. Of the 336 players, 49 had heel pain, for a prevalence of 14.6%. Eighteen (5.4%) players had unilateral heel pain, and 31 (9.2%) players had bilateral heel pain. There were no significant differences in the maturity stages of the calcaneal apophysis between the players with no heel pain and those with heel pain. However, no players had heel pain during stage 5, when the calcaneus had completed its maturation. The prevalence of heel pain was 14.6% in Japanese youth male baseball players. There was no relationship between the maturity stages of the calcaneal apophysis and heel pain. Heel pain that could be associated with calcaneal apophysitis did not occur during stage 5, when maturation of the calcaneal apophysis was complete.

A new twist on torsion: A connection between vector calculus and mechanics of materials

In engineering education, the topic of torsion is taught in both calculus and mechanics of materials, but using different definitions. Apparently, a clear connection between these two concepts is not currently found in the literature. In this paper, for the case of a homogeneous linear-elastic cylindrical shaft subjected to external torques, mathematical expressions are derived for relating torsional stress, strain and angle of twist to the torsion of a curve as taught in calculus. A physical connection is also presented, in that the curve torsion resulting from the deformation of a longitudinal line close to the shaft axis is shown to be approximately equal to the mechanical twist per length in the shaft. Although some researchers have hinted at this connection, to our knowledge the full precise connection has not been previously established.

Tsuga leaves from the Neogene Baoshan Basin in southwest China and their palaeoecological implications

Tsuga (Endl.) Carrière (Pinaceae) has a rich fossil record represented by pollen, leaves, wood and seed cones. Although fossil leaves of the genus have been widely documented, most of them have not been examined microscopically, which may limit their taxonomic resolution. In this study, three-dimensionally preserved leaves and leaf fragments of Tsuga from the Neogene (latest Miocene to Pliocene) Baoshan Basin in western Yunnan, southwest China, were examined both morphologically and micromorphologically. The fossil leaves are characterized by flattened and bifacial shape, round to obtuse apex and petiolate base, adaxially sunken and abaxially elevated midvein, adaxial surface without stomata and with elongated, smooth-margined epidermal cells, and abaxial surface with two stomatal bands along the midvein, each stomatal band consisting of 6–8 longitudinal stomatal lines. Based on comparisons with extant species of the genus, we found that the fossil leaves show the closest affinity to Tsuga dumosa (D. Don) Eichler, an extant species growing in the modern western Yunnan. As modern species of Tsuga prefer humid conditions, our fossil find suggests a humid climate in the Baoshan Basin at the time of fossil deposition, probably due to the influence of the Indian summer monsoon from the southwest. This is consistent with previous results of quantitative palaeoclimate reconstructions using spore/pollen fossil assemblages. Our study provides new fossil evidence for the origin of modern conifer diversity in southwest China. It highlights the importance of microscopic studies in the taxonomic resolution of fossil leaves of Pinaceae.

Semi-automatic line-system provisioning with an integrated physical-parameter-aware methodology: field verification and operational feasibility

We propose methods and an architecture to conduct measurements and optimize newly installed optical fiber line systems semi-automatically using integrated physics-aware technologies in a data center interconnection (DCI) transmission scenario. We demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, digital longitudinal monitoring (DLM) and optical line system (OLS) physical parameter calibration working together in real-time to extract physical link parameters for fast optical fiber line systems provisioning. Our methodology has the following advantages over traditional design: a minimized footprint at user sites, accurate estimation of the necessary optical network characteristics via complementary telemetry technologies, and the capability to conduct all operation work remotely. The last feature is crucial, as it enables remote operation to implement network design settings for immediate response to quality of transmission (QoT) degradation and reversion in the case of unforeseen problems. We successfully performed semi-automatic line system provisioning over field fiber network facilities at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. The tasks of parameter retrieval, equipment setting optimization, and system setup/provisioning were completed within 1 h. The field operation was supervised by on-duty personnel who could access the system remotely from different time zones. By comparing Q-factor estimates calculated from the extracted link parameters with measured results from 400G transceivers, we confirmed that our methodology has a reduction in the QoT prediction errors ( ±0.3dB ) over existing designs ( ±0.6dB ).

A new species of the newt genus Hypselotriton (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae) from Jiangxi Province, southeastern China.

A new newt species, Hypselotritonhuanggangensis sp. nov., is described based on nine specimens collected from Huanggangshan Mountains, Yanshan County, Jiangxi, China. Morphologically, the new species is characterized by the combination of nine external characters: (1) obvious black patches with clear boundaries on the whole body; (2) ground color of the dorsal body tan; (3) ground color of venter bright orange; (4) skin rough; (5) vertebral ridge weak; (6) fingers and toes overlapping when forelimb and hindlimb adpressed towards each other along body; (7) postocular orange spot absent; (8) small white warty glands around the eye; (9) two discontinuous longitudinal lines formed by white warty glands from neck to lateral parts of tail. Molecularly, the new species forms an independent clade with strong support in the phylogenetic trees of the genus based on the mitochondrial locus of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene fragments. The new species distinctly differs from H.fudingensis by differences in its body measurements, vertebral ridge, dorsal black patches, and ventral black patches. Furthermore, the new species and H.fudingensis are geographically isolated by a series of high mountain ranges, including the Wuyishan and Jiufengshan Mountains. The number of Hypselotriton species is now 11.

Metal accretion scars may be common on magnetic, polluted white dwarfs

More than 30% of white dwarfs exhibit atmospheric metals, which are understood to be from recent or ongoing accretion of circumstellar debris. In cool white dwarfs, surface motions should rapidly homogenise photospheric abundances, and the accreted heavy elements should diffuse inward on a timescale much longer than that for surface mixing. The recent discovery of a metal scar on WD 0816–310 implies its B ≈ 140 kG magnetic field has impeded surface mixing of metals near the visible magnetic pole. Here, we report the discovery of a second magnetic, metal-polluted white dwarf, WD 2138–332, which exhibits periodic variability in longitudinal field, metal line strength, and broadband photometry. All three variable quantities have the same period, and show remarkable correlations: the published light curves have a brightness minimum exactly when the longitudinal field and line strength have a maximum, and a maximum when the longitudinal field and line strength have a minimum. The simplest interpretation of the line strength variability is that there is an enhanced metal concentration around one pole of the magnetic field; however, the variable line-blanketing cannot account for the observed multi-band light curves. More theoretical work is required to understand the efficiency of horizontal mixing of the accreted metal atoms, and the origin of photometric variability. Because both magnetic, metal-polluted white dwarfs that have been monitored to date show that metal line strengths vary in phase with the longitudinal field, we suggest that metal scars around magnetic poles may be a common feature of metal-polluted white dwarfs.

Morphological ontogeny of Conoppia palmicincta (Acari, Oribatida, Cepheusidae).

The morphological ontogeny of Conoppia palmicincta (Michael, 1880) is described and illustrated. The adult of this species is poorly known, but the tritonymph is relatively well known as one of the most beautiful oribatid mites. The juveniles of this species are light brown, roundish and flattened. Most prodorsal setae of the juveniles are setiform (short ro, le and ex; long bs), except for phylliform and reticulate in. The larva has 11 pairs of gastronotal setae, including h2, the nymphs have 12 pairs (h3 and p-series are added, and d-series is lost). Most gastronotal setae of juveniles are wide, phylliform, reticulate and occupy the marginal parts of gastronotum, except for five setiform setae in the larva (very long c3 and h1, medium sized h2 and short da and dm), and four setiform setae in the nymphs (very long c3 and h2, long p2 and shorter p3). The nymphs are eupheredermous, i.e. they lose their dorsal seta of d-series and carry the exuvial scalps of previous instars on the gastronotum. Most leg setae of juveniles are setiform, except for three wide, phylliform setae on leg I of larva (l on genu and l' on tibia), from which l'' on genu is reticulate, while l' on genu and tibia has longitudinal lines. Relatively long are seta l'' on tibia I of larva, and l'' on tibia I and II of the nymphs. Seta d accompanies solenidion σ on genua I-III and φ on tibiae II-IV.

Left atrial posterior wall isolation during catheter ablation with the pulsed field ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Few data are available on pulsed-field ablation (PFA) targeting left atrial posterior wall (LAPW) in persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) patients. Purpose We sought to explore the role of PFA in persistent AF patients beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), extending the lesion set to obtain LAPW isolation. Methods We enrolled consecutive patients referred for persistent AF catheter ablation using the Farapulse PFA system at nine Italian centers. Complete 3D mapping was performed before and immediately after LAPW isolation to validate our workflow in all cases. To analyze lesions' formation and residual gaps, the line around each pair of PVs was divided into 7 distinct sections in accordance with the literature, while the roof line, the floor line, and the two longitudinal posterior wall lines were equally divided into three parts. The PW was overall divided into nine regions. This scheme has been illustrated in Figure 1, Panel A. Results Fifty patients meeting inclusion criteria were included. PVI was achieved in all 202 (100%) PVs (1 patient exhibited a left common trunk, 2 patients exhibited a right middle cardiac PV). One-hundred ninety-eight (98.0%) PVs were acutely isolated on first pass, as confirmed by both entrance and exit block on subsequent 3D-mapping with the mapping catheter. A total of 7 PV gaps were detected through 3D mapping: 4 at the RSPV, 2 at the RIPV and 1 at the LSPV. When considering LAPWI, overall LAPW ablated area was 20.0±6 cm2 with lesions being deployed with the PFA catheter maneuvered in the flower configuration from one LAPW area to another. First-pass roof area (sectors #1 to #3) block was achieved in 44 (88%), first-pass floor area (sectors #7 to #9) block in 43 (86%) and inner-area (sectors #3 to #6) block in 45 (90%). A total of 23 residual LAPW activity gaps were detected through validation using high-output pacing and 3D mapping. Remapping examples has been reported in Figure 1, panel B-C-D. Evaluation of individual segments of the LAPW via signals’ assessment from the PFA splines demonstrated an accuracy of 94.9% (437 out of 450 sectors), compared to the results of subsequent high-output pacing and 3D mapping. Following PFA consolidation in these areas, LAPW isolation was successfully achieved in all cases (100%) using PFA alone, with no need for radiofrequency touch-ups. No major procedure-related adverse events were reported. Conclusion A structured workflow with the novel Farapulse PFA system allowed for a reliable, safe, and fast LAPW isolation, as confirmed by ultra-high-density 3D mapping.

Division of neuromuscular compartments and localization of the center of the highest region of muscle spindles abundance in deep cervical muscles based on Sihler's staining.

The overall distribution pattern of intramuscular nerves and the regions with the highest spindle abundance in deep cervical muscles have not been revealed. This study aimed to reveal neuromuscular compartmentalization and localize the body surface position and depth of the center of the region of highest muscle spindle abundance (CRHMSA) in the deep cervical muscles. This study included 36 adult cadavers (57.7 ± 11.5 years). The curved line joining the lowest point of the jugular notch and chin tip was designated as the longitudinal reference line (line L), and the curved line connecting the lowest point of the jugular notch and acromion was designated as the horizontal reference line (line H). Modified Sihler's staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining and computed tomography scanning were employed to determine the projection points (P) of the CRHMSAs on the anterior surfaces of the neck. The positions (PH and PL) of point P projected onto the H and L lines, and the depth of each CRHMSA, and puncture angle were determined using the Syngo system. The scalenus posterior and longus capitis muscles were divided into two neuromuscular compartments, while the scalenus anterior and longus colli muscles were divided into three neuromuscular compartments. The scalenus medius muscle can be divided into five neuromuscular compartments. The PH of the CRHMSA of the scalenus muscles (anterior, medius, and posterior), and longus capitis and longus colli muscles, were located at 36.27, 39.18, 47.31, 35.67, and 42.71% of the H line, respectively. The PL positions were at 26.53, 32.65, 32.73, 68.32, and 51.15% of the L line, respectively. The depths of the CRHMSAs were 2.47 cm, 2.96 cm, 2.99 cm, 3.93 cm, and 3.17 cm, respectively, and the puncture angles were 87.13°, 85.92°, 88.21°, 58.08°, and 77.75°, respectively. Present research suggests that the deep cervical muscles can be divided into neuromuscular compartments; we recommend the locations of these CRHMSA as the optimal target for administering botulinum toxin A injections to treat deep cervical muscle dystonia.

(307) 6 S TECHNIQUE: A NEW APPROACH TO PENILE GIRTH AUGMENTATION WITH HYALURONIC ACID

Abstract Introduction The penis is often seen as a symbol of masculinity and sexual prowess, making its size important for many men. The belief that a larger penis is better can lead to dissatisfaction, affecting self-esteem and sexual function. Positive body image, which involves accepting and respecting one’s body, is crucial for mental health. Various techniques for penis augmentation exist, but most lack medical approval, raising ethical issues. The demand for safe, minimally invasive procedures has made tissue filler injections popular for penile augmentation. Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely used since 2003. HA, a natural substance in mammalian cells, offers benefits like anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties and maintains tissue hydration and turgidity. It is used in various medical fields due to its favorable biomechanical properties and hypoallergenic nature. Men seeking penile girth augmentation usually have normal-sized penises but feel dissatisfied, a condition known as “small penis syndrome” (SPS). SPS, influenced by sociocultural factors like pornography, can lead to anxiety about genital size. Some men with SPS may also have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), characterized by a preoccupation with perceived physical flaws, causing significant distress. This study describes a technique using HA filler for penile girth augmentation in men dissatisfied with their penis size. Objective The aim of this study is to describe a new approach to penile filling with hyaluronic acid through a series of cases. Methods This is a case series of men who underwent penile filling with hyaluronic acid. Men dissatisfied with their penis size and seeking treatment at the andrology outpatient underwent psychological evaluations to exclude reality judgment disorders before the procedure. Measurements of flaccid penis length and girth were taken before, immediately after, and 30 days post-procedure. Satisfaction levels were assessed 45 days post-procedure using a 0-10 scale. The procedure starts with local asepsis using 2% aqueous chlorhexidine and an anesthetic block with 2% lidocaine solution. The penis is marked with longitudinal lines around the urethra and six equidistant segments on the dorsolateral aspect (Fig. 1). A canula injects HA filler in small boluses, totaling 9 mL (fig. 2). The filled area is shaped with a sterile syringe and compressive massage, and any irregularities are corrected with additional filler. A bandage is applied for seven days, with instructions for post-procedure care. Patients perform massage techniques and replace the bandage twice daily. After 30 days, patients are reassessed for potential corrections. Results Between October 2023 and January 2024, eight men, aged 20-59 years, underwent the procedure. The average stretched flaccid penis length was 13.5 cm, and the pre-procedure girth averaged 8.86 cm. The penis girth increased by 1.0–2.5 cm, with a mean value of 1.76 cm, immediately after the procedure. After 30 days, the mean penile girth increase was maintained at 1.45 cm. Four patients did not require retouching, while three needed minor corrections (Fig. 3). No major complications were reported, and the mean satisfaction score was 8.4. Conclusions The presented penile girth augmentation technique utilizing HA filler demonstrated reproducibility, yielding high satisfaction rates among patients without significant adverse effects. Disclosure No.

A new assemblage of Lower Triassic neoselachians (Chondrichthyes) from the Grippia Bonebed of Spitsbergen, Norway

ABSTRACT This study reports the rich occurrence of a varied chondrichthyan assemblage from the Lower Triassic of Spitsbergen based on multiple well-preserved isolated teeth. Based on distinct tooth morphology and histology, two species of the genus Synechodus are described: Synechodus incrementum and a new species cf. Synechodus rotheliusi. The new species is diagnosed based on a smooth crown surface with a sharp cutting edge and lingually inclined cusps with acute apices, where the central cusp is considerably higher than the lateral cusplets. Another group of Synechodus teeth has ornamentation where the crests form longitudinal lines at the base of the mesio-distally elongated crown and is identified as S. incrementum. In addition, two new monotypic genera, Eorapax serrasis and Wimanodon marmieri, are described from the same bonebed. Eorapax serrasis has unique morphological features, such as a monocuspid crown with a serrated cutting edge. Whereas W. marmieri is distinguished based on unique apomorphic features such as a round bulgy crown that overhangs the crown-root junction—especially at the crown shoulder. Tooth histology, including enameloid microstructures, is described for the first time and shows that these taxa are distinctly different from other known comparable genera. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub.F9EF4521-FF2F-49CB-B3A8-75B2DE0D7571