Median Width Research Articles

CO(J = 1 – 0) Observations toward the Filamentary Cloud in the Galactic Region of 153.°60 ≤ l ≤ 156.°50 and 1.°85 ≤ b ≤ 3.°50

We present observations of the J = 1 – 0 transition lines of 12CO, 13CO, and C18O toward the Galactic region of 153.°60 ≤ l ≤ 156.°50 and 1.°85 ≤ b ≤ 3.°50, using the Purple Mountain Observatory 13.7 m millimeter telescope. Based on the 13CO data, one main filament and five subfilaments are found together as a network structure in the velocity interval of [−42.5, −30.0] km s−1. The kinematic distance of this molecular cloud is estimated to be ∼4.5 kpc. The median length, width, excitation temperature, and line mass of these filaments are ∼49 pc, ∼2.9 pc, ∼8.9 K, and ∼39 M ⊙ pc−1, respectively. The velocity structures along these filaments exhibit oscillatory patterns, which are likely caused by the fragmentation or accretion process along these filaments. The maximum accretion rate is estimated to be ∼700 M ⊙ pc−1. A total of ∼162 13CO clumps and ∼103 young stellar objects are identified in this region. Most of the clumps are in gravitationally bound states. Three H ii regions (G154.359+2.606, SH2-211, and SH2-212) are found to be located in the apexes of the filaments. Intense star-forming activity is found along the entire filamentary cloud. The observed results may help us to better understand the link between filaments and massive star formation.

Size spectra, biomass, and trophic groups of free‐living marine nematodes along a water‐depth gradient in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico

AbstractWater depth can affect the size spectra (SS) and biomass of free‐living nematodes, but these relationships are largely unknown for the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Here, we examined the SS and biomass of meiofaunal nematode assemblages at 27 sites along a water‐depth gradient from 44 to 3466 m in the Perdido belt, northwestern GoM. Nematodes were identified to species level, measured (length and width), and assigned to shape morphotypes and trophic groups. Nematode SS were defined by a median length of 951 μm (range: 223–4289 μm) and a median width of 33 μm (range: 12–109 μm). SS revealed a dominant long/slender morphotype (e.g., Paramicrolaimus sp., Filoncholaimus sp., and Ledovitia sp.), better adapted to the very fine sediments of the deep sea, whereas stout/short nematodes (mostly Desmoscolex sp., Greeffiella sp., and Quadricoma sp.) were less abundant. Water‐depth gradient significantly influenced mean individual (IB) and total biomasses likely because reduced availability of organic carbon with depth. The two deepest sites had particularly high mean IB suggesting local sources of organic carbon in the abyssal region related to the Perdido belt oil field. The most abundant trophic group was microbial feeder sucker (56%), followed by microbial feeder scraper (23%), and predator ingester (20%). The mean IB of predator nematodes was significantly larger than that of nematode preys. However, the logarithm of ratio IBpredator/IBprey was rather low (0.34) and in agreement with the empiric consumer‐resource body‐size relationship calculated for marine invertebrates. Our study provides novel insights about the structure of benthic nematode assemblages in the western Gulf of Mexico across a wide depth gradient.

Body Weight Distribution and Body Sway in Healthy Female Adults Aged between 51 and 60 Years in Germany—Standard Values

Background: In order to determine possible pathological deviations in body weight distribution and body sway, it is helpful to have reference values for comparison: gender and age are two main influencing factors. For this reason, it was the aim of the present study to present reference values for women between 51 and 60 years of age. Methods: For this study, 101 subjectively healthy female Germans aged between 51 and 60 years (55.16 ± 2.89 years) volunteered and were required to stand in a habitual posture on a pressure measuring platform. Results: The average BMI of this age group was 25.02 ± 4.55 kg/m². The left and right foot showed an almost evenly balanced load distribution with a median load of 52.33% on the left foot [tolerance interval (TR) 38.00%/68.03%; confidence interval (CI) 51.00%/53.33%] and 47.67% on the right foot [TR 31.97%/62.00%; CI 46.67%/49.00%]. The measured median load of the forefoot was 33.33% [TR 21.37%/54.60%; CI 30.67%/36.00%] and that of the rear foot was 66.67% [TR 45.50%/78.63%; CI 64.00%/69.33%]. The median body sway in the frontal plane was 11 mm [TR 5.70 mm/26.30 mm; CI 10.00 mm/11.67 mm] and that of the sagittal plane was 16 mm [TR 7.37 mm/34.32 mm; CI 14.67 mm/18.67 mm]. The median ellipse area was 1.17 cm² [TR 0.29 cm²/4.96 cm²; CI 0.98 cm²/1.35 cm²], the median ellipse width was 0.91 cm [TR 0.42 cm/1.9 cm; CI 0.84 cm/1.02 cm] and its height was 0.40 cm [TR 0.22 cm/0.89 cm; CI 0.38 cm/0.43 cm]. Conclusions: The left-to-right ratio is almost balanced. The load distribution of the forefoot to the rear foot is approximately 1:2. The median body sway values for the frontal and sagittal planes (11 and 16 mm, respectively) agree with other values. The values for the height, body weight and the BMI are comparable to the values of average German women at this age; therefore, the measured values show a presentable cross section of women in the 51–60 age group in Germany. The present data can be used as a basis for women aged 51–60 years and can support the detection of possible dysfunctions as well as injury prevention in the parameters of postural control.

Minimal Detectable Width of Tooth Fractures Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Method to Measure

IntroductionVertical root fracture (VRF) in root canal–treated (RCT) teeth is a common cause of pain, bone resorption, and tooth loss. VRF is also difficult to diagnose and measure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to identify VRF due to beneficial partial volume averaging, without using ionizing radiation. This investigation aimed to describe the narrowest VRFs detectable based on MRI, using micro-computed tomography (microCT) as the reference standard and proposes a method using profile integrals to measure the widths of small VRFs. MethodsVRFs were induced in 62 RCT tooth root samples. All samples were imaged in a phantom using MRI and reference imaging was obtained using microCT. The stacks of 3-dimensional axial MRIs were assessed by 3 board-certified endodontists. Evaluators determined the most coronal slice within the stack that was discernible as the extent of the VRF. This slice was measured on correlated microCT sections to determine the minimum VRF width (μm) detectable using a profile integral-based method to measure small fractures and negate the effects of the point spread function. ResultsUsing profile integrals to measure VRF width was repeatable and resulted in estimates that were on average 1 μm smaller than known reference widths. Adjusted median VRF width detected using MRI was 45 μm (first quartile: 26 μm, third quartile: 64 μm). ConclusionUsing profile integrals is a valid way to estimate small VRF width. The MRI approach demonstrated ability to repeatedly detect VRFs as small as 26 μm.

Correlation of radiomorphometric indices of the mandible and mandibular angle fractures

This study assessed the correlation of radiomorphometric indices of the mandible and mandibular angle fractures (MAFs) in an Iranian population. This retrospective study was conducted on 3D computed tomography (CT) scans of 118 patients between 18 to 60 years. The images were divided into two groups with MAFs and other types of mandibular fractures (non-MAF). The gonial angle, ramus height, condylar neck width, minimum ramus width, and mandibular length were all measured using MARCO PACS software. Age, gender, and presence and eruption status of third molar at the fracture side were all recorded. The correlation between these parameters and MAF was analyzed using R software (alpha = 0.05). Of all patients, 41 samples had MAF. The two groups were not significantly different regarding the mean age and gender (P > 0.05). The mean size of gonial angle and ramus height in the MAF group were significantly larger, and smaller than the corresponding values in the non-MAF group, respectively (P < 0.001). The median minimum ramus width in the MAF group was significantly smaller than that in the non-MAF group (P = 0.001). Patients with a large gonial angle had 6.6 times higher odds of MAF compared with other fracture types (P = 0.046). Condylar neck width, mandibular length, and erupted third molars had no significant correlation with type of fracture. Presence of impacted third molar increased the odds of MAF by 5.55 times.Patients with a large gonial angle, short ramus height, minimum ramus width, and impacted third molar are more susceptible to MAF. Surgeons can use these indices to predict the risk of MAF in trauma patients with such facial characteristics, and make a diagnosis by radiographic modalities.

Static and Dynamic Ultrasound Evaluation of the Median Nerve Morphopathology in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis.

Objective:The current study included a total of 10 patients, both males and females, who gave their consent to participate in the study and underwent clinical and ultrasound examinations. All patients had a history of carpal tunnel symptoms like tingling, numbness, nocturnal paraesthesia and weakness of the hand (loss of pinch and grip strength) for more than 12 months. Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the morphopathology of the median nerve in clinically diagnosed carpal tunnel thought static and dynamic ultrasound assessment. Material and methods: The present study included a small group of 10 patients aged over 18, both males and females, who had a history of carpal tunnel symptoms for over 12 months and a positive Tinel's and reverse Phalen's tests during clinical examination. Ultrasound was performed by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon with musculoskeletal ultrasound training. Ultrasound evaluation was made using a standardized method and included transverse and longitudinal static examination and dynamic examination of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Side-to-side evaluation was performed and differences of more than 10 mm width in the median nerve have been recorded, which was considered to be a positive test for carpal tunnel syndrome. Furthermore, the major advantage of the dynamic evaluation brought by performing the palmar hand and finger flexion test, while investigating the movement trajectory of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, provides superior imagistic documentation of this pathology. Results:Dynamic evaluation of the median nerve has shown a decreased mobility of the nerve in the carpal tunnel on the side that also had an increased area value of the median nerve width. If in the asymptomatic hand at the time of dynamic evaluation, the median nerve would suddenly slide under the flexor tendons; therefore, we noted results only of a slight translational movement of the nerve in the carpal tunnel on the affected side. A side-to-side difference in the median nerve area, with values ranging between 3 mm up to 9 mm, was found in our patients. Furthermore, thenar atrophy has been discovered in patients with pre-existing carpal tunnel symptoms for more than 24 months. Conclusion:The present study highlights the importance of ultrasound assessment as an accessible static and dynamic evaluation tool. Ultrasound can be used as an in-office imaging tool to complete the clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome by studying the morphology and morphopathology of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel through a bilateral standardized examination technique.

Effect of Preoperative Joint Space Width on Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: Outcomes at Midterm Follow-up.

Background:It remains unclear whether lateral joint space narrowing without severe cartilage loss before meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) affects clinical outcomes and graft extrusion.Hypothesis:Patients with greater preoperative joint space narrowing would show more graft extrusion, more osteoarthritis progression, and worse clinical outcomes than would those with less narrowing.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated 61 patients who underwent lateral MAT and had a minimum follow-up of 4 to 5 years. The median preoperative joint space width (JSW) on Rosenberg view radiographs was used to classify patients into those with less joint space narrowing (JSW ≥3 mm; group A) and greater joint space narrowing (JSW <3 mm; group B). We compared differences between groups in terms of graft extrusion and articular cartilage loss (modified Outerbridge grade ≥3) on 1-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and changes in JSW and clinical outcomes at the last follow-up.Results:There were 31 patients in group A and 30 patients in group B; the mean follow-up time for all patients was 64.4 ± 10.3 months. All patients showed a significant preoperative to postoperative improvement in outcome scores (P < .001 for all). The mean preoperative JSW was 3.8 ± 0.9 mm in group A and 2.3 ± 0.4 mm in group B (P < .001). In group B, there was more graft extrusion on postoperative MRI scans (3.0 ± 0.9 vs 1.9 ± 0.6 mm, respectively; P < .001) and a higher proportion of patients with pathological graft extrusion at final follow-up (43.3% vs 12.9%, respectively; P = .011) compared with group A. At 1 year postoperatively, cartilage loss grade ≥3 was observed at the lateral femoral condyle in 3.2% and 20.0% of patients in groups A and B (P = .053), respectively, and at the lateral tibial plateau in 3.2% and 30.0% of patients (P = .006), respectively. There were moderate correlations between graft extrusion and preoperative absolute JSW (r = –0.471; P < .001) and preoperative relative JSW (r = –0.428; P = .001).Conclusion:Patients with less preoperative joint space narrowing had less graft extrusion and cartilage loss on 1-year postoperative MRI scans, as well as better radiological and clinical outcomes at midterm follow-up, compared with patients with greater preoperative narrowing.

The missing radial velocities of Gaia: Blind predictions for DR3

ABSTRACT While Gaia has observed the phase space coordinates of over a billion stars in the Galaxy, in the overwhelming majority of cases it has only obtained five of the six coordinates, the missing dimension being the radial (line-of-sight) velocity. Using a realistic mock data set, we show that Bayesian neural networks are highly capable of ‘learning’ these radial velocities as a function of the other five coordinates, and thus filling in the gaps. For a given star, the network outputs are not merely point predictions, but full posterior distributions encompassing the intrinsic scatter of the stellar phase space distribution, the observational uncertainties on the network inputs, and any ‘epistemic’ uncertainty stemming from our ignorance about the stellar phase space distribution. Applying this technique to the real Gaia data, we generate and publish a catalogue of posteriors (median width: 25 km s−1) for the radial velocities of 16 million Gaia DR2/EDR3 stars in the magnitude range 6 &amp;lt; G &amp;lt; 14.5. Many of these gaps will be filled in very soon by Gaia DR3, which will serve to test our blind predictions. Thus, the primary use of our published catalogue will be to validate our method, justifying its future use in generating an updated catalogue of posteriors for radial velocities missing from Gaia DR3.

Robotic Intracorporeal Rectus Aponeuroplasty: Early Experience of a New Surgical Technique for Ventral Hernia Repair.

Introduction: The laparoscopic intracorporeal rectus aponeuroplasty (LIRA) was developed as an alternative for minimally invasive ventral hernia repair. This technique allows the closure of the defect and restoration of the midline without tension by plication of both aponeurosis of the abdominal rectus muscles combined with a minimally invasive intraperitoneal underlay mesh repair. The objective of this study is to report our early experience with the Robotic-LIRA (R-LIRA) technique and its safety and short-term efficacy. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing R-LIRA repair for ventral hernias from March 2019 to April 2022. Results: Eight patients underwent R-LIRA from March 2019 to April 2022. Median age was 47 years (interquartile range [IQR] 34.5-62.8). Median body mass index was 34.2 kg/m2 (IQR 29.9-35.2). Four patients (50%) had a primary ventral hernia being one M2, two M3, and one M2/M3. There were three incisional hernias, being one recurrent, 6 patients (75%) had associated diastasis of the rectus muscle and 1 patient presented pure diastasis. The median hernia width was 4 cm (IQR 2-6), and the median defect area was 16 cm2 (IQR 4-42). The median mesh area was 290 cm2 (IQR 211.2-300). In all cases, a barbed suture was also used for mesh fixation, and tackers were added in 4 cases. The median operative time was 172 minutes (IQR 139.8-293.3). The median length of stay was 0.5 days (IQR 0-1.8), and the median follow-up was 20 days (IQR 16-46). Conclusion: The R-LIRA has been shown to be safe and feasible for ventral and incisional hernia repairs with or without Diastasis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle in the short term.

Dual-chamber ICD for left bundle branch area pacing: the cardiac resynchronization and arrhythmia sensing via the left bundle (cross-left) pilot study.

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has emerged as a promising technique to deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, safety and efficacy of ventricular arrhythmia sensing via the left bundle in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) recipients remain unclear. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of a single LBBAP lead connected to a dual-chamber ICD in patients indicated with a CRT-D implantation. The CROSS-LEFT pilot study prospectively included 10 consecutive patients with a reduced ejection fraction and a complete left bundle branch block, indicated with a prophylactic CRT-D. A DF-1 lead was implanted at the right ventricular (RV) apex, and an LBBAP lead through the interventricular septum. Ventricular fibrillation was induced at implantation in both conventional (RV) and left bundle branch area sensing configurations. The latter was the final sensing configuration, and patients were implanted with a dual-chamber DF-1 ICD connected to the atrial lead (RA port), the LBBAP lead (RV IS-1 port), and the defibrillation lead (RV DF-1 port), the IS-1 pin being capped. Atrioventricular delay was optimized to ensure fusion between LBBAP and native conduction from the right bundle. Patients were followed during 6months. No difference between both configurations was observed regarding R-wave sensing in sinus rhythm (p = 0.22), ventricular fibrillation median interval detection (p = 1.00), or total induced episode duration (p = 0.78). LBBAP resulted in a significant reduction of median QRS width from 164 to 126ms (p = 0.002). Median ventricular sensing significantly improved from 9.7 at implantation to 18.8mV at 6months (p = 0.01). Median LVEF also significantly improved from 29 to 44% at 6months (p = 0.002). Ventricular arrhythmia sensing and defibrillation can be performed via a single LBBAP lead connected to a dual-chamber ICD, and is associated with significant electromechanical reverse remodeling. NCT05102227 In patients presenting with left bundle branch block and left ventricular systolic dysfunction, a left bundle branch area pacing lead connected to a DF-1 dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator provides safe ventricular arrhythmia sensing and efficient electro-mechanical resynchronization.

S-144 lack of association between glycated hemoglobin and adverse outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing ventral hernia repair: an ACHQC study.

Elevated preoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is believed to predict complications in diabetic patients undergoing ventral hernia repair (VHR). Our objective was to assess the association between HbA1c and outcomes of VHR in diabetic patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) database. We included adult diabetic patients who underwent elective VHR with an available HbA1c result. The patients were divided into two groups (HbA1c < 8% and HbA1c ≥ 8%). Patient demographics, comorbidities, hernia characteristics, operative details, and surgical outcomes were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of complications was performed. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess probability of composite recurrence at different HbA1c levels. 2167 patients met the inclusion criteria (HbA1c < 8% = 1,776 and HbA1c ≥ 8% = 391). Median age was 61years and median body mass index was 34kg/m2. 75% had an American Society of Anesthesiology class of 3. The median HbA1c was 6.5% in the HbA1c < 8% group versus 8.7% in the HbA1c ≥ 8% group. 73% were incisional hernias, 34% were recurrent, and median hernia width was 6cm. Open approach was used in 63% and myofascial release was performed in 46%. Median follow-up was 27days. There were no clinically significant differences in the rates of overall 30-day complications, wound complications, reoperation, readmission, mortality, length of stay and quality of life and pain scores between the two groups. Regression analyses did not identify an association between HbA1c and the rates of complications, surgical site infection or composite recurrence across the spectrum of HbA1c values. Our study finds no evidence of an association between HbA1c and operative outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing elective VHR.

Differential Bank Migration Limits the Lifespan and Width of Braided Channel Threads

AbstractSuccessful management of flooding and erosion hazards on floodplains depends on our ability to predict a river channel's shape and the lifespan during which it will continue to flow. Recent progress has improved our understanding of what sets the lifespan and width of single‐thread channels; the next challenge is to extend this knowledge to braided channels and their interwoven sub‐channels (threads). In this study, we investigate the lifespan and width of braided channel threads in a large experimental data set, coupled with particle‐image velocimetry‐derived measurements of riverbank erosion and accretion. We find that, unlike single‐thread channels, braided channels in the experiment do not exhibit an equilibrium between bank erosion and accretion. Instead, bank erosion outpaces lateral accretion, causing individual threads to widen and infill until they are abandoned. Thread lifespan is limited to the time it takes for threads to triple their width: tripling of the width yields enough bank material to aggrade more than half the channel depth, at which point flow is rerouted to a narrower thread. In consequence the width of active threads is limited to three times their initial width. Threshold channel theory accurately predicts the median thread width, which is roughly double the initial width and two‐thirds the limiting width. The results are consistent with existing field data and suggest that differential bank migration is sufficient to explain why braided channels show greater width variability and higher width‐to‐depth ratios than their single‐thread counterparts.

High Equivalent Width of Hα+[N ii] Emission in z ∼ 8 Lyman-break Galaxies from IRAC 5.8 μm Observations: Evidence for Efficient Lyman-continuum Photon Production in the Epoch of Reionization

We measure, for the first time, the median equivalent width (EW) of Hα+[N ii] in star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 8. Our estimate leverages the unique photometric depth of the Spitzer/IRAC 5.8 μm band mosaics (probing ≈5500–7100 Å at z ∼ 8) of the GOODS Reionization Era Wide Area Treasury from Spitzer (GREATS) program. We median-stacked the stamps of 102 Lyman-break galaxies in the 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8.0 μm bands, after carefully removing potential contamination from neighboring sources. We infer an extreme rest-frame EW0(Hα+[N ii]) = Å from the measured red [3.6] − [5.8] = 0.82 ± 0.27 mag, consistent with young (≲107 yr) average stellar population ages at z ∼ 8. This implies an ionizing photon production efficiency of . Such a high value for photoproduction, similar to the highest values found at z ≲ 4, indicates that only modest escape fractions f esc ≲ 0.3 (at 2σ) are sufficient for galaxies brighter than M UV < −18 mag to reionize the neutral hydrogen at z ∼ 8. This requirement is relaxed even more to f esc ≤ 0.1 when considering galaxies brighter than M UV ≈ −13 mag, consistent with recent luminosity functions and as typically assumed in studies addressing reionization. These exceptional results clearly indicate that galaxies can be the dominant source of reionizing photons, and provide us with an exciting glimpse into what we might soon learn about the early universe, and particularly about the reionization epoch, from forthcoming JWST/MIRI and NIRCam programs.

Re-description and bio-ecology of two species of the genus Thibron (Rehn, 1938) (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) in the Southern part of Cameroon

Taxonomy and bio-ecology of Tetrigidae in Cameroon remain poorly studied. This study reports for the first time the presence of Thibron cf. tectatus Günther, 1979 in Cameroon and provides morphological and bio-ecological characteristics of Thibron illepidus (Karsh, 1893) and T. cf. tectatus. The specimens studied were collected between February 2016 and February 2018 in three regions of Cameroon. In each region, species were collected monthly using sweep-nets and pitfalls in four vegetation types. Some morphological characters formerly omitted in previous descriptions were considered in this study. In addition to the characters already known, T. illepidus differs from other species of the same genus in terms of length of body and interocular space, posterior thigh width, median femur length and width and finally the length of the three tarsomeres of posterior tarsus only in T. illepidus. In addition, for T. cf. tectatus, the length of the head, fastigium of vertex, eyes are longer than in T. illepidus. The later was more abundant in the Centre region (79%), less abundant in the Southwest region (18%) and rare in the West (3%). Meanwhile, Thibron cf. tectatus is rare in the Centre region (4%). Pitfalls (92%) were more effective than sweep-nets (8%) in capturing T. illepidus. Results obtained could contribute to improve the knowledge of the taxonomy of both species in Cameroon.

Split body comparative clinical and radiological study of fractional CO2 laser versus carboxytherapy in treatment of striae distensae.

Striae Distensae (SD) are quite common complaint in dermatology practice. They are linear lesions of variable length and width according to the site and the causative condition. Several treatment modalities have been tried. To achieve satisfactory results, a combination therapy is often needed. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fractional CO2 laser versus carboxytherapy in the treatment of Striae Distensae clinically and radiologically. Thirty Egyptian patients with striae distensae, received a split body therapy: the left side was treated by fractional CO2 laser and the right side was treated by carboxytherapy in the same session. Six sessions were done with 4 weeks apart. Clinical evaluation by measurement of the width of widest striae on both sides, global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS), and Likert satisfaction scale. Radiological evaluation by measurement of cutaneous thickness of widest striae on both sides by ultrasonography. There was a highly statistically significant decrease in the median width of the widest striae distensae on both sides after the last session (P < 0.01). Regarding GAIS, satisfaction scale and ultrasound, there was highly statistically significant improvement on laser side than carboxytherapy side (P < 0.01) after last session. Both fractional CO2 laser and carboxytherapy may be considered as safe and effective lines of treatment for striae distensae, but fractional CO2 laser showed excellent improvement clinically, radiologically when compared with carboxytherapy which made it a promising module in treatment of striae distensae.

Long-term Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Transversus Abdominis Release With Permanent Synthetic Mesh: A Single Center Analysis of 1203 Patients.

We aimed to report long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes of transversus abdominis release (TAR) with permanent synthetic mesh performed in a high-volume abdominal wall reconstruction practice. Despite increasing utilization of TAR in abdominal wall reconstruction, long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes remain uncertain. Prospectively collected registry data from the Cleveland Clinic Center for Abdominal Core Health were analyzed retrospectively. Patients undergoing elective, open VHR with TAR and permanent synthetic mesh implantation between August 2014 and March 2020 with 30-day clinical and ≥1 year clinical or patient-reported outcome follow-up were included. Outcomes included composite hernia recurrence, characterized by patient-reported bulges and recurrent hernias noted on physical exam or imaging, as well as hernia-specific quality of life and pain. A total of 1203 patients were included. Median age was 60 years [interquartile range (IQR): 52-67], median body mass index was 32kg/m 2 (IQR: 28-36), median hernia width was 15cm (IQR: 12-19), and 57% of hernias were recurrent. Fascial reapproximation was achieved in 92%. At a median follow-up of 2 years (IQR: 1-4), the overall composite hernia recurrence rate was 26%, with sensitivity analysis yielding best-case and worst-case estimates of 5% and 28%, respectively. Patients experienced improved hernia-specific quality of life and pain regardless of recurrence outcome; however, those who did not recur experienced more substantial improvement. TAR with permanent synthetic mesh remains a valuable, versatile technique; however, surgeon and patient expectations should be tempered regarding long-term durability. Despite a high rate of recurrence, patients experience measurable improvements in quality of life.

2D size of trabecular bone structure units (BSU) correlate more strongly with 3D architectural parameters than age in human vertebrae

Bone tissue is continuously remodeled. In trabecular bone, each remodeling transaction forms a microscopic bone structural unit (BSU), also known as a hemiosteon or a trabecular packet, which is bonded to existing tissue by osteopontin-rich cement lines. The size and shape of the BSUs are determined by the size and shape of the resorption cavity, and whether the cavity is potentially over- or under-filled by the subsequent bone formation. The present study focuses on the recently formed trabecular BSUs, and how their 2D size and shape changes with age and trabecular microstructure. The study was performed using osteopontin-immunostained frontal sections of L2 vertebrae from 8 young (aged 18.5-37.6years) and 8 old (aged 69.1-96.4years) control females, which underwent microcomputed tomography (μCT) imaging prior to sectioning. The contour of 4230 BSU profiles (181-385 per vertebra) within 1024 trabecular profiles were outlined, and their 2D width, length, area, and shape were assessed. Of these BSUs, 22 (0.5%) were generated by modeling-based bone formation (i.e. without prior resorption), while 99.5% were generated by remodeling-based bone formation (i.e. with prior resorption). The distributions of BSU profile width, length, and area were significantly smaller in the old versus young females (p<0.005), and the median profile width, length, and area were negative correlated with age (p<0.018). Importantly, these BSU profile size parameters were more strongly correlated with trabecular bone volume (BV/TV, p<0.002) and structure model index (SMI, p<0.008) assessed by μCT, than age. Moreover, the 2D BSU size parameters were positively correlated to the area of the individual trabecular profiles (p<0.0001), which were significantly smaller in the old versus young females (p<0.024). The BSU shape parameters (aspect ratio, circularity, and solidity) were not correlated with age, BV/TV, or SMI. Collectively, the study supports the notion that not only the BSU profile width, but also its length and area, are more influenced by the age-related bone loss and shift from plates to rods (SMI), than age itself. This implies that BSU profile size is mainly driven by changes in the trabecular microstructure, which affect the size of the resorption cavity that the BSU refills.

Statistical Study of the Kinetic Features of Supra-arcade Downflows Detected from Multiple Solar Flares

We have developed a tracking algorithm to determine the speeds of supra-arcade downflows (SADs) and set up a system to automatically track SADs and measure some interesting parameters. By conducting an analysis of six flares observed by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on the Solar Dynamics Observatory, we detect more smaller and slower SADs than prior work, due to the higher spatial resolution of our observational data. The inclusion of these events with smaller and slower SADs directly results in lower median velocities and widths than in prior work, but the fitted distributions and evolutions of the parameters still show good consistency with prior work. The observed distributions of the widths, speeds, and lifetimes of SADs are consistent with log-normal distributions, indicating that random and unstable processes are responsible for generating SADs during solar eruptions. Also, we find that the fastest SADs occur at approximately the middle of the height ranges. The number of SADs in each image versus time shows that there are “rest phases” of SADs, when few SADs are seen. These findings support the idea that SADs originate from a fluid instability. We compare our results with a numerical simulation that generates SADs using a mixture of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability and the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability, and find that the simulation generates quantities that are consistent with our observational results.

Principal component analysis applied to the study of yield and nutritional characteristics of forage cultivars

The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of various yield and nutritional characteristics for the differentiation of forage cultivars using principal component analysis (PCA). Data were obtained from an experiment conducted with a complete randomized block design (RCBD) with 6 replications. Eleven cultivars of forage grasses of the species Urochloa brizantha, U. ruziziensis, Megathyrsus maximus, Cenchrus ciliaris, Andropogon gayanus and Setaria sphacelata were evaluated. For yield characteristics, PCA revealed that the first 3 components explained 82.0% of total variation between forage cultivars. Similar results were observed for nutritional characteristics with the first 3 components explaining 91.4% of total variation in leaf chemical composition and 83.8% of variation in stem chemical composition. Variables that contributed most to discrimination between forage cultivars were: number of tillers per plant; number of leaves per plant; median leaf width; stem dry matter yield; leaf:stem ratio; % dry matter, % crude protein (CP) and % neutral detergent fiber of leaves; and % CP, % ether extract and % acid detergent fiber of stems. PCA was effective in identifying the key parameters that need to be measured in evaluating grass species and allowed a reduction in the number of yield and nutritional characteristics to be assessed in experiments designed to evaluate forage cultivars. This reduced both the workload and the costs involved while still allowing valid conclusions.

Modifications of the Dental Hard Tissues in the Cervical Area of Occlusally Overloaded Teeth Identified Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

Background and objectives: Occlusal overloads produce a series of manifestations in teeth, especially attrition and non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL). Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) can highlight and evaluate tooth lesions. The aim of this study was to examine the changes of dental hard tissues in the cervical area because of occlusal overload by macroscopic examination and using in vitro Swept Source OCT examination. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 21 extracted teeth with occlusal trauma. After macroscopic and OCT examination, the 2D OCT images were transformed into 3D images using ImageJ software. Statistical analysis of macroscopic and OCT images was performed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: On 21 teeth, 88 cervical lesions (cracks) were identified. Upper premolars with an occlusal Smith and Knight tooth wear score of 2 had the most NCCL. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the median widths of cervical lesions between teeth with score 1 and score 3. Additionally, we obtained statistically significant differences in median widths between the buccal and oral surfaces. Conclusions: These cracks can be considered precursors of NCCL. NCCL can be located on dental surfaces in the cervical area other than the buccal one. A 3D reconstruction of OCT images emphasized that cracks are located especially at enamel level, evolving towards the enamel–dentin junction, with multiple ramifications.