Neck Length Research Articles

FLUID BEHAVIOR INVESTIGATION ON A SINGLE-PHASE EJECTOR USING NUMERICAL APPROACH

This study aims to determine fluid flow behaviors and its property inside of an ejector for a single-phase system. Numerical simulation has been employed to investigate the efficiency of the ejector. The numerical process begins with model creation, mesh sensitivity study, turbulent model selection and validation study. Seven parts of ejector that can be optimized to achieve the objectives namely nozzle diameter, venturi tube neck diameter, nozzle distance, venturi tube neck length, straight pipe length, mixing chamber diameter, and mixing chamber length. Through these seven aspects, a total of 82 design points has been generated by CFD software and have obtained a candidate that provides optimized parameters that are 2.12mm, 18.93mm, 3.12mm, 80.71mm, 195.9mm, 138.63mm and 165.64mm. These parameters that contribute to the optimized output have contributed 0.0462% efficiency than before. This also shows that this ejector model does not require significant changes because this model is said to be close to the optimized ejector. Through these seven modifiable parameters, a total of 82 design points has been generated by MOGA algorithm and have obtained a candidate that provides optimized parameters that are 2.12mm, 18.93mm, 3.12mm, 80.71mm, 195.9mm, 138.63mm and 165.64mm. These parameters that contribute to the optimized output have contributed 0.0462% efficiency.

The acoustic performance of a dual Helmholtz resonators system in the presence of a grazing flow

Helmholtz resonators (HR) are widely used in aero-engine systems for noise reduction. By connecting a pair of HRs in series (neck-cavity-neck-cavity), a dual HRs system is formed. This study investigated the influence of neck length, cavity volume and flow Mach number on the noise attenuation performance of a dual HRs system. A three-dimensional numerical simulation was performed to calculate the transmission loss results. The transmission loss (TL) results indicated that the second neck length can influence the second resonance frequency and TL max. Changing the cavity volume significantly influences the noise attenuation ability under lower flow rate conditions compared to higher flow rate conditions. The flow Mach number had a more significant impact on the first TL peak than on the second TL peak. This study shows the relationship between the geometric parameters, grazing flow and noise attenuation performance of a dual HRs system and could provide guidance in designing suitable dual HRs for aero-engine systems.

Evaluation of neck measurements and their correlation with prediction of difficult laryngoscopic view

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative assessment of various anatomic and clinical features helps in identifying potentially difficult laryngoscopy and intubation in advance allowing the anesthetist to be prepared for such a scenario. Though “ Short Neck” is a commonly used term in airway assessment indicating the possibility of a difficult airway. there is a lack of clarity regrading the cut off value and the association of different neck lengths (Anterior, Posterior and Lateral) to the laryngoscopic view. AIM : Evaluation of anterior, posterior and lateral neck length in neutral and extended positions and correlate each measurement with prediction of difficult laryngoscopic view. MATERIALS AND METHODS : This prospective observational study was conducted on 150 patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 1/11 , aged 18-65 years with body mass index (BMI) 18 to 35 kg/m2,scheduled to undergo elective surgeries under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Each subject’s anterior,lateral and posterior neck lengths (ANL,LNL,PNL) were measured pre operatively. Direct laryngoscopy was done to achieve the best Cormack Lehane(CL) grade using manoeuvres (Backward upward rightward manoeuvre(BURP)/OELM/Change of Blade/Change of pillow height/RAMP positioning) when indicated and the same compared to the measured neck lengths. RESULT : The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy was found to be 18 per cent in our study population. Anterior neck length in neutral position was found to be the best predictor of difficult laryngoscopy, with a threshold of less than or equal to 9 cms. No particular neck length correlated with BMI and age. All the neck lengths showed positive correlation with the height of the subject CONCLUSION : ANL with a cut off criterion of less than or equal to 9 cm in neutral position can used objectively when measuring neck length. All neck lengths showed significant change with neck mobility. Rate of change of both PNL and LNL with head extension position showed significant change in difficult laryngoscopy subjects.

Measurement of some body parts of muscovy duck (Carina moschata) at age 3 weeks old fed by pellet feed under an intensive farming system

This study was aimed to measure and determine the size of some body parts of the muscovy duck (Carina moschata) and their relationship with body weight. The research was be carried out for two months from August to September 2023 in local Intensive Muscovy Duck farm, Kademangan area, Blitar, East Java. The research material use were 60 muscovy ducks (unsexed), aged 3 weeks old, and reared in intensive farming system. This study used experiment quantitative methods (measurement). Muscovy duck sampling was carried out by random sampling. The variables observed were body weight, beak length, beak width, head length, head circumference, neck length, neck circumference, wing length, back length, chest length, chest width, shank length, shank circumference, and leg membrane width. Measurements were made on each individual using a measuring tape. The data obtained were tabulated and analyzed using normality test, correlation test and regression test. The results showed that there is a positive correlation between the morphological dimensions of livestock, including membrane width, shank length, beak width, wing length, head width, head length, neck length, shank circumference, beak length, breast length, breast width, neck circumference, back length, and body weight. And the length of the back has the largest contribution of 54% to the body weight of muscovy ducks (Carina moschata) aged 3 weeks old.

Justification of the choice of means of controlling the parameters of the crankshaft after processing for the repair size

An assessment of the quality of the control of the parameters of the crankshaft after processing for the repair size was carried out. The company's metrological support system must guarantee the accuracy and quality of the crankshaft repair, eliminating the possibility of defects during subsequent assembly. When repairing engines, defects in the crankshafts are detected, after which they are replaced with new ones or processed according to the repair size. After processing the crankshaft for the repair size, it is necessary to carry out control according to six parameters. It was revealed that to measure the diameters of the main and connecting rod necks of the crankshaft of the Zavolzhsky Engine Plant, as well as their ovality, it is necessary to replace the micrometer 50-75 (0.01) used at the enterprise, the maximum measurement error of which is twice as large as permissible, with a lever bracket 50-75 (0.002) to reduce the measurement error and improve the quality of control. To control the greatest beating of the second, third and fourth root necks relative to the first and fifth root necks, the hour-type indicator used at enterprises fully satisfies the specified conditions, the maximum error does not exceed the permissible one. To control the axial clearance of the already assembled crankshaft along the thrust bearing, dial indicator 0-10 (0.01) is also used, which provides the specified measurement accuracy with a three-fold margin. When measuring the length of the third root neck, the use of a caliper calipers 0-125 (0.05) leads to an excess of the permissible measurement error by 3 times, but there are no other more accurate universal measuring instruments to control this parameter, since the control is carried out by special sponges for measuring holes, which are available only for calipers. It is recommended to design a gauge to measure the length of the third root neck.

EndoSuture aneurysm repair versus fenestrated aneurysm repair in patients with short neck abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The aim of this study was to compare midterm results of EndoAnchors in EndoSuture aneurysm repair (ESAR) versus fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) in short neck abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). All patients who underwent an ESAR procedure for a short neck AAA at our center between September 2017 and May 2020 were considered for analysis. To form the control group, preoperative computed tomography angiography of patients who underwent FEVAR for juxtarenal AAA between April 2012 and May 2020 were reviewed and patients who met short neck criteria selected. A propensity-matched score on neck length and neck diameter was calculated, resulting in 18 matched pairs. AAA shrinkage, type Ia endoleaks (EL), AAA-related reinterventions, and AAA-related deaths were compared. The median AAA diameter was 54mm (interquartile range [IQR], 52-61mm) versus 58mm (IQR, 53-63mm) with a median neck length of 8mm (IQR, 6-12mm) vs 10mm (IQR, 6-13mm) in ESAR and FEVAR patients, respectively. Technical success was 100% in both groups. Procedural success was 94% in the ESAR group versus 100% in the FEVAR group. The median procedure duration was 138mm (IQR, 113-182mm) vs 240mm (IQR, 199-293mm) ( P< .001) and the median length of stay was 2days (IQR, 2-3days) vs 7days (IQR, 6-7days) (P< .001) in ESAR and FEVAR patients, respectively. No major hospital complications were observed in ESAR patients compared with two in FEVAR patients (11%) with one transient acute kidney injury and one transient paraplegia. The median follow-up was 23months (IQR, 19-33months) vs 36months (IQR, 22-57months) with 67% versus 61% AAA shrinkage in the ESAR and FEVAR groups, respectively (P= .73). No type Ia EL, proximal neck-related reinterventions, or AAA-related deaths were observed in either group. No AAA-related reintervention was observed in the ESAR group versus three reinterventions in the FEVAR group (P= .23). ESAR seems to be a safe technique with no major postoperative complications or reinterventions observed during follow-up. It seems to offer similar midterm results as FEVAR in terms of type Ia EL, aneurysm shrinkage, and aneurysm-related mortality. ESAR seems to be a good off-the-shelf alternative to FEVAR in case of technical constraints.

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Artery Catheterisation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The Pulmonary Artery (PA) catheter continues to be used for monitoring haemodynamic parameters in the majority of patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgeries, despite concerns raised regarding costeffectiveness and safety issues. Sometimes, placement takes longer or is difficult just by looking at the pressure waves. There are several factors that may influence the duration of Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC) insertion. Aim: To determine the factors affecting PAC in anaesthetised patients undergoing elective CABG. Materials and Methods: A single-centred, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery operation theartre at IPGME&amp;R and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, India including 138 patients aged 35-65 years of either sex undergoing elective CABG surgery in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. The attempt to perform successful first-time catheterisation or failure of the PAC done by a resident cardioanaesthesiologist was noted, as well as whether catheterisation was successfully done within a specified time or not. This time was obtained as the 75th percentile of the time taken for catheter placement for the first 30 cases catheterised in the first attempt. For ease of analysis, all first attempt successful cases were considered as Group A (n=125), and all first attempt failure cases as Group B (n=13). The study data on various parameters were recorded on a proforma and summarised as the mean and standard deviation for normally distributed numerical variables, median and interquartile range for skewed numerical variables, and counts and percentages for categorical variables. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 138 patients were analysed during the entire study. There was a predominance of male patients (82.6%) with a male-to-female ratio of 114:24. The first attempt failure rate of successful PAC was 13 out of 138, i.e., 9.42% (95% confidence interval 4.55% to 14.29%). The cut-off time for the procedure as the 75th percentile of the first 30 successful cases is 269 seconds. The number of cases in which it was done within this time was 109 cases, i.e., 78.99%. There was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in terms of body weight, body surface area, and neck length between the two groups. Conclusion: Increased body weight and increased body surface area are significant factors associated with difficult PAC placement. On the other hand, short neck length is a significant factor for taking more time in the placement of the catheter.

Laimydorus zehsaziani n. sp., a new member of the genus from northwest of Iran, with additional data on Labronema vulvapapillatum (Meyl, 1954) Loof & Grootaert, 1981 (Dorylaimida: Dorylaimidae).

A new species belonging to the genus Laimydorus, and a known species of the genus Labronema, collected from the rhizosphere of grassland plants in West Azarbaijan province, Iran, are presented. The new species is characterized by its body length (1.56-1.81 mm in females and 1.39-1.57 mm in males), lip region offset by weak constriction and wider than adjacent body (11-14 μm), odontostyle 17-20 μm long, neck length 312-434 μm, vulva longitudinal (V = 42.2-46.5), uterus well-developed and with Z-differentiations, tail long (219-237 μm, c = 6.9-8.3, c´ = 8.2-10) in females, short and convex-conoid with blunt terminus (19-22 μm, c = 68-72.5, c´= 0.77-0.84) in males, spicules 40-45 μm long, and 18-20 contiguous ventromedian supplements with hiatus. Molecular analyses, using Bayesian inference based on D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA (LSU), placed the new species in a clade comprising representatives of the genera Nevadanema, Dorylaimus, Labronema, Calcaridorylaimus, Mesodorylaimus, and Prodorylaimus, which all belong to Dorylaimidae. In addition, new data (molecular, morphometrics, images, and geographic distribution) are presented for the Iranian population of Labronema vulvapapillatum.

Description of Paravulvus zhongshanensis sp. nov. (Dorylaimida: Nygolaimidae) from Nanjing, China.

Paravulvus zhongshanensis sp. nov., isolated from soil in a location at Jiangsu Province, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular characterizations. The new species is characterized by its body 1.17-1.53 mm long, lip region offset by marked constriction and 12.1-13.8 μm broad, mural tooth deltoid and 9.6-11.7 μm long, neck 278-360 μm long, pharyngeal expansion 164-208 μm long or occupying more than one-half (54-62%) of total neck length, uterus 32.5-35.3 μm long or 1.0-1.1 times the corresponding body diameter, V = 47.8-53.4, paravulvae absent, female tail subcylindrical conoid (30.5-39.5 μm, c = 36.0-45.5, c' = 1.7-2.2) with widely rounded end, and male unknown. The new species was compared with six known species of the genus including Paravulvus acuticaudatus, Paravulvus confusus, Paravulvus hartingii, Paravulvus iranicus, Paravulvus loofi and Paravulvus microdontus mainly by similarities in having conical tail and c' value larger than 1.3. The rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 genes of the new species were obtained and were used for reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships of the new species.

Anatomical feasibility of fenestrated stent graft to treat complex abdominal aortic aneurysms from a Korean single institute database.

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of Zenith Fenestrated AAA Endovascular Graft (Z-FEN, Cook Medical) from a single Korean institution database by evaluating the vascular anatomy of Korean abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients with hostile aortic neck. This is a retrospective study on patients with AAA who underwent endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and open surgery repair between January 2012 and December 2021 (n = 211). The anatomic characteristics of the aortic neck were evaluated using 3-dimensional reconstructed computed tomographic scans. For the juxtarenal AAA patients (n = 39), feasibility of fenestrated stent graft was evaluated under the protocol of fenestrated EVAR. For those who were not suitable for the application of Z-FEN, the reasons for unsuitability were analyzed. Among 211 AAA patients, 108 patients (51.2%) had complex aortic neck, and 39 (18.5%) had insufficient aortic neck length (<15 mm) for conventional EVAR. Of the 39 patients with juxtarenal AAAs, 13 (33.3%) were determined feasible for Z-FEN. Twenty-six patients (66.7%) were noncandidate for Z-FEN due to severe neck angulation, short aortic neck length, inadequate iliac artery anatomy, large aortic neck diameter, and severe calcification and thrombosis. Proximal aortic neck length of the non-feasible group was significantly shorter than that of the feasible group (P = 0.002). Z-FEN was applicable to 33.3% of the juxtarenal AAA patients. As recent studies confirm, the effectiveness and safety of fenestrated EVAR, Z-FEN can be an option for AAA patients with short aortic neck.

Left atrial appendage closure in patients with reversed chicken-wing morphology: Anatomical features and procedural strategy

BackgroundLeft atrial appendage (LAA) closure (LAAC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with the reversed chicken-wing (RCW) LAA is challenging. AimsTo elucidate the LAAC strategy of the RCW-LAA. MethodsA total of 802 AF patients who were enrolled in the LAACablation registry for LAAC procedure were included, 55 of whom presented with the RCW-LAA. The WATCHMAN device was implanted using the standard protocol when the sheath depth was no less than the device depth (the simple group). For those with a sheath depth of less than the device depth (the complex group), device deployment was attempted with acceptable protrusion or after a repeated atrial transseptal puncture (re-ATP) at a more inferior and anterior position. The anatomical and procedural features were compared between groups and before and after the re-ATP. ResultsThe success rate of LAAC was significantly lower in patients with the RCW-LAA than with the other morphologies (92.7% vs. 98.8%, p = 0.001). Compared with the simple group, the complex group had shorter root depth and shorter neck length, and more LAAs in the complex group were at lower position (all p < 0.05). The sheath depth after the re-ATP was significantly greater than that before the re-ATP (18.8 ± 3.4 mm vs. 14.7 ± 2.6 mm, p < 0.001). For the patients who underwent re-ATP, the sheath went significantly deeper in successful procedures than in aborted procedures (19.7 ± 3.3 mm vs. 15.8 ± 1.8 mm, p = 0.040). ConclusionsThe anatomical features of the RCW-LAA were related to the complexity of the LAAC procedure. The re-ATP at an inferior and anterior location could increase the success rate of LAAC. ClinicalTrials.govNCT03788941.

Использование биометрических параметров верхних мочевых путей для планирования оперативных методов лечения нефролитиаза.

Introduction. The prevalence of urolithiasis (ICD) reaches 5-20% with an annual increase. Endoscopic methods play a leading role in the surgical treatment of urolithiasis. The aim of the surgery is the achievement of stone free status without complications. The technological progress has led to the development of computer programs for visualization before the surgery, which have been used to assess the topography, skeletotopy, anatomy of the renal cavity system, structural features and angioarchitectonics. Aim of the study. Improving the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous interventions using the biometric planning method. Materials and methods. We analyzed the treatment results of 120 patients who were underwent percutaneous interventions for nephrolithiasis in the period from 2019 to 2021. The main method of preoperative examination was multispiral computer tomography (MSCT) with 3D reconstruction and biometric assessment of anatomical parameters. Results. Single kidney stones were detected in 45 patients, multiple – in 24, coral-shaped – in 51 patients. The growth of microflora in urine culture was noted in 64 cases. The average time of X-ray screening was 20.5 minutes (7-34 minutes). The average duration of surgery is 110 minutes (65-240 minutes). Complete purification of the calyx-pelvic system from concretions was achieved in 78% of patients. Complications were detected in 21 (17.5%) patients, 52% of them – grade I-II on the Clavien-Dindo scale. The optimal parameters for percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in monotherapy mode were determined: lower polar anatomy – neck length &lt; 2 cm, width &gt; 0,5 cm, lower cervical-pelvic angle &gt; 70°, lower cervical-frontal angle &gt;135°; upper polar anatomy – single calyx, calyx neck length &lt; 2 cm, width calyx necks &gt; 1,0 cm, upper cervical-cervical angle &gt; 135°, upper cervical-frontal angle &gt;135°; anatomy of the central segment – A1. Discussion. The creation of a morphometric model makes it possible to define the stages of surgery, reduce the risks of complications, increase the efficiency and safety of the procedure. Conclusion. Currently the use of biometric parameters before percutaneous and endoscopic intrarenal interventions is the most effective method of virtual planning, which allows to free the urinary tract from the maximum volume of stone and return the patient to a full life in the shortest possible time.

Gender Differences in Aortic Anatomic Severity Grade and Long-Term Survival Following Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair at a Single Tertiary Center

Anatomic severity grade (ASG) score is utilized to assess preoperative abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and provide a quantitative data on its anatomic complexity. The aim of this study is to determine the anatomical differences and long-term survival between male and female patients undergoing elective AAA repair. All patients undergoing intact AAA repair from 2007 to 2014 were included. ASG scores were calculated based on preoperative anatomical characteristics including aortic neck, aneurysm, and iliac artery. Standard univariate analysis was used to evaluate patient and anatomical characteristics. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to evaluate long-term survival at 1 and 5 years. A total of 379 patients were identified, of which, majority of them were males (80%). Females were on average 3years older (mean [SD]: 74.32 [8.63] vs. 71.92 [8.64] years) and were more likely to undergo open repair (29.7% vs. 17.5%) (both P<0.05). Both groups had similar comorbidities. The mean long-term follow-up (S.D.) was 6.21 (3.81) years. No significant difference was seen between males versus females in long-term survival at both 1 year (86.3% vs. 92.8, P=0.06) and 5 year (68.5% vs. 72.7%, P=0.38). In regard to the anatomical characteristics, females had shorter aortic neck length (mean in mm [S.D.]: 17.67 [1.41] vs. 27.20 [15.76]), increased tortuosity index [mean (S.D.): 1.11 (0.07) vs. 1.09 (0.07)]) and higher calcification [mean % (S.D.): 17.12 (21.17) vs. 10.59 (16.82)] (All P<0.05). In contrast, males had larger aortic neck (mean in mm (S.D.): 23.81 (4.17) vs. 22.41 (4.16)] and iliac artery [mean in mm (S.D.): 7.70 (1.91) vs. 6.28 (1.67)] diameter (both P<0.05). The mean total ASG score was significantly higher among females versus males [mean (S.D.): 17.23 (4.01) vs. 15.67 (3.96), P=0.003]. After stratifying by ASG score ≥15, females had significantly lower survival at 1 year compared to males (82.6% vs. 92.1%, P=0.04). However, this difference disappeared at 5 years. The data demonstrate that females present at an older age with more complex AAA anatomy than males. Based on anatomical complexities, females were more likely to undergo open repair, with a corresponding increase in 1-year mortality, but not at 5 year. The data suggest that care processes for optimization of aortic surgery in females are needed to improve 1-year survival.

Study of Nisi Chicken Diversity Based on Morphometric Analysis and Bioacoustic Analysis

— This study aims to obtain data on the diversity of nisi chickens based on morphometric analysis of body weight bioacoustic analysis of the crowing sound. The number of studies that link morphometric analysis with bioacoustic analysis is one of the reference sources used as a reference in conducting this study. In the future, it is hoped that this research will be one of the contributions of knowledge for further research or similar research. The parameters used in the analysis are neck length for morphometric analysis and bioacoustic parameters using the number of crowing syllables, crowing duration, and wave frequency. The data generated from the morphometric analysis were then analyzed statistically for the average test using ANOVA which was analyzed together with the data generated from the Cold Edit Pro software to conclude the resulting data. The parameters observed were the number of crowed syllables, crowing duration, wave frequency, and crowing frequency. The results showed that the duration of the crowing of the nisi chicken ranged from 1.922 seconds to -2.064 seconds with an average duration of 1.9837 seconds. The results of morphometric analysis of neck length obtained that the average neck length of 30 chicken samples was 10.25 cm with the shortest range being 10.0 cm and the longest being 10.8 cm. The results of sound analysis for the wavelength frequency of the crowing of the nisi chicken ranged from 698.10 Hz - 786.22 Hz with an average wavelength of 733.89 Hz. For the number of syllables produced from the crowing sound, uniform results are obtained in the form of 7 syllables. The results of the analysis using ANOVA obtained an F count of 0.001447 smaller than F table 1.656383. The conclusion in this study is that the neck length morphometric analysis does not affect the bioacoustic analysis so that the diversity of nisi chickens analyzed shows uniformity.

Artificially Intelligent Three-Dimensionally-Printed Patient-Specific Instrument Improves Total Hip Arthroplasty Accuracy

BackgroundPatient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has the potential to improve the accuracy of implant positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA). This prospective clinical study aimed to develop artificial intelligence to increase PSI production efficiency and assess accuracy, clinical outcomes, and learning curves. MethodsA convolutional neural network was applied to automatically process computer tomography images. PSI size and position were designed to guide the acetabular preparation and femoral neck resection. Thirty patients who underwent PSI-assisted THAs were matched to thirty patients who underwent free-hand THAs, and the component positions, as well as radiographic and clinical outcomes were analyzed. ResultsPSI-assisted THA was significantly more accurate than free-hand THA at achieving the target component position. The mean absolute errors of cup inclination (P = .004) and anteversion (P < .001) were significantly smaller in the PSI group with fewer outliers. Calcar length (P = .002) and neck length (P = .026) were also more accurate in the PSI group. The leg length discrepancy was significantly lower in the PSI group (P = .002). There were no significant differences in operation time, blood loss, leg length discrepancy, or cup position among the first, second, and last 10 cases. ConclusionPSI-assisted THA offered more accurate component positions and better radiographic outcomes than free-hand THA. There was no evidence of a learning curve. Our findings suggest that PSI is a convenient and practical option to help surgeons achieve accurate surgical outcomes.

Feed and nutrient utilization efficiency and juvenile traits of Vezaguda chicken of Odisha in floor rearing system

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Vezaguda, an indigenous chicken population of Odisha, up to 8 weeks of age in floor rearing system. Unsexed day-old chicks (100) were selected for this study. Mortality and feed intake were recorded daily while body weight was recorded weekly. Body conformation traits such as shank length, shank circumference, shank width, thigh length, chest girth, keel length, body length, height, back length, wing length, folded wing length, wing span, neck length, head length, skull length, head width, beak length and breast angle were measured at 6th and 8th weeks of age. The 8th week body weight of male and female chicks were 501.58±21.64 g and 423.35±13.44 g, respectively. The cumulative feed conversion ratio (FCR), energy efficiency ratio (EER), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) at 8th week were 4.00±0.06, 8.73±0.12, and 1.25±0.02, respectively. An index of productivity, production efficiency factor (PEF) was calculated taking into account final weight, liveability %, age of the bird and FCR. The PEF at 8th week was 16.38±0.46. At 6th week of age, all recorded conformation traits were higher in male chicks than that of female chicks. At 8th week of age, chest girth, skull length and beak length were significantly higher in male chicks than that of female chicks.

Rac1 GTPase activation impairs fear conditioning-induced structuralchanges in basolateral amygdala neurons and long-term fear memory formation.

Long-term memory formation leads to enduring alterations in synaptic efficacy and neuronal responses that may be created by changes in neuronal morphology. We show that fear conditioning leads to a long-lasting increase in the volume of the primary and secondary dendritic branches, but not of distal branches, of neurons located at the basolateral amygdala (BLA). The length of the dendritic branches is not affected by fear conditioning. Fear conditioning leads to an enduring increase in the length and volume of dendritic spines, especially in the length of the spine neck and the volume of the spine head. Fear conditioning does not affect dendritic spine density. We further reveal that activation of Rac1 in BLA during fear conditioning impairs long-term auditory, but not contextual, fear conditioning memory. Activation of Rac1 during fear conditioning prevents the enduring increase in the dendritic primary branch volume and dendritic spines length and volume. Rac1 activation per se has no effect on neuronal morphology. These results show that fear conditioning induces changes known to reduce the inhibition of signal propagation along the dendrite and the increase in synaptic efficacy whereas preventing these changes, by Rac1 activation, impairs fear memory formation.

Anatomical Features of the Proximal Femur in the Turkish Population

Different populations have different genetic traits, and this causes various anatomical features to emerge. Orthopedic implants used in Turkey are generally of Western origin, and these implants are designed based on the anatomical features of Western populations. This study aimed to evaluate the compatibility of existing implants for the Turkish population by revealing the anatomical features of the proximal femurs of individuals from the Turkish population while also constituting a helpful source of data on newly developed implants. A total of 1920 proximal femurs of 960 patients were evaluated via images obtained by Computer Tomography. Twenty patients (10 females and 10 males) for each age within the age range of 18-65 years were included. Femoral head diameter, femoral neck width, femoral neck length, medullary canal width, and collodiaphyseal angle were measured. The right and left femoral head diameter was 46.46±3.84 mm, 46.50 ±3.85 mm respectively. The right and left femoral neck width was 30.63±3.4 mm, 30.85±3.29 mm respectively. The neck length was 94.62±8.33 mm for the right proximal femur, it was 94.75±8.19 mm for the left. The width of the medullary canal was 15.46±2.25 mm for the right proximal femur and 15.53±2.20 mm for the left. The right and left hips, the collodiaphyseal angles were 133.06±2.39° and 133.13±2.36°. Anatomical features of the proximal femur vary according to age, sex, and race. This study may be used as an important resource for the evaluation of patients’ compatibility with existing implants and for the design of new implants.

Computed tomography image analysis for Indonesian total hip arthroplasty designs

&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Total hip arthroplasty purposes to replace a hip joint damaged by an artificial hip joint. However, the developed products that already exist in the market lead to the mismatch between the hip implant equipment and the patient’s bone morphometric. Besides causing complications, the mismatch also continues to the dislocation effects, fracture, osteolysis, and thigh pain. This paper aims to design a customized hip implant based on real patient data, particularly for Indonesian patient, limited to the acetabular components and stem parts. The computed images were analyzed to estimate the patient proximal femur morphometric; those are the femoral head diameter, neck-shaft angle, mediolateral width, anteroposterior width, neck length and neck width. The experiment has succeeded in designing the acetabular shell with the thickness of 3 mm, the acetabular liner with the thickness of 6 mm, the femoral head between 22.4 to 24.8 mm, the short stem in both the right for 110.656 mm and left femur bone for 111.49 mm; that fit the patient's femur bone. Overall, the proposed steps in designing the customized hip implant in this work, based on image analysis on medical imaging data, can be a standard to be applied for other patient-needs hip arthroplasty implants.&lt;/span&gt;

Risk factors and adverse events related to supra- and infra-renal aortic dilation at twelve months after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Aortic remodeling and its effect on adverse events after endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR) remain under investigation. This study aimed to assess aortic diameter alterations after EVAR, related risk factors and consequences to proximal sealing at 12 months. A single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive EVAR patients was undertaken. All patients underwent computed tomography angiography, preoperatively, at 1st and 12th month. The infrarenal diameter was measured just below the inferior renal artery, at 7 mm and 15 mm while the suprarenal, just above the superior renal artery (SRA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and just below the celiac trunk. Neck-related adverse events included migration and endoleak Ia. A hundred fifty patients were included. At 1st month, no significant diameter alteration was recorded at any level. At 12th month, all infra-renal diameters increased (P<0.001) and diameters at SRA and SMA also augmented (P=0.024 and P=0.007, respectively). Neck diameter >29 mm, supra-renal fixation and oversizing >20% were associated to dilation at 12th month. Neck adverse events were related to diameter alterations below the inferior renal artery (P=0.017), SRA (P=0.007) and SMA (P=0.05). During the 12-month follow-up, aortic dilation may be detected from the supra-renal aorta to the total neck length. Neck dilation may be attributed to large neck diameter, supra-renal fixation, and aggressive oversizing. Neck-related adverse events are more common in patients with aortic dilation at 12 months.