Mean Height Research Articles

Clinico-demographic features and the benign diseases requiring hysterectomy; A Cross Sectional Study.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the clinic-demographic features and the benign diseases requiring hysterectomy. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peshawar Medical College and its Affiliate Tertiary Care Hospitals. Period: 03 Oct, 2020 to 03 Oct, 2021. Methods: It was a part of the dissertation mandated by the college of physician and surgeons as part of the FCPS program. Using WHO sample size calculator a sample size of 104 patients was obtained and consecutive sampling was done. Logistic regression was used to co-relate clinic-demographic features with different diseases with 5% level of significance. Results: Mean of age of the patients was 48.55 years (±10.5years SD), mean height was 5.508 feet (±1.1feet SD), mean weight was 73.20 kg (±15.4kg SD) and the mean BMI was 26.58 (±4.5 SD). Diabetes mellitus was significantly more common in patients with leiomyoma and abnormal uterine bleeding, whereas, the social class and body mass index did not have an impact on the benign gynecological condition (p>0.05). Conclusion: Patients with symptomatic fibroid uterus and abnormal uterine bleeding are more likely to be hypertensive and diabetic, whereas, BMI, social class and residence area does not significantly differ among patients.

The morphometry of distal tibia and posterior malleolus and its clinical implications in total ankle prosthesis.

The aim of this study is to reveal the morphometry of the distal tibia and posterior malleolus and to generate morphometric reference data for the tibial component of total ankle prosthesis. This study was performed on 121 human dry tibiae (47 right, 74 left). The morphometric measurements of distal tibial structures, tibial length and the distance between the medial and posterior malleolus were measured in this study. Measurements on 44 tibiae were repeated three times and averaged for minimizing intra-observer error. The tibial length was found 34.19 ± 2.31cm. Mean values of width of fibular notch at tibial plafond and 10mm proximal to the tibial plafond were 25.71 ± 2.44mm and 17.81 ± 2.46mm, respectively. Mean depth of fibular notch at tibial plafond and 10mm proximal to the tibial plafond were 3.60 ± 1.04mm and 3.37 ± 1.24mm, respectively. Mean height of fibular notch was found 48.21 ± 10.51mm. Mean width and height of medial malleolus were 25.08 ± 2.13mm and 14.73 ± 1.85mm, respectively. Mean width and length of tibial plafond were 27.71 ± 2.74mm and 26.96 ± 2.62mm, respectively. Mean values of width and height of posterior malleolus were measured 21.41 ± 3.26mm and 6.74 ± 1.56mm, respectively. Mean distance between medial and posterior malleolus was found 37.17 ± 3.53mm. Mean width and depth of malleolar groove were 10.26 ± 1.84mm and 1.73 ± 0.75mm, respectively. The mean intra-class correlation values were found between the 0.959 and 0.999. Knowing the distal tibial morphometry is crucial for designing convenient ankle replacement implants for Turkish population. To our knowledge, this study is the first in the literature that identifies posterior malleolar morphometry on dry tibiae. We believe that this study will make a significant contribution to the literature about distal tibial morphometry and especially the posterior malleolus and the data of our study can be used for designing total ankle prosthesis in Turkish population.

Effectiveness of Intra-articular Botulinum Toxin Type A with Hyaluronic Acid Compared to Intra-articular Platelet-rich Plasma with Hyaluronic Acid in Improving Pain and Functional Limitation in Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common cause of chronic knee pain causing functional disability and dependency. Multiple interventions have been used in reducing pain and improving functionality. We intend to compare the efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) with botulinum toxin type A and HA in bilateral Grade 3 and 4 KOA. Methods: Prospective single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted for 6 months. Among 54 participants, 27 received intra-articular botulinum toxin type A with HA (Group A), and the other 27 received intra-articular PRP with HA (Group B), single session. Pain (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS]) and functional limitation (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) were assessed at 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks postintervention. Effect of weight and physiotherapy on NRS and WOMAC score were assessed. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analyzed by statistical software R version 4.2.3. Results: Fifty-four participants were enrolled. There was no loss to follow-ups. Except for age (P < 0.001) and mean height (P = 0.013), other demographic data were insignificant. Preprocedural NRS was significantly high in Group A (P = 0.04). Overall NRS postprocedure was significantly lesser in Group B, P < 0.001. The mean WOMAC score postprocedure was significantly low in Group B, P < 0.001. Group B had increased heart rate which was statistically significant (P = 0.051). The mean reduction in WOMAC score was observed with regular physiotherapy in Group B (P = 0.023). Reduction in weight was directly proportional to reduction in NRS (P = 0.015). Conclusion: Intra-articular PRP with HA, single session, is effective in improving pain, functionality, and safe in Grade 3 and 4 KOA.

The Effect of Iron Deficiency Anemia on Hemoglobin Glycation in Diabetics and Non-diabetics.

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent form of nutritional anemia worldwide, affecting a substantial portion of the population. It has significant negative effects on health and the economy, especially in poorer nations, and is more prevalent than anemia alone. Although hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is frequently used to track long-term glycemic management, several variables, including iron deficiency, might affect its values.For proper diabetic care, it is essential to comprehend this link. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of IDA on HbA1c levels in individuals with and without diabetes. Materials and methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, BLDE (Deemed to be University). Group 1 consists of diabetic patients with IDA, Group 2 consists of diabetic patients without IDA, and Group 3 consists of non-diabetics with IDA. A total of 108 patients were involved in the study. A complete hemogram, anemia profile, and HbA1c values were also a part of the data-gathering process. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) was used for the statistical analysis, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results The study found no significant changes in the mean age, gender distribution,hypertension prevalence, weight, height, pulse rate, or blood pressure across the groups. Group 2 exhibited considerably higher hemoglobin levels than Groups 1 and3. Group 1 showed substantially higher mean blood sugar and HbA1c levelsthan Group 3 (p < 0.05). Diabetic individuals had higher HbA1c levels than non-diabetic individuals, with the greatest levels found in diabetic patients with IDA. Conclusion This study found that IDA had a significant influence on HbA1c levels in diabetic patients, indicating that iron deficiency should be addressed when interpreting HbA1c levels in these individuals. These findings underscore the need for more study to better understand the processes behind this connection and the consequences for clinical management.

Exploring Morphometry of Endometrial Glands and Blood Vessels in Reproductive Age Women With Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

Background Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the most common problems encountered in gynaecological practice. Defective endometrial angiogenesis has been implicated in various benign and malignant disorders of the endometrium. Aim This study aims to assess morphometry of endometrial glands and blood vessels in patients with AUB. Material and methods This is a one year retrospective cross sectional analysis of endometrial samples received with the diagnosis of AUB in reproductive age group. All samples were routinely processed and stained. Sections were analysed for morphometry of blood vessels and endometrial glands. Results A total of 374 cases were included. Most common histological group was proliferative followed by secretory phase. A significant difference was noted in mean vascular density, diameter, mitotic scores and height of glandular epithelium in different benign and malignant groups. Conclusion This study highlights the fact that glandular and vascular morphometry can be used to differentiate between various proliferative disorders of the endometrium. In the current era of new anti-angiogenic therapies, endometrial angiogenesis and changes in vascular morphology can be targeted, thus improving treatment modalities and patient care.

A new addition to the toolbox: stone tool use in blonde capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius).

The use of tools played a central role in human culture and evolution. Early studies with apes demonstrated the tool use; however, currently the works have focused on Platyrrhine, particularly capuchin monkeys. Blonde capuchin monkeys, Sapajus flavius, have been observed using sticks to fish for termites in the Atlantic Forest, where this species has been extensively studied. In this study, we presented the first evidence of stone tool use by the blonde capuchin monkeys, as well as the dimensions and weight of these tools. We gathered data from three areas of Caatinga dry forest where we discovered this new tool use among the species. The mean weight of the hammers was 475.7g (± 142 SD). The mean height of the anvils was 48.3cm (± 18.7 SD), while the mean surface area of the anvils was 1.2 m2 (± 0.4 SD). We identified fruits and/ornuts from three plant species-Prunus dulces, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, and Syagrus coronate-near the anvils at the study sites. Additionally, we passively observed six instances of stone tool use by blonde capuchin monkeys. Their use of stones to crack encased foods mirrored behaviors previously reported in Sapajus libidinosus, a species well known for using stone tools to exploit hard nuts. Our findings place blonde capuchin monkeys among the list of primates that utilize stones as tools, highlighting the species' adaptability in exploiting resources within the Caatinga. Long-term studies are essentials to comprehend the use pattern of stone tools (across both general and seasonal perspectives) and the influence of variables, such as fruit hardness, distance to watercourses, and fruit availability on the use of this technology by this primate.

Surface roughness prediction model and surface topography analysis of 2.5D-Cf/SiC in two-dimensional ultrasonic assisted grinding based on GA-BP neural network

Because of the anisotropy and non-uniformity, the grinding surface quality of Cf/SiC composites is difficult to be accurately predicted. The quality of the surface directly determines the assembly accuracy. To better predict the surface quality of 2.5D-Cf/SiC composites, the BP neural network was optimized by genetic algorithm (GA), and the surface roughness prediction model of fiber orientation, ultrasonic amplitude, and machining parameters was established. The empirical formula prediction model of surface roughness was established by the method of multiple linear regression analysis. The results show that the prediction accuracy of GA optimized BP neural network is the best, followed by the empirical formula, and the prediction effect of the BP neural network is the worst. The average absolute percentage error of these three models is 10.045%, 16.912% and 26.6245% respectively. The kinematic models of conventional and two-dimensional ultrasonic-assisted grinding of single particles were established respectively. Based on the kinematic model, the reasons for the reduction of surface roughness by 2D ultrasonic-assisted grinding are explained. According to the orthogonal test results, the surface roughness decreases the most when vs is 0.66m/s, vw is 100mm/min, ap is 150μm along the fiber orientation of 0°, and the maximum percentage of reduction is 53.18%. Increasing the linear speed, reducing the feed speed, reducing the grinding depth, and applying ultrasound can reduce the extrusion pressure along the axis of 0° fiber, and then reduce the length and depth of cracks and thus reduce the surface defects. The axial shear force of the 90° oriented abrasive particles on the fiber is reduced, thus reducing the surface damage caused by torsional deformation. Reduce 3D surface profile and improve surface quality. The maximum percentage reduction of each parameter index is as follows: root mean square height decreased by 28.8%, skew decreased by 88.61%, kurtosis decreased by 48.97%, maximum crest height decreased by 48.55%, maximum sag height decreased by 40.09%, maximum height decreased by 43.93%, and arithmetic mean height decreased by 26.06%.

The classification of sacral foramina in a South African sample using cadaveric and osteological remains

Sacroiliac (SI) joint fixation is a technique used for SI joint fractures, SI joint dislocations and sacral fractures. Sacral screws can be placed either into the S1 or the S2 vertebrae if S1 is insufficient. Malpositioning of the screws is a common surgical complication as sacral variations exists amongst populations. Complications associated with the misposition of screws can lead to injury of the sacral venous plexus, iliac vessels, or sacral nerve roots. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate sacral variations in a South African sample by determining distances between the first and second sacral foramina and classifying the common types of sacra found.A quantitative cross-sectional comparative study was conducted. One hundred and twenty (n = 120) dry human sacra and 11 formalin-fixed cadavers were measured to determine the linear distances between the first two anterior and posterior sacral foramina. Additionally, the dry human sacra were classified according to Mahato's classification system. A cadaver SI joint fixation simulation was performed by an orthopaedic surgeon.The mean sacral promontory height was found to be 31.81 mm and 37.52 mm in osteological and cadaver specimens, respectively. The mean anterior pedicle height was significantly different for the left (18.81 mm) and right (21.67 mm) side measurements. A statistically significant difference was found between cadavers and osteological samples for all measurements taken. In the osteological sample, ancestry and age mostly influenced the variations noted.Using Mahato's classification system, sacra with five sacral segments, auricular surfaces extending from the superior part of S1 to the middle of S3 and no accessory L5/S1 articulations had the highest prevalence of 59.17 %.The South African sample exhibited similarities but did not fully compare to other populations. The results in this study should be considered as a reference for surgeries involving the SI joint and sacral foramina. However, where possible, the exact anatomy with possible variations of the patient should be evaluated preoperatively using X-rays and angiograms.

Cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva: experiencia en un servicio especializado en Perú

Introduction. Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a procedure implemented in several centers around the world, showing high-quality local excision in rectal neoplasms. Objective. To describe the results of the experience of minimally invasive transanal surgery for local excision of rectal tumors at the Guillermo Almenara National Hospital, Lima, Peru. Methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional design study was carried out on all patients undergoing TAMIS during the period June 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023. Evaluating clinical, surgical, pathological variables and complications. Results. 16 patients were included. The mean age was 57 years (range 15 - 82). The mean size of the lesions was 3.5 cm (range 1.3 - 9 cm) and the mean height of the tumor at the anal margin was 8.6cm (range 4 - 20 cm). The final pathology results were: 9 benign lesions, 1 neuroendocrine tumor and 6 rectal adenocarcinomas, within these 4 cases were Tis, 1 was T1 sm1 and the other T1 sm2. 3 cases with preoperative adenoma biopsy turned out to have adenocarcinoma in the final pathology. The frequency of fragmented pieces was 6.3%. The mean postoperative stay was 4.4 days. The frequency of complications was 12.5%. No local recurrence was evident during follow-up. Conclusions. TAMIS is a safe, feasible and low-morbidity procedure for the resection of benign neoplasms and in selected cases of early-stage rectal cancer.

Comprehensive sinus contour classification and its characteristics from radiographic examination: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to propose a comprehensive maxillary sinus (MS) contour classification system based on the evaluation of anatomical characteristics from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination and investigate the relationship between sinus contours and sinus floor elevation (SFE).MethodsA total of 283 CBCT scans from patients who had single tooth loss in the posterior maxilla and underwent SFE were analyzed. The MS was classified at each tooth position. For buccal-palatal evaluation, the classification from Type A to E was narrow-taper, taper, ovoid, square, and irregular, respectively. For mesial-distal evaluation, the classification from Type 1 to 4 was flat, slope, concave, and septa, respectively. The major anatomical parameters evaluated were (1) residual bone height (RBH), (2) sinus width (SW), (3) maxillary sinus angle (MSA), (4) buccal dip angle (BDA), (5) palatonasal recess (PNR), and (6) sinus depth.ResultsEleven groups of MS contour were classified after detailed calculation. Differences in the RBH, MSA, BDA, and SW among different groups were statistically significant. The narrow-taper and slope MS (A2) group had the highest RBH (8.66 ± 0.77 mm), largest BDA (79.9° ± 3.18°), smallest MSA (19.8° ± 2.01°), and narrowest SW (6.30 ± 1.23 mm). The lowest RBH was in the square and concave sinus (D3) group (5.11 ± 2.70 mm). The ovoid and concave sinus (C3) group had the smallest BDA (50.64 ± 8.73 mm) and largest MSA (74.11° ± 11.52°). The square and flat MS (D1) group had the widest SW (19.13 ± 3.69 mm). A strongly significant positive correlation was observed between the SW and MSA (r = 0.67) and a strongly negative correlation between the SW and BDA (r = − 0.65). The prevalence of PNR (mean angle: 104.06° ± 16.83°, mean height: 14.72 ± 11.78 mm) was 38% and frequently observed in the ovoid and slope MS (C2) group.ConclusionDespite certain characteristics at different tooth sites, the same tooth position was categorized differently using different classification systems, indicating large anatomical variations in the MS. The classification system proposed herein allows for classification based on general characteristics at a single tooth site, aiming to help surgeons in improving presurgical evaluation.

Evaluation of Macro- and Micro-Geometry of Models Made of Photopolymer Resins Using the PolyJet Method.

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques are among the fastest-growing technologies for producing even the most geometrically complex models. Unfortunately, the lack of development of metrology guidelines for these methods, related to dimensional and geometry accuracy and surface roughness, significantly limits the commercialization of finished products manufactured using these methods. This paper aims to evaluate the macro- and micro-geometry of models manufactured using the PolyJet method from three types of photopolymer resins: Digital ABS Plus, RGD 720, and Vero Clear. For this purpose, test parts were designed and then manufactured on an Object 350 Connex3 3D printer. The Atos II Triple Scan optical system and the InfiniteFocusG4 microscope were used to evaluate macro- and micro-geometry, respectively. For both systems, measurement procedures were developed to obtain statistical results for evaluating geometric accuracy and surface roughness parameters. In the case of macro-geometry, for Digital ABS Plus and Vero Clear materials, 50% of the central deviations (between first quartile Q1 and third quartile Q3) lie within the range (-0.06, 0.03 mm) and for RGD 720 material within the range (-0.08, 0.01 mm). For micro-geometry, the arithmetic mean height (Sa) values for the Digital ABS Plus and Vero Clear samples were approximately 1.6 and 2.0 µm, respectively, while for RGD 720, it was 15.9 µm. The total roughness height expressed by reduced peak height (Spk) + core height (Sk) + reduced dale depth (Svk) for the Digital ABS Plus and Vero Clear samples was approximately 9.1 and 10.5 µm, respectively, while for the RGD 720, it was 101.9 µm.

Standing Long Jump Performance Is Enhanced When Using an External as Well as Holistic Focus of Attention: A Kinematic Study.

Standing long jump is known as one of the important skills in the success of athletes in most sports. In addition, one of the most effective factors that can affect standing long jump distance and kinematics is the focus of attention used by the athlete. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the effect of internal, external, and holistic focus of attention instructions on standing long jump performance and kinematics. The participants were 30 novices (all males; mean age = 21.70 ± 2.21 years; mean height = 175.73 ± 6.09 cm; and mean weight = 73.76 ± 11.77 kg) who performed 12 standing long jumps in four focus of attention conditions. Internal focus, external focus, holistic focus, and control conditions were implemented in a counterbalanced order. Jump distance and maximum knee flexion angle before take-off were recorded in all trials. The results showed that in relation to the standing long jump performance, the distance was similar in external and holistic focus conditions, and both were superior to internal or control conditions. There was no difference between control and internal focus of attention conditions. The results related to movement kinematics, however, did not report a difference between the maximum flexion angles before take-off. This study replicates the benefits of external and holistic focus instructions for jump distance, but this difference was not a product of different maximum knee flexion angles. It is suggested that coaches implement external and/or holistic focus cues to maximize athlete performance in jumping tasks.

Morphology and anatomical variability of the external auditory canal: A population-based MRI study

BackgroundThe external auditory canal (EAC) exhibits a complex morphology and strong inter-individual variations. However, these have not yet been comprehensively described in the literature. PurposeThis study aims to determine the width, height and cross-sectional area of the cartilaginous portion of the EAC and to describe the three-dimensional morphology and variability of different EACs. MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging was performed on 870 subjects (401 male, 469 female, resulting in 1740 EACs) who participated in the longitudinal, population-based cohort study ‘Study of Health in Pomerania–START-3’. The height and width were measured in the cartilaginous part of the EAC, between the first and second bend. The variability of the EAC morphology was visualized in three-dimensional models. ResultsThe mean height (vertical length) of the EAC was 8.62 mm (SD = 2.42) on the right, 8.47 mm (SD = 2.36) on the left. The width (horizontal length) was 4.08 mm (SD = 1.6) on the right, 3.93 mm (SD = 1.64) on the left. The EAC cross-section was 28.6 mm2 (SD = 15.19) on the right, 27.15 mm2 (SD = 14.33) on the left. The average cross-sectional area of the EAC in men was higher than in women. Subjects with larger body size had larger cross-sectional areas. Subjects with higher body mass index tended to have smaller cross-sections. Although the average EAC had an oval shape, a three-dimensional comparison of different EACs revealed strong individual variation in morphology. ConclusionThis study enhances the understanding of otolaryngologists and anatomists regarding the complex morphology and variability of the cartilaginous portion of the EAC.

Surface Roughness Evaluation of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy After Rough Milling Using Tools with Different Geometries

This paper presents the experimental results of a study investigating the impact of machining parameters on 3D surface roughness after rough, dry milling. The following 3D roughness parameters were analysed: Sa (arithmetic mean height), Sq (root mean square height), Sz (maximum height), Sku (kurtosis), Ssk (skewness), Sp (maximum peak height), and Sv (maximum pit height). Roughness measurements were made on the end face of the specimens. Additionally, 3D surface topography maps and Abbot-Firestone material ratio curves were generated. Carbide end mills with variable rake and helix angles were used in the study. Experiments were conducted on AZ31B magnesium alloy specimens using a contact-type profilometer. The machining process was conducted using the parameters of so-called high-speed machining. Three variable technological parameters were analysed: cutting speed vc, feed per tooth fz, and axial depth of cut ap. The results showed that the surface roughness of the rough-milled specimens depended to a great extent on the tool geometry and applied machining parameters. Feed per tooth was found to have the greatest impact on surface roughness parameters. Lower values of the analysed surface roughness parameters (and therefore higher surface quality) were obtained (in most cases) for the tools with a rake angle γ of 5° and a helix angle λs of 50°. The results provided both theoretical and practical knowledge about the achievable surface roughness after rough milling using tools with different tool blade geometry. It was shown that rough milling is an effective and efficient type of machining for the AZ31B alloy.

Assessing Yield, Biomass Production, and Forage Quality of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in Agroforestry System: One-Year Study in Szarvas, Hungary

This study examines the impact of line spacing (X: 24 m, Y: 9 m, Z: 6.5 m) and orientation to tree lines on the growth, yield, and quality of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in a temperate, irrigated agroforestry system (2 ha) in Szarvas, Hungary. Three sampling locations were distinguished between the east and west oriented tree lines: the north (N) side, middle (M) strip, and south (S) side of the tree lines. The highest red clovers were observed in the 6.5 m spacing (mean height 69.3 ± 7.2 cm), although yields were similar across 24 m, 9 m, and 6.5 m spacings (2.9 t ha−1, 2.3 t ha−1, and 2.7 t ha−1 dry matter, respectively). Orientation significantly influenced all forage quality parameters, with the north side showing earlier developmental stages and higher proportions of immature flowers (41–59%). Managing the spatial arrangement of red clover in agroforestry systems can help optimize forage quality by mitigating variations in plant maturity.

Influence of annealing temperature on 3D surface stereometric analysis in C-Ni films

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the correlation between the thicknesses of the C–Ni films that have been prepared by RF-magnetron sputtering on quartz substrates and their three-dimensional (3D) micro morphology. In this work by AFM images, this paper studied stereo metric analysis of these films.Design/methodology/approachThe C–Ni films have been prepared by RF-magnetron sputtering on quartz substrates using a mosaic target consisting of pure graphite and strips of pure nickel approximately 2 cm2 attached to the graphite race track. The field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FESEM) images were used for the morphological characterization.FindingsThe histogram peaks are zero for all samples and the histograms are almost symmetric around zero. Temperature did not have much effect on the degree of isolation, so all four diagrams have similar results. The qualitative observations through statistical parameters of the 3D surface texture revealed that the smoothest surface has been obtained for C-Ni films annealed at 500 °C (Sa, Sq, Sz and Sv have the lower values), while the most irregular topography has been found for C-Ni films annealed at 300 °C (the fractal dimension D = 2.01 ± 0.131).Originality/valueAs shown in FESEM images, the size of the particles was increased for films deposited from 300 ºC to 800ºC; however, at 1000ºC, it decreased significantly. The histogram peaks are zero for all samples and the histograms were almost symmetric around zero. Also, the largest and lowest root mean heights (Sq) belong to films at 300 °C and 500 °C. Furthermore, the more irregular surface was found at 300 °C, and the more regular surface was found at 500 °C. As the temperature was increased to 800 °C, the values of the IAPSD function increased systematically, and then the values of the IAPSD function was decreased in the fourth sample. The surface skewness of samples annealed at 1000 °C was positive which confirms the lack of dominance of cavities on their surface with the highest amount of C-Ni films at 800 °C.

Clinical and Multimodal Imaging Study to Differentiate Amelanotic Choroidal Lesions

Introduction: The aim of this study was to differentiate amelanotic choroidal lesions – amelanotic choroidal melanoma, choroidal metastasis, and choroidal granuloma using multimodal imaging. Methods: Retrospective comparative chart review was done. Patients diagnosed with the abovementioned choroidal lesions from 2015 to 2022 were included. Baseline lesion morphology and retinal layer changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT), lesion echogenicity and dimensions on ocular ultrasonography (USG), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A) patterns and findings were assessed. Results: Twelve eyes with melanoma, 22 eyes with metastasis, and 9 eyes with granuloma were included. On OCT, 83% of melanomas and 67% of granulomas, and 68% of metastasis had dome-shaped choroidal lesions. Presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF) and shaggy photoreceptors was 94% (95% CI: 79–99%) and 90% (95% CI: 74–98%) specific to differentiate melanomas from other choroidal lesions (AUC >0.75, p < 0.05). Similarly, presence of incomplete retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) was 77% (95% CI: 55–92%) sensitive and 77% (95% CI: 53–92%) specific (AUC = 0.8, p+ 0.03) and presence of lumpy-bumpy choroid was 55% (95% CI: 32–76%) sensitive and 95% (95% CI: 76–99%) specific (AUC = 0.75, p = 0.04) to distinguish metastasis from other choroidal lesions. Mean height: base ratio was more in melanoma compared to metastasis (0.54 ± 0.22 vs. 0.43 ± 0.12, p = 0.17) and both were hyperechoic on USG. On FAF, 100% metastasis and 60% granulomas were hypoAF, whereas 100% melanomas were hypoAF. Majority choroidal lesions were hyperfluorescent on FFA. Double vascular circulation was observed in melanomas (50%). On ICG-A, all choroidal lesions were hypofluorescent. Conclusion: Clinical and multimodal imaging features such as the presence of IRF, shaggy photoreceptors, iRORA, and lumpy-bumpy choroid can help diagnose and differentiate amelanotic choroidal lesions, thereby avoiding the need for choroidal biopsy. Further larger studies are needed to devise a standard imaging protocol to validate our findings.

Temporal changes in the physical fitness of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 years: an analysis of eight national successive surveys over three decades.

The aim of this study was to assess temporal changes in physical fitness of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 years from 1985 to 2019. Body size /composition and physical fitness indicators, including body height, weight, body mass index (BMI), speed, power, flexibility, muscular endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), were selected from Chinese boys and girls aged 13-18 years from eight Chinese National Surveillance on Students' Constitution and Health from 1985 to 2019. Temporal changes in means were estimated by sample-weighted linear regression at the test × sex × age level, and national trends were estimated by a post-stratification population weighting procedure. Overall mean body height, weight and BMI increased significantly for Chinese adolescents over 34 years. There was a small improvement for boys in speed (Effect size [ES] = -0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.44 ~ 0.02), a small improvement for boys in power (ES = 0.24, 95% CI = -0.20 ~ 0.69), a small improvement for girls in flexibility (ES = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.15 ~ 0.76), a moderate decline for boys (ES = -0.53 95% CI = -0.84 ~ -0.21) and a moderate improvement for girls (ES = 0.61, 95% CI = -0.03 ~ 1.26) in muscular endurance, and large declines in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) for boys (ES = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.64 ~ 1.21) and girls (ES = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.58 ~ 1.27) from 1985 to 2019. These trends in each component of fitness were more positive for adolescents aged 13-15 years than that of adolescents aged 16-18 years in both sexes, except for girls in flexibility. The decline in CRF was most pronounced among Chinese children and adolescents from 1985 to 2019, suggesting a future decline in population health that needs attention.

Nephrocalcinosis and kidney function in children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia: baseline results from a large longitudinal study.

In patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), conventional therapy with oral phosphate salts and active vitamin D has been associated with nephrocalcinosis. However, the nature of the relationships among XLH, its treatment, nephrocalcinosis, and kidney function remain poorly understood. Renal ultrasounds were performed and glomerular filtration rates were estimated (eGFR) at baseline in burosumab-naïve patients with XLH who participated in burosumab clinical trials (NCT02181764, NCT02526160, NCT02537431, NCT02163577, NCT02750618, NCT02915705) or enrolled in the XLH Disease Monitoring Program (XLH-DMP; NCT03651505). In this cross-sectional analysis, patient, disease, and treatment characteristics were described among patients with and without nephrocalcinosis. The analysis included 196 children (mean [SD] age 7.6 [4.0] yr) and 318 adults (40.3 [13.1] yr). Mean (SD) height z-score was -1.9 (1.2) for children and -2.3 (1.7) for adults. Nearly all children (97%) and adults (94%) had previously received conventional therapy. Nephrocalcinosis was detected in 22% of children and 38% of adults. In children, reduced eGFR <90mL/min/1.73m2 was more prevalent in those with nephrocalcinosis (25%) than in those without (11%), a finding that was not observed in adults. Children with nephrocalcinosis had lower mean values of TmP/GFR (p<.05), serum 1,25(OH)2D (p<.05), and eGFR (p<.001) and higher mean serum calcium concentrations (p<.05) than did those without nephrocalcinosis. Adults with nephrocalcinosis had lower mean serum phosphorus (p<.01) and 1,25(OH)2D (p<.05) concentrations than those without. Exploratory logistic regression analyses revealed no significant associations between the presence of nephrocalcinosis and other described patient or disease characteristics. Nephrocalcinosis was observed in nearly one-quarter of children and more than one-third of adults with XLH. Further study is needed to better understand the predictors and long-term consequences of nephrocalcinosis, with surveillance for nephrocalcinosis remaining important in the management of XLH.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following spine surgery in idiopathic adolescent scoliosis: a systematic review

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare and unpredictable complication after correction spine surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The management of this condition is poorly investigated, with controversial outcomes. This investigation systematically reviewed current evidence on pathogenesis, risk factors, management, and outcomes of SMAS following correction spine surgery for AIS. The present systematic review was conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA statement. All the included investigations reported SMAS presentation following scoliosis correction surgery in AIS. 29 articles with 61 eligible patients were included in this review. The mean age of the patients was 15.8 ± 7.2 years. The mean weight was 45.3 ± 8.0 kg, the mean height 159.6 ± 13.6 cm, and the mean BMI 16.5 ± 2.9 kg/m2. The mean duration of the treatment for SMAS was 21.6 ± 10.3 days. The mean interval between spine surgery and symptoms of SAMS was 69 days, with high between-studies variability (3 days to 4 years). Prompt identification of risk factors and an early diagnosis are necessary to manage SMAS and reduce the risk of complications. Additional investigations are required to establish risk factors and diagnostic criteria.Level of evidence Level IV, systematic review.