Relative Positioning Research Articles

A MODERN VIEW OF THE PROBLEM OF STRESS-INDUCED FERTILITY

Prolonged infertility can cause psychological stress in spouses, which requires the intervention of psychologists, psychotherapists, and sometimes psychiatrists. Purpose: to find out the role of stress in the initiation of infertility in a married couple. Materials and method: to conduct an analysis of modern medical literature on the psychogenic form of infertility. Research results and their discussion
 There are data that thanks to the attention and sensitive attitude to the mental state of patients, pregnancy occurred in 60% of cases. Can this be called a placebo reaction?
 Such a reaction can occur in the initial period of examination of women with probable anovulatory infertility. Psychological examination of a married couple with infertility should not be considered as an examination option, which is resorted to only after the exclusion of organic damage. Psychological and social factors can play a significant role when a woman has pathology of the pelvic organs. To assess the prospects of infertility treatment, the doctor must determine which of the factors - somatic, psychological or social - plays a leading role.
 Only then can he take the right position in relation to patients and assess the degree of his intervention in complex human problems that may arise in the process of diagnosis and treatment, or when choosing an alternative to parenthood.

Computed-tomography evaluation of parietal foramen topography in adults: a retrospective analysis.

The parietal foramen (PF) of the skull is a variable anatomic feature with important implications for venous drainage, infection, and injury. Its topography is clinically relevant for neurosurgeons for intracranial navigation and preoperative planning. PF topography was investigated in a series of 440 head computed-tomography scans of Omani subjects at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. The mean age of the patients was 52 ± 17years and there were 160 males and 280 females. The topography features of the PF, including frequency, diameter, patency, and relative position in relation to the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), were recorded. Additionally, sex and laterality differences in PF parameters were analyzed using a Chi-square test. The overall prevalence of PF was 72.3% (318/440). The bilateral presence of PF was identified in 34% of skulls. Unilateral right-side prevalence was 18.2%, while left prevalence was 13.2% (p = 0.62). The prevalence of unilateral accessory PF on the right side was 1.8%, while it was 1.1% on the left (p = 0.69). PF within the sagittal suture/or intra-sutural PF was observed in 6.8% of skulls, with a frequency of 9.4% in men and 5.4% in women (p = 0.29). The diameter of the PF was 1.45 ± 0.74 mm on the right side, and 1.54 ± 0.99 mm on the left side (p = 0.96). There were 2% of incomplete PF. The PF was located over the SSS in 70.3% on the right side and 53.8% on the left side. No significant differences were observed between the PF topography parameters and sex or laterality. The present study for the first time reports the baseline data of PF topography in a large sample of CT scans in the Arab population. The geography and race influence the PF topography differences. PF may be used as a reliable landmark of SSS. The morphological characteristics and distribution of PF reported in this study have clinical implications for imaging diagnosis, intracranial navigation of vascular disorders, and treatment.

Steric blocking upside down: a different way of thinking about the competition between myosin and tropomyosin

At low free Ca2+, the actin binding proteins tropomyosin, troponin I, troponin T and troponin C inhibit contraction in striated muscles. Ca2+ activation alters the position of tropomyosin on actin to uncover binding sites for high affinity forms of myosin (i.e., myosin-ADP). Inhibition of contraction is commonly thought to result from steric blocking of myosin binding to actin by tropomyosin. However, myosin-ADP binding to actin is energetically more favorable than localization of tropomyosin in the blocking position. Tropomyosin is an effective inhibitor of binding only at low levels of myosin-ADP. At low free Ca2+, troponin-tropomyosin also inhibits the rate of a step associated with Pi release to about 1% of the maximum rate. This results in accumulation of myosin with bound ATP and ADP-Pi. Such myosin binds weakly to actin. Ca2+ activation increases the rate of Pi release, but not to the maximum value, and increases the population of myosin-ADP. The high affinity binding of myosin-ADP to actin can displace tropomyosin into the fully active position in relation to the amount of myosin-ADP bound. It seems likely that an important outcome of the steric clash between myosin-ADP and tropomyosin is the dual activation by Ca2+ and myosin-ADP. The C-terminal region of troponin T (TnT) contributes to the incomplete activation by Ca2+ alone. Because this region of TnT is highly conserved, the ability of myosin-ADP to move tropomyosin may be more important than any restriction that tropomyosin may place on myosin binding.

The reflective positioning of Japanese EFL students in the negotiation of their own emergent bilingual identities

ABSTRACT Although the emergent bilingual status of foreign language (FL) students is often overlooked, that is not to say that students do not, on some level of consciousness, experience changes in their identity as a result of their emergent bilingualism. The continuous process of identity (re)negotiation, that is, the reorganising of one’s subject position in relation to contextualised linguistic and social factors, has a significant impact on FL students. The present study takes a multi-theoretical approach to investigate the factors involved in the negotiation of Japanese EFL students’ emergent bilingual identities through the use of a questionnaire. The results show that the majority of the participants perceived some level of change in their identity, unrelated to any specific determinants. Furthermore, those with longer EFL learning histories, higher proficiency levels, or those majoring in globally-minded studies were more likely to feel they belong to English-speaking (imagined) communities.

EVALUATION OF THE CONDYLAR POSITION IN RELATION TO THE DIFFERENT MALOCCLUSIONS OF A STUDENT POPULATION

Studying the position of the condyle in the glenoid cavity is an important aspect of achieving the diagnosis and the treatment plan in dentistry. The posterior position of the condyle in the glenoid cavity is not a completely reliable predictor of the lack or appearance of disc displacement, although they are related (1). The TMJ is a small joint with a complex morphology surrounded by bony tissues that create a superimposition of images, especially in the petrous region of the temporal bone, the mastoid process and the articular eminence (1). Studies on the ideal position of the condyles have shown that the healthiest condyle-fossa relationship in which the condyle is centered anteriorly in the mandibular fossa. The following research aims to evaluate the condylar position in relation to different malocclusions of thirty-two students of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Cuenca.The research has a quantitative approach, carried out by means of numerical analysis. The population used was thirty-two students from the Faculty of Odontology in the University of Cuenca, aged between 21 and 29 years, who underwent cone beam computed tomography. The research was carried out as a descriptive retrospective sample and provides systematic information. The research used is of a primary source, using CBCT scans obtained from an image bank at the CERIOM Radiology Centre in the city of Cuenca, and the tomographic examination will be imported in DICOM format into the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software (64-bit).

P556 Immunomodulator and advanced therapies for Induction of clinical remission and response in Crohn’s disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Abstract Background Several effective advanced therapies have been approved for the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) in the past two decades. Many have used synthesis techniques to study this area, but these rarely consider both advanced and immunomodulator therapy together in the same analysis. Network meta-analysis enables the direct and indirect comparison of these different therapeutic agents, aiding in determining their relative positioning within the treatment algorithm. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials between inception and October 2023 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The outcomes included were clinical remission and response, adverse events (AE), withdrawal due to AE, total and serious AE. We performed random-effects meta-analysis and network meta-analysis (frequentist approach), and estimated relative risk (RRs), 95%CI values. We used GRADE to ascertain certainty of evidence. Results A total of 83 RCTs comprising 19214 patients were eligible. A total of 28 interventions were included in the analysis. Combination of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and immunomodulators, anti-TNF monotherapy (adalimumab [ADA], infliximab [IFX], BI695501), IL-23 antagonists (ustekinumab [UST], guselkumab, risankizumab [RIS], mirikizumab), anti-integrins (vedolizumab, natalizumab) and upadacitinib were effective in inducing clinical remission compared to placebo (Figure 1). There was moderate certainty of evidence for combination of ADA and azathioprine (AZA) (RR 3.1, 95%CI [2.0-4.8]; risk difference [RD]: 40.1%), IFX+AZA (RR 2.5, 95%CI [1.7-3.8]; RD: 28.9%), ADA (RR 2.5, 95%CI [1.8-3.5]; RD:28.5%), and UST (RR 2.0 95%CI, [1.6-2.5]; RD: 19.2%) in induction of clinical remission compared to placebo. For induction of clinical response, there was moderate certainty of evidence for IFX+AZA (RR 2.8, 95%CI [1.6-4.8]), ADA (RR 2.5, 95%CI [1.7-3.9]), IFX (RR 2.8, 95%CI [1.6-4.8]), RIS (RR 1.9, 95%CI [1.3-2.6]). On analysis of serious adverse events all therapies were of no difference to placebo (very low certainty). On sensitivity analysis, the impact of concomitant immunomodulator use and the biological naivety of patients had little effect on these results. Conclusion On network meta-analysis, combination of anti-TNFs and immunomodulators followed by anti-TNF monotherapy had large effect size with moderate certainty for the induction of clinical remission. More novel therapies appear to have examples of similarly important effect sizes, but are currently limited due to the imprecision of the limited evidence base at present and future research should target these therapies in study.

Survey of Blood Flow Restriction Training Applications in Sports Medicine and Performance Practice Across North America.

Abstract Colapietro, MA, Lee, JZ, and Vairo, GL. Survey of blood flow restriction training applications in sports medicine and performance practice across North America. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—This study profiled current clinical applications of blood flow restriction (BFR) training and observed side effects by surveying active sports medicine and performance personnel across North America. An online survey consisting of questions derived from a related position statement was distributed through professional organizations, email listservs, and social media. Personnel with experience applying or prescribing BFR training with permanent residence within the United States or Canada were eligible to participate. Variables captured included demographics (profession, practice setting), BFR equipment, treatment parameters, observed side effects, and personal perceptions regarding BFR training. An alpha level of p < 0.05 determined significance. A convenience sample included 72 clinicians with 67 being from the United States. Athletic trainers (n = 35) and physical therapists (n = 30) primarily participated. Chi-square test of independence indicated that a higher proportion of physical therapists (90.3%) report receiving formal education in BFR training compared with athletic trainers (65.7%) ( = 4.1, p = 0.043). Parameters varied between respondents for exercise prescription and occlusion settings. Respondents primarily followed position statement recommendations with individualized pressure selections for resistance (80.9%) and aerobic (84.8%) BFR modes. Side effects reported included delayed onset muscle soreness (66.2%), inability to continue because of pain (28%), and numbness (22.5%). Personal perceptions between athletic trainers and physical therapists were compared using independent t-tests. Physical therapists indicated higher confidence in safety (difference = 0.37 ± 0.32, p = 0.026), understanding recommendations (difference = 0.47 ± 0.37, p = 0.011), and theoretical principles (difference = 0.80 ± 0.53, p = 0.004). Despite variation in BFR parameters used, sports medicine personnel demonstrate compliance with position statement recommendations and report mild side effects.

Report of the First ONTOX Stakeholder Network Meeting: Digging Under the Surface of ONTOX Together With the Stakeholders.

The first Stakeholder Network Meeting of the EU Horizon 2020-funded ONTOX project was held on 13-14 March 2023, in Brussels, Belgium. The discussion centred around identifying specific challenges, barriers and drivers in relation to the implementation of non-animal new approach methodologies (NAMs) and probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), in order to help address the issues and rank them according to their associated level of difficulty. ONTOX aims to advance the assessment of chemical risk to humans, without the use of animal testing, by developing non-animal NAMs and PRA in line with 21st century toxicity testing principles. Stakeholder groups (regulatory authorities, companies, academia, non-governmental organisations) were identified and invited to participate in a meeting and a survey, by which their current position in relation to the implementation of NAMs and PRA was ascertained, as well as specific challenges and drivers highlighted. The survey analysis revealed areas of agreement and disagreement among stakeholders on topics such as capacity building, sustainability, regulatory acceptance, validation of adverse outcome pathways, acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) in risk assessment, and guaranteeing consumer safety. The stakeholder network meeting resulted in the identification of barriers, drivers and specific challenges that need to be addressed. Breakout groups discussed topics such as hazard versus risk assessment, future reliance on AI and machine learning, regulatory requirements for industry and sustainability of the ONTOX Hub platform. The outputs from these discussions provided insights for overcoming barriers and leveraging drivers for implementing NAMs and PRA. It was concluded that there is a continued need for stakeholder engagement, including the organisation of a 'hackathon' to tackle challenges, to ensure the successful implementation of NAMs and PRA in chemical risk assessment.

Older people enacting resilience in stories about living alone and receiving home care

Abstract Although older people who live alone might be in a vulnerable situation, they have often managed their everyday life for a long time, frequently with health challenges. In this article, we explore how nine older persons who live alone, who receive home care and are identified by home care professionals as being frail, manage their everyday lives by inquiring into their stories about living alone and receiving home care. We conducted three qualitative interviews with each of the nine participants over a period of eight months and analysed the data using thematic analysis and a narrative positioning analysis. Using the concept of resilience as our analytic lens, we identified three thematic threads: continuity, adaptation and resistance. In the narrative positioning analysis of three participants' stories, we identified that the participants used the processes of continuity, adaptation and resistance strategically and interchangeably. The study thus provides insight into how older people who live alone and use home care services narrate their balancing of strengths and vulnerabilities, and engage in the construction and maintenance of a sense of self through positioning in relation to master narratives. Older people's narrations are nuanced and complex, and this study indicates that encouraging storytelling and engaging with older people's narrations might support how older people enact resilience and thus their management of everyday life when living alone and ageing in place.

Forecasting the potential output and growth of the manufacturing industry: a case study of Indonesia's manufacturing sector

Indonesia is currently experiencing deindustrialization, characterized by a manufacturing industrial sector growth rate lower than the overall economic growth rate. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage the development of the industrial sector to achieve sustainable development. The scenario for industrial development policy is determined based on an evaluation of the country's economic position in relation to current business cycle conditions. The evaluation is carried out through output gap analysis, which refers to the gap between actual and potential output. The research aim is to analyze output potential estimates and gaps in the Indonesian non-oil and gas processing industry sector. The methodology used in this research includes the HP Filter (Hodrick-Prescott), BP Filter (Band-Pass), and the Production Function Approach. The findings show that Indonesia's non-oil and gas processing industry experienced a slight decline below its potential between 2020 and 2021. Therefore, policymakers must consider this; in the short term, inflationary pressures are caused by a positive output gap, so the government needs to prioritize efforts to control inflation. Meanwhile, medium-term structural reforms must continue to increase potential output, including increasing labor force participation, sustainable investment for capital factors, and improving the quality of human resources and technological expertise for productivity factors. In particular, it is necessary to pay attention to the adoption of new emerging technologies.

Are Practices Self-Governing?

In this paper I consider the question of self-governing in relation to MacIntyrean practices. It is not uncommon to discover MacIntyrean practices being described as self-governing in at least some sense. However, while there are seemingly valid reasons for why this might be thought the case, in my paper I argue that there is something very different visible in MacIntyre’s writings here. Indeed, what I want to emphasise regarding MacIntyre’s position in relation to the governing of practices is that rather than self-governing, at most MacIntyrean practices are self-directing or self-guiding. Therefore, although for MacIntyre governing of practices is fundamentally important, what I draw attention to is how, on the whole, this governing happens from outside, and that direction and guidance if and when it does happen, happens in a very specific, internal way aside from governing.

Hypericumliboense (Hypericaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China.

Hypericumliboense M.T.An & T.R.Wu, sp. nov. (Hypericaceae) is a newly described species found in the Maolan National Nature Reserve of Guizhou Province, where it grows in rocky habitats without soil on karst mountain tops. In this study, key morphological characters were compared between the new species and the other known Hypericum species of Hypericaceae. DNA sequences were extracted from the leaves of the new species, with nuclear gene sequences (ITS) generated to reconstruct phylogenetic trees and describe its phylogenetic position in relation to other species of Hypericum. Our results show that the proposed new species has the typical characteristics of the genus Hypericum in morphology being similar to Hypericummonogynum, but differing in its sessile and semi-clasped leaves, long elliptical to long circular leaf blades, thickly papery to thinly leathery, with entire and wavy leaf margins. The abaxial side of the leaves is covered with white powder, giving them a grey-white appearance. The main lateral veins of the leaves are 8-15-paired, and the midvein on both sides is convex. The main lateral veins and midvein branch are conspicuous, with tertiary venation forming a network on the leaf surface and appearing prominently sunken. The inflorescences are 1-3-flowered, with a large calyx and conspicuous veins. The molecular phylogenetic analysis (PP = 1.00) provided substantial evidence for the proposition of H.liboense as a new species within Hypericum. Morphological and molecular evidence is presented, corroborating the proposition of the new species, including a comprehensive account of the distinctive morphological attributes of H.liboense, along with its key distinguishing features from similar species.

The role of expert evidence in civil litigation: a critical analysis (Part 1)

Section 34 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa provides that everyone has the right to have any dispute that can be resolved by the application of law decided in a fair public hearing before a court or, where appropriate, another independent and impartial tribunal or forum. A number of foundational principles that underlie the South African law of civil procedure had been afforded express recognition by this section. One of these principles entail that the duration and costs of civil litigation should be reasonable. In the past decade, or so, there have been several initiatives to give effect to this ideal of civil justice for all. Despite this, there are still several impediments in the South African law that causes civil trials too be exorbitant and time-consuming. One of these impediments relate to the presentation of expert evidence testimony. Part one of this article will critically discuss the historical development of Uniform Court Rule 36(9), its recent amendments and the critique raised against the procedure. In part two the position in relation to the presentation of expert witness evidence in England and Wales, and Australia, as well as its possible contribution to the South African law will be discussed. It will be argued that the current procedure relating to the presentation of expert evidence in South Africa still has certain shortcomings and that the Rules Board will have to intervene to ensure that the procedure enhances access to justice in civil matters.

Mobilization of shared victimhood in the radical right populist Finns Party supporters’ identity work: A narrative–discursive approach to populist support

AbstractIn the 21st century, populist leaders have created and shaped narratives of threatened nations to foster a sense of shared victimhood and increase electoral appeal. However, an intriguing question has emerged: What roles do these outlined populist discourses of a threatened nation and shared victimhood play in the identity work of populist supporters? This study employs a narrative–discursive approach to analyse 25 in‐depth interviews with radical right populist Finns Party supporters. We investigate how the supporters construct and utilize populist discourses and narratives of lived experiences to legitimize their political support for the Finns Party. Furthermore, we illustrate how the related subject positions enable populist supporters to reproduce and enhance the populist discourse of ‘people's’ victimhood through the actions of ‘others’. This study contributes to the field by demonstrating how populist discourses and narratives of lived experiences can be mobilized into political support for the Finns Party.

Enhanced Energy Proficient Clustering (EEPC) algorithm for minimizes the energy depletion in wireless sensor network

Recent developments in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have generated interest in the area of sensor tracking events. The proposed work aims to decrease energy usage by identifying functional relay nodes utilizing the enhanced energy proficient clustering (EEPC) method. To minimize long-distance interaction between CH and BS, a power-efficient relay chosen technique is proposed using improved Grasshopper Optimization algorithm (IGOA). The network is constructed using both mobile and fixed nodes. Mobile nodes first choose cluster head (CH) among fixed nodes after broadcasting information. Depending on the related positioning and power density, mobile nodes choose their CH. CH receives information from mobile sensor nodes (SNs). Based on the nodes’ velocity and position, the EEPC method computes particle fitness value and chooses the relay nodes. Performance metrics include Throughput, End-to-End Delay, Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), Quantity of Received Packets, Total Residual Energy, and Total Energy Consumption, network lifetime. The suggested technique enhances network lifetime and reduces energy consumption when compared to other existing protocols. After 200 simulation rounds, the suggested EEPC displays 98.87% PDR. However, during 200 simulation cycles, ANFISRS, ORNS and DTC-ORS show 97.82%, 96.03%, and 89.585% PDR, respectively.

Queer migration, heteronormativity and the ‘ethnic closet’: Chinese queer international students' intersectional experience in New Zealand

AbstractDrawing on semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 15 Chinese queer international students from New Zealand's tertiary institutions, this paper explores their motivations to pursue higher education transnationally and unpacks the interconnected power structures underpinning their experiences. We find that despite the imagination and initial perception of New Zealand as one of the most queer‐friendly higher education destinations, Chinese queer international students are confronted by the ‘ethnic closet’—a heteronormative power structure simultaneously disciplining racial/ethnic and sexual identities. The interplay between these two key aspects of students' identity has meant that Chinese queer international students, as migrants who occupy disadvantaged positions in local racial power relations, frequently experience heteronormative microaggressions on campus. These students' ethnic identity, which lies in the heart of their social support system, has also become a hindrance in their queer identity development. Our findings challenge the perceived dichotomy between China as homophobic and ‘the West’ as queer‐friendly, and reveal the need for a more nuanced understanding of queer international students' experiences, in order to better support them in a higher education setting.

Intra-abdominal Content Movement in Prone Versus Lateral Decubitus Position Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF).

A prospective, anatomical imaging study of healthy volunteer subjects in accurate surgical positions. To establish if there is a change in the position of the abdominal contents in the lateral decubitus (LD) versus prone position. Lateral transpsoas lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in the LD position has been validated anatomically and for procedural safety, specifically in relation to visceral risks. Recently, LLIF with the patient in the prone position has been suggested as an alternative to LLIF in the LD position. Subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral region in the right LD position with the hips flexed and the prone position with the legs extended. Anatomical measurements were performed on axial magnetic resonance images at the L4-5 disc space. Thirty-four subjects were included. The distance from the skin to the lateral disc surface was 134.9mm in prone compared with 118.7mm in LD ( P <0.0001). The distance between the posterior aspect of the disc and the colon was 20.3mm in the prone compared with 41.1mm in LD ( P <0.0001). The colon migrated more posteriorly in relation to the anterior margin of the psoas in the prone compared with LD (21.7 vs . 5.5mm, respectively; P <0.0001). 100% of subjects had posterior migration of the colon in the prone compared with the LD position, as measured by the distance from the quadratum lumborum to the colon (44.4 vs . 20.5mm, respectively; P <0.001). There were profound changes in the position of visceral structures between the prone and LD patient positions in relation to the LLIF approach corridor. Compared with LD LLIF, the prone position results in a longer surgical corridor with a substantially smaller working window free of the colon, as evidenced by the significant and uniform posterior migration of the colon. Surgeons should be aware of the potential for increased visceral risks when performing LLIF in the prone position. Level II-prospective anatomical cohort study.

Calabrian self-perception and the struggle for recognition in the context of ’ndrangheta stereotypes: oral sources

Abstract Calabrian ‘illegitimacy’ in the (inter)national imaginary today is largely the result of the region's association with the ’ndrangheta. Using analysis of oral history interviews, this research examines how this ‘illegitimacy’ influences the self-perception of Calabrians. It argues that a spectrum of prejudice and its effects can be mapped out both metaphorically and geographically. This spectrum incorporates Italy's position in relation to northern Europe, the South's position within Italy, Calabria's position within the South and the position within Calabria of certain communities. A number of towns in the Locride are at the extreme end of this spectrum: Locri, San Luca, Africo and Platì. Analysis of the (mis)recognition of inhabitants of these communities, including by other Calabrians, demonstrates how the experience of shame may be layered. This paper also considers how interviewees appear to deny their social and cultural proximity with the ’ndrangheta and the role this plays in a self-perpetuating cycle involving stereotypes, ’ndrangheta growth and extreme socioeconomic conditions.

Study on high-precision three-dimensional reconstruction of pulmonary lesions and surrounding blood vessels based on CT images.

The adoption of computerized tomography (CT) technology has significantly elevated the role of pulmonary CT imaging in diagnosing and treating pulmonary diseases. However, challenges persist due to the complex relationship between lesions within pulmonary tissue and the surrounding blood vessels. These challenges involve achieving precise three-dimensional reconstruction while maintaining accurate relative positioning of these elements. To effectively address this issue, this study employs a semi-automatic precise labeling process for the target region. This procedure ensures a high level of consistency in the relative positions of lesions and the surrounding blood vessels. Additionally, a morphological gradient interpolation algorithm, combined with Gaussian filtering, is applied to facilitate high-precision three-dimensional reconstruction of both lesions and blood vessels. Furthermore, this technique enables post-reconstruction slicing at any layer, facilitating intuitive exploration of the correlation between blood vessels and lesion layers. Moreover, the study utilizes physiological knowledge to simulate real-world blood vessel intersections, determining the range of blood vessel branch angles and achieving seamless continuity at internal blood vessel branch points. The experimental results achieved a satisfactory reconstruction with an average Hausdorff distance of 1.5 mm and an average Dice coefficient of 92%, obtained by comparing the reconstructed shape with the original shape,the approach also achieves a high level of accuracy in three-dimensional reconstruction and visualization. In conclusion, this study is a valuable source of technical support for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases and holds promising potential for widespread adoption in clinical practice.

Variability of intraocular tumor height measurements by changing the probe position using a 20 MHz B scan ultrasonography

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of tumor height measurements with variable probe positions in relation to the center of the spherical shaped globe. Patients and methods This is a retrospective study that included 27 eyes of 27 patients with different types of intraocular tumors recruited from the Ocular Oncology Service at Kasr Alainy Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. All patients were evaluated by ocular ultrasound using a 20 MHz B scan transducer. Frames of each tumor measurements were evaluated and reassessed to get three heights (in the same visit) at three different positions: H-1: perpendicular with the tumor at central of the scan, H-2: perpendicular with the tumor oblique to the scan, and H-3: oblique with the tumor oblique to the scan. Results Different types of intraocular tumors were evaluated, with choroidal melanomas being the most common (44.4%). The median measurement in H-1 was 4.76±1.89 mm (range=1.82–8.73 mm), while the median measurement in H-2 was 4.94±1.93 mm (range=1.96–8.40 mm), and that in H-3 was 4.93±2.00 mm (range=1.99–8.73 mm). There were no statistically significant differences either between H-1 and H-2 (P=0.92) or between H-1 and H-3 measurements (P=0.97). To evaluate if the tumor height measurements were affected by the tumor size, the lesions were categorized into three groups: small-sized (tumors up to 4.0 mm), medium-sized (tumors from 4.1 to 7.0 mm), and large-sized (tumors &gt;7.0 mm) in height. The large tumors (4/27=15%) showed differences in height measurements according to the positions of the calibers. Conclusion There was no statistically significant evidence on the effect of angulation on tumor height measurement using the 20 MHz B scan combined with vector A scan. However, large tumors should be more accurately calculated by the conventional perpendicular height (H-1) to avoid any error.