Mean Total Area Research Articles

Study on the Impact of Spatiotemporal Changes in the Ecological Environment on Grain Crops in the Subtropical Monsoon Climate Zone

Global warming and land-use type shifting lead to the degradation of natural habitats. The research on the ecological and environmental impact of the subtropical monsoon climate zone on food crop cultivation is not systematic enough. An Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST)–Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS)–Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model was created to provide a comprehensive assessment of the spatiotemporal variations for food crop habitat quality (HQ) in China’s subtropical monsoon climate zone from 2010 to 2030. The HQ degradation trend was obvious during 2010–2030 under the influence of land-use change. The expansion of lower habitat areas was larger than that of medium and higher habitat areas. The shared socio-economic pathways SSP-CP and SSP-EP increased the mean total area of suitable areas compared with the SSP-ND scenario for food crops by 9% and 17.8%, respectively. Land-use shifts increased the suitable range of food crops and mitigated the negative impacts of urban expansion on food growth. This research has theoretical guidance for land-use planning for food crop production in subtropical monsoon climate zones.

Soil Loss Estimation and Community Awareness Assessment on Integrated Watershed Management: The Case of Lake Hashenge Watershed, Tigray, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is recognized as one of the most severely affected regions by soil erosion globally, posing significant threats to its national economy. This study investigates soil loss estimation and community awareness within the framework of integrated watershed management in the Lake Hashenge watershed, Tigray, Ethiopia. The mean annual rainfall and total drainage area of Lake Hashenge watershed is 988.7 mm and 129km2 respectively. Utilizing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, we quantified soil erosion rates and identified critical areas prone to severe soil loss. Our findings indicate significant soil degradation, exacerbated by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The estimated soil loss yield entering Lake Hashenge in the form of sheet and rill erosion was 61.94 tons/ha/year. According to the universal soil loss factsheet, the soil loss estimated in the watershed was categorized as severe, indicating that the lake is in danger. Concurrently, we assessed community awareness and participation in soil conservation practices through surveys and interviews with a multidisciplinary team of researchers. The results reveal a moderate level of awareness and engagement, highlighting the need for enhanced educational and participatory approaches to foster sustainable watershed management. This research underscores the importance of integrating scientific soil loss assessments with community-based integrated watershed management strategies to mitigate soil erosion, protect the lake from sedimentation, and promote environmental sustainability in the region.

A Disturbing Emerging Trend of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Burns in Northern Ghana: A Case Series

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of it, there was a surge in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS). This was because the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommended it as an essential commodity for hand hygiene and the reduction of infection transmission. However, alcohol is flammable and has the potential to cause burns if ignited. There are few reports of ABHS-related burns in literature. We aim to report 8 cases of ABHS burns in Northern Ghana and sound a clarion call to stakeholders on a disturbing emerging trend. Case Presentation: About 62.5% of the victims were children and 75% were female with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3. The mean age of victims was 13.25 years while the mean total burn surface area was 29.8%. All victims in this study sustained their injuries because of an attempt by either them or their collaborators to use ABHS as fuel to light a fire for domestic purposes. Most of the burns sustained were second-degree (75%). The case fatality rate of ABHS burns was 25%. Conclusion: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer, though effective for hand hygiene, is flammable and can cause burns when used injudiciously. ABHS burn is an emerging public health problem. There is a need for public education to curb this emerging trend and forestall future incidents. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) should consider the addition of warning labels for flammability on the containers and instruction manuals of sanitizers.

Effects of attentional focus on quiet standing balance control in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain

Despite the widespread research about the effects of attentional focus on balance control in different populations, to the best of our knowledge, no study has yet investigated the effects of attentional focus instructions on balance control in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Therefore, this study was aimed to compare the effects of internal focus (IF) and external focus (EF) of attention on quiet standing balance control between individuals with CLBP and healthy controls. Twenty individuals with CLBP and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this quasi-experimental study. The participants were asked to stand still with eyes open and eyes closed while performing three tasks: baseline standing with no focus instructions, internally focusing on their feet, and externally focusing on two markers were placed on the force platform. Statistical analyses showed a significant main effect of group for mean total velocity (p = 0.02), area (p = 0.01), and displacement in mediolateral (ML) direction (p = 0.003). Moreover, a significant main effect of vision was observed for mean total velocity (p < 0.001), area (p < 0.001), and displacement in anteroposterior (AP) (p < 0.001) and ML directions (p < 0.001). Also, the results revealed a significant main effect of attentional focus for mean total velocity (p < 0.001), area (p < 0.001), and displacement in AP (p < 0.001) and ML directions (p = 0.01). Our results showed that in both healthy controls and individuals with CLBP, EF led to improve quiet standing balance control compared to IF and control conditions. From a clinical perspective, it may be useful for physical therapists to consider the use of instruction cues that direct performer's attention away from the body for improving quiet standing balance control in individuals with CLBP.

Age-related decline in thickness and surface area in the cortical surface and hippocampus: lifespan trajectories and decade-by-decade analyses.

Previous studies on age-related changes in cortical and hippocampal morphology were not designed or able to reveal the complex spatial patterns of changes across the lifespan. To this end, the current study examined these changes in a decade-by-decade manner by comparing consecutive age decades at the vertex-wise level. Additionally, the lifespan trajectories of cortical/hippocampal mean thickness and total surface area were modeled and plotted out to provide an overview of their age-related changes. Using two lifespan datasets (Ntotal = 1378; 18 ≤ age ≤ 100), vertex-wise thickness and surface area measurements were extracted from the cortical and unfolded hippocampal surfaces and analyzed using whole-brain/hippocampus vertex-wise analyses. Lifespan trajectories of cortical/hippocampal mean thickness and total surface area were modeled with generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape. These models revealed fairly linear declines in both cortical measures and inverted U-shaped trajectories for both hippocampal measures. Across the different age decades, the sizes and locations of cortical thinning clusters were highly variable across the age decades. No significant clusters of cortical surface area changes were observed across the age decades. Significant clusters of hippocampal surface area and thickness reduction were not observed until the 70s. Generally, the agreement between datasets on the hippocampal findings was much higher than those of the cortical surface. These findings revealed important nuances in the age-related changes of cortical and hippocampal morphology and cautioned against using lifespan trajectories to infer decade-by-decade changes in the cortical surface and the hippocampus.

Corneal Epithelial Cell Density Is Reduced in Young Adults With Conjunctival Ultraviolet Autofluorescence.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure on the corneal microstructure using conjunctival UV autofluorescence (CUVAF) as a marker of exposure. Young healthy adults aged 18 to 35 years were recruited. Participant's demographics and sun exposure behavior were recorded using questionnaires. Images of the bulbar conjunctiva from the right eye were captured and analyzed for the CUVAF area. Corneal microstructure was assessed by in vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The presence of palisades of Vogt in all 4 limbal quadrants was recorded. CUVAF was observed in 31 of 52 eyes (60%), with a mean (±SD) nasal, temporal, and total CUVAF area of 5.39 ± 4.16 mm 2 , 4.29 ± 4.27 mm 2 , and 9.67 ± 7.01 mm 2 , respectively. Individuals with CUVAF were significantly more likely to report undertaking moderate-intensity to high-intensity outdoor exercise ( P = 0.021). Individuals with CUVAF were less likely to have visible nasal and temporal palisades of Vogt ( P = 0.011). Corneal basal cell densities anterior to the nerve whorl ( P < 0.001) and nasally ( P = 0.005) were lower in individuals with CUVAF. Wing cell density anterior to the nerve whorl was lower in individuals with CUVAF ( P = 0.011). No significant changes in the central and limbal corneal epithelial thickness were observed. Significant reductions in corneal epithelial cell density were observed in individuals with CUVAF, a biomarker of chronic UV exposure. This observation suggests that chronic UV exposure is damaging to the corneal microstructure.

Uveoscleral Outflow Routes after MicroPulse Laser Therapy for Refractory Glaucoma: An Optical Coherence Tomography Study of the Sclera.

To analyze in vivo scleral changes induced by MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy (MP-TLT) in refractory glaucoma using anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Forty-two candidate patients for MP-TLT were consecutively enrolled and underwent AS-OCT at baseline and after six months. MP-TLT success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction by one-third. The main outcome measures were the mean superior (S-), inferior (I-), and total (T-) intra-scleral hypo-reflective space area (MISHA: mm2) and scleral reflectivity (S-SR, I-SR, T-SR; arbitrary scale) as in vivo biomarkers of uveoscleral aqueous humor (AH) outflow. The IOP was the secondary outcome. The relations between the baseline-to-six months differences (D) of DS-MISHA, DI-MISHA, and DT-MISHA and DS-SR, DI-SR, DT-SR, and DIOP, were investigated. At 6 months, the median IOP reduction was 21% in the failures and 38% in the successes. The baseline S-MISHA, I-MISHA, and T-MISHA did not differ between the groups, while S-SR and T-SR were higher in the successes (p < 0.05). At six months, successful and failed MP-TLTs showed a 50% increase in S-MISHA (p < 0.001; p = 0.037), whereas I-SR and T-SR reduced only in the successes (p = 0.002; p = 0.001). When comparing DS-MISHA, DI-MISHA, and DT-MISHA and DS-SR, DI-SR, and DT-SR, there were no significant differences between the groups. In the successful procedures, DIOP was positively correlated with DT-MISHA and DI-MISHA (ρ = 0.438 and ρ = 0.490; p < 0.05). MP-TLT produced potentially advantageous modifications of the sclera in refractory glaucoma. Given the partial correlation between these modifications and post-treatment IOP reduction, our study confirmed that the activation of the uveoscleral AH outflow route could significantly contribute to the IOP lowering after MP-TLT.

Evaluation of the horizontal approach to the medial malleolar facet in sagittal talar fractures through dorsiflexion and plantarflexion positions.

Talar fractures often require osteotomy during surgery to achieve reduction and screw fixation of the fractured fragments due to limited visualization and operating space of the talar articular surface. The objective of this study was to evaluate the horizontal approach to the medial malleolus facet by maximizing exposure through dorsiflexion and plantarflexion positions. In dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and functional foot positions, we respectively obtained the anterior and posterior edge lines of the projection of the medial malleolus on the medial malleolar facet. The talar model from Mimics was imported into Geomagic software for image refinement. Then Solidworks software was used to segment the medial surface of the talus and extend the edge lines from the three positions to project them onto the "semicircular" base for 2D projection. The exposed area in different positions, the percentage of total area it represents, and the anatomic location of the insertion point at the groove between the anteroposternal protrusions of the medial malleolus were calculated. The mean total area of the "semicircular" region on the medial malleolus surface of the talus was 542.10 ± 80.05 mm2. In the functional position, the exposed mean area of the medial malleolar facet around the medial malleolus both anteriorly and posteriorly was 141.22 ± 24.34 mm2, 167.58 ± 22.36mm2, respectively. In dorsiflexion, the mean area of the posterior aspect of the medial malleolar facet was 366.28 ± 48.12 mm2. In plantarflexion, the mean of the anterior aspect of the medial malleolar facet was 222.70 ± 35.32 mm2. The mean overlap area of unexposed area in both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was 23.32 ± 5.94 mm2. The mean percentage of the increased exposure area in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion were 36.71 ± 3.25% and 15.13 ± 2.83%. The mean distance from the insertion point to the top of the talar dome was 10.69 ± 1.24 mm, to the medial malleolus facet border of the talar trochlea was 5.61 ± 0.96 mm, and to the tuberosity of the posterior tibiotalar portion of the deltoid ligament complex was 4.53 ± 0.64 mm. Within the 3D model, we measured the exposed area of the medial malleolus facet in different positions and the anatomic location of the insertion point at the medial malleolus groove. When the foot is in plantarflexion or dorsiflexion, a sufficiently large area and operating space can be exposed during surgery. The data regarding the exposed visualization area and virtual screws need to be combined with clinical experience for safer reduction and fixation of fracture fragments. Further validation of its intraoperative feasibility will require additional clinical research.

Most Patients Older Than 40 Years of Age Who Underwent Meniscal Root Repair Presented With an Effusion, a Positive McMurray Test, and a Positive Hyperflexion Test

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the presenting symptoms and clinical exam findings of patients undergoing meniscal root repairs to aid physicians in diagnosing this injury. MethodsAll patients undergoing isolated arthroscopic meniscal root repair from 1/1/2016-9/1/2021 were identified. Patients under the age of 40 years were excluded. Clinical notes were reviewed for presenting symptoms and physical exam findings. Pre-operative radiographs were graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale for osteoarthritis. Root tears were graded using the radiographic criteria of Chung et al. and articular cartilage injury was graded using a validated system, AMADEUS (mean total Area Measurement And Depth & Underlying Structures). Results221 patients met inclusion criteria. 65.6% of patients reported that their pain began following an acute injury, with 39.4% of patients reporting a “pop”. On exam, an effusion was present in 71% of knees. McMurray test was reported positive in 85.5% and a positive hyperflexion test in 53.8% of knees. 49.5% of knees were graded KL 1. 154 had medial root tears, 10 had lateral root tears, and 24 suffered both root tears. 44.1% of tears occurred at the midsubstance of the root, with 28.0% occurring at the enthesis and 28.0% occurring at the root-posterior horn junction. The mean AMADEUS score was 94.4 ± 11.4. ConclusionWhile a majority of patients reported pain began following acute injury, less than half reported hearing a “pop”. When evaluating patients, an effusion, positive McMurray test, and positive hyperflexion test was present in the majority of meniscal root tears. Level of EvidenceLevel IV Diagnostic case series

Forced Degradation Products of Olmesartan Medoxomil and their In Vitro Genotoxicity Assessment by Comet Assay using HEK Cells

AbstractThis study designed to characterize major forced degradation products of Olmesartan Medoxomil (OM) and to perform genotoxicity profiling using acid, base, and hydrogen peroxide‐induced stress degradation studies. The isolation of degradation products was conducted on flash chromatography using FlashPure ECOFLEX C18 4 g column with gradient elution and diode array detection‐based fraction collection, and characterized by mass spectrometry. Three impurities (impurity‐1, 2, and 3) were identified with respective m/z values of 447.213, 461.229, and 463.208. The genotoxic potential of impurities was assessed by in silico prediction, and in vitro comet assay using HEK cells. The extent of DNA damage was analyzed using Comet Assay IV imaging software. For impurity‐1, head and tail lengths and their respective total intensities were significantly (p&lt;0.001) larger than those of dimethyl sulfoxide (solvent) control and comparable to positive control. Other parameters such as mean grey level and total area of comet were statistically significant as compared with the solvent and positive controls. Overall, impurity‐1 was a possible genotoxic impurity and a known major degradation product in OM tablet dosage form. In silico prediction also revealed impurity‐1 as toxicity class 3, whilst impurities 2 and 3 were of toxicity class 4.

The Relationship Between Choroidal Abnormalities and Visual Outcomes in Pediatric Patients With NF1-Associated Optic Pathway Gliomas.

Choroidal abnormalities (CAs) visualized on near-infrared reflectance (NIR) imaging are a new diagnostic criterion for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), but the association between the presence of CAs and visual function remains unknown. This study evaluated the relationship between visual acuity (VA) with the presence, number, or total area of CAs visualized by NIR in children with NF1-associated optic pathway gliomas (NF1-OPGs). Patients (<18 years) enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study of children with NF1-associated OPGs from 3 institutions were eligible if they had optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macula (Heidelberg Spectralis) with ≥1 year of follow-up. The central 30° NIR images were reviewed by 2 neuro-ophthalmologists who manually calculated the number and total area of CAs. VA (logMAR) was measured using a standardized protocol. Cross-sectional associations of presence, number, and total area of CAs with VA, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL), and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness were evaluated at the first and most recent visits using regression models. Intereye correlation was accounted for using generalized estimating equations. Eighty-two eyes of 41 children (56% female) were included. The mean ± SD age at the first OCT was 10.1 ± 3.3 years, with a mean follow-up of 20.4 ± 7.2 months. At study entry, CAs were present in 46% of eyes with a mean number of 2.1 ± 1.7 and a mean total area of 2.0 ± 1.7 mm 2 per eye. At the most recent follow-up, CAs were present in 48% of eyes with a mean number of 2.2 ± 1.8 lesions and a mean total area of 2.3 ± 2.1 mm 2 per eye. Neither VA nor OCT parameters at first and follow-up visits were associated with the presence, number, or total area of CAs (all P > 0.05). CAs are prevalent but not ubiquitous, in children with NF1-OPGs. Although CAs are a diagnostic criterion for NF1, their presence and size do not appear to be associated with visual function.

Real‐World Experience of Secukinumab Treatment in Patients with Moderate‐to‐Severe Plaque Psoriasis in Greece: 3‐Year Interim Results of the SERENA Study

SERENA is an ongoing European noninterventional longitudinal study evaluating retention, effectiveness, safety, and quality of life (QoL) in secukinumab‐treated patients with active moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Herein, 3‐year interim results among patients with psoriasis enrolled in Greece are presented. Consented adults receiving secukinumab according to the approved label for ≥16 weeks were included. Of 292 patients enrolled, 290 eligible patients (mean age 48.4 years, 71.7% male) were analyzed. At treatment initiation, 65.9% of patients were biologic‐naïve and mean total Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score was 29.0. At enrolment, mean treatment duration was approximately 1.0 year. The treatment retention rate at 1/2/3 years after enrolment was 94.4/87.3/85.9%; main reasons for discontinuation were lack of effectiveness and adverse events (AEs) (43.6% and 28.2% of discontinuations, respectively). At enrolment, the mean PASI score was 4.0, 61.3% of patients had PASI ≤ 3, 71.7% had Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) score 0/1, 59.5% had Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score 0/1, while the mean EuroQoL Visual Analogue Scale (EQ‐VAS) score was 82.0. At 1/2/3 years postenrolment, the mean PASI score was 1.9/1.6/1.0, 86.6/89.4/90.0% had PASI ≤ 3, 89.5/94.8/97.5% had PGA 0/1, 71.1/75.9/81.8% had DLQI 0/1, and mean EQ‐VAS score was 85.7/90.0/92.0. Of enrolled patients, 7.2% experienced secukinumab‐related AEs, while special interest AEs (candida infections, malignancy, and major adverse cardiovascular events) were reported in ≤2 patients, each. These results demonstrate high secukinumab persistence in the Greek population up to three years after study enrolment, accompanied by sustained improvements in both clinical and QoL parameters and a favorable safety profile.

Drug susceptibility, Prevalence and effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on wound healing of burn patients.

To determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility and effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in relation to burn patients. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan, from March 2018 to May 2021, and comprised pus swab cultures were isolated from inpatients with 2nd and 3rd degree burns aged up to 60 years at Bolan Medical Complex Hospital and Sandeman Provinical Hospital, the two main government tertiary care hospitals in Quetta. The samples were immediately cultured, and evaluated using biochemical tests, antibiotic susceptibility and molecular identification using polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 720 burn wound samples, 424(58.9%) were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa; 304(42%) males and 120(16%) females (p<0.02). The overall mean age of the patients was 27.7±6.2 years (range: 1-60 years). The mean total burn surface area was not significantly different in positive 29.6±6.2% and negative 30.3±6.2% cases (p>0.05). The time leading to skin grafts in positive patients was 29.5±6.5 days compared to 22.3±6.3 days for negative patients (p< 0.007), and the time required for wound healing was 25.0±4.7 days and 16.7±5.2 days, respectively (p<0.001). Length of hospital stay of Pseudomonas aeruginosa positive patients was 38.0±7.8 days compared to 32.1±6.8 days for negative patients (p<0.001). Nosocomial infections and multidrug resistance species were observed frequently at the burn wound site. P. aeruginosa.

Minimally Anterior Medial Maxillary Approach (MAMMA): a novel technique for a wide access to the maxillary sinus.

To describe a novel endoscopic technique to approach the maxillary sinus (MS), the Modified Anterior Medial Maxillary Approach (MAMMA), preserving the inferior turbinate (IT) and the nasolacrimal duct (NLD). To perform radiological measurements and describe a case series to study the feasibility and limits of MAMMA. Computed tomography (CT) scans (n = 150 nasal cavities) were used to calculate areas of the MAMMA to define surgical limits and extensions. Measurement of distances to critical anatomy landmarks and total area for the MAMMA were calculated. An instructional case illustrating the surgical technique and outcome was also included. Radiological analysis showed a mean distance from the Piriform Aperture (PA) to the anterior limit of the NLD of 1.03 ± 0.18cm (range 0.59-1.48) and a mean distance from de PA to the posterior limit of the NLD of 1.57 ± 0.22cm (range 1.02-2.11). The mean distance from the nasal floor to the Hasner's valve was 1.61 ± 0.27cm (range 1.06-2.52) and the distance from the nasal floor to the insertion of the IT was 2.20 ± 0.36cm (range 1.70-3.69). Finally, the mean total area for the MAMMA was 4.04 ± 0.52 cm2 (range 3.17-5.53). No complications or recurrence of the pathology were observed in operated patients. The MAMMA provides a wide surgical field of the MS walls comparable to more aggressive techniques, with preservation of the sinonasal and lacrimal function. MAMMA is an effective alternative to treat different MS pathologies including benign recurrent maxillary sinus tumors.

3D flame surface measurements in low-turbulence Bunsen flames via scanning and orthogonal cross-planar techniques

Quasi-instantaneous 3D flame surfaces were reconstructed in a turbulent Bunsen flame via a laser scanning technique based on an acoustic-optic-deflector (AOD). Instantaneous flame surface areas were reconstructed from a series of flame contours at different vertical planes via droplet Mie scattering with a Nd:YLF high-frequency laser at 527 nm. Mean total flame surface areas 〈A〉 were estimated and compared with estimated area demands based on total mass flow rates of fuel/air mixture divided by density and unstrained laminar flame speed, m˙/(ρusL). Flame surface density (FSD, both 2D and 3D) and flame surface curvatures were also measured and compared with those acquired using 3D cross-planar methods at particular locations. Differences of up to 67% were measured at a given location in the flame brush, with 3D FSD values generally higher than corresponding 2D measurements. The present measurements are the first comparisons of FSD and 3D curvatures comparing scanning and orthogonal cross-planar techniques allowed the measurement of 2D flame contours on two orthogonal planes, leading to improved accuracy in the determination of principal curvatures in 3D flame surfaces. Novelty and significance statementTurbulent Bunsen flame surfaces were reconstructed by a high frequency scanning technique. Values of the 3D flame surface area were for the first time measured and compared to the required area for burning the total incoming mass flow rate. Values of local 3D FSD were measured via the scanning technique and for the first time compared to corresponding measurements using cross-planar technique. True 3D principal curvatures of flame surfaces were measured by combining scanning and cross-planar techniques to provide a sufficient accuracy.

Multiple Honey Harvesting Strategy - migratory Beekeeping in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, India

Commercial beekeeping in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry depends on Indian bee, Apis cerana indica. The State had occupied first position in honey production in the country until 1990’s. In commercial beekeeping, migration has assumed really important dimensions. Our results demonstrated that total brood area reached the highest area of 1286.86 cm2 at January II at Puducherry site and lowest brood area at May II (527.38 cm2) at Chidambaram sites. Similarly, a significant difference was noticed in the mean total brood area, pollen area and queen prolificacy between the different migratory sites. Pollen area (cm2) was 155.22±7.88 to 272.56±9.61 cm2. The largest fortnightly mean pollen area was in February I (272.56±9.61 cm2) at Puducherry site, while the lowest was in June II (165.46±7.30 cm2) Chidambaram site. Egg laying area peaked in January II (297.81±4.75 cm2) at Puducherry site and rapidly declining through February, March, and April to reach its lowest point in May II (122.05±4.26 cm2) at Chidambaram site. In contrast, a non-significant difference was observed in nectar area and honey yield at different migratory sites (P&gt;0.05). Current findings add to our understanding the honey yield was high in all the migratory sites without any differences by the way multiple honey harvest was possible in migratory beekeeping practices.

Evaluation of the inner retinal layers following traditional and modified ILM peeling surgery using automatic CMDS quantification algorithm

AbstractIdiopathic macular hole (IMH) is a vitreoretinal disease that causes severe visual impairment, and the pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP) is the traditional treatment for IMH. Since the dissociated optical nerve fiber layer (DONFL) is observed in the eyes after the surgery, a modified surgery is put forward to minimize the injury. However, the extent to which the modified surgery reduced damage is not clear. A novel automated image processing system was developed in this study to quantify the damage after the surgery, revealing how the modified surgery reduced the DONFL. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and visual acuity were collected from 65 eyes that underwent a vitrectomy with traditional and modified ILM peeling procedure at Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital preoperatively. We found that DONFL occurred in all 65 eyes of both the traditional and modified ILM peeling groups. The concentric macular dark spots (CMDS) were automatically measured by the image processing system. The mean total area of CMDS was smaller in the modified ILM peeling group (0.224 ± 0.110 mm2) than that of the traditional ILM peeling group (0.385 ± 0.237 mm2), and there is a significant difference between the two groups (p &lt; .05). The morphological difference in the temporal quadrant of CMDS between the two surgery technology groups was significant (p &lt; .001). This study will provide a clinical research basis for the improvement of macular hole surgery.

Poster 284: Investigating the Frequency and Extent of Articular Cartilage Injury Following Patellar Dislocation: A Comparison of Recurrent vs. First-Time Dislocations

Objectives: In cases of patellar dislocation, surgical intervention is typically reserved for patients with recurrent instability, unless a chondral or osteochondral fragment is identified following the initial dislocation. There is concern that multiple dislocation events may result in a higher incidence of articular cartilage injury. The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of articular cartilage damage in patients with a single patellar dislocation to those with multiple patellar dislocations, and secondarily to compare the location and severity of chondral injury between the groups. Methods: Patients diagnosed with patellar dislocation were retrospectively identified by ICD-9 &amp; ICD-10 codes from 2017-2021. Inclusion criteria were patients with a documented history of patellar dislocation with an MRI of the affected knee available for review. Patients with articular cartilage injury prior to dislocation event were excluded. Medical records were reviewed to determine the number of previous patellar dislocations. Articular cartilage injury was graded using a validated system, AMADEUS (mean total Area Measurement And DEpth &amp; Underlying Structures, a scale from 0 to 100; 100 = no injury). Parametric continuous data was calculated by performing t tests. Nonparametric continuous data was calculated by performing Mann-Whitney tests. Chi-Square or Fisher’s Exact tests were used to calculate p values for categorical data. Results: After chart and imaging review, 233 patients were included: 117 with a primary dislocation and 116 with recurrent dislocations. Fifty-one (43.6%) of the primary dislocations and 68 (58.6%) of the recurrent dislocations were found to have articular cartilage injuries (p=0.068). When comparing the primary and recurrent groups, there was no difference in age, BMI, race, or laterality, but the recurrent group contained a significantly larger proportion of females (46.2% vs. 65.5%, P=0.004). There was no difference in lesion size, subchondral bone defect, presence of bone edema, or total AMADEUS score between groups (p=0.231). Subgroup analysis revealed that when cartilage damage is present, patients from the primary group had significantly more full-thickness lesions (p&lt;0.001) and lower AMADEUS scores (p=0.016). The primary group had an increased proportion of medial facet and lateral femoral condyle lesions (p=0.026). Conclusions: There is a high percentage of cartilage injury in patients with a history of primary and recurrent patellar instability, with 43.6% and 58.6% of patients respectively, showing articular cartilage injury on MRI. Chondral injury primarily affected the medial and lateral patellar facets, and the lateral femoral condyle in both the primary and recurrent dislocation groups. However, the primary group demonstrated an increased number of full thickness lesions and subchondral bone defects. There was no difference in lesion size, presence of bone edema, or total AMADEUS score between the primary and recurrent groups. [Table: see text][Table: see text]

Quantitative Determination of Surface Morphology of Red Blood Cell

In this study, the determination of the surface morphology of red blood cell (RBC) from interferogram image obtained by quantitative phase imaging (QPI) method is presented. QPI, is an optical measurement method frequently used in recent years, allows to obtain quantitative data for different samples (cell, thin film surface, etc.). Many measurement setups at the micrometer level and with nanometer precision have been designed for quantitative surface determination. Among these, white light diffraction phase microscopy (WDPM) is a design that combines the advantages of off-axis holography-specific speed and phase sensitivity associated with common path interferometry. Interferogram image of RBCs have been formed by the WDPM setup. Analysis of this image has been carried out by Fourier transform. As a result of this analysis, three-dimensional (3D), dynamic (observable from all angles) and height-known profiles of RBCs have been created. From the height profiles, the parameters related to the morphology of RBCs as the projected surface area (PSA), diameter (D), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and total surface area occupied by the cell (SA), have been determined quantitatively. In addition, two-dimensional images, obtained by examining blood samples with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), have been compared with the data achieved by WDPM. The advantages and disadvantages of WDPM and light microscopy and SEM, which are commonly used in biomedical measurements, are discussed through the results. In this way, it was possible to see the difference between QPI and traditional methods used to imaging the cell surface.

539 Contact Burns Associated with Concomitant use of Methamphetamines and Heat Stroke, Resulting in Neurological Sequela

Abstract Introduction On a summer day in the desert southwest, ground surfaces can soar to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, posing significant risk to individuals who sustain contact with such surfaces, particularly if unable to get up. These individuals are also at risk for heat stroke. This summer, an increased number of patients admitted with contact burns were positive for methamphetamine and concomitant heat stroke. The purpose of this case series is to describe the hospital course and outcomes of this subset of patients. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients admitted between June and September 2022 was completed. Criteria for inclusion included contact burn, initial core body temperature &amp;gt; 38.8°C, and a methamphetamine positive drug screen. Outcome measures included length of stay, discharge disposition, number of operations, admission Glasgow Coma Score, neurology work-up and sequela. Results A total of 23 patients were admitted who suffered contact burns and tested positive for methamphetamine. Ten of those patients had core body temperatures greater than 38.8°C upon initial evaluation. The mean age was 36.6 years (24-62), with an average temperature of 42.3°C (40.5-43.1°. All 10 were found down in the community with altered mental status, the average Glasgow Coma Scale was 5.9 (3- 12). CT scans were done on 9, all were negative for acute intracranial abnormalities. Neurology was consulted for 3 patients with 2 having EEGs performed, both displayed slowing and attenuation secondary to hyperthermia. Ten of these patients were concurrently positive for fentanyl. The mean total burn surface area burned was 9.6% (4-17.5%), The average number of operations was 4.1/patient (1-11). Of the 8 patients discharged the average LOS was 30 days (10-61), 2 patients remain hospitalized in the ICU with a current LOS of 61-71 days. Of the 8 patients discharged, all required post-acute care with only 1 meeting rehabilitation criteria. Conclusions Elevated temperatures in the Southwestern United States have been known to cause an increase in surface-related contact burns during the summer months. Historically, the at-risk patient population has been elderly individuals prone to falls with limited physical ability to get up. This summer highlighted a new phenomenon of younger individuals suffering both contact burns and heat stroke secondary to the combination of methamphetamine use and elevated summer temperatures. This patient population suffered significant morbidity, and none were able to be discharged home. This case series highlights the dangers posed by ambiently heated surfaces during the summer months, particularly in combination with illicit drug use. Applicability of Research to Practice This case series, demonstrates the increased risk of sequela associated with burn patients who have comorbid substance abuse disorder.