Mean Width Research Articles

First Report of Rust Caused by Phakopsora nishidana on Creeping Fig, Ficus pumila, in South Africa.

Phakopsora nishidana has recently been reported as the causal organism of rust on edible fig, Ficus carica in South Africa (SA) (Boshoff et al. 2022). This contradicted reports by Doidge (1927, 1950) and Verwoerd (1929) who listed Cerotelium fici as the causal organism of the disease in SA. Similarities in urediniospore morphology and differing taxonomic interpretations most likely contributed to the use of both pathogen names as the causal agents for fig rust (Boshoff et al. 2022; Padamsee and McKenzie 2024). In January 2023 rust was commonly observed on nursery specimens of creeping fig, Ficus pumila, a popular evergreen and fast-growing garden plant in SA. Ficus pumila is native to southern China, Indochina, and eastern Asia but has been introduced to many countries worldwide (https://powo.science.kew.org/ accessed 20 March 2024). The F. pumila rust isolate collected in Somerset West (34°07'00.70"S, 18°52'41.75"E; Western Cape (WC) province) was identified using the sequenced 5.8S rRNA-ITS2-28S rRNA locus. When used in a BLAST analysis, this F. pumila isolate (GenBank accession number OR835538) shared the best homology with the Vermont P. nishidana isolate (34°24'33.37"S, 19°08'59.24"E) (MZ047090; e-value 0.0, 99.7% identity, 1400/1404 bp) reported on edible fig by Boshoff et al. (2022). Other P. nishidana isolates with excellent homology were KY764080 (e-value 0.0, 99.8% identity, 1012/1014 bp), KY764081 (e-value 0.0, 99% identity, 882/885 bp) and MF580676 (e-value 0.0, 99.3% identity, 981/988 bp). Accessions were used in a phylogenetic study that included four other rust samples collected from F. carica trees in Somerset West, WC (OR835534; 34°03'37.26"S, 18°51'02.18"E), Onrus River, WC (OR835535; 34°24'43.10"S, 19°09'57.99"E), Elgin, WC (OR835536; 34°14'31.37"S, 19°03'05.38"E), and Bloemfontein, Free State province (OR835537; 29°05'05.1"S 26°09'09.5"E). Reference sequences were as described in Boshoff et al. (2022). Despite limited variation, all six South African isolates, including the F. pumila isolate, grouped with the three P. nishidana reference isolates, but separate from the three P. myrtacearum isolates collected from eucalyptus trees (Maier et al. 2016). Uredinia on F. pumila leaves were mostly hypophyllous and surrounded by a halo of brown, necrotic tissue. On the upper leaf surface, the lesions appeared as small, dark leaf spots with infrequent sporulation. Urediniospores were echinulate, mostly obovoid or elliptical and their cell walls pale-yellow to yellowish-brown. The mean width and length of urediniospores were 16.7 x 21.3 µm. No telia were observed. Applying standard rust inoculation and incubation procedures (Boshoff et al. 2022), F. pumila plants inoculated with P. nishidana isolate PREM63073 produced sporulating uredinia on the abaxial surface of leaves. Likewise, inoculation of F. carica cv. Kadota leaves with the F. pumila isolate OR835538 yielded sporulating lesions containing urediniospores typical of P. nishidana, on the lower surface. Based on both the DNA sequence data and controlled infection studies, our study confirmed the host status of F. pumila for P. nishidana. The occurrence of rust on creeping fig plants in nurseries, the evergreen status of the creeper, and thus the potential to harbor the pathogen during winter, are likely to contribute to the spread of fig rust in SA.

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

Background 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 height and thickness of the thyroid cartilage were greater on the right side than on the left side (p<0.05). It was statistically observed that the width and thickness were greater on the left side than on the right side (p < 0.05). The data about the height, width and thickness of the thyroid cartilage, epiglottis and piriform sinus are essential during the laryngeal and other neck surgeries. They guide in the preoperative positioning, predicting the difficulty of intraoperative exposure and retractor pulling.

Reappraisal of the morphological and morphometric study of the psoas minor muscle with clinical and developmental insights: cadaveric study.

The Psoas Minor (PMi) is the most unstable muscle of the psoas group of the posterior abdominal muscle. This muscle has a fusiform shape and consists of a short fusiform belly continuing distally as a long tendon inserted on the pecten pubis and the iliopectineal arch. The present study was conducted to obtain more detailed information about the muscle and to expand knowledge about its morphology and morphometry. The posterior abdominal wall of 30 adult cadavers was dissected. Anatomical variabilities in origin, insertion, length, width, and muscle-to-cone ratio were measured when PMi was found. The data collected was interpreted descriptively. PMi was found in 12 cases, ten bilateral and two unilateral. The origin was constant in all cases and, except for three cases, extended into the iliac fascia and the iliopubic eminence. Morphometric analysis revealed that the average length of the proximal muscle belly and distal tendons was 4.52 ± 1.35 cm and 13.05 ± 0.90 cm, respectively. The mean width of the muscle belly was 1.71 ± 0.17 cm, and that of the tendon was 0.47 ± 0.10 cm. On average, the muscle belly occupied the proximal 33.71 ± 6.15% of the total musculotendinous unit. Findings confirm the inconsistency of PMi in the study population. Morphological variations became more evident as the tendon approached the insertion level. The muscle's distal attachment to the iliac fascia may partially control the position, mechanical stability of the underlying iliopsoas and this circumstantial function may be clinically related to iliopsoas inflammation and pathology. However, further studies recommended to determine biomechanical validity and clinical applicability of this vestigial muscle in human.

First Report of powdery mildew of Quercus guyavifolia (Fagaceae) Caused by Erysiphe quercicola.

Oaks are the most abundant trees in naturally regenerated forests in China, play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and maintaining ecological stability (Du et al. 2022). Quercus guyavifolia H. Léveillé (Fagaceae family, Subgenus Cerris, section Ilex), is endemic in China, distributed in the southeastern boundary of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with elevations from 2, 000 - 4, 500 m a.s.l. (Denk et al. 2018; Sun et al. 2016). Powdery mildew is a prevalent disease of oaks with up to 60% of foliage infection, which can induce leaf necrosis or deformation and might contribute to oak decline (Marçais and Desprez-Loustau 2014). In September 2023, we found leaves of Q. guyavifolia near Yunnan Baima Snow Mountain covered with white fungal colonies. Diseased Q. guyavifolia plants were transplanted into a greenhouse at Yunnan University for pathogenicity tests. Conidia from diseased plants were blown into twenty healthy Q. guyavifolia seedlings by cold air blower and five non-inoculated healthy seedlings were used as control. The inoculated seedlings developed powdery mildew symptoms within ten days on both sides of the leaves. Trypan blue staining was used to identify the pathogen that infects Q. guyavifolia (Xiao et al. 2017). Microscopic examination revealed abundant conidia and extensive branched hyphae on leaves, similar to the characteristics of powdery mildew fungi. The mean length and width of conidia were 29.06 ± 3.96 × 9.52 ± 1.36 μm (n = 50). We collected fungi (YNBAIMAXS01) and extracted genomic DNA from five diseased plants (from the same location) using the CTAB method. We amplified and sequenced the ITS (Gardes and Bruns, 1993), MS294, and MS447 (two nuclear protein-encoding genes; Feau et al. 2011; GenBank numbers: PP079015, PP083693, PP083694). BLAST analysis revealed 100% identity of above three sequences with the ITS of Erysiphe quercicola isolate DACA010 (GenBank accession MT569439), MS294 of E. quercicola isolate GEM09_11_FRTB1 (GenBank accession KY348509), and MS447 of E. quercicola isolate A1I1.5 (GenBank accession KY466619). Therefore, the isolate YNBAIMAXS01 was identified as E. quercicola based on its morphological and molecular characteristics. Sequences from the above three regions for YNBAIMAXS01 and five Erysiphe species were used to construct a Maximum likelihood (ML) tree. In addition, we constructed a ML tree using only the ITS region of YNBAIMAXS01 and eight Erysiphe species from GenBank to better distinguish E. quercicola from these species. Both trees were constructed using MEGA X with K2 + G as best model. The ML trees confirmed the powdery mildew fungi isolated from Q. guyavifolia is closely related to E. alphitoides. To date, thirty-four powdery mildew species belonging to genus Erysiphe have been found affecting Quercus and nine oak species can be infected by E. quercicola (https://fungi.ars.usda.gov/). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by E. quercicola on Q. guyavifolia, thus the development of control strategies and disease management is urgently needed.

A novel method of assessing intraoperative surgical margins in patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A specimen radiography system.

Background Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is one of the most challenging cutaneous cancers in surgical clinic practice. Excision with negative margins is essential for effective disease control. However, wide surgical margins and maximal tissue conservation are mutually exclusive. Mohs micrographic surgery conserves tissue but is time-consuming. Thus, we developed a novel specimen radiography system that can be used intraoperatively. Aims To introduce a specimen radiography system for evaluating intraoperative surgical margins in patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Methods Since September 2017, we have treated seven biopsy-proven cases of local DFSPs via local excision with surgical margins of 2-4 cm. During operations, the operative specimens were screened using the specimen radiography system. All surgical specimens were pathologically examined intraoperatively. Results Five patients were men and two were women, of median age 36 years. The mean radiographic screening time was 9.7 ± 2.3 min. Radiographically negative margins were confirmed intraoperatively. The minimal margin width ranged from 5.0 to 35.4 mm (mean width 16.9 ± 10.4 mm). The intraoperatively negative radiographic margins were consistent with those revealed by postoperative pathology. The minimal pathological margin width ranged from 4.0 to 34.5 mm (mean 16.6 ± 10.1 mm) and was not significantly different from the intraoperative data. Limitations The sample size was small and positive or negative predictive values were not calculated. Conclusions We introduce a novel method of intraoperative surgical margin assessment for DFSP patients. It may find broad clinical and research applications during oncoplastic surgery.

Instrumentation of hypoplastic pedicles with patient-specific guides.

Hypoplastic pedicles of the thoracolumbar spine (<5mm diameter) are often found in syndromic deformities of the spine and pose a challenge in pedicle screw instrumentation. 3D-printed patient-specific guides might help overcome anatomical difficulties when instrumenting pedicles with screws, thereby reducing the necessity for less effective fixation methods such as hooks or sublaminar wires. In this study, the surgical feasibility and clinical outcome of patients with hypoplastic pedicles following pedicle screw instrumentation with 3D-printed patient-specific guides were assessed. Hypoplastic pedicles were identified on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans in six patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery between 2017 and 2020. Based on these preoperative CT scans, patient-specific guides were produced to help with screw instrumentation of these thin pedicles. Postoperatively, pedicle-screw-related complications or revisions were analyzed. 93/105 (88.6%) pedicle screws placed with patient-specific guides were instrumented. 62/93 (66.7%) of these instrumented pedicles were defined as hypoplastic with a mean width of 3.07mm (SD  ±0.98mm, 95% CI [2.82-3.32]). Overall, 6 complications in the 62 hypoplastic pedicles (9.7%) were observed and included intraoperatively managed 4 cerebrospinal fluid leaks, 1 pneumothorax and 1 delayed revision due to 2 lumbar screws (2/62, 3.3%) impinging the L3 nerve root causing a painful radiculopathy. The mean follow-up time was 26.7 (SD  ±11.7) months. Complications were only noted when the pedicle-width-to-screw-diameter ratio measured less than 0.62. Patient-specific 3D-printed guides can aid in challenging instrumentation of hypoplastic pedicles in the thoracolumbar spine, especially if the pedicle-width-to-screw-diameter ratio is greater than 0.62.

Neural network fusion optimization for photovoltaic power forecasting

This paper aims to establish a comprehensive photovoltaic power generation prediction model. By collecting photovoltaic power generation data and weather data for a year, we analyzed the photovoltaic output characteristics in different seasons and found that the output characteristics in different seasons are also different. This article uses three neural network models, Long Short Term Memory Network, Recurrent Neural Network, and Dense Neural Network, to analyze the output characteristics of different seasons. Training, prediction, and prediction error analysis found that different models have different prediction accuracy in different seasons. Therefore, this paper proposes a weighted ensemble model add weights model based on the Nelder-Mead method to train and predict different seasons respectively. By analyzing the prediction error, the prediction accuracy needs to be better than a single model. We add noise to the data set to simulate unstable lighting conditions such as rainy days, and train and predict the data set after adding noise. The prediction results show that the comprehensive model has higher prediction accuracy than a single model in extreme weather. In order to verify the reliability of the model, this article uses a sliding window to extract the confidence interval of the prediction results, and uses the Bootstrap method to calculate the confidence interval. By analyzing and comparing each model’s Average Coverage, Root Mean Squared Length, and Mean Width, the prediction accuracy and reliability of add weights model are better than those of a single model.

An Analysis of Double Bass Vibrato

The purpose of this study was to investigate the rates, widths, and pitches of university double bass players’ vibrato in relation to pitch height, fingers used, and tempo. Forty ( N = 40) undergraduate and graduate double bass players performed excerpts in first, fourth, and thumb positions. The overall mean vibrato rate and width was 5.17 Hz and 19 cents. Analyses indicated that university double bassists employed faster vibrato rates and increased width as they performed in progressively higher registers. The third and fourth fingers vibrated the fastest, but the second finger produced the largest width. Musical examples played with a fast tempo were both faster and wider (5.35 Hz, 20 cents) than musical examples played with a slow tempo (4.94 Hz, 19 cents). Participants vibrated almost equally above and below the in-tune pitch—overall mean pitches of vibrated and non-vibrated tones varied by 1 cent. Music educators may use these results to create more consistent descriptions of double bass vibrato and, potentially, more efficient methods for teaching vibrato.

ShapeBoost: Boosting Human Shape Estimation with Part-Based Parameterization and Clothing-Preserving Augmentation

Accurate human shape recovery from a monocular RGB image is a challenging task because humans come in different shapes and sizes and wear different clothes. In this paper, we propose ShapeBoost, a new human shape recovery framework that achieves pixel-level alignment even for rare body shapes and high accuracy for people wearing different types of clothes. Unlike previous approaches that rely on the use of PCA-based shape coefficients, we adopt a new human shape parameterization that decomposes the human shape into bone lengths and the mean width of each part slice. This part-based parameterization technique achieves a balance between flexibility and validity using a semi-analytical shape reconstruction algorithm. Based on this new parameterization, a clothing-preserving data augmentation module is proposed to generate realistic images with diverse body shapes and accurate annotations. Experimental results show that our method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in diverse body shape situations as well as in varied clothing situations.

Evaluating the validity of recurring esthetic dental proportion in young adults

Objectives: An important aspect of cosmetic dentistry is developing a geometric or numerical proportion to associate the consecutive width of maxillary anterior teeth. New hypotheses in this area include the Golden proportion, golden percentage, and the recurrent esthetic dental (RED) proportion. This study used digital photos and computer analysis to examine the existing RED proportion associated with the widths of maxillary anterior teeth in people with permanent dentition. Material and Methods: Sixty young adults (28 males and 32 females) were photographed from the front. Digital measurements were taken of all maxillary anterior teeth. Results: To determine whether the RED proportion exists in the permanent dentition, the mean width proportion of the maxillary lateral incisor to central incisor and maxillary canine to lateral incisor was established. The average lateral incisor to central incisor width proportion of the right and left side was determined to be 70% and 71%, respectively. The average canine to lateral incisor width proportion was determined to be 80% and 78%, respectively. Conclusion: The maxillary anterior teeth’s consecutive widths did not exhibit RED proportions in the data that were examined. People’s anterior tooth proportions differ based on their race and ethnicity. Thus, the RED ratio is not the only standard for rebuilding aesthetically acceptable smiles globally.

A review and analysis of particle size parameters and their relationships to physical properties of growing media

AbstractAn expanded description of particle morphology and the analysis of its relationships with physical properties may help to optimize the selection of raw materials and particle size fractions used as growing media constituents. Previous works have described the outlines of these relations based mostly on sieving procedures to characterize particle size distribution. They have shown limited and sometimes contradictory results due to the different methods used, size fractions selected, and physical properties measured. Also, sieve analysis, which separates particles based on their width, is less accurate for non‐spherical particles, which is the case for most growing media constituents. Recent works have promoted the use of dynamic image analysis (DIA) to precisely analyze both particle length and width. Five raw materials were chosen (white and black peats, coir, pine bark, and wood fiber) and sieved to obtain various particle size fractions. For each particle size fraction and the raw materials, the mean weight diameter (MWD), derived from sieving, was calculated, whereas mean particle length and width were determined using a DIA tool, the QicPic device. Also, physical properties were assessed from water retention curves established using Hyprop systems. The statement that the larger the particle size, the higher the air‐filled porosity (AFP), the lower the water holding capacity (WHC) was more precisely redefined. Large variations in WHC and AFP mainly occurred for finest particle size fractions, whereas changes were conversely very small or non‐existent for larger particle sizes. From data obtained for each particle size fractions, regression models were established to relate mean particle length and width (both determined using DIA) and MWD (determined from sieving) with WHC and AFP. Mean particle length was identified as the most relevant parameter for predicting WHC and AFP of the raw materials tested.

Mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width in the prediction of treatment response in immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency: a multicenter study

Mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width in the prediction of treatment response in immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency: a multicenter study

Pterygoid Hamulus: Morphological Analysis and Clinical Implications.

The pterygoid hamulus (PH), as a small and curved projection of the sphenoid bone, occupies a unique position at the skull base. Given its functional relation with the surrounding anatomical structures, the study of this rather underrepresented structure in the literature assumes paramount importance. We examined a total of 87 pterygoid hamuli (50 right-sided and 37 left-sided) out of a sample of 114 dry skulls. We measured the length, width, and angle of each PH and the interpterygoid distance in skulls with both pterygoid hamuli intact, and we calculated the mean, maximum, and minimum values. Our statistical analysis revealed the mean length (0.9 cm), width (0.3 cm), and angle (47.8°) of the PH, as well as the mean interpterygoid distance (3.31 cm). We recorded the longest-ever documented PH (1.64 cm). The obtained length values were higher than those provided by radiological studies. We also investigated possible associations between anatomy and pathological conditions related to the PH morphology, including pterygoid hamular elongation syndrome, hamular fracture, middle ear disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Our study uses precise measurement techniques to detail the anatomy of the PH in dry skulls. This research can be a valuable resource for future studies, advancing our understanding of the PH's structure and its clinical significance.

Developing a nanomaterial-based 3D-printed platform: Application as a cancer aptasensor via detection of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90)

Overexpressed heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) has been proven as a new cancer biomarker, and its detection can be used as an auxiliary diagnosis. In this research, we designed an electrochemical aptasensor to detect this biomarker. Initially, a 3D-printed electrode was designed and produced while the electrode surface (made from a conductive carbon black/ polylactic acid (CB-PLA) filament) was improved by CO2 laser ablation. Then, the electrode surface was modified with graphene oxide (GO) and an array of frost-like gold nanocrystals (FGNCs); the results showed that the final surface covered with gold contained nano/microstructures with a mean width of ∼ 65 nm and a mean length of ∼ 509 nm. Also, a significant increase in the electrochemically active surface area was observed for modified surfaces with GO and FGNCs. Efficient immobilization of aptamer strands on the gold surface could complete the assembly of this aptasensing platform, which could detect analyte molecules in a linear range from 0.1 to 200 ng mL−1. The estimated limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were as low as 0.1 ng mL−1 and 0.23 ng mL−1, respectively. The performance of reproducibility (5 times), regeneration (5 times), and stability (7 days) were satisfactory (low relative standard deviation (RSD)). Also, this aptasensor showed adequate performance for selective and accurate analyte capturing in the presence of interfering agents and spiked analyte concentrations in serum samples.

Outcomes of complex abdominal wall reconstruction in patients with connective tissue disorders: a single center experience.

Individuals diagnosed with connective tissue disorders (CTD) are known to be predisposed to incisional hernia formation. However, there is a scarcity of data on outcomes for these patients undergoing hernia repair. We sought to describe our outcomes in performing abdominal wall reconstructions in these complex patients. Adult patients with CTD undergoing open, elective, posterior component separation with permanent synthetic mesh at our institution from January 2018 to October 2022 were queried from a prospectively collected database in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative. We evaluated 30-day wound morbidity, perioperative complications, long-term hernia recurrence, and patient-reported quality of life. Twelve patients were identified. Connective tissue disorders included Marfan's n = 7 (58.3%), Loeys-Dietz syndrome n = 2 (16.7%), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus n = 2 (16.7%), and Scleroderma n = 1 (8.3%). Prior incisions included three midline laparotomies and nine thoracoabdominal, mean hernia width measured 14cm, and 9 were recurrent hernias. Surgical site occurrences (SSOs) were observed in 25% of cases, and 16.7% necessitated procedural intervention. All twelve patients were available for long-term follow-up, with a mean of 34 (12-62) months. There were no instances of reoperation or mesh excision related to the TAR procedure. One patient developed a recurrence after having his mesh violated for repair of a new visceral aneurysm. Mean HerQLes scores at 1year were 70 and 89 at ≥ 2years; Mean scaled PROMIS scores were 30.7 at 1year and 36.3 at ≥ 2years. Ventral hernia repair with TAR is feasible in patients with connective tissue disorder and can be a suitable alternative in patients with large complex hernias.

Evaluating mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width as predictors of early-onset pre-eclampsia: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundPlatelets are pivotal players in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia, with observed lower counts in affected individuals compared to normotensive counterparts. Despite advancements, the elusive cause of pre-eclampsia persists, motivating intense global efforts to identify reliable predictors. The currently recommended predictors of pre-eclampsia are not readily available in many resource-limited regions like Nigeria. This cohort study explores the potential of mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) as predictive markers of early-onset pre-eclampsia. Both platelet indices are components of the full blood count, a widely available routine test in pregnancy.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 648 healthy pregnant women attending antenatal care at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and General Hospital Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, were recruited between 14-18weeks gestational age. Platelet count (PC), MPV and PDW were measured from their venous blood at recruitment. Participants were monitored until 34weeks of gestation, focusing on the occurrence of early-onset preeclampsia as the outcome of interest. Individuals with chronic medical conditions were excluded from the study. Data analysis involved t-test, Chi-Square and Mann–Whitney U tests, with statistical significance set at a confidence level of 95% and p < 0.05. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were determined using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.ResultsThe incidence of early-onset pre-eclampsia in the study was 5.9%. Women who later developed pre-eclampsia had higher median MPV and PDW at 14-18weeks (10.8 fl. and 24.8 fl.) compared to normotensive women (8.1 fl. and 13.3 fl.)(p < 0.001). The median PC was lower in pre-eclamptics (190 × 103/µl) compared to normotensives(264 × 103/µl)(p < 0.001). Using Youden’s test, cut-off values identified: PC < 211.5 × 103/µl, MPV > 9.4 fl., and PDW > 21.3 fl., predicted early-onset pre-eclampsia with 96.6% sensitivity and 65.6% specificity for PC; 79.3% sensitivity and 97.7% specificity for PDW; and 82.8% sensitivity and 96.1% specificity for MPV. Cut-offs of PC < 185 × 103/µl, MPV > 10.7 fl., and PDW > 28.3 fl., predicted severe early-onset pre-eclampsia with 100.0% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity for PC, 100.0% sensitivity and 99.4% specificity for MPV, and 100.0% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity for PDW, with corresponding area under the ROC curves of 0.983, 0.996, and 0.998, respectively.ConclusionThe evaluation of MPV and PDW between 14 and 18 weeks of gestation appears to be a reliable predictor of severe early-onset pre-eclampsia.

Tubridge flow diverter for the treatment of recurrent cerebral aneurysms

Background &amp; Objective: The Tubridge flow diverter is a commonly used device in China for reconstructing the parental artery and occluding complex intracranial aneurysms. However, there is limited experience with the device in treating recurrent intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Tubridge flow diverter in treating recurrent single- coiling aneurysms. Methods: The clinical records of patients with recurrent intracranial aneurysms who were treated with a Tubridge flow diverter were reviewed to show the therapeutic process, occlusion rate, and clinical outcomes associated with this treatment method. Results: Five patients with recurrent aneurysms of the internal carotid artery after singe coiling were included in the study. The recurrent aneurysmal sac had a mean length and width of 8.34/4.30 mm. All five Tubridge flow diverters were implanted without any unfold failure. The last angiographic follow-up showed a complete occlusion rate of 100%. Five branch arteries were covered, and only one branch artery disappeared during follow-up. No cases of cerebral infarction or intracranial hemorrhage were found among the patients. Conclusions: Our initial findings indicate that the Tubridge flow diverter could be a reliable and successful method for treating recurring single-coil aneurysms. We observed that the branch arteries were well-preserved, and no patients experienced cerebral infarction or hemorrhage. However, further research is necessary to establish clear indications and potential complications through a multicenter randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up.

Soft Tissue Stabilization of the Hinge Position for Lateral Closing-Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy: An Anatomic Study.

Soft tissue plays an important role in stabilizing the hinge point for osteotomy around the knee. However, insufficient data are available on the anatomic features of the soft tissue around the hinge position for lateral closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (LCWDFO). To (1) anatomically analyze the soft tissue around the hinge position for LCWDFO, (2) histologically analyze the soft tissue based on the anatomic analysis results, and (3) radiologically define the appropriate hinge point to prevent unstable hinge fracture based on the results of the anatomic and histological analyses. Descriptive laboratory study. In 20 cadaveric knees (age, 82.7 ± 7.8 years; range, 60-96 years), the soft tissue of the distal medial side of the femur was anatomically analyzed. The thicknesses of the periosteum and direct insertion of the adductor tendon (AT) were histologically examined and measured using an electron microscope. The thickness of the periosteum was visualized graphically, and the graph of the periosteum and radiograph of the knee were overlaid using image editing software. The appropriate hinge position was determined based on the periosteal thickness and attachment of the AT. The mean thickness of the periosteum of the metaphysis was 352.7 ± 58.6 µm (range, 213.6-503.4 µm). The overlaid graph and radiograph revealed that the thickness of the periosteum changed at the part corresponding to the transition between the diaphyseal and metaphyseal ends of the femur. The mean width of the AT attached to the distal medial femur from the adductor tubercle toward the distal direction was 7.9 ± 1.3 mm (range, 6.3-9.7 mm). Results indicated that the periosteum and AT support the hinge for LCWDFO within the area surrounded by the apex of the adductor tubercle and the upper border of the posterior part of the lateral femoral condyle. When the hinge point is located within the area surrounded by the apex of the adductor tubercle and the upper border of the posterior part of the lateral femoral condyle, these soft tissues work as stabilizers, and there is no risk of cutting into the joint space.

First Report of Meloidogyne enterolobii Infecting Yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) in China.

Yellow pitaya, Selenicereus megalanthus, is a night-blooming, climbing cacti of tropical origin, which has received increasing attention for its potential as a new exotic fruit crop (Lichtenzveig et al. 2000). The crop is grown extensively in Hainan Province, China (3000 ha). In October 2021, a survey was conducted on a farm located in Changjiang (19°21'4″N, 108°47'2″S), Hainan Province, China. Some yellow pitaya plants were found that were stunted and chlorotic, with abnormally thin stems (Fig. 1B), and no symptoms on healthy plants (Fig. 1A). Dead plants were also observed. Many galls and females with egg masses were observed on roots (Figs. 1C & 1D). This is typical of root-knot nematode (RKN) infections, and the incidence of infection was 36.7%. Meloidogyne sp. females and egg masses were dissected from roots of the infected plants. The perineal pattern of females (n= 5) was round to oval-shaped with a high dorsal arch (Figs. 1I & 1J). Second-stage juveniles (J2s) had truncated lips (Figs. 1E & 1F) and long-conical tails with bluntly rounded tips (Figs. 1G & 1H). The J2s body length (n= 24) averaged 416.79 μm (349.21 to 472.76 μm) with a mean width of 15.36 μm (12.47 to 17.52 μm); mean stylet length was 11.16 μm (10.10 to 13.23 μm); tail length averaged 53.73 μm (43.46 to 65.90 μm). The morphological characteristics matched the original description of M. enterolobii (Yang and Eisenback 1983). Males were not found. Genomic DNA was extracted from eight single J2s, and the mitochondrial (mtDNA) region between COII and 16S rRNA gene was amplified with primers C2F3/1108 (Powers and Harris 1993). A 652-bp DNA fragment was obtained, for which the sequence (GenBank accession no. OP122499) was 100% identical to the sequences of M. enterolobii isolates from China（MN269947）and the USA (MN809527). Furthermore, species identification was also confirmed using M. enterolobii specific primers Me-F/Me-R. An amplicon size of ∼230 bp was obtained, which is consistent with those previously reported for M. enterolobii (Fig. 2) (Long et al. 2006). Therefore, this population was identified as M. enterolobii based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Pathogenicity tests were performed in the greenhouse at 26℃ and 80% relative humidity with a 14-h/10-h light/dark photoperiod. Ten RKN-free S. megalanthus seedlings were transplanted into pots containing sterilized soil. After 3 weeks, the roots of 5 plants were inoculated with 3,000 eggs and J2s of M. enterolobii per plant. Five uninoculated plants were used as control plants. After 2 months, no galling or symptoms were observed on the control plants. All inoculated plants had galled roots similar to those observed in the field. Females and egg masses were obtained by dissecting galls. The nematode reproduction factor (RF= final population/initial population) was 1.9. Adult females (n= 5) dissected from inoculated plants were identified as M. enterolobii with sequence-specific primers Me-F/Me-R, thus confirming pathogenicity. The pathogenicity test was carried out twice with similar results. M. enterolobii is one of the most damaging species of RKN, due to its wide host range, high level of pathogenicity, and ability to develop and reproduce on several crops with resistance genes to other RKN (Castagnone-Sereno 2012). To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. megalanthus (yellow pitaya) as a host of M. enterolobii in China. Further studies are needed to develop and evaluate integrated management strategies.

Assessing impact of urban densification on outdoor microclimate and thermal comfort using ENVI-met simulations for Combined Spatial-Climatic Design (CSCD) approach

Future urban planning requires context-specific integration of spatial design and microclimate especially for tropical cities with extreme weather conditions. Thus, we propose a Combined Spatial-Climatic Design approach to assess impact of urban densification on annual outdoor thermal comfort performance employing ENVI-met simulations for Singapore. We first consider building bylaws and residential site guidelines to develop eight urban-density site options for a target population range. We further classify annual weather data into seven weather-types and use them as boundary conditions for the simulations. Comparing such fifty-six combined spatial-climatic simulation outputs by analyzing Outdoor Thermal Comfort Autonomy, we report the influence of site geometry is nominal on air temperatures but significant for Mean Radiant Temperatures and Physiological Equivalent Temperatures. Neighborhoods with taller (20 % increase in mean height) buildings and narrower footprints exhibit better thermal performance compared to short and wider (12–58 % decrease in mean width) buildings, due to less radiative heat gain during solar noon. For a high density tropical urban context, like Singapore with high sun angle and solar radiation, mutual shading and presence of wind enhances thermal comfort. Results provide useful and actionable recommendations on ideal building profile for heat responsive neighborhoods in low-latitude hot-humid cities similar to Singapore.