Mean Outer Diameter Research Articles

Feasibility of C2 Lamina Screw Placement in a New Zealand Cohort: Computed Tomography Analysis According to Ethnicity and Gender.

Previous analyses have suggested variations in cervical spine canal morphology according to ethnicity, possibly in part due to variations in the posterior elements. The potential for these variations to affect the placement of instrumentation is uncertain. The aim of this study was to report on the feasibility of C2 lamina screw insertion in a New Zealand cohort including analysis of Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. A trauma computed tomography database was accessed to identify suitable images. On axial images, where the isthmus was at its widest, the outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) of the lamina were measured. Screw length was measured from a proposed entry point to the contralateral junction of the lamina and lateral mass. The spinolaminar angle was measured as the angle subtended by the screw trajectory and midsagittal plane. A 5.5-mm OD was accepted as a threshold for the feasibility of lamina screw placement. One hundred eighty-seven images were assessed: 115 New Zealand European and 72 Māori. The mean age of the cohort was 41.9 years (SD 19.6), and most patients (64%) were men. For the entire cohort, mean OD was 6.6 and 6.8 mm on the right and left, respectively; the mean inner diameter was 3.5 and 3.8 mm; mean screw length was 31.5 and 31.5 mm; and mean spinolaminar angle was 46.0° and 46.1°. C2 lamina screw placement was feasible in a majority of patients. Considering only Māori patients, placement was feasible in 96% of right and 94% of left laminae in men but 72% of right and 72% of left laminae in women. In a majority of patients, C2 lamina screw placement is feasible. However, advanced imaging must be carefully assessed preoperatively because data suggest that Māori women may not necessarily have optimal anatomy.Clinical RelevanceCare needs to be taken when assessing and planning surgery inpatients of different ethnicities because variations may exist in the morphology of the posterior elements of C2, leading to variation in optimal fixation strategy.Level of Evidence3.

Self-healing properties of microencapsulated linseed oil-poly(urea formaldehyde) additives embedded polyester coating on Galvalume steel sheet

ABSTRACT Linseed oil and poly(urea-formaldehyde)-based microcapsules with an 82% weight ratio of core/shell and a mean outer diameter of about 100 μm were synthesised by in-situ polymerisation. These microcapsules were dispersed in polyester paint and then primer-coated Galvalume sheets were painted with microcapsule loaded (MC) and neat (no microcapsules) paints. These painted samples were scribed and examined using various characterisation techniques to evaluate their self-healing properties. SST and CCT showed that the electrolyte diffusion was suppressed in the MC sample, whereas the neat sample was noticeably blistered due to under-film corrosion. Scanning Kelvin Probe microscopy, SKP supported this finding wherein the Volta potential of the neat sample increased in the positive direction indicating cathodic delamination, whereas no significant change occurred in the MC sample. SEM-EDAX revealed the surface morphology and composition of the samples. Furthermore, EIS showed that microcapsule addition increased the pore resistance and decreased the coating capacitance of the polyester paint.

Hotspots of facial artery perforators and perforasomes for easier flap guidance: An anatomical study

BackgroundThe facial artery perforator flap is a valuable alternative for reconstruction of small to medium defects in the central midface and provide pleasing cosmetic results, allowing reconstruction in a one-stage procedure. Since Doppler ultrasound is not applicable to distinguish perforator from source artery, anatomical studies are needed to identify perforator areas along the course of the facial artery. MethodsTwenty facial arteries of 10 fresh anatomical head specimens were dissected. All perforators with an outer diameter of at least 0.50 mm were identified and injected with dye to color their respective vascular territories. Size and location of colored skin territories as well as the location of its perforators were documented and statistically analyzed. ResultsIn total, 89 perforators were identified. The average number of perforators per facial artery was 4.45±1.15. The mean outer diameter of the perforator at the origin of the facial artery was 0,65±0.14 mm. The mean size of the colored skin territories was 577.57±488.81 mm2. Perforator diameters were significantly associated with the size of its resulting perforasomes. Furthermore, perforators mostly originated in two specific areas: 3.5 cm lateral and caudal and 4.5 cm lateral and 5.5 cm caudal of the anterior nasal spine. ConclusionThis study provides evidence of two predominant locations of emergence of facial artery perforators. Additionally, the significant correlation between perforator size and its appendant perforasomes as well as their location with reference to the anterior nasal spine as relevant osseous landmarks helps surgeons in decision making for flap design and surgery.

Smaller Iatrogenic Defects Created by Inside-Out Compared With All-Inside Meniscus Repair Devices in Human Cadaveric Model

(1) To investigate the pattern and diameter of the iatrogenic defect that meniscal repair devices impose on meniscal tissue and (2) to determine whether repair-induced defect patterns or diameters differ across devices. Sixty-one fresh frozen human cadaveric menisci were used (n= 9; eliminated). All-inside devices (n= 9) included ULTRA FAST-FIX, FAST-FIX 360, Depuy Mitek 0° and 12° TRUESPAN, ConMed Sequent, Zimmer Biomet JuggerStitch, Stryker IvyAIR, Arthrex FiberStitch and Meniscal Cinch II. Inside-out needles (n= 4) included ConMed HiFi, Depuy Mitek ORTHOCORD, Arthrex-2-0 FiberWire, and Stryker SharpShooter. Following India Ink staining, implant devices were inserted into cadaveric menisci. Samples were fixed in formalin solution and imaged with a high-resolution camera. Defects were classified by qualitative evaluation. Defect and needle diameter were quantified with software assistance. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance testing. We analyzed 644 iatrogenic defects with mean defect diameter of 1.96 mm (standard deviation 0.86). For all-inside devices, defect patterns (n= 436) were 15.6% linear, 38.1% semilunar, 46.3% stellate, while inside-out devices (n= 208) were 95.7% stellate, 4.3% linear, and 0.0% semilunar. All-inside devices had mean defect diameter of 2.46 mm, while inside-out meniscus needles had mean 0.90 mm defect diameter (P < .001). FasT-FIX 360, ULTRA-FAST-FIX, and Arthrex Meniscal Cinch II induced smaller diameter defects than other all-inside devices (F= 20.2, P < .05). Strong positive correlation was found comparing outer needle diameter and mean defect diameters across all devices (R2= 0.9447). Needles utilized in meniscal implant systems produce the following basic defect patterns: stellate (62.3%), semilunar (25.8%), and linear (11.9%). A strong positive correlation was found between mean defect size and outer needle diameter across all devices. Inside-out double-armed flexible needles produced significantly smaller defects than all-inside devices. Of the all-inside devices, ULTRA FAST-FIX, FAST-FIX 360, and Arthrex Meniscal Cinch II produced smaller defects on average. While the true clinical impact of these findings cannot be drawn from the present study, this investigation provides necessary context to better understand reported similarities and differences in healing rates and outcomes between inside-out and all-inside repair techniques.

A computed tomographic morphometric analysis of the odontoid process for using anterior double Herbert screws fixation in the Southeast Asian population

ObjectiveTo conduct a radiographic CT scan study of the axis (C2 vertebra) of the cervical spine in the Southeast Asian population was analyzed to evaluate the feasibility of fitting two 3.0-mm anterior odontoid screws. The odontoid process and the C2 vertebra have been morphometrically analyzed in several different populations, but not in the people of Southeast Asian. MethodsThe bicortical diameter of the isthmus of the odontoid process as well as its thickness were measured using 200 CT cervical images. The length of the 3.0-mm anterior screws in the mid sagittal and coronal views of C2 were measured. All parameters were measured to a precision of 0.1 mm. with statistical analysis. ResultsThe 200 CT-scans included 100 males (50%) and 100 females (50%). The mean radiographic anterior odontoid screw length in mid sagittal view was 37.41 ± 2.27 mm. (38.26 ± 2.45 vs 35.44 ± 2.38 for males and females, respectively), the right screw length in coronal view was 33.95 ± 2.84 mm. (34.72 ± 2.59 vs 32.16 ± 2.59), the left screw length in coronal view was 33.87 ± 2.86 mm. (34.65 ± 2.59 vs 32.03 ± 2.62) and the mid screw length in coronal view was 33.61 ± 2.83 mm. (34.37 ± 2.59 vs 31.84 ± 2.57). The mean diameter of the bicortical isthmus of the of odontoid was 8.16 ± 1.09 mm. (8.42 ± 1.07 vs 7.55 ± 0.86), the mean inner anteroposterior (AP) diameter was 11.28 ± 1.06 mm. (11.58 ± 0.99 vs 10.57 ± 0.84), the mean outer AP diameter was 6.83 ± 1.07 mm. (6.93 ± 1.12 vs 6.60 ± 0.92), and the mean inner transverse diameter was 10.16 ± 1.11 mm. (10.29 ± 1.14 vs 9.88 ± 1.00). Males had a significantly greater mean anterior odontoid screw length and bicortical diameter of the isthmus of odontoid than females (p < 0.001). ConclusionsSoutheast Asian population, a 3.0-mm double anterior odontoid screw configuration can be inserted into the odontoid. However, prior to the procedure, a CT scan should be accomplished to assess screw acceptance and to determine appropriate screw sizes.

Elimination of Thermo-Mechanically Driven Circumferential Crack Formation in Copper Through-Glass via Substrate

This work aims at understanding and eliminating thermo-mechanically induced circumferential cracks that form during cooling for a 400 °C annealed copper (Cu) through-glass via (TGV) with a mean outer diameter of 47.5 μm, made in Corning HPFS fused silica glass. An exponential dependence was found between Cu metallization thickness and the likelihood for the formation of circumferential cracks. For the conditions used in this study, no cracks were formed in the HPFS fused silica substrate for Cu metallization thicknesses <; 12 μm, however, for thicknesses ≥ 12 μm, circumferential crack formation exponentially increased. From finite element analysis (FEA) studies, the corresponding threshold stresses for the initiation of circumferential stresses at 12 μm was predicted to be 140 MPa. Therefore, for 400 °C annealed Cu TGV with a mean outer diameter of 47.5 μm, made in HPFS fused silica substrate, circumferential stresses can be eliminated when Cu metallization thickness of less than 12 μm is used.

Atherosclerotic Burden and Remodeling Patterns of the Popliteal Artery as Detected in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Osteoarthritis Initiative Data Set.

BackgroundAn artificial intelligence vessel segmentation tool, Fully Automated and Robust Analysis Technique for Popliteal Artery Evaluation (FRAPPE), was used to analyze a large databank of popliteal arteries imaged through the OAI (Osteoarthritis Initiative) to study the impact of atherosclerosis risk factors on vessel dimensions and characterize remodeling patterns.Methods and ResultsMagnetic resonance images from 4668 subjects contributing 9189 popliteal arteries were analyzed using FRAPPE. Age ranged from 45 to 79 years (median, 61), and 58% were women. Mean lumen diameter, mean outer wall diameter, and mean wall thickness (MWT) were measured per artery. Their median values were 5.8 mm (interquartile range, 5.2–6.5 mm), 7.3 mm (interquartile range, 6.7–8.1 mm), and 0.78 mm (interquartile range, 0.73–0.84 mm) respectively. MWT was associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, with age (4.2% increase in MWT per 10‐year increase in age; 95% CI, 3.9%–4.5%) and sex (8.6% higher MWT in men than women; 95% CI, 7.7%–9.3%) being predominant. On average, lumen and outer wall diameters increased with increasing MWT until the thickness was 0.92 mm for men and 0.84 mm for women. After this point, lumen diameter decreased steadily, more rapidly in men than women (−7.9% versus −6.1% per 25% increase in MWT; P<0.001), with little change in outer wall diameter.ConclusionsFRAPPE has enabled the analysis of the large OAI knee magnetic resonance imaging data set, successfully showing that popliteal atherosclerosis is predominantly associated with age and sex. The average vessel remodeling pattern consisted of an early phase of compensatory enlargement, followed by a negative remodeling, which is more pronounced in men.

Imaging in gynecological disease (21): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of accessory cavitated uterine malformations.

To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of accessory cavitated uterine malformations (ACUMs). This was a single-center observational study of consecutive patients diagnosed with an ACUM, who had undergone an ultrasound examination by an experienced ultrasound examiner between January 2013 and May 2019, identified retrospectively from medical records. ACUM was diagnosed when a cavitated lesion with a myometrial mantle and echogenic contents was seen within the anterolateral wall of the myometrium beneath the insertion of the round ligament. In all women, presenting symptoms and clinical history were recorded along with detailed descriptions of the lesions and any concomitant pelvic abnormalities. Twenty patients diagnosed with an ACUM were identified. Median age was 29.2 (interquartile range, 25.0-35.8) years. None of the women was premenarchal or postmenopausal. All of the women reported painful periods or pelvic pain and none of them reported subfertility. Twelve of the ACUMs were in the right anterolateral myometrium and eight were in the left anterolateral myometrium. Both a myometrial mantle and a fluid-filled cavity were considered to be defining features on ultrasound. The fluid contained within the cavity was either echogenic with a ground-glass appearance or hyperechoic. All of the lesions were spherical in shape. The Doppler flow seen in the outer rim was not markedly different from that of the surrounding myometrium, and the content of the cavity was avascular on Doppler examination. The mean outer cavity diameter of the ACUMs was 22.8 (95% CI, 20.9-24.8) mm and the mean internal cavity diameter was 14.1 (95% CI, 12.2-16.1) mm. Four women opted for transvaginal ultrasound-guided alcohol sclerotherapy. Surgical excision was carried out in eight cases, and the diagnosis was confirmed on histopathological examination in all of them. ACUMs are a uterine abnormality with a distinct ultrasound appearance, which are associated with dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain. Knowledge of their typical appearance on ultrasound could facilitate early detection and treatment. There are several treatment options for ACUM, ranging from simple analgesia to complete excision. Further prospective and longitudinal studies are required to study the prevalence and natural history of this condition. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Effects of Ionic Liquid and Biomass Sources on Carbon Nanotube Physical and Electrochemical Properties

The ongoing research toward meeting global energy demands requires novel materials from abundant renewable resources. This work involves an investigation on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) synthesized from relatively low-cost and readily available biomass as carbon precursors and their use as electrodes for supercapacitors. The influence of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, or its combination with either sugarcane bagasse or cellulose (IL-CNTs, ILBag-CNTs, and ILCel-CNTs, respectively), in the synthesis of N-CNTs and the resultant effect on their physical and electrochemical properties was studied. Systematic characterizations of the N-CNTs employing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, nitrogen sorption analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were performed. TEM data analysis showed that the mean outer diameters decreased, in the order of IL-CNTs &gt; ILBag-CNTs &gt; ILCel-CNTs. The N-CNTs possess only pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen-doping moieties. The pyridinic nitrogen-doping content is lowest in IL-CNTs and highest in ILCel-CNTs. The N-CNTs are mesoporous with surface areas in the range of 21–52 m2 g−1. The ILCel-CNTs had the highest specific capacitance of 30 F g−1, while IL-CNTs has the least, 10 F g−1. The source of biomass is beneficial for tuning physicochemical properties such as the size and surface areas of N-CNTs, the pyridinic nitrogen-doping content, and ultimately capacitance, leading to materials with excellent properties for electrochemical applications.

Safety and efficacy of the percutaneous thoracic endovascular repair with regional anesthesia.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is typically performed with general anesthesia (GA) and surgical cutdown (G-TEVAR). As the latest generation of TEVAR delivery systems are smaller, we introduced percutaneous TEVAR with regional anesthesia (RA) (R-TEVAR) and an arteriotomy closure device. In this study, we compare the safety and efficacy of R-TEVAR to that of the G-TEVAR. This single-center observational study included consecutive patients who underwent either G-TEVAR between January 2015 and October 2018 (33 patients) or R-TEVAR (41 patients) between January 2018 and April 2020. RA was achieved using an ultrasound-guided nerve block. The mean outer diameter of the delivery device was significantly smaller in R-TEVAR (18.5 vs. 22.7Fr; p < 0.01) and the time from arriving into the operating room to beginning of surgery (34.1 vs. 68.5min; p < 0.01), procedural time (46.4 vs. 103.6min; p < 0.01), and operating room stay time (108.3 vs. 194.6min; p < 0.01) were significantly shorter. The mean rate of change in blood pressure was significantly lower in the R-TEVAR group (7.7% vs. 32.2%; p < 0.01). One case of spinal cord ischemia occurred in the G-TEVAR group (0% vs. 3.0%; p = 0.262) and one case of inadequate hemostasis and conversion to surgical cutdown without GA occurred in the R-TEVAR group (2.4% vs. 0%; p = 0.366). The R-TEVAR is safe and minimally invasive. Further, RA may provide additional benefits of mean blood pressure stability and early recognition of neurologic complications.

Morphological Variations in the Branching Pattern of Left Coronary Artery in Adult Human Hearts using Silicon Cast Method

The knowledge of variations in the branching pattern of Left Coronary artery is an important factor in the study of coronary heart disease and mostly it is the left which is commonly involved. With the adaptation of sedentary life style and increasing stress, Coronary artery disease has become the major cause of death and coronary angiography is has become a routine for cardiologists &amp; radiologists. This study is done to determine the branching pattern, mean length and mean outer diameter of the trunk of the Left Coronary artery using Silicon Cast technique. A Plastinate material that is Silicon is used in this study for luminal casts, this is first of its kind in India and it’s a new innovative technique for studying the arterial patterns. The present study was carried out in 110 fresh hearts, 90 males and 20 females with a mean age of 66.0 years, which were collected from the mortuary of the Forensic department of Mysore Medical College and JSS Medical College, Mysore, South India for a period of 2 years. The Silicone material was injected into the Coronary arteries; the cast was removed and the fine branching pattern of the left Coronary artery was studied and measured using Vernier digital calipers. The left Coronary artery arose from the left posterior aortic sinus in most number of cases. The mean outer diameter of the trunk at the point of origin was 3.51±0.71 (range 2 – 5.8mm). The mean length of the trunk of left Coronary artery was 10.04 ± 3.27 mm (range 4-18.5mm). Most of the branching pattern was bifurcation (62.72 %) and trifurcation (33.63%) was observed, tetrafurcation was found to be in 3.63% of cases only, no cases of pentafurcation was seen .This study will help in interventional studies by cardiologist and radiologists during diagnostic and therapeutic approach in Coronary vascular diseases.

Tracheal cartilage growth promotion by intra-tracheal administration of basic FGF.

This study aimed to investigate whether intra-tracheal administration of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) promotes the growth of tracheal cartilage. Trachea of 4-week old mice were intubated and 2.5μg b-FGF administered (Group 4) for periods from 1 to 5days. Cervical tracheal outer diameter and tracheal ring length were compared in Group 1 (no intervention), Group 2 (tracheal intubation), Group 3 (intra-tracheal administration of distilled water) and Group 4, at 8weeks of age. Outer diameter and tracheal ring length in Group 4 were also compared with that in Group 1 at 12 and 16weeks of age. At 8weeks of age, tracheal ring length with b-FGF administration for more than 4days in Group 4 was significantly increased over that following 1-day administration. At 8weeks of age, mean outer diameter and the mean tracheal ring length in Group 4 were significantly greater than in the other groups. Mean outer diameter and mean tracheal ring length were significantly greater in Group 4 than in Group 1 at 12 and 16weeks of age. This study has shown that intra-tracheal administration of b-FGF enlarges the tracheal lumen.

LAMELLAR MACULAR HOLES IN THE PRESENCE OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

To investigate whether age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has an influence on the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of lamellar macular holes (LMHs). Clinical records and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images of 756 eyes of 423 consecutive patients diagnosed with AMD were reviewed and analyzed. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was used to identify degenerative or tractional LMH subtypes and assess their morphology. The clinical and optical coherence tomography findings of AMD eyes with LMH were compared with those of a control group of eyes with LMH without AMD from a previously published report. Lamellar macular holes were identified in 25 eyes of 23 patients (3.3%; 25 of 756). Seventeen of 25 eyes (68%) presented with degenerative LMH and underlying late neovascular AMD. Mean best-corrected visual acuity was worse in eyes with AMD and LMH eyes than in those with AMD and no LMH (20/230 vs. 20/98; P = 0.02). The mean outer diameter was greater in the group with degenerative LMH with concomitant AMD than in the control group of degenerative LMH without AMD (1,323.9 ± 999.1 µm vs. 905.9 ± 356.8 µm, respectively; P = 0.01). The incidence of degenerative LMH increased in advanced forms of AMD, whereas the presence of tractional LMH subtype may be unrelated to AMD evolution.

In Bangladeshi Female Cadaver, the Change of Outer Diameter of the Infundibulum of Fallopian Tube in Advancing Age

Context: Problems with the fallopian tubes can lead to infertility. Disease can be defined and measured only in terms of deviation from normal structure. Detailed morphological and histological knowledge is essential for the diagnosis and management of fallopian tube disease.&#x0D; Objectives: To identify the outer diameter of the infundibulum and its changes with advancing age.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive type of study.&#x0D; Period and place: Department of anatomy, Dhaka Medical College from July 2008 to June 2009.&#x0D; Materials: Present study was performed on post mortem fallopian tubes of 60 Bangladeshi female. Among them lowest age was 12 years and highest age was 50 years.&#x0D; Methods: Samples were divided into three differential age groups: Group A (10-13 years), Group B (14-45 years), Group C (46-50 years). All samples were studied morphologically and histologically.&#x0D; Results: The mean outer diameter of the infundibulum of the right and left fallopian tubes ranged from 0.80±0.01 to 1.03±0.22 mm. The difference between all the groups were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: There was change in outer diameter of the infundibulum of fallopian tubes of left and right in relation to age.&#x0D; Update Dent. Coll. j: 2018; 8 (2): 23-25

Anatomia microcirúrgica da artéria recorrente de heubner

A artéria recorrente de Heubner foi estudada em 60 encéfalos humanos, em 50 dos quais a dissecção foi realizada a fresco até 12h pós-morte. Em dez cérebros, a dissecção foi realizada após a injeção de contraste (solução de Balson). A Heubner esteve presente em todos os hemisférios, tendo sua origem bilateral ao nível da ACOA em 31, 7% dos casos. A dupla origem foi encontrada em 11 opor¬tunidades (sete hemisférios esq. e quatro dir.). O diâmetro externo médio foi de 0,61 mm, variando de um mínimo de 0,20mm ao máximo de 1,80mm. Seu curso extracerebral foi anterior ou superior ao seg¬menta A1 em 92,5% dos casos estudados. Esta artéria se dividia, antes de penetrar no cérebro, em dois ou mais ramos em 90,85% dos hemisférios. Estes dados anatômicos foram correlacionados com a tática de abordagem da região anterior do polígono de Willis e discutidos.

Microsurgical anatomy of the maxillary artery for extracranial-intracranial bypass in the pterygopalatine segment of the maxillary artery.

The extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass using the maxillary artery (MA) has been successfully completed using a radial artery (RA) graft but the complicated anatomy and narrow exposure make it difficult. The purpose of this article is to define the microsurgical exposure of the MA through the middle fossa and describe the branches, diameter, and length of the MA available for the EC-IC bypass in the sphenopalatine fossa and anterior part of the infratemporal fossa. 5 cadaveric specimens were dissected bilaterally (10 MA dissections) to define the microsurgical anatomy of the MA through an intracranial approach. The exposable branches of the MA at the level of the infratemporal and sphenopalatine fossae were the anterior deep temporal, posterior superior alveolar, and infraorbital arteries. The origin of each branch could be exposed. The available section of the MA for use as a donor vessel is between the origin of the anterior deep temporal artery and the infraorbital artery. The mean exposable length of the MA was 19.4 mm. The mean outer diameter of the donor MA was 3.2 mm. Tension-free EC-IC bypass was possible using a RA graft between the MA and the middle cerebral artery, the MA and the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA), or the MA and the petrous ICA. Exposure of the MA at the infratemporal and sphenopalatine fossae is complicated but provides length and diameter suitable as a donor artery for the EC-IC bypass. Clin. Anat. 31:724-733, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

"Inline" Axial Reconstructed CT Scans Provide a Significantly Larger Assessment of C2 Pedicle Diameter for Screw Placement Compared With "Standard" Axial Scans: Implications for Surgical Planning.

Radiologic analysis. The objective was to compare C2 pedicle diameter and screw feasibility on reconstructed axial computed tomography (CT) cuts created "Inline" (IL) with the intended pedicle screw tract versus unaltered "Standard" (STD) axial cuts. Axial CT cuts through the C2 pedicle are commonly evaluated when planning pedicle screw fixation as medial aberrancies of the vertebral artery can significantly narrow pedicle diameter. STD axial CT cuts provided by radiology departments are typically formatted orthogonal to the long axis of the neck or the vertical plumb, which is often not IL with the axis of the intended C2 pedicle screw tract. A total of 89 cervical spine CT scans obtained by a single radiology department over 2 years (35 male, 54 female; mean age 64.9 y) were reviewed. STD axial cuts were not manipulated but were assessed as provided. IL axial cuts were created along the intended C2 pedicle screw tract using free, open-source DICOM viewer software. Inner and outer pedicle diameters were measured on axial cuts most closely approximating the isthmus of the intended tract. On STD cuts, the mean outer and inner pedicle diameters were 5.05±1.45 and 2.01±1.31 mm, respectively. By contrast, IL measurements yielded significantly larger outer and inner diameters: 5.85±1.78 and 2.68±1.47 mm (P<0.01). IL measurement predicted a higher number of pedicles amenable to insertion of a 3.5 mm screw with safety margins of 1 to 3 mm. Reformatted IL axial cuts through the intended path of C2 pedicle screws provide significantly larger assessments of C2 pedicle diameter than those obtained on STD cuts. IL measurements predict C2 screw insertion feasibility in a substantially higher number of pedicles. As assessment of IL cuts may alter surgical decision-making at no added cost or radiation exposure, we suggest that they be obtained whenever considering C2 pedicle screw placement.

Microanatomy of the brachial plexus roots and its clinical significance.

To provide the anatomical basis of brachial plexus roots for the diagnosis and treatment of brachial plexus root avulsion injury. The morphological features of brachial plexus roots were observed and measured on 15 cervicothoracic spine of adult cadavers. The relationship of brachial plexus nerve roots and the surrounding tissues also were observed, as well as the blood supply of anterior and posterior roots of the brachial plexus. Origination of the nerve roots in the dorsal-ventral direction from the midline was fine-tuned at each level along the spinal cord. The minimum distance of the origin of the nerve root to midline was 2.2mm at C 5, while the maximum was 3.1mm at T 1. Inversely, the distance between the origin of the posterior root and the midline of the spinal cord gradually decreased, the maximum being 4.2mm at C 5 and minimum 2.7mm at T 1. Meanwhile, there was complicated fibrous connection among posterior roots of the brachial plexus. The C 5-6 nerve roots interlaced with tendons of the scalenus anterior and scalenus medius and fused with the transverse-radicular ligaments in the intervertebral foramina. However, these ligaments were not seen in C 7-8, and T 1. The blood supply of the anterior and posterior roots of the brachial plexus was from the segmental branches of the vertebral artery, deep cervical artery and ascending cervical artery, with a mean outer diameter of 0.61mm. The systematic and comprehensive anatomic data of the brachial plexus roots provides the anatomical basis to diagnose and treat the brachial plexus root avulsion injury.

Controlling the morphology of Vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes using Langmuir-Blodgett deposited CoFe2O4, Fe3O4, and Fe nanoparticles with palmitic acid

The synthesis of Vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) from Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of laboratory made CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs), Fe3O4 NPs, and commercially available Fe NPs was performed to compare the catalytic activity of these catalyst NPs. VA-CNT films synthesized of CoFe2O4 NPs were approximately 2–3 times thicker than these synthesized of Fe3O4 NPs and Fe NPs. Palmitic acid (C16) molecules were mixed with the above catalyst NPs to control the distance between catalyst NPs in LB films, and adjust the number density of VA-CNTs synthesized from these LB films. Catalyst NPs were not dispersed uniformly and composed the domain of catalyst NPs in the C16 mixed L films. From optimizing the area ratio of catalyst NPs to C16 molecules, VA-CNT films synthesized of the catalyst NPs and C16 mixture exhibited large thicknesses compared with these synthesized of only catalyst NPs. VA-CNT films synthesized of CoFe2O4 NP-C16 LB films exhibited the largest thicknesses among these synthesized of three types of catalyst NP-C16 LB films, and enable to obtain a VA-CNT film up to 136μm. We also performed the evaluation of VA-CNT diameters to investigate how the catalyst types, sizes, distributions, and area ratios affect CNT diameters. The mean inner and outer diameters were almost constant regardless of the catalyst types and area ratios. The mean coefficients of variation (CVs) of the CNT outer diameters synthesized of CoFe2O4 NPs, Fe3O4 NPs, and Fe NPs were 19.5%, 20.5%, and 28.9%, respectively.

Zn0@ZnS Core‐Shell Nanoparticles via Oxidation of Intermediate Zn0 Nanoparticles

AbstractZn0@ZnS core‐shell nanoparticles were prepared via reduction of ZnCl2 to Zn0 nanoparticles and subsequent partial oxidation with elemental sulfur. The intermediate, highly reactive Zn0 nanoparticles were obtained by sodium naphthalenide ([NaNaph]) reduction of ZnCl2 in tetrahydrofuran (THF). After centrifugation, the Zn0 nanoparticles were redispersed in a solution of sulfur in toluene and oxidized by subsequent heating to reflux. According to electron microscopy (HRTEM, HAADF‐STEM), the Zn0@ZnS core‐shell nanoparticles exhibit a mean outer diameter of 12 ± 4 nm, consisting of an inner Zn0 core (8 nm in diameter) and a ZnS shell (2 nm in diameter). HRTEM and XRD confirm the crystallinity of both core and shell. The Zn0@ZnS nanostructure shows synergistic properties of core and shell: the ZnS layer efficiently passivates the reactive Zn0 metal core against oxidation, whereas the optical properties point to dominating metallic behavior of the Zn0 metal core despite of the ZnS shell.