Morphological Parameters Research Articles

Anatomical insights into medial-sided talar dome osteochondral lesions: a comparative analysis of unilateral and bilateral cases and healthy controls using MRI measurements

Background The etiology of medial-sided talar osteochondral lesions (OCLs) remains insufficiently understood. Purpose To identify anatomical risk factors contributing to the development of unilateral or bilateral OCL of the talus on the medial side, utilizing morphological parameters derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and Methods In this retrospective study, 24 ankle MRI scans from 12 patients exhibiting bilateral OCLs of the talar dome on the medial side, 24 ankle MRIs from 24 patients with unilateral medial-sided OCLs, and 24 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and side within each group were analyzed. Six distinct MRI parameters were measured: the anterior opening angle of the talus (AOT); tibial axis-medial malleolus angle (TMM); plafond-malleolar angle (PMA); anterior talofibular ligament-posterior talofibular ligament (ATFL-PTFL) angle; the ratio of the distal tibial articular surface to the length of the trochlea tali arc (TAS/TAL); and the depth of the incisura fibularis (IncDep). Results The AOT, ATFL-PTFL angle, and TMM of individuals in both the bilateral and unilateral groups were significantly higher when compared to the healthy controls. In addition, TMM measurements in the unilateral group were significantly higher than in the bilateral group. Conclusion AOT and TMM appeared to be the primary predisposing factors in the development of both unilateral and bilateral OCLs. Furthermore, TMM shows a greater increase in unilateral OCL cases compared to bilateral OCL cases. The fact that TMM is not significantly high in known unilateral OCL cases can be a stimulus for investigating the other ankle for OCL.

Prognostic value of morphology and hemodynamics in moyamoya disease for long-term outcomes and disease progression.

To explore the relationship between morphological and hemodynamic parameters, baseline characteristics, and long-term outcomes in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) using a computational fluid dynamics model. We retrospectively reviewed 129 patients at Beijing Tiantan hospital between July 2020 and December 2021. Perioperative clinical variables and Suzuki stage were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors for unfavorable long-term outcomes. The association between morphological, CT perfusion parameters, hemodynamic parameters and the Suzuki stage, clinical variables of MMD was also analyzed. Patients with high relative Wall Shear Stress (rWSS) were older and had more cases with higher Suzuki stage and worse follow-up mRS scores (p < 0.05). High rWSS at the terminal ICA and diabetes mellitus were identified as independent predictors of unfavorable long-term outcomes [OR = 3.039(1.191-7.754), p = 0.020; OR = 3.164(1.141-8.723), p = 0.027, respectively]. ROC analysis demonstrated that predictive models incorporating rWSS improved AUC values, with the highest AUC in Model 2 (AUC = 0.889). High rWSS was significantly associated with future TIA and stroke events (p = 0.032). We speculated that high rWSS and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for unfavorable long-term outcomes in patients with MMD. rWSS and morphological parameters are crucial for predicting MMD progression and understanding its pathogenesis.

A comprehensive analysis of morphological and biochemical parameters of &lt;i&gt;Medicago sativa&lt;/i&gt; during biotic stress

Background: Parasitism is an abiotic stress that significantly threatens plant growth and severely impacts crop productivity. Plants have developed complicated regulatory mechanisms to cope with stressful conditions, undergoing morphological and biochemical changes. Objective: The article presents the first comprehensive analysis of the Medicago sativa response to the penetration of flowering parasites Orobanche lutea and Cuscuta alba. The outcome of this study aim to enhance crop quality comprehend their bioactive properties and pinpoint optimal strategies for their utilization in preventing and treating human and animal health issues. Methods: Medicago sativa, Orobanche lutea and Cuscuta alba were collected in the Ararat province, located in southeastern Armenia. The plants’ morphological structures and leaf parameters were observed. The prooxidant activity was determined by the potentiometric method. The content of total phenols, flavonoids and catechins were determined by a spectrophotometric method. Pigments were separated and identified using thin layer chromatography and a spectrophotometric method. Results: The in-situ observations of M. sativa plant and ex-situ measurements of its leaves infected by O. lutea and C. alba reveal a significant negative impact on both the reproductive success and the vegetative aspects. Infected plants exhibited minimal inflorescence development, also, substantial reductions in leaf dimensions were observed. The analysis of prooxidant activity revealed that M. sativa exhibits inherent prooxidant properties, which are amplified in the presence of parasites. The influence of dodder on prooxidant activity is much more significant (14-38%) than that of broomrape (8-42%). The percentage changes in total phenolic content were more pronounced in the presence of C. alba, but flavonoid decline was more pronounced in the presence of O. lutea, suggesting a differential impact of the two parasites. Although catechin content was not affected, photosynthetic pigments of the host plant were significantly (28-57%) reduced by the parasites. Conclusion: Findings indicate a clear morphological alteration induced by parasitic infestation. The parasites, particularly O. lutea can cause temporal isolation and allochronic speciation in M. sativa populations. Biochemical analysis highlighted a complex interplay between the host and the parasite. The biochemical impact of the parasite is reflected on the host’s primary and secondary metabolism. The observed morphological and biochemical changes highlight the need for further research to explore potential mitigation strategies, selective herbicide development, and biocontrol measures against parasitic plant infestations in agricultural ecosystems. Keywords: alfalfa; Orobanche lutea; Cuscuta alba; parasites plants; morphophysiological observations; bioactivity.

Time-dependent phenotypical changes of microglia drive alterations in hippocampal synaptic transmission in acute slices

It is widely acknowledged that microglia actively regulate synaptic function in the brain. Remarkably, much of our understanding regarding the role of microglia in synaptic regulation is derived from studies in acute brain slices. However, it is still uncertain to what extent the preparation and maintenance of acute slices can influence microglial function and whether microglial changes may affect synaptic transmission. In this study, we examined the impact of acute slice resting time on hippocampal CA1 microglia, by assessing morphological and functional parameters at two distinct time intervals. We report that after 4 h from slicing microglia undergo morphological, functional, and transcriptional changes, including a decrease in the number of branches and in their movement speed. Furthermore, microglia acquire a reactive phenotype, characterized by increased amplitude of outward rectifying K+ currents, increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine Tnfα and altered expression of the microglial receptors Cx3cr1 and P2y12r. We also examined time-dependent changes of excitatory synaptic transmission in CA1 pyramidal neurons from acute hippocampal slices, reporting time-dependent decrease in both amplitude and frequency of postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs), along with a decrease in spine density. Noticeably, sEPSCs amplitude decrease was absent in slices prepared from PLX5622 microglia-depleted mice, suggesting that this time-dependent effect on synaptic transmission is microglia-dependent. Our findings highlight possible causal relation between microglia phenotypic changes in the hours following slice preparation and concomitant synaptic changes, pointing to the mechanisms of acute synaptic modulation, whose understanding is crucial for unraveling microglia-neurons interplay in nature. Furthermore, they emphasize the potential issues associated with experimental time windows in ex vivo samples.

Radiological assessment of Sella Turcica morphology correlates with skeletal classes in an Austrian population: an observational study.

This study aimed to analyze variations in the sella turcica (ST) concerning its size, shape, and bridging, providing first reference values in Austrian individuals. Additionally, it assessed associations between these morphological and demographic parameters and their correlation with patients' skeletal class. 208 lateral cephalometric radiographs (154 female, 54 male; age 8-58 years) from DPU Dental Clinic (Austria) were included. Size, skeletal class, shape, age, and gender of ST were tested for significance in correlation using, (M)ANOVA, and chi-square. Linear dimensions of ST ranged from 11.1 to 12.9mm across readers, with a standard deviation of 2.0-2.2mm. Normal ST (49.76%) and round ST (58.77%) were the most frequent. ST bridging was detected in 6.97%. Skeletal class I appeared most frequently (54.8%). Statistical significance was observed between age, gender, and ST length, with further significant age effects on ST shape. Moreover, age showed significant modification of ST shape, while skeletal parameters appeared unaffected by other ST parameters. These preliminary findings define normal ST dimensions in an Austrian population, offering reference values for clinical interpretation and broadening the available European data. Clear associations between morphological and demographic parameters were detected. Additionally, these findings may contribute to diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in orthodontics and craniofacial pathology. Future studies employing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) along a larger sample size could enhance the generalizability of these findings.

FEATURES OF ANTIVASOPROLIFERATIVE THERAPY AFTER SUBMACULAR SURGERY WITH VITREOUS PRESERVATION

Rationale: Age-related macular degeneration in the modern world is one of the leading problems leading to blindness. It is a rapidly progressive disease characterized by damage to the central area of the retina.Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the morphological and functional parameters of the retina after surgical treatment of submacular hemorrhages against the background of anti-vasoproliferative therapy in patients with a wet form of age-related macular degeneration.Methods: The study was conducted on the basis of the Ophthalmology Center NMHC named by Pirogov (Moscow). It included 90 participants with an active form of age-related macular degeneration. The average age of the patients was 71.3 ± 8.5 years, including 50 women aged 61 to 82 years and 40 men aged 74 to 78 years. The rationale for the use of the “treat and extend” strategy in this work is the possibility of using fewer intravitreal injections compared to a fixed scheme that gives similar results of visual functions.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the preservation of the vitreous body during minimally invasive vitreoretinal intervention allows you to adhere to the “treat and extend” mode without reducing the inter-injection interval.

Estimation of radon progeny concentration based on track morphological parameters.

As the integrated measurements of radon progeny are essential to its risk assessment, a new method based on the morphological analysis of tracks on CR-39 was established for the discrimination of alpha particles emitted from different progenies. The preliminary experiment confirmed its feasibility and revealed its potential for application in long-term surveys of indoor radon progeny. This new attempt was expected be benefit to the improvement of integrated measurements of radon progeny.

Prolonged Photobiomodulation with Deep Red Light Mitigates Incipient Retinal Deterioration in a Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy is a prevalent complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, characterized by progressive damage to the retinal structure and function. Photobiomodulation therapy, using red or near-infrared light, has been proposed as a non-invasive intervention to mitigate retinal damage, but has been tested generally with short-term stimuli. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prolonged photobiomodulation with deep red light on retinal structure and function in a type 2 diabetes mouse model. Transgenic LepRdb/J (db/db) mice were exposed to photobiomodulation therapy via LED devices emitting 654 nm light for 12 h daily over ten weeks and compared to untreated mice. Retinal function was evaluated by flash electroretinography, while structural changes were assessed through histology and immunohistochemistry to detect astro- and microgliosis. At 33 weeks of age, db/db mice were obese and severely diabetic, but exhibited only incipient indicators of retinal deterioration. Electroretinogram b-wave peak latencies were prolonged at intermediate flash intensities, while the outer plexiform layer displayed significantly elevated IBA1 expression. Photobiomodulation therapy prevented these two markers of early retinal deterioration but had no effect on other morphological and functional parameters. Photobiomodulation is well-tolerated and maintains potential as a complementary treatment option for diabetic retinopathy but requires further optimization of therapeutic settings and combinatory treatment approaches.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Confers Salinity Tolerance to Medicago sativa L.

Alfalfa, a crop cultivated worldwide for use as livestock feed, exhibits great adaptability to various environmental conditions. This study evaluates the biomass production, lipid peroxidation, photosynthetic pigments and osmo-compatible response in Medicago sativa var CW660 mycorrhizae (AM) and non-mycorrhizae (NM) plants with Rhizophagus intraradices and when subjected to salinity (100 mM and 200 mM of NaCl). They were evaluated using the following morphological parameters: foliage fresh weight (FFW), foliage dry weight (FDW), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), foliage length (FL) and root length (RL), chlorophylls a and b, proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) in AM and NM plants treated with different concentration of NaCl. The LFW and the LDW were higher in M plants. The RFW and the RDW increased in control AM plants, and under different saline treatments there were no differences between AM and NM in either parameter. FL increased in the control and at 100 mM of NaCl in M plants. Chlorophyll a decreased 27–30% and b decreased 1–50% in AM and NM plants at 200 mM NaCl. The proline level increased four times and promoted a defense in AM plants at 200 mM of NaCl. Lipid peroxidation decreased in AM plants by 10% at maximum salinity. M. sativa CW660 is sensitive to salinity stress, and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) regulates its physiology and performance under such conditions, with osmotic protection and membrane protection.

Among-population variation in sexual size dimorphism of Nepa cinerea (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha)

AbstractNepa cinerea is a common aquatic predator. It is widely distributed in various aquatic biotopes of the Palaearctic. Body size is an important trait that impacts the fitness and survival of animals and thus their evolution. Like most insects, N. cinerea males are smaller than females, but sexual size dimorphism (SSD) has not been investigated. We investigated the extent of SSD, the validity of Rensch's rule, and morphological differences between nine populations based on 51 morphological parameters. Females were found significantly and marginally significantly larger than males in all but one population. However, no difference in body length was found between the populations. Population had a significant effect on 12 traits for females and only on 5 for males, showing that females are more variable than males. Specifically, differences were found in the length of the second and third leg pairs. We did not find any support for the Rensch's rule. Nevertheless, female body size and SDI (sexual dimorphism index) were positively correlated. We suggest that fecundity selection accounts for female-biased SSD in N. cinerea.

Studying the Combined Impact of Salinity and Drought Stress-Simulated Conditions on Physio-Biochemical Characteristics of Lettuce Plant

Water scarcity and increasing salinity stress are significant challenges in the farming sector as they often exacerbate each other, as limited water availability can concentrate salts in the soil, further hindering plant growth. Lettuce, a crucial leafy vegetable with high nutritional value, is susceptible to water availability and quality. This study investigates the growth and development of lettuce plants under water scarcity and varying levels of salinity stress to identify effective strategies for reducing water consumption while maintaining or improving plant productivity. Field experiments were designed to simulate three drought levels (50, 75, and 100% of class A pan evaporation) and three salinity stress levels (control, 1500, and 3000 ppm NaCl), assessing their impact on lettuce’s morphological and biochemical parameters. The combination of reduced water supply and high salinity significantly hindered growth, underscoring the detrimental effects of simultaneous water deficit and salinity stress on plant development. Non-stressed treatment enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents and progressively decreased with the reduction in water supply from 100% to 50%. Interestingly, higher salinity levels increased total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity, suggesting an adaptive stress response. Moreover, antioxidant activity, evaluated through DPPH and ABTS assays, peaked in plants irrigated with 75% ETo, whether under control or 1500 ppm salinity conditions. The Yield Stability Index was highest at 75% ETo (0.95), indicating robust stability under stress. The results indicated that lettuce could be cultivated with up to 75% of the water requirement without significantly impacting plant development or quality. Furthermore, the investigation demonstrated that lettuce could thrive when irrigated with water of moderate salinity (1500 ppm). These findings highlight the potential for reducing water quantities and saline water in lettuce production, offering practical solutions for sustainable farming in water-scarce regions.

Posterior lenticule laser scan influence the ultra-early postoperative visual acuity and quality of SMILE

This is a prospective case-control study investigated the factors influencing ultra-early visual acuity and quality after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) surgery, with a specific focus on the morphology and distribution of “black clefts” observed in posterior lenticule laser scanning images. A total of 174 patients who underwent SMILE surgery were included, and their preoperative ocular clinical parameters, visual quality indicators, and posterior lenticule laser scanning images were analyzed. The morphological features of black clefts were calculated using image processing techniques. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted to identify factors impacting ultra-early visual acuity recovery, while correlation analysis was used to explore the association between black cleft morphology and postoperative visual quality. The results showed that although patients experienced significant visual acuity improvement one day after surgery, 26% had poor early recovery. Postoperative visual quality parameters were significantly lower, while the Object Scatter Index (OSI) was higher compared to preoperative values. Patients with poor visual recovery had a higher number of irregular black clefts in their laser scanning images. Logistic regression analysis revealed that intraoperative morphological parameters of black clefts were independent factors influencing early postoperative visual acuity recovery. Additionally, correlation analysis demonstrated a negative correlation between black cleft morphology and postoperative visual quality parameters, and a positive correlation with OSI. In conclusion, the morphology and distribution of black clefts during SMILE surgery significantly affect ultra-early postoperative visual acuity and quality, with increased variability in black cleft area leading to higher OSI, thereby impacting visual quality recovery.

Effect of different running protocols on bone morphology and microarchitecture of the forelimbs in a male Wistar rat model.

It is accepted that the metabolic response of bone tissue depends on the intensity of the mechanical loads, but also on the type and frequency of stress applied to it. Physical exercise such as running involves stresses which, under certain conditions, have been shown to have the best osteogenic effects. However, at high intensity, it can be deleterious for bone tissue. Consequently, there is no clear consensus as to which running modality would have the best osteogenic effects. Our objective was to compare the effects of three running modalities on morphological and micro-architectural parameters on forelimb bones. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: high intensity interval training (HIIT), continuous running, combined running ((alternating HIIT and continuous modalities) and sedentary (control). The morphometry, trabecular microarchitecture and cortical porosity of the ulna, radius and humerus were analyzed using micro-tomography. All three running modalities resulted in bone adaptation, with an increase in the diaphyseal diameter of all three bones. The combined running protocol had positive effects on the trabecular thickness in the distal ulna. The HIIT protocol resulted in an increase in both medio-lateral diameter and cortical bone area over total area (Ct.Ar/Tt.Ar) at the ulnar shaft compared with sedentary condition. Moreover, the HIIT protocol decreased the mean surface area of the medulla (Ma.Ar) according to sedentary condition at the ulnar shaft. This study has shown that HIIT resulted in a decrease in trabecular bone fraction in favor of cortical bone area at the ulna.

Immunomorphological specifcity of HER2-low breast cancer

Assessment of tumor infltrating lymphocytes (TiLs) has been recognized as an additional tool for predicting survival in triple negative (TN) and HER2/neu positive (HER2+) subtypes of breast cancer (BC). Recently, BC, including the above-mentioned subtypes and characterized by low/undefined expression of HER2/neu, has been isolated into a separate group, designated HER2-low BC. The relationship between clinical and morphological parameters of HER2-low breast cancer and infiltration by immunocompetent cells, including tumor associated macrophages (TAM), has not been studied to date. The purpose of the study was to identify significant relationships between the level of subpopulations of immunocompetent cells (Tils + TAM) and the clinical and morphological parameters of HER2-low BC.Material and Methods. The study examined the surgical specimens of 33 patients with HER2-low BC. Visual counting of TILs and assessment (IHC) of the level of T-helpers, T-killers, M1 and M2 macrophages were carried out in intratumor sites and the invasive edge of the primary tumor.Results. The study of mastectomy specimens showed that infiltration of Tils (Me=5 [5; 10] %) was observed in all 33 patients. The level of M2 of macrophages was found to be the highest both in the invasive margin and in the intratumor sites (CD163inv: Me=20 [10; 40] %; CD163c: Me=15 [7; 30] %, respectively). In patients with high (≥20 %) levels of M2 macrophages in the invasive margin, there was also a high level of other immunocompetent cells, and perineural invasion was detected significantly more often (р=0.019).Conclusion. A high level of infiltration by M2 macrophages of the invasive margin is combined with the detection of perineural invasion in primary HER2-low breast cancer, which is one of the predictors of a high risk of progression. In combination with other clinical and morphological parameters, the level of M2 macrophages in HER2-low breast cancer may become another factor in predicting disease prognosis.

Agro-Morphological Parameters and Yield of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Under Endogenous Soil Fertility Management Practices in the North Sudanian Zone of Burkina Faso

In the commune of Sourgoubila, province of Kourwéogo (Burkina Faso), taro production by women is a long-standing practice that takes place on degraded land that they have reclaimed through endogenous agricultural practices. The objective of this study is to assess the effects of different soil fertility management practices and to determine the agro-morphological parameters and yield of taro under endogenous soil fertility management practices. To this end, soil sampling was initially conducted in soils under sustainable land management practices in the villages of Sourgoubila and Guèla. Subsequently, morphological parameters and taro yield were determined under endogenous soil fertility management practices for a period of two years. Regardless of the site, the endogenous practices employed by women to reclaim degraded soils under taro cultivation resulted in a 162% increase in total soil carbon and a 0.54 unit increase in pH. The endogenous soil fertility management practices employed at Guèla and Sourgoubila resulted in a significant increase in the assimilable phosphorus content, with a 60% increase observed at Guèla and a 246% increase observed at Sourgoubila, in comparison to the soil without management. The most favourable growth parameters were identified with the endogenous soil fertility management practices employed by women at the Sourgoubila site, regardless of the type of variables observed. The plant height exhibited a range of 85 to 105 cm at Sourgoubila and 76 to 96 cm at Guèla in 2022 and 2023, respectively. On average, the height of taro plants increased by 24.60% annually. The leaf length and width exhibited a range of 35 to 40 cm, with an average leaf length increasing by 11.36% per year. The number of pups varied from 5 to 8, with an annual decrease of 24%. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between the two sites in terms of yield, with an average yield of 10 t/ha. The reclamation of degraded land for taro ............

Local Morphologic and Hemodynamic Analyses for the Prediction of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture Based on Patient-Specific CTA and Computational Modeling.

Extensive research has focused on the evaluation of rupture risks in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) through comprehensive morphologic and hemodynamic analyses, primarily considering the AAA as a whole entity. This study tried to identify the high-risk rupture sites of AAAs more precisely before the fatal process based on morphologic and hemodynamic analyses at the local segment. Computed tomography angiography of a specific AAA patient was conducted at the follow-up 4 months before rupture, 1 day before rupture, the day of the rupture, and 15 days after endovascular aortic repair. The evolution of local morphology and the hemodynamic characteristics at these critical timepoints were investigated based on patient-specific reconstructions and computational fluid dynamics. The morphologic and hemodynamic parameters of the rupture region vary continuously in the process of AAA development and rupture. The surface area and volume of the rupture segment were gradually enlarged at the follow-up 4 months before rupture (47.33 cm2; 67.35 mL), 1 day before rupture (57.23 cm2; 85.24 mL), and on the day of the rupture (62.41cm2; 104.73ml). A prominent decrease in time-averaged wall shear stress and velocity for the rupture segment is observed. The percentages of the lowest time-averaged wall shear stress (<0.1 Pa) area are increased in the AAA region (20.42%, 33.85%, and 53.00%, separately). The results based on precisely rebuilt geometries for the complete follow-ups of patient-specific computed tomography angiography demonstrate that notable morphologic and hemodynamic evolutions have occurred in the local segment of the AAA, which was further proved at the rupture site. The significant changes occurring at the local segment may provide valuable information for the evaluation of aneurysm rupture risk and locate the most probable site of rupture. Capturing the entire process of AAA rupture through CTA imaging is a rare occurrence in clinical practice. The evolution of morphology and hemodynamic characteristics observed in the illustrated results provides valuable insights for clinicians to monitor the state of AAA from a different perspective. These findings suggest that variations in morphology and hemodynamics within the local segment of the AAA might serve as an alternative approach for predicting the rupture risk of AAA.

Short-Term Culture of Human Hyalocytes Retains Their Initial Phenotype and Displays Their Contraction Abilities

Background: Hyalocytes are the main vitreal cell types with critical functions in health and vitreoretinal diseases. Our aim was to develop cultures of human hyalocytes and verify the retention of their initial cellular features after 3 and 6 days of culturing (3 d and 6 d) by analyzing and comparing a few morphological and functional parameters. Methods: Vitreous samples (n = 22) were collected and vitreous cells and bead-enriched hyalocytes were developed and compared (3 d vs. 6 d cultures). Vitreous and conditioned media were tested for collagen, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), nerve growth factor (NGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression (ELISA, array/IP/WB, RT-PCR). Cells were observed at light and fluorescent microscopy (phenotypical properties) and tested for their 3D collagen gel contraction abilities. Results: An increased expression of collagens, vimentin, fibronectin, and the MMP9/TIMP1 ratio were observed in vitreous tissues. In 3 d cultures, collagens and MMP9 were upregulated while the related tissue-enzymes were deregulated. Vitreous samples also showed high levels of TGFβ1, VEGF, and NGF, and this protein signature was retained at 3 d while decreased at 6 d. The original phenotype (low αSMA) was retained at 3 d from seeding while an increased αSMA expression was observed at 6 d; NGF/trkANGFR was expressed in cultured hyalocytes and partially drives the collagen retraction. Conclusions: The vitreous print comparison between untouched and cultured hyalocytes allowed us, on one side, to select 3 d cultures and, on the other, to highlight the neuroprotective/contractile NGF in vitro hyalocytes effects. The possibility of scoring reactive hyalocytes would represent an interesting aspect of screening the vitreoretinal interface severity.

Quantitative modeling of lenticulostriate arteries on 7-T TOF-MRA for cerebral small vessel disease.

We developed a framework for segmenting and modeling lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) on 7-T time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography and tested its performance on cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) patients and controls. We prospectively included 29 CADASIL patients and 21 controls. The framework includes a small-patch convolutional neural network (SP-CNN) for fine segmentation, a random forest for modeling LSAs, and a screening model for removing wrong branches. The segmentation performance of our SP-CNN was compared to competitive networks. External validation with different resolution was performed on ten patients with aneurysms. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff distance (HD) between each network and manual segmentation were calculated. The modeling results of the centerlines, diameters, and lengths of LSAs were compared against manual labeling by four neurologists. The SP-CNN achieved higher DSC (92.741 ± 2.789, mean ± standard deviation) and lower HD (0.610 ± 0.141 mm) in the segmentation of LSAs. It also outperformed competitive networks in the external validation (DSC 82.6 ± 5.5, HD 0.829 ± 0.143 mm). The framework versus manual difference was lower than the manual inter-observer difference for the vessel length of primary branches (median -0.040 mm, interquartile range -0.209 to 0.059 mm) and secondary branches (0.202 mm, 0.016-0.537 mm), as well as for the offset of centerlines of primary branches (0.071 mm, 0.065-0.078 mm) and secondary branches (0.072, 0.064-0.080 mm), with p < 0.001 for all comparisons. Our framework for LSAs modeling/quantification demonstrated high reliability and accuracy when compared to manual labeling. NCT05902039 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05902039?cond=NCT05902039 ). The proposed automatic segmentation and modeling framework offers precise quantification of the morphological parameters of lenticulostriate arteries. This innovative technology streamlines diagnosis and research of cerebral small vessel disease, eliminating the burden of manual labeling, facilitating cohort studies and clinical diagnosis. The morphology of LSAs is important in the diagnosis of CSVD but difficult to quantify. The proposed algorithm achieved the performance equivalent to manual labeling by neurologists. Our method can provide standardized quantitative results, reducing radiologists' workload in cohort studies.

Analysis of the Correlation Between Spatial Morphological Elements and Microclimate in the Higher Education Teaching Center Area

Irrational spatial configuration of campuses has contributed to changes in local microclimates, thus reducing human thermal comfort, particularly in severely cold regions of China. This paper sets out to establish correlation equations between campus spatial morphology indicators and Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET). Based on measured data from two campus sites, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were utilized to analyze the characteristics of microclimate distribution and highly sensitive morphological parameters were screened. Regression analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between spatial morphology indicators and PET. During winter, open spaces were most correlated with Sky View Factor (SVF), with each 0.1 increase in SVF resulting in a 0.7 °C rise in PET. Enclosed spaces exhibited strong correlations with the Closure Ratio of Enclosure (Ce) and Surface Wall Area (SW), where every 10% increase in Ce led to a 0.46 °C increase in PET and every additional 1000 m2 of SW caused a 1 °C rise in PET. We finally quantified the impact of changes in spatial morphology indicators on human thermal comfort, with the aim to integrate campus planning with climatic design and improve the outdoor thermal environment of campuses.

Characteristics of the Medallists of the World Masters Orienteering Championships

This research aimed to investigate morphological parameters (body mass, height, BMI) of medallists at the World Masters Orienteering Championships (WMOC), alongside their sports achievements and results. Fifty medallists from the 2022 WMOC, aged 35 to 80, were surveyed using a questionnaire, with non-parametric statistics (Mann–Whitney U test and ρ-Spearman test) applied for analysis. The average height was 179 cm for men and 165 cm for women, with average weights of 70 kg for men and 54 kg for women. BMI was 21.5 (SD = 1.43) for men and 20.4 (SD = 1.74) for women, with significantly lower BMI values in women (Z = 2.054, p = 0.04). Men’s BMI decreased with age (R = −0.534, p &lt; 0.01). The BMI value of masters foot orienteers is typical for middle-distance runners. Women are closer to the somatotype of 1500 m athletes and men to 800 m athletes. Lack of earlier elite success does not preclude being on the podium at the WMOC (only 3 of the 50 medallists surveyed had won a medal in elite competition in the past).