Total Length Measurements Research Articles

An efficacy and safety of nanofractional radiofrequency for the treatment of striae alba.

Striae distensae (SD) is a form of dermal scar. A number of treatments have been proposed, but they usually have unsatisfactory result especially in striae alba. Recently, nanofractional RF has been developed. Its mechanism of action is to stimulate dermal remodeling and epidermal re-epithelization. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanofractional RF in the treatment of striae alba. This is an experimental, assessor-blinded, before-after study. Thirty-three subjects, with striae alba on their thighs, abdomen, or buttocks (11 subjects each) were enrolled. Treatments with nanofractional RF were undergone for a total of three sessions at 4-week intervals. Clinical outcomes were assessed, by comparing pre- and post-treatment measurement of total lesional surface area (using digital Pictzar™ software), and length and width of lesions. Histopathological evaluation was also performed. At 4 weeks after the last treatment, the total surface area, and the width and the length of striae alba significantly decreased from the baseline (P < 0.001). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was reported in six subjects. Regarding histopathology, the average mean number of collagen and elastin bundles was significantly increased (P = 0.005 and 0.012, respectively). Nanofractional RF is highly effective with a good safety profile for the treatment of striae alba.

A Bayesian mixture model for missing data in marine mammal growth analysis.

Much of what is known about bottle nose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) anatomy and physiology is based on necropsies from stranding events. Measurements of total body length, total body mass, and age are used to estimate growth. It is more feasible to retrieve and transport smaller animals for total body mass measurement than larger animals, introducing a systematic bias in sampling. Adverse weather events, volunteer availability, and other unforeseen circumstances also contribute to incomplete measurement. We have developed a Bayesian mixture model to describe growth in detected stranded animals using data from both those that are fully measured and those not fully measured. Our approach uses a shared random effect to link the missingness mechanism (i.e. full/partial measurement) to distinct growth curves in the fully and partially measured populations, thereby enabling drawing of strength for estimation. We use simulation to compare our model to complete case analysis and two common multiple imputation methods according to model mean square error. Results indicate that our mixture model provides better fit both when the two populations are present and when they are not. The feasibility and utility of our new method is demonstrated by application to South Carolina strandings data.

Water temperature influences growth and gonad differentiation in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L. 1758)

The effect of rearing temperature on gonad differentiation and growth was evaluated in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). One control group (CG, n = 60) and two experimental groups (EG1, n = 30; EG2, n = 30) were selected. CG was reared at 15.0 °C during 10 days post-hatch (dph) and at 19.0 °C throughout the remaining larval and post-larval development. EG1 was exposed to 14.5 °C from 1 to 50 dph, followed by an increase to 20 °C until sampling (176 dph). EG2 was exposed to 14.5 °C from 1 to 37 dph, followed by an increase to 20 °C until sampling (226 dph); 30 fish from CG were randomly sampled at 176 dph (CG1, control for EG1) and 30 fish were sampled at 226 dph (CG2, control for EG2). Weight, total and fork length measurement, and gonad collection were performed. All biometric indices were higher in EG1 and EG2 than in CG1 and CG2, respectively. Histologic analysis reported 100% of undifferentiated gonads in CG1 and; EG1 reported 80% of undifferentiated gonads and 20% of gonads at early differentiation toward the male line. CG2 reported 34% of undifferentiated gonads, 10% of gonads at early differentiation toward the female line, 23% of gonads at early differentiation toward the male line, and 33% of gonads with intratesticular oocytes. EG2 reported 47% of gonads differentiated in testis, 33% gonads differentiated in ovary, and 20% of gonads with intratesticular oocytes. These results suggest that water temperature plays an important role in the process of gonad differentiation and growth of sea bass.

First record of spine malformation of the round stingray Urobatis halleri off the Western Coast of Baja California Sur, México

Malformations of the Round stingray Urobatis hallerii, Cooper 1863 captured off the southwestern coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico are reported in this study. The ray was an adult male captured by artisanal fishery in the area of Estero Banderitas. Size measurements of total length and disk width were taken; the organism could be photographed when captured. Malformations of U. hallerii were found in the posterior part of the spine, a distortion in the upper part of the tail and in the left fin close to the tail. The specimen was considered able to reach the adult size usually reported in other specimens of this species despite the spine malformations because of its benthic habits and not losing its mobility completely. The observed malformations were likely due to genetic alterations although other studies are needed to see if other environmental factors could cause malformations in marine organisms mainly in fish and elasmobranchs.

Use of the parallel lasers photogrammetric technique for the in situ estimation of length of the endangered diamond darter.

Length measurements are an integral part of age/length data used for fish population studies. For those species that are rare, threatened, or endangered, using a nonintrusive method to obtain measurements may be imperative in allowing for continued study of the organism. We used measurements from photographs, i.e., photogrammetric techniques, to obtain length measurements of the federally-listed Diamond Darter. We also evaluated the photogrammetric technique on two surrogate darter species, where total length (TL) and body length (BL) were obtained from direct and photogrammetric measurements. For photogrammetry, digital photographs from the dorsal view of each individual were taken using a waterproof camera paired with two parallel lasers. Photogrammetric measurements of TL and BL were conducted with ImageJ software. Agreement between direct and photogrammetric measurements was examined with concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs). Precision and accuracy of measurements were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the bias correction factor, respectively. The CCCs for TL and BL were similarly high for both surrogate species, indicating that the photogrammetric technique is an effective method for measuring benthic darter species.

Morphological observations, length-weight relationships, and condition factors of the Whipfin fish, Gerres filamentosus (Cuvier, 1829) in the Hurghada Red Sea, Egypt.

During the period from January 2010 to December 2010, the biometric studies of 669 (both sexes- 12:39 centimeters) the whipfin, silver biddy, Gerres filamentosus (Cuvier,1829) have been described to clarify the identity of the fish population in the Hurghada Red Sea, Egypt. The straight lines of the regression equations of twenty one morphometric measurements relative to the total length or the head length indicate the linear relationships of the different body parts. Significant curvilinear relationship existed between total length and other morphometric characters and between head length and other characters of the head. Relationships between total length and various body measurements of the fish were highly significant (p < 0.01) except the relationship between total length and 2nd spine dorsal fin length of fish (p < 0.05). The Meristic characters including the number of fin rays, lateral line scales and gill rakers were found to be more or less similar except slight differences. The length-weight relationships respect to the total or the gutted weight were also investigated. It is obvious that, the value of the exponent (n=2.9475) indicates the negative allometric growth of this species. The values of condition factors (kc) in the total length body-weight relationships for female , male and combined sexes were found to be 1.49 , 1.47 and 1.51, respectively. The mean values of relative condition factors (kn) were 1.03 , 0.97 and 1.00 for female , male and combined sexes, respectively. However, relative condition factor (Kn) of Gerres filamentosus computed for July was 1.116 ± 0.24 and for January was .934 ± 0.012, which suggest the specimens were healthy and in good condition due to spawning cycle or other physiological activities or environmental factors. In searching of new potential aquaculture marine species, Gerres filamentosus may play role for enhancement of fish production as well as upliftment of socioeconomic condition in Egypt.

In situ growth rates of deep-water octocorals determined from 3D photogrammetric reconstructions

Growth rates of deep-water corals provide important information on the recovery potential of these ecosystems, for example from fisheries-induced impacts. Here, we present in situ growth dynamics that are currently largely unknown for deep-water octocorals, calculated by applying a non-destructive method. Videos of a boulder harbouring multiple colonies of Paragorgia arborea and Primnoa resedaeformis in the Northeast Channel Coral Conservation Area at the entrance to the Gulf of Maine at 863 m depth were collected in 2006, 2010 and 2014. Photogrammetric reconstructions of the boulder and the fauna yielded georeferenced 3D models for all sampling years. Repeated measurements of total length and cross-sectional area of the same colonies allowed the observation of growth dynamics. Growth rates of total length of Paragorgia arborea decreased over time with higher rates between 2006 and 2010 than between 2010 and 2014, while growth rates of cross-sectional area remained comparatively constant. A general trend of decreasing growth rates of total length with size of the coral colony was documented. While no growth was observed for the largest colony (165 cm in length) between 2010 and 2014, a colony 50–65 cm in length grew 3.7 cm yr−1 between 2006 and 2010. Minimum growth rates of 1.6–2.7 cm yr−1 were estimated for two recruits (<23 cm in 2014) of Primnoa resedaeformis. We successfully extracted biologically meaningful data from photogrammetric models and present the first in situ growth rates for these coral species in the Northwest Atlantic.

Accuracy of radiographic estimation of small bowel dimensions in pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome

BackgroundThe decision to perform autologous intestinal lengthening in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) depends on total bowel length and the diameter and length of dilated segments. This study evaluated the accuracy of radiologic measurements of intestinal length and diameter. MethodsPatients who underwent an intestinal lengthening procedure with preoperative upper gastrointestinal study (UGI) were identified from 10/2012 through 1/2015. Measurements of total length and diameters and lengths of dilated segments on UGI were compared to intraoperative measurements using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots. ResultsFourteen patients underwent 15 lengthening procedures. Median age was 3.6years. Most common causes of SBS were complicated gastroschisis (43%) and small bowel atresia (36%). Intra-operative bowel lengths prior to performing lengthening procedures ranged from 21 to 170cm. The median measurements of radiographic and operative measurements (respectively) were total bowel lengths 77cm and 69cm (r=0.93, p<0.0001), maximum diameters 7.7cm and 7cm (r=0.86, p=0.001), and lengths of dilated segments 13cm and 14cm (r=0.41, p=0.36). ConclusionsThe correlation between UGI and operative measurements suggests that prediction of total bowel length and maximum diameter of dilation is accurate and can assist with operative planning.

Screening for drought tolerance of maize hybrids by multi-scale analysis of root and shoot traits at the seedling stage.

We studied the drought response of eight commercial hybrid maize lines with contrasting drought sensitivity together with the reference inbred line B73 using a non-invasive platform for root and shoot phenotyping and a kinematics approach to quantify cell level responses in the leaf. Drought treatments strongly reduced leaf growth parameters including projected leaf area, elongation rate, final length and width of the fourth and fifth leaf. Physiological measurements including water use efficiency, chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthesis were also significantly affected. By performing a kinematic analysis, we show that leaf growth reduction in response to drought is mainly due to a decrease in cell division rate, whereas a marked reduction in cell expansion rate is compensated by increased duration of cell expansion. Detailed analysis of root growth in rhizotrons under drought conditions revealed a strong reduction in total root length as well as rooting depth and width. This was reflected by corresponding decreases in fresh and dry weight of the root system. We show that phenotypic differences between lines differing in geographic origin (African vs. European) and in drought tolerance under field conditions can already be identified at the seedling stage by measurements of total root length and shoot dry weight of the plants. Moreover, we propose a list of candidate traits that could potentially serve as traits for future screening strategies.

Evaluating Length: The Use of Low-dose Biplanar Radiography (EOS) and Tantalum Bead Implantation.

Low-dose biplanar radiography (EOS) is an appealing imaging modality for use in children given its low radiation and ease of use. The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of EOS compared with CT scanogram for measurement of leg length and to assess interrater and intrarater reliability of measured interbead distances for EOS and CT scanogram after insertion of tantalum beads into lamb femurs. Tantalum beads (0.8 mm) were inserted into the cortex on both the medial and lateral sides of 10 skeletally immature lamb femurs. CT scanogram and EOS imaging were obtained. Measurements of total length and distance between bead pairs were recorded on anteroposterior and lateral views by 2 orthopaedic surgeons on 2 separate occasions. Pearson correlations were performed for statistical comparisons. EOS measurements showed near-perfect correlation to those of CT scanogram (r>0.96, P<0.001). Intrarater reliability was excellent for all measurements with EOS (r>0.98, P<0.001) and CT scanogram (r>0.99, P<0.001) as was interrater reliability for EOS (r>0.98, P<0.001) and CT scanogram (r>0.99, P<0.001). EOS is comparable with CT scanogram in the assessment of limb length and the distance between 2 radiopaque markers. Reliability was excellent for all measurements. The combination of EOS imaging and tantalum bead implantation may be an effective way to evaluate physeal growth following procedures such as epiphysiodesis and physeal bar resection. Level II—diagnostic

A New Record for the Maximum Length of the American Alligator

Abstract. An unusually large Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator) was harvested in Alabama in 2014. We report on the animal's length and mass, and document the techniques used to obtain those measurements. We compare our measurements to other extreme lengths and weights reported for the species. We show that the size of the American Alligator is consistent with known allometric relationships of head length, total length, snout—vent length, tail girth, and weight. The specimen's straight-line total length of 450.0 cm (14 ft 9.25 in) makes it the longest officially measured American Alligator for Alabama and arguably the longest credible record for the species. We recommend using standardized techniques, particularly the straight-line total-length measurement, for documenting record-length or near-record-length American Alligators.

Ossification Pattern of Estuarine Dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) Forelimbs, from the Coast of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

The estuarine dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, is one of the most abundant cetacean species in Brazil. Determination of age and of aspects associated with the development of this species is significant new studies. Counts of growth layer groups in dentin are used to estimate age of these animals, though other ways to evaluate development are also adopted, like the measurement of total length (TL). This study presents a procedure to evaluate the development of the estuarine dolphin based on the ossification pattern of forelimbs. Thirty-seven estuarine dolphins found in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, were examined. Age was estimated, TL was measured and ossification of epiphyses was examined by radiography. We analyzed results using the Spearman correlation. Inspection of radiographs allowed evaluation of the significance of the correlation between age and development of the proximal (r = 0.9109) and distal (r = 0.9092) radial epiphyses, and of the distal ulnar epiphyses (r = 0.9055). Radiographic analysis of forelimbs proved to be an appropriate method to evaluate physical maturity, and may be a helpful tool to estimate age of these animals in ecological and population studies.

Prenatal ultrasound charts of orbital total axial length measurement (TAL): a valuable data for correct fetal eye malformation assessment.

To construct prenatal age-specific reference intervals using ultrasound measurement of total axial length (TAL) in normal fetuses for assessing microphthalmia. Prospective cross-sectional study of fetuses assessed at a prenatal ultrasound unit between 2011 and 2014. The study cohort comprised 309 pregnant women attending for routine fetal biometry, viability, or anomaly scan between 14 and 41 weeks of gestation. Only singleton viable fetus with normal anatomy, adequate amniotic fluid, accurate gestational age, and no maternal medical complications of pregnancy were enrolled. Biometric measurements were obtained in the axial plane in all the fetuses. Those measurements and the relevant gestational age were registered in a computerized database. A linear growth function was observed between gestational age and bi-orbital diameter (r(2) = 0.95; p < 0.001), ln (TAL) (r2 = 0.89; p < 0.001), OD (r(2) = 0.86; p < 0.001), and IOD (r2 = 0.79; p < 0.001). Tables showing the 5th, 50th, and 95th centiles of orbital parameters were created based on the reference interval charts. Ultrasound measurement of the fetal TAL ocular distance is feasible. This may assist the multidisciplinary team in the evaluation of fetal eye abnormalities that might be expressed by deviation in TAL.

THE MASS SEED PRODUCTION OF GOLDEN TREVALLY FISH (Gnathanodon Speciosus Forsskal) WITH DIFFERENT FEED

ABSTRACT Golden trevally fish is a prospective commodity that can be cultured and contains high economic value. The purpose of this study was to determine the best type of food for golden trevally fish growth. The larval rearing were conducted using concrete tanks with 6 m3 of volume. Three different food were used as treatments, i.e: (a) pellet micro, (b) small shrimp, and (c) trash fish. The start of experiment for larvae were reared for 30 days old. The stocking density of larvae was reared at 10 pc/l. Sampling of larvae were conducted every 7 days to measure of survival rate (SR), total length (TL) and body weight (BW). The larvae were reared with flowthrow system. At 70 days old, larvae were harvested and graded. The results showed that there was no significantly different among treatments (P&gt;0.05) for survival rate, but the growth was significantly difference among treatments (P&lt;0.05). The survival rate (SR) treated with trash fish was 5.38±1.20%, small shrimp 4.05±1.10%, and micro pellet 4.01 ± 1.20%. The total length and weight treated with trash fish were 5.40 ± 0.80 cm and 53±0,50 mg, respectively, while treaded with small shrimp were 4.80 ± 0.20 cm and 61±0.30 mg, and micro pellet were 4.54±0.56 cm and 48±0.40 mg, respectively. Keywords: seed, food type, growth, survival, golden trevally fish.

CYTOTAXONOMY OF TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM L. COLLECTED FROM JHARKHAND AND UTTAR PRADESH

Karyotypic studies on four species of Trigonella L. were performed in the present study. All the varieties were recorded with a diploid number of chromosome i.e. 2n=16, (n=8). The study also includes measurement of total chromatin length as well as the comparison of chromosome morphology between species. Idiograms have been prepared on the basis of arm ratio.

Sexual dimorphism and developmental patterns in the external morphology of the vaquita, Phocoena sinus

AbstractA total of 56 vaquitas (Phocoena sinus) were examined to evaluate their sexual dimorphism and isometric and/or allometric growth in 35 external characteristics. Absolute and relative (to total length) measurements and growth rates were compared between sexually immature and mature females and males. T‐tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA) were used to evaluate sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism in the vaquita was detected in the total length, head region (from blowhole to tip of upper jaw), anterior section of the body (from dorsal fin to tip of upper jaw), dorsal fin and the genital and anal regions. Fluke width is relatively larger in mature males than immature males, but in females this relative metric does not change during their development. In addition, males present a higher dorsal fin. These somatic changes are probably related to the swimming capacity (speed, agility, maneuvering) during the breeding season and/or foraging activities. A linear model of growth was used to determine possible proportional changes with respect to total body length through the development of 33 external characteristics. The anterior region of the body and the flippers were relatively larger in immature individuals than in mature ones.

Evaluation of a low-cost, non-invasive survey technique to assess the relative abundance, diversity and behaviour of sharks on Sudanese reefs (Southern Red Sea)

A low-cost and non-invasive survey technique focused on pelagic sharks was evaluated during an ecotourism cruise on two Sudanese reefs, Angarosh and Sha'ab Rumi, in the Southern Red Sea. The research technology was based on a set of small, underwater video recording cameras and a pair of laser pointers. Video footage provided insight into shark biodiversity on the two reefs, detecting five species, Alopias vulpinus, Sphyrna lewini, Triaenodon obesus, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos and Galeocerdo cuvier, during 15.8 h of video recording. These recordings also provided preliminary information on aggregations of S. lewini. The laser pointers were used to measure the size of sharks, providing seven total length (TL) measurements for S. lewini (N = 2) and C. amblyrhynchos (N = 5), confirming the possibility of easily obtaining size parameters using this tool. These low-cost and user-friendly instruments provide ecotourism divers with an opportunity to become involved in marine research projects.

Morphological observation and length-weight relationship of critically endangered riverine catfish Rita rita (Hamilton).

The experiment was conducted to investigate the morphological status of the critically endangered riverine catfish Rita rita using morphometric and meristic traits. About 158 species of Rita were collected from the old Brahmaputra river in Mymensingh district and were studied in the laboratory of the Fisheries Biology and Genetics Department, Bangladesh Agricultural University. Measurement of length and weight of Rita were recorded by using measuring scale and electric balance respectively. Significant curvilinear relationship existed between total length and other morphometric characters and between head length and other characters of the head. Relationships between total length and various body measurements of the fish were highly significant (p < 0.01) except the relationship between total length and pelvic fin length of male fish (p < 0.05). In case of meristic characters-dorsal fin rays, pelvic fin rays, pectoral fin rays, anal fin rays, caudal fin rays, number of vertebrae and branchiostegal rays were found to be more or less similar except slight differences. The values of condition factors (k) in the total length body-weight relationships for female and male were found to be 0.41 and 0.38, respectively. The mean values of relative condition factors (kn) were 1.0 and 1.005 for female and male, respectively.

Bounding hyperbolic and spherical coefficients of Maass forms

On développe une nouvelle méthode pour majorer les coefficients de Fourier hyperboliques et sphériques des formes de Maass définies par rapport à des réseaux uniformes généraux.

Reconstruction of Length of Humerus from its Fragments and its Medicolegal Importance

Objective : In Medicolegal cases, the skeletal remains presented to Anatomists and Forensic experts are often fragmentary and asked to pronounce an opinion in order to establish a possible identity. For this reason the present study is undertaken on the samples of vidarbha region of Maharashtra with the object to estimate the length of the humerus from its various fragments and then the stature can be estimated by using the multiplication factor. Material&Method : The material consists of 167 adult human humeri from dissection hall cadavers of Govt. Medical College, Nagpur. Measurements of total length of humerus and its various fragments were taken on the osteometric board. In order to compare the measurements the humerus was divided in to four segments: A-B, A-C, C-E and D- E. The Range, Mean, S.D. , percentile length, co-efficient of correlation and Regression equations for each segments were calculated. With the help of regression equation, the length of humerus was estimated. Results : The co-efficient of correlation obtained for all the segments is statistically significant. The total length of humerus calculated from segment I (A-B) and segment IV (D-E) by regression equations showed an average error of 1.5 cms. and from segment II (A-C) and segment III (C-E) showed an error less than 1 cm. Conclusion : The Regression formulae can be used to estimate the length of humerus from its segments. The accuracy of regression equations of each segment in calculating the length of humerus in this region is very high.