Mean Thickness Research Articles

Experimental investigation of ultrasonic assisted coating on three-point bending behavior of 3D printed polymeric bone plates for biomedical applications

3D printed Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) bone plates exhibit limited three-point bending strength, restricting their viability in biomedical applications. The application of polydopamine (PDM) enhances the three-point bending strength by undergoing covalent interactions with PLA molecular structure. However, the heavy nature of PDM particles leads to settling at the container base at higher coating solution concentrations. This study investigates the impact of ultrasonic-assisted coating parameters on the three-point bending strength. Utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for statistical modeling, the study examines the influence of ultrasonic vibration power (UP), coating solution concentration (CC), and submersion time (TIME). RSM optimization recommended 100 % UP, 6 mg/ml CC, and 150 min TIME, resulting in maximum three-point bending strength of 83.295 MPa. Microscopic images from the comparative analysis revealed non-uniform coating deposition with mean thickness of 6.153 µm under normal coating. In contrast, ultrasonic-assisted coating promoted uniform deposition with mean thickness of 18.05 µm. The results demonstrate that ultrasonic-assisted coating induces PDM particle collision, preventing settling at the container base, and enhances three-point bending strength by 7.27 % to 23.24 % compared to the normal coating condition. This study emphasizes on the potential of ultrasonic-assisted coating to overcome the limitations of direct immersion coating technique.

Endoscopic-Assisted Forehead Augmentation with Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Patient-Specific Implant (PSI) for Aesthetic Considerations.

Forehead augmentation have become popular aesthetic procedures among Asians in recent years. However, the use of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) patient-specific implant (PSI) in the facial contouring surgery for aesthetic considerations is not well documented in the existing studies. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel method for forehead augmentation and assess the clinical outcomes and complications in patients who underwent forehead augmentation with PEEK PSI assisted by endoscopy. The PEEK PSIs were fabricated using the virtual surgical planning (VSP) and the computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for each patient, preoperatively. The implant pockets were dissected in the subperiosteal plane, and PEEK PSIs were placed in their designed position and fixed assisting by endoscopy via small incision within the hairline. All patients were asked to complete the FACE-Q questionnaire before and 6 months after the operation. Pre- and postoperative demographics, photographs, and other clinical data of patients were collected and analyzed. 11 patients underwent forehead augmentation were enrolled in this study. All procedures were completed successfully with the help of endoscope. The average patient age was 30.63 ± 2.54years. The mean thickness and size of PEEK PSI were 4.44 ± 1.77mm and 38.43 ± 22.66cm2, respectively. The mean operative time was 83.00 ± 29.44min, and the mean postoperative follow-up period was 11.00 ± 6.50months. No implant exposure, extrusion or removal were reported. The FACE-Q scores of patients in satisfaction with the forehead increased from 47.64 ± 7.15 to 78.81 ± 6.35. PEEK PSIs can be prefabricated to achieve accurate remodeling of the frontal contour with good esthetic outcomes. The endoscope provides direct and magnified vision, which allow easy access to the supraorbital rim and lateral edge of the eyebrow arch and confirming the position of the implants without damaging nerves and vessels. Endoscopic-assisted forehead augmentation with PEEK PSI is safe and effective. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Effect of Birth Weight on Fattening Performance, Meat Quality, and Muscle Fibre Characteristics in Lambs of the Karayaka Native Breed.

This investigation aimed to assess the influence of birth weight on post-weaning fattening performance, meat quality, muscle fibre characteristics, and carcass traits in Karayaka lambs. The study categorized the lambs into three distinct groups based on birth weight: low birth weight (LBW), medium birth weight (MBW), and high birth weight (HBW). Throughout the fattening phase, the lambs were given ad libitum access to food and water, culminating in the slaughter at the end of the study. Following slaughter, warm and cold carcasses were weighted, and specific muscles (longissimus thoracis et lumborum [LTL], semitendinosus [ST], and semimembranosus [SM]) were isolated for the evaluation of muscle weights, muscle fibre types (Type I, Type IIA, and Type IIB), and muscle fibre numbers. Carcass characteristics were also determined, including eye muscle (LTL) fat, loin thickness, and meat quality characteristics, such as pH, colour, texture, cooking loss, and water-holding capacity. The statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences among the experimental groups concerning muscle weights and warm and cold carcass weights (p < 0.01), with the lambs in the HBW group exhibiting a notably higher carcass yield (in females: 45.65 ± 1.34% and in males: 46.18 ± 0.77%) and LTL, ST, and SM (except for female lambs) muscle weights than the lambs in LBW group (p < 0.01). However, apart from the texture of LTL and ST muscles, no significant differences in meat quality parameters were observed among the treatment groups (p > 0.05). Notably, the birth weight of lambs did not impart a discernible effect on the total number and metabolic activity of muscle fibres in LTL, ST, and SM muscles. Nonetheless, a noteworthy distinction in the fibre area of Type I fibres in the LTL muscle of male lambs (LBW: 30.4 ± 8.9, MBW: 29.1 ± 7.3 and HBW; 77.3 ± 15.4) and in the ST muscle of female lambs (LBW: 44.1 ± 8.1, MBW: 38.8 ± 7.7 and HBW: 36.9 ± 7.1) were evident among the birth weight groups (p < 0.05). The study also found that the mean fat thickness values of eye muscles in Karayaka lambs, as obtained by ultrasonic tests, were below the typical range for sheep. In synthesis, the outcomes of this study underscore the considerable impact of birth weight on slaughtered and carcass weights, emphasizing the positive association between higher birth weights and enhanced carcass yield. Remarkably, despite these pronounced effects on carcass traits, the birth weight did not demonstrate a statistically significant influence on meat quality or overall muscle fibre characteristics, except for the area of Type I fibres in the LTL muscle. This nuanced understanding contributes valuable insights into the intricate relationship between birth weight and various physiological and carcass parameters in Karayaka lambs undergoing post-weaning fattening.

Quantitative assessment of glomerular basement membrane collagen IV α chains in paraffin sections from patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and Alport gene variants

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) lesions have been linked to variants in COL4A3/A4/A5 genes, which are also mutated in Alport syndrome. Although it could be useful for diagnosis, quantitative evaluation of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) type IV collagen (colIV) networks is not widely used to assess these patients. To do so, we developed immunofluorescence imaging for collagen α5(IV) and α1/2(IV) on kidney paraffin sections with Airyscan confocal microscopy that clearly distinguishes GBM collagen α 3 α 4 α5(IV) and α 1 α 1 α2(IV) as two distinct layers, allowing quantitative assessment of both colIV networks. The ratios of collagen α5(IV): α1/2(IV) mean fluorescence intensities ( α5: α1/2 intensity ratios) and thicknesses ( α5: α1/2 thickness ratios) were calculated to represent the levels of collagen α 3 α 4 α5(IV) relative to α 1 α 1 α2(IV). The α5: α1/2 intensity and thickness ratios were comparable across all 11 control samples, while both ratios were significantly and markedly decreased in all patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic Alport COL4A variants, supporting validity of this approach. Thus, with further validation of this technique, quantitative measurement of GBM colIV subtype abundance by immunofluorescence, may potentially serve to identify the subgroup of patients with FSGS lesions likely to harbor pathogenic COL4A variants who could benefit from genetic testing.

Visual evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis: P100 latency and visual pathway damage including the lateral geniculate nucleus

ObjectiveTo explore associations of the main component (P100) of visual evoked potentials (VEP) to pre- and postchiasmatic damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods31 patients (median EDSS: 2.5), 13 with previous optic neuritis (ON), and 31 healthy controls had VEP, optical coherence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We tested associations of P100-latency to the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), ganglion cell/inner plexiform layers (GCIPL), lateral geniculate nucleus volume (LGN), white matter lesions of the optic radiations (OR-WML), fractional anisotropy of non-lesional optic radiations (NAOR-FA), and to the mean thickness of primary visual cortex (V1). Effect sizes are given as marginal R2 (mR2). ResultsP100-latency, pRNFL, GCIPL and LGN in patients differed from controls. Within patients, P100-latency was significantly associated with GCIPL (mR2 = 0.26), and less strongly with OR-WML (mR2 = 0.17), NAOR-FA (mR2 = 0.13) and pRNFL (mR2 = 0.08). In multivariate analysis, GCIPL and NAOR-FA remained significantly associated with P100-latency (mR2 = 0.41). In ON-patients, P100-latency was significantly associated with LGN volume (mR2 = −0.56). ConclusionsP100-latency is affected by anterior and posterior visual pathway damage. In ON-patients, damage at the synapse-level (LGN) may additionally contribute to latency delay. SignificanceOur findings corroborate post-chiasmatic contributions to the VEP-signal, which may relate to distinct pathophysiological mechanisms in MS.

Morphometry of the thyroid cartilage, epiglottis and piriform sinus: An anatomical study

Background The larynx is a complex organ for voice production, and respiration consists of a series of cartilages, membranes, muscles, and joints with a considerable range of flexibility and mobility. Understanding the laryngeal framework is important for various professionals, including phoneticians, speech therapists, oncologists, and oto-rhino-laryngologists. The goal was to measure the piriform sinus, epiglottis, and thyroid cartilage in our sample population. Methods This study included 22 adult embalmed cadavers available in the Department of Anatomy. Dimensions were measured using a digital Vernier caliper. Results The mean height of the thyroid laminae was 27 ± 1.4 mm at the right side and 25.5 ± 1.4 mm at the left side. Mean width of the thyroid lamina was 27.1 ± 1.3 mm at the right side and 27.4 ± 0.9 mm at the left side. The mean thickness of thyroid cartilage was found to be 4.4 ± 0.4 mm and 3.9 ± 0.5 mm over the right and left sides. The mean length, width and thickness of the epiglottis were 29.1 ± 0.5 mm, 22.2 ± 0.6 mm and 2.6 ± 0.3 mm correspondingly. The height, width and thickness of the right piriform sinus were 25 ± 0.5 mm, 14.2 ± 0.5 mm and 12.6 ± 0.5 mm, the same parameters were 25.3 ± 1.3 mm, 15.1 ± 0.7 mm and 13.3 ± 0.4 mm for the left side. Conclusions The morphometric data reported in this study are enlightening for clinicians involved in laryngeal and endoscopic procedures. Some of the parameters showed statistically significant differences between the right and left sides (p&lt;0.05). However, the limitation is that the smaller sampler size being studied in this anatomical research, and the data will only be accurate with a larger sample size.

Antiangiogenic Effects of Infliximab in Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane Model

Introduction: TNF-α plays a key role in initiating pathologic angiogenesis, however, literature on the effects of infliximab on angiogenesis is limited.&#x0D; Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effects of infliximab on angiogenesis in an in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model.&#x0D; Methods: The study was approved by the local ethics committee on animal experimentation. Thirty fertilized specific pathogen-free eggs were incubated and kept under appropriate temperature and humidity control. On the third day of the incubation, infliximab (1 µmol) dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline in the first group, phosphate-buffered saline (negative control) (0.1 ml) in the second group, anti-VEGF (positive control) (1 µmol) in the third group were administered by injection. On the eighth day of incubation, the vascular structures of the CAMs were macroscopically examined, and standard digital photographs were taken. The digital images were analyzed, and data including mean vessel density, thickness, and number were compared between groups. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: Angiogenesis was significantly reduced in the anti-VEGF and infliximab groups compared to the saline-only group. Vessel thickness, vessel number, and vessel density were significantly less in the infliximab and anti-VEGF groups compared to the saline-only group (p=0.034, 0.029, 0.024, respectively).&#x0D; Conclusions: Infliximab showed promising antiangiogenic effects in the chick CAM model. Thus, infliximab could be a treatment agent in pathological processes in which angiogenesis is responsible. The antiangiogenic effect of infliximab could be due to the inhibition of various angiogenesis-related cytokines and adhesion molecules. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms.

A CT Radiologic Assessment of the Incidence of Cochlear–Facial Dehiscence and the Thickness of Bone between the Cochlea and Facial Nerve among Normal Temporal Bones

AbstractCochlear–facial dehiscence (CFD) is a relatively new diagnosis which occurs when the bony partition between the labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve and the cochlea is dehiscent. This is considered one of several third window lesions which produce varying degrees of auditory and vestibular symptoms. Imaging studies have identified a consistently higher incidence of CFD when compared with the only histopathologic study present in the literature. This research effort adds to the literature using uniform computed tomography scan images across over 226 ears (114 patients) to identify the radiographic incidence of CFD in normal patients without ear pathology or symptoms. This study identified an incidence of 18.1% of the ears analyzed having dehiscence without any correlation to age or gender. When dehiscence was not identified, the mean thickness of bone between the cochlea and the facial nerve was 0.60 ± 0.24 mm.

Prediction Of Palmaris Longus Tendon Length And Thickness Through Simple Anthropometric Measurements.

This study aimed to test whether palmaris longus tendon (PLT) length and thickness can be predicted from simple anthropometric measurements. 120 healthy volunteers with bilateral PL muscles were enrolled in this prospective study. PLT length and thickness were measured by ultrasonographic examination. Anthropometric measurements included body height, weight, forearm length, and wrist circumference. Correlation, linear regression, and Bland-Altman plot were used for analysis. The mean PLT length and thickness were 10.8±1.4 cm and 4.0±0.9 mm, respectively. Body height and PLT length had a moderate positive correlation (r:0.407, p:0.001), and forearm length and PLT thickness had a weak positive correlation (r:0.229, p:0.001). The regression analysis showed that body height was the best predictor for PLT length, and forearm length was the best predictor for PLT thickness. The regression equations were as follows: PLT length=0.276+(0.062×height) (r2=0.165, p<0.001) and PLT thickness=1.373+(0.108×forearm length) (r2=0.052, p<0.001). The predicted PLT lengths and thicknesses were calculated using these regression formulas and compared with the actual thicknesses and lengths using the Bland-Altman plot. The upper and lower limits of agreement (95% CI) ranged from -2.54 cm to 2.51 cm for actual PLT length and predicted PLT length and from -1.76 mm to 1.74 mm for actual PLT thickness and predicted PLT thickness in the Bland-Altman plot with a weak agreement and proportional bias. These findings indicate that height and forearm length have limited accuracy in predicting PLT length and thickness. The preoperative ultrasonographic examination can provide valuable assistance, particularly in cases that require grafts with precise length and thickness requirements.

Impairment of Listeria monocytogenes biofilm developed on industrial surfaces by Latilactobacillus curvatus CRL1579 bacteriocin

The effect of lactocin AL705, bacteriocin produced by Latilactobacillus (Lat.) curvatus CRL1579 against Listeria biofilms on stainless steel (SS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coupons at 10 °C was investigated. L. monocytogenes FBUNT showed the greatest adhesion on both surfaces associated to the hydrophobicity of cell surface. Partially purified bacteriocin (800 UA/mL) effectively inhibited L. monocytogenes preformed biofilm through displacement strategy, reducing the pathogen by 5.54 ± 0.26 and 4.74 ± 0.05 log cycles at 3 and 6 days, respectively. The bacteriocin-producer decreased the pathogen biofilm by ∼2.84 log cycles. Control and Bac− treated samples reached cell counts of 7.05 ± 0.18 and 6.79 ± 0.06 log CFU/cm2 after 6 days of incubation. Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM) allowed visualizing the inhibitory effect of lactocin AL705 on L. monocytogenes preformed biofilms under static and hydrodynamic flow conditions. A greater effect of the bacteriocin was found at 3 days independently of the surface matrix and pathogen growth conditions at 10 °C. As a more realistic approach, biofilm displacement strategy under continuous flow conditions showed a significant loss of biomass, mean thickness and substratum coverage of pathogen biofilm. These findings highlight the anti-biofilm capacity of lactocin AL705 and their potential application in food industries.

Comparison of retinal thickness measurements among four different optical coherence tomography devices

We sought to compare the retinal thickness measurements collected using different optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices. This prospective study included 21 healthy cases, and the retinal thickness was measured using the PLEX Elite (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, California, USA), DRI OCT-1 Atlantis (Topcon Corp, Tokyo, Japan), Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec), and Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), respectively. The mean central retinal thickness (CRT) and mean retinal thickness of the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) area were compared. The CRT varied significantly among the different OCT devices (P < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis revealed that the CRT measured using PLEX Elite (278.95 ± 20.04 µm) and Spectralis (271.86 ± 17.92 µm) were similar, and both were greater than the CRT measurements of DRI OCT-1 (239.57 ± 21.06 µm) and Cirrus (256.76 ± 17.82 µm). Additionally, the mean retinal thickness in each ETDRS area showed significant differences among the four devices (all P < 0.001). The mean retinal thickness measured varied according to the device used, and this needs to be considered when comparing retinal thickness measurements taken with different devices.

INTRAVENOUS METHYLPREDNISOLONE EFFECTS ON RECTUS MUSCLES IN THYROID EYE DISEASE

Introduction &amp; Objective: Intravenous methylprednisolone has been used in management of Thyroid Eye Diseases (TED) which was an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the orbital tissues and the eyes. Previous study has shown benefits of intravenous methylprednisolone therapy on TED but there was need of quantitative measure to assess the effect of intravenous methylprednisolone therapy on extraocular rectus muscles. This study aimed to report the effect of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy on inferior, medial, superior, and lateral rectus muscles and providing data distribution of active TED before and after therapy. Methods: Retrospective analyses were used in the data collection of patients with active Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) underwent high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy regiment 500mg every week for six consecutive weeks at Sardjito Eye Centre between January 2022 and December 2022. Ophthalmological investigation and quantitative computed tomography (CT) scan of the orbit were performed before and after methylprednisolone pulse therapy and demographics data were presented in tables and graphs. Results: This study included 62 eyes of 31 patients (61,3% female) with mean age of 37.8±13.47 years old. The mean thickness of Superior Rectus (SR) muscle before therapy were 4.12±2.20 mm and significantly decreased to 3.70±1.54 mm post therapy. There was no significant difference in delta mean Inferior Rectus (?IR) -0.18±1.69 (p=0.381), Medial Rectus (?MR) -0.34±1.68 (p=0.116), and Lateral Rectus (?LR) -0.33±1.94 (p=0.188) Conclusion: The treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) with high dose intravenous corticosteroid is safe and effective in reducing extraocular muscle tissue thickness with minimal side effects. Keywords: Thyroid Eye Disease, Extraocular Muscle, Intravenous Methylprednisolone Therapy.

INTRAVENOUS CORTICOSTEROID EFFECTS ON SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR RECTUS MUSCLE IN THYROID EYE DISEASE

Abstract&#x0D; Introduction &amp; Objectives : Intravenous corticosteroid has been used in management of Thyroid Eye Diseases (TED) which was an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the orbital tissues and the eyes. Previous study has shown benefits of intravenous corticosteroid therapy on TED but there was need of quantitative measure to assess the effect of intravenous corticosteroid therapy on extraocular muscle. This study aimed to report the effect of high-dose intravenous corticosteroid pulse therapy on superior and inferior rectus muscle and providing data distribution of active TED before and after therapy&#x0D; Methods : Retrospective analyses were used in the data collection of patients with active TED underwent high- dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy regiment 500mg every week for six consecutive weeks at Sardjito Eye Centre between January and December 2022. Ophthalmological investigation and quantitative computed tomography (CT) scan of the orbit were performed before and after corticosteroid pulse therapy and demographics data were presented in tables and graphs&#x0D; Results : This study included 62 eyes of 31 patients (61,3% female) with mean age of 37.8±13.47 years old. The mean thickness of Superior Rectus (SR) muscle before therapy were 4.12±2.20 mm and decreased to 3.64±1.50 mm post therapy. The mean thickness of Inferior Rectus (IR) muscle before therapy were 4.45±1.80 mm and decreased to 4.26±1.63 mm post therapy. There was significant difference in mean ΔSR -0.47±1.84 mm (p=0.046) but not in ΔIR -0.18±1.69 (p=0.381)&#x0D; Conclusion : The treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) with high dose intravenous corticosteroid is safe and effective in reducing extraocular muscle tissue thickness with minimal side effects.

Correlation of fitzpatrick skin type and iris color with tumor size in 823 patients with uveal melanoma

PurposeTo determine the correlation of Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) and iris color with tumor size (tumor thickness and basal diameter) in patients with uveal melanoma. DesignRetrospective Cohort MethodsRetrospective cohort from a single ocular oncology center of 823 patients with uveal melanoma and documented FST, iris color, and tumor size. Patients were classified by FST (type I, II, and III–V) and iris color (blue, green, and brown) on the basis of external facial photography. There were no FST type VI patients. Tumor thickness was classified into small [< 3 millimeter (mm)], medium (3.1–8.0 mm), or large (> 8.0 mm), and basal diameter into small (< 10 mm), medium (10.1–15 mm) or large (> 15 mm). The correlation of FST and iris color with tumor thickness and basal diameter was evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. ResultsThe FST classification was type I (n = 92, 11%), type II (n = 643, 78%), or III–V (n = 88, 11%), and iris color was blue (n = 472, 57%), green (n = 102, 12%), or brown (n = 249, 30%). A comparison of FST revealed differences in mean tumor thickness (P = 0.04) and basal diameter (P = 0.006). Iris color showed no difference for mean tumor thickness (P = 0.41) or basal diameter (P = 0.48). There was a statistically significant difference with brown iris color relative to FST III–V for mean tumor thickness (P = 0.003) and basal diameter (P = 0.001) but no difference with blue or green iris color (P > 0.05). ConclusionsIris color alone showed no difference in tumor size, but those with brown iris color and FST type III–V demonstrated larger tumor thickness and basal diameter.

Investigation of flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) and comparison with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease.

There is a high mortality rate in cyanotic patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) due to cardiovascular complications. The cardiovascular prognosis is negatively affected by endothelium dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness, and impaired vascular system. This study aimed to determine carotid intimal mean thickness (CIMT) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in a group of children with cyanotic CHD (CCHD). FMD and CIMT were evaluated for 45 children with CHKD and 38 patients who did not have CHKD over the period 2021 to 2022, as part of this case-control study. In terms of age and gender, the case group has been compared to controls. Men accounted for 61.3% of the participants, with a mean standard deviation age of 7.8 5.39 years. In subjects with CCHD, CIMT increased non-significantly and FMD decreased significantly, but systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in patients than in the healthy group. (P=0.003). FMD was reduced in children with CCHD, but in controls, systolic blood pressure and CIMT were lower. The risk of developing atherosclerosis in CCHD patients may be increased by an increase in CIMT and systolic blood pressure.

Evaluation of Bone Growth around Autotransplanted Teeth Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Images

IntroductionThe aim of this observational study was to evaluate bone growth at the recipient site of autotransplanted teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to compare it to the control tooth. MethodsBone growth was measured on CBCT images obtained from the anterior region of the maxilla, which received a single transplant of immature premolars due to early loss of the central incisor. The results were compared to the bone growth of contralateral central incisor that served as control. The sample consisted of 13 autotransplanted teeth and 13 control teeth. It was determined the thickness of the buccal bone of the marginal ridge, the thickness of the palatal bone of the marginal ridge, the height of the maxillary bone, and the thickness of the maxillary bone at its mid-height. The measurements were analyzed statistically, adopting a significance level of 5%. ResultsThe mean interval between the dental autotransplantation surgery and the CBCT scan was 16.2 years. The mean thickness of the buccal bone of the marginal ridge, thickness of the palatal bone of the marginal ridge, height of the maxillary bone, and thickness of the maxillary bone at its mid-height were, respectively, 0.85, 0.94, 19.6, and 8.85 mm for autotransplanted teeth and 0.79, 1.09, 18.88, and 8.5 mm for control teeth. There were no significant differences in the bone measurements between autotransplanted and control teeth (P > .05). ConclusionsThe growth of maxillary bone in the region that received the autotransplanted tooth was proportional to that of maxillary bone that supports the contralateral tooth. Thus, autogenous transplantation is efficient in maintaining the bone architecture at the recipient site.

Potential Structural Biomarkers in 3D Images Validated by the First Functional Biomarker for Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration - ALSTAR2 Baseline.

Lack of valid end points impedes developing therapeutic strategies for early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Delayed rod-mediated dark adaptation (RMDA) is the first functional biomarker for incident early AMD. The relationship between RMDA and the status of outer retinal bands on optical coherence tomography (OCT) have not been well defined. This study aims to characterize these relationships in early and intermediate AMD. Baseline data from 476 participants was assessed including eyes with early AMD (n=138), intermediate AMD (n=101), and normal aging (n=237). Participants underwent volume OCT imaging of the macula and rod intercept time (RIT) was measured. The ellipsoid zone (EZ) and interdigitation zone (IZ) on all OCT B-scans of the volumes were segmented. The area of detectable EZ and IZ, and mean thickness of IZ within the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid were computed and associations with RIT were assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficient and age adjusted. Delayed RMDA (longer RIT) was most strongly associated with less preserved IZ area (r=-0.591; P<0.001), followed by decreased IZ thickness (r=-0.434; P<0.001), and EZ area (r=-0.334; P<0.001). This correlation between RIT and IZ integrity was not apparent when considering normal eyes alone within 1.5 mm of the fovea. RMDA is correlated with the status of outer retinal bands in early and intermediate AMD eyes, particularly, the status of the IZ. This correlation is consistent with a previous analysis of only foveal B-scans and is biologically plausible given that retinoid availability, involving transfer at the interface attributed to the IZ, is rate-limiting for RMDA.

Effect of Sleeping Position on the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Individuals with Glaucoma.

To evaluate the effect of sleeping in the lateral decubitus position on the average thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in the peripapillary region of the optic nerve since the effect of posture on intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma progression is not yet sufficiently understood. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 40 volunteers who preferably slept in a right lateral decubitus (RLD) (RLD group N = 20) and left lateral decubitus (LLD) (LLD group N = 20) position. IOP was measured in both eyes, first in the sitting position and again after 10 minutes in a supine position, right lateral, and LLD, respectively. The mean thickness of the RNFL and the vertical papillary cup were measured by optical coherence tomography. The average age of the volunteers was 60.53 ± 7.26 years. There were 32 female and eight male. There was an increase in IOP with the change from the sitting position to the lateral decubitus of 2.7 and 3.6 mm Hg in the RLD group (p < 0.001) and an increase of 3.0 and 3.15 mm Hg in the LLD group (p < 0.001), right eye (RE) vs left eye (LE), respectively. However, there was no difference in IOP values between the groups. The average thickness of the RNFL was in the RLD group-75.10 vs 78.05 μm (p = 0.325) and in the LLD group-81.55 vs 79.95 μm (p = 0.580). Vertical papillary excavation was in the RLD group-0.70 vs 0.65 (p = 0.175) and in the LLD group-0.65 vs 0.65 (p = 1.000), RE vs LE, respectively. We found no relationship between the lateral decubitus position when adopted preferentially for sleeping and the reduction of the RNFL. Search for risk factors for the asymmetrical development of glaucoma, especially in well-controlled IOP in daytime measurements. Vaz RT, Montenegro AAL, Quintas Segundo ADS, et al. Effect of Sleeping Position on the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Individuals with Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2024;18(2):57-62.

Medial Patellar Plica Thickness as a Morphologic Predictor of the Medial Patellar Plica Syndrome.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between medial patellar plica (MPP) syndrome and the morphological features of the MPP, including length, width, and thickness, on knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). From 2018 to 2022, 167 patients diagnosed with isolated MPP syndrome based on both MRI and arthroscopic findings were included in the "study group" and 226 patients without knee pathology on both MRI and physical examination were included in the "control group." Finally, 393 patients (mean age, 38.9 ± 5.7 years) with 405 knee MRI examinations were included. Morphological MR features of MPP were assessed, including width, length, and thickness. Multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with MPP syndrome. The mean thickness of MPP was significantly higher in the study group than control group (2.3 ± 0.5 mm vs 1.0 ± 0.8 mm, P < 0.001). Moreover, on multivariate analysis, MPP thickness was the only significant factor associated with MPP syndrome (odds ratio, 6.452; 95% confidence interval, 0.816-15.073; P = 0.002). On receiver operating characteristic analysis, thickness ≥1.8 mm was estimated as the optimal cutoff for predicting MPP syndrome with sensitivity of 75.9%, specificity of 65.4%, and area under the curve of 0.727 (95% confidence interval, 0.667-0.788; P < 0.001). Measurement of MPP thickness on MRI could be a morphological predictor of MPP syndrome.

Microscopy of Woven and Nonwoven Face Covering Materials: Implications for Particle Filtration.

A suite of natural, synthetic, and mixed synthetic-natural woven fabrics, along with nonwoven filtration layers from a surgical mask and an N95 respirator, was examined using visible light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and micro-X-ray computed tomography (µXCT) to determine the fiber diameter distribution, fabric thickness, and the volume of solid space of the fabrics. Nonwoven materials exhibit a positively skewed distribution of fiber diameters with a mean value of ≈3 μm, whereas woven fabrics exhibit a normal distribution of diameters with mean values roughly five times larger (>15 μm). The mean thickness of the N95 filtration material is 1093 μm and is greater than that of the woven fabrics that span from 420 to 650 μm. A new procedure for measuring the thickness of flannel fabrics is proposed that accounts for raised fibers. µXCT allowed for a quantitative nondestructive approach to measure fabric porosity as well as the surface area/volume. Cotton flannel showed the largest mean isotropy of any fabric, though fiber order within the weave is poorly represented in the surface electron images. Surface fabric isotropy and surface area/volume ratios are proposed as useful microstructural quantities to consider for future particle filtration modeling efforts of woven materials.