Root Size Research Articles

Evolution of roots to improve water and nitrogen use efficiency in maize elite inbred lines released during different decades in China

The evolution of canopy traits related to maize yield increases has been well documented, but the changes in the root system over decades and their relationships with the water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) require further investigation. In this study, we analyzed the morphological and physiological characteristics of the roots, as well as the water-N uptake, WUE, and NUE under low water/N (LW/LN) and high water/N (HW/HN) supply levels in 11 elite inbred maize lines released in China during the 1960s, 1980s, and 2000s. The results showed that yield improvement in the inbred lines from the 1960s to the 1980s (61–109%) was greater than that in those from the 1980s to the 2000s (6–17%), and the resistance to drought and low N also exhibited a significant linear increase over the decades. The utilization of water and N by the inbred lines evolved efficiently and economically, especially in stressful environments. The improved WUE of modern inbred lines was demonstrated by the higher yield and lower evapotranspiration. The NUE defined as the grain yield obtained per unit of N in plants increased in a linear manner over the three decades, and it was accompanied by higher N accumulation in the grains and greater N translocation efficiency in the roots. However, the agronomic N use efficiency improved from the 1960s to the 1980s, but then decreased from the 1980s to the 2000s. The modern inbred lines tended to produce less redundant roots in the top (0–20 cm) soil layer, whereas root development was enhanced in the deeper soil layer. The morphological properties of the roots (dry weight, length, volume, surface area, weight density, and length density) tended to increase from the 1960s to the 1980s but then decreased from the 1980s to the 2000s, and they had significant quadratic relationships with the yield, WUE, and NUE. By contrast, water/N amount absorbed per unit root volume, the physiological properties related to the root absorption area, root activity improved over the decades, where the physiological properties had positive linear relationships with the yield, WUE, and NUE. Thus, we conclude that the maize roots evolved alongside higher yields and greater tolerance to drought and low N environments. The improved WUE and NUE in the modern inbred lines were associated with the greater physiological absorption capacity of the roots rather than larger root size in normal or stressful environments.

Relationship between the anatomic structures and mandibular posterior teeth for endodontic surgery in a Turkish population: a cone-beam computed tomographic analysis.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between anatomic structures and mandibular posterior region using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in terms of endodontic surgery. A total of 150 CBCT images were used to investigate the proximity of the anatomical structures and the mandibular posterior teeth. The buccal and lingual bone thickness overlying each root, buccolingual, and mesiodistal dimension of the roots were measured at the level of 3mm apical resection, and the mental foramen (MF) distance to the premolar teeth and the distance of the mandibular canal (MC) to all the posterior teeth were measured. The thinnest part of the buccal cortical bone was measured in the first premolar teeth (1.70mm) and in the mesial root of the first molar (2.25mm) while the thickest region was measured in the distal root of the second molar tooth (6.95mm). The maximum amount of substance to be removed was measured at the distal root of the second molar tooth (11.26mm), and at least the first premolar tooth (5.52mm) was measured for buccal resection. The distal root of the second molar tooth was found to be the closest tooth root to the MC with a mean of 2.75mm, and the closest distance was measured as 0mm. It is important to evaluate the parameters such as mandibular buccal and lingual bone thickness, location of the MC and the MF, and root size for atraumatic endodontic surgical approach. Evaluation of these data before endodontic surgery provides guidance to the clinician in the planning of endodontic surgery. The mandibular posterior region, which is difficult to reach with traditional surgical approach, is now easily reached using an operation microscope. For this reason, endodontic surgical procedures have become popular in mandibular posterior teeth. Therefore, the relationship between the mandibular posterior teeth and anatomical structures that are important in the planning of surgical access line is examined in this study.

STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE RIPENESS DEGREE OF PARSNIP ROOTS AND STORAGE METHOD ON THEIR PRESERVATION

Sowing parsnip is recommended to be harvested in the stage of technical ripeness that takes place in 120–150 days after sprouts. A ripeness degree cannot be determined by a root size, because in this case planting conditions and agrotechnique play an important role. The aim of the research was to analyze the influence of a vegetation period duration of different sorts of sowing parsnip on formation of chemical composition components and roots preservation to determine the dependence between the content of dry soluble substances and one of dry substances, sugars, saccharose, reducing sugars, ascorbic acid. The research gives a possibility to get roots with the maximal content of chemical composition components and long storage period. There has been studied the influence of a vegetation period duration of different sorts of sowing parsnip on formation of chemical composition components and roots preservation. The dependence between the content of dry soluble substances and one of dry substances, sugars, saccharose, reducing sugars, ascorbic acid has been determined. The research has been conducted with parsnip roots of sowing sort Petrik, Student, Boris. There has been studied the influence of a ripeness degree (vegetation period duration) on a quality and preservation of parsnip roots. Parsnip roots of the sowing sorts Student and Boris are characterized by the most content of the dry substance 27,1–25,4 %, and content of the total sugar 5,7–5,4 %, high content of vitamin С 10,2–10,1 mg/100 g. It has been established, that the studied sorts are not inclined to nitrates accumulation, their content varies from 60 to 80 mg/kg and is lower than the maximally permitted level (MPL 250 mg/kg). There has been established the direct strong connection between the content of the dry substance and sugars content (r=0,98), nitrates content (r=0,80) and the middle content with the testing mark (r=–0,54) and vitamin С (r=0,57). The dry soluble substance content has the direct strong connection with the sugars content (r=0,99), nitrates content (r=0,78) and middle connection with the content of vitamin С (r=0,46) and reverse middle connection with the testing mark (r=–0,52). The reverse middle connection exists between the sugars content and the testing mark (r=–0,52) and the direct strong connection with nitrates content (r=0,84), middle connection with the content of vitamin C (r=0,48). At storage of roots the loss of the mass of dry substances is from 11,5 % at storage in an open box to 6,2 – in a polyethylene film. The most changes take place in saccharose and monosaccharides, 36,6 and 33,0 % respectively. The content of vitamin C decreases by 30 % at storage in an open box and by 10 % in a polyethylene film. The vegetation period duration as 150 days is characterized by the lower sugars content, but at that the ratio saccharose: monosacharides – the most. There has been offered the method of determining the ripeness degree of parsnip roots by the saccharose content. At the technical ripeness the amount of saccharose is 72–75 % of the total amount of sugars. The optimal ripeness is characterized by deceleration of growing processes, decrease of saccharose accumulation rates, the most ratio of the roots mass to the one of leaves and saccharose to monosugars. The method of roots storage with p. e. film decreases losses of nutrients of roots and increases the storage duration.

Subirrigation Effects on Larch Seedling Growth, Root Morphology, and Media Chemistry

Subirrigation (SI), where water is provided to container seedlings from below and rises through the growing media via capillary action, is regarded as an environmentally-responsible method of delivering water and fertilizer to nursery-grown plants, resulting in more uniform crops and improved production efficiency. While a concern around adopting this method is that a potential higher salt concentration in the upper layers of growing media under SI may inhibit root growth and result in decreased plant quality, few studies have focused on how root morphology is altered by SI. Therefore, a balanced two-factor factorial design with three rates of fertilization (50, 100, and 150 mg N seedling−1) and two irrigation methods (SI or overhead irrigation (OI)) was used to examine the growth response of Prince Rupprecht’s larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr) seedlings for one nursery season. Associated changes between rhizosphere electrical conductivity (EC) and root morphology of different root size classes were analyzed. Results show that (1) height, root-collar diameter, and root volume were similar between seedlings grown under SI and OI. However, (2) compared to seedlings receiving OI, SI-seedlings had less root mass, length, and surface area but greater average root diameter (ARD). (3) Morphological differences were evident primarily in root diameter size classes I–III (D ≤ 1.0 mm). (4) Fertilizer rate influenced root length and surface area up to 130 days after sowing but affected ARD throughout the growing season such that seedlings treated with 50 mg N had smaller ARD than seedlings treated with 100 mg N. (5) As the growing season progressed, SI-media had significantly higher EC compared to OI-media and EC increased with increasing fertilizer rate under SI but not under OI. These results indicate that SI can produce larch seedlings of similar height and root collar diameter (RCD) compared to OI, but root systems are smaller overall with fewer small-diameter roots, which may be related to high EC levels in SI-media, which is exacerbated by the use of high rates of fertilizer. Therefore, the EC in the media should be monitored and adjusted by reducing fertilizer rates under SI.

Acclimation of methane emissions from rice paddy fields to straw addition.

Straw incorporation is a common long-term practice to improve soil fertility in croplands worldwide. However, straw amendments often increase methane (CH4) emissions from rice paddies, one of the main sources of anthropogenic CH4. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methodologies to estimate CH4 emissions from rice agriculture assume that the effect of straw addition remains constant over time. Here, we show through a series of experiments and meta-analysis that these CH4 emissions acclimate. Effects of long-term (>5 years) straw application on CH4 emissions were, on average, 48% lower than IPCC estimates. Long-term straw incorporation increased soil methanotrophic abundance and rice root size, suggesting an increase in CH4 oxidation rates through improved O2 transport into the rhizosphere. Our results suggest that recent model projections may have overestimated CH4 emissions from rice agriculture and that CH4 emission estimates can be improved by considering the duration of straw incorporation and other management practices.

Assessment of Correlation of Growth Hormone Receptor Gene with Tooth Dimensions: A CBCT and Genotyping Study.

Aim:Assessment of root morphology, size, and amount of bone around tooth is essential before starting the orthodontic treatment. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between tooth dimensions with two gene variants of growth hormone (GH), namely rs6184 and rs6180.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted on 218 subjects (males: 104, females: 114) requiring orthodontic treatment. All underwent cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan for orthodontic treatment planning with Kodak CBCT machine. In all teeth, crown height (CH), root length (RL), and crown–root ratio were evaluated. Two growth hormone receptor (GHR) variants (rs6184 and rs6180) were genotyped using the TaqMan genotyping assay.Results:The mean CH and RL of all teeth, that is, maxillary and mandibular central incisors, lateral incisor, canine, first premolar, second premolar, first molar, and second molar, were measured. There was no significant difference in males and females (P > 0.05). Allele frequencies of GHR variants for rs6180 and rs6184 were 48.1% and 8.92%, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed GHR rs6184 association with maxillary central incisor CH, maxillary canine RL, mandibular canine CH, and mandibular first premolar RL (P < 0.05).Conclusion:There was correlation of CH of maxillary and mandibular canine and RL of maxillary canine and mandibular first premolar with GHR rs6184.

Relationship among soil management, organic matter content and root development along the explorable soil profile in the vineyard

In the most ancient wine area of the Controlled Denomination of Origin (DOC) “Oltrepò Pavese” in North-West Italy, foothills of the Apennine mountains, the soils of 14 representative vineyards managed for about 10 years with tillage (T) or natural grass-cover (G) or the alternation of the two methods between the rows (GT), were compared for their contents of organic matter, main soil parameters and extent of root development, in the first meter of depth. The soils are fine textured, sometimes calcareous, with low levels of organic matter. G and GT soil treatments showed higher organic matter content (on average 1.4%) than T (0.88%). Better root development (number and area) was observed in G and GT, in comparison with T; the number and size of roots showed a positive correlation with the soil organic matter.

Canine and Premolar Root Dimensions in Chinese. A Reference for Osteoodontokeratoprosthesis Surgery.

Osteoodontokeratoprosthesis (OOKP) surgery is used to restore vision in end-stage corneal disorders, where an autogenous tooth supporting an optical cylinder is implanted through the cornea under a buccal mucosal graft. The ideal tooth for OOKP is a healthy single-rooted permanent tooth with sufficient buccolingual/palatal root diameter to accommodate an optical cylinder. The aim of this study was to determine the buccolingual/palatal diameters of canine and premolar roots in Chinese, for selection of teeth for OOKP surgery. This was an anatomical study on root dimensions of extracted intact teeth. Extracted canine and premolar teeth (excluding maxillary first premolars) were collected and the buccolingual/palatal and mesiodistal diameters of the root at the cervical line and at 2-mm intervals below the cervical line were measured with Vernier calipers. Other measurements included total tooth length, crown buccolingual/palatal diameter, and root length. Mean and minimum buccolingual/palatal root diameters were compiled for each 2-mm interval. A total of 415 extracted teeth (198 male, 217 female) were collected and measured. Recorded dimensions of keratoprostheses in 55 previous OOKP surgeries were used to establish acceptable lamina dimensions to ascertain root size adequacy. Premolars in Chinese female patients were undersized in a small minority. Minimal dimensions of teeth were insufficient if at 6 mm root level, the buccolingual/palatal width was less than 5 mm, or the mesiodistal width was less than 3 mm. This was noted in female mandibular first premolars (5.6%), maxillary second premolars (4.5%), and mandibular second premolars (1.5%). Canines have adequate dimensions for OOKP surgery. However, premolars in Chinese females may be undersized in a small minority.

Gender Related Association between Arterial Stiffness and Aortic Root Geometry.

BACKGROUNDThe gender-related change in aortic morphology by arterial stiffness has not been well studied. This study was performed to investigate the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and aortic root size according to gender.METHODSA total of 263 consecutive subjects (63.2 ± 10.6 years, 71.1% men) without overt cardiovascular disease who underwent both baPWV measurement and transthoracic echocardiography on the same day were retrospectively analyzed. The diameters of the aortic annulus (AN), sinus of Valsalva (SV), sinotubular junction (STJ), and ascending aorta (AA) were measured using 2-dimensional echocardiography.RESULTSThe body surface area (BSA)-corrected diameters of AN, SV, STJ, and AA were significantly higher in women than in men. Univariable analyses showed that baPWV was significantly correlated with SV/BSA and STJ/BSA in men, and with SV/BSA, STJ/BSA, and AA/BSA in women (p < 0.05 for each). In men, however, these associations disappeared in multiple linear regression models after controlling for potential confounders (p > 0.05 for each). In women, the associations of baPWV with diameters of STJ/BSA (β = 0.407, p < 0.001) and AA/BSA (β = 0.391, p = 0.005) remained significant in the same multivariate models. Women-specific correlation between aortic root size and baPWV was also similarly demonstrated in age-matched analyses (n = 61 in each gender).CONCLUSIONSAmong Korean adult without overt cardiovascular disease, the association between increased arterial stiffness and aortic root dilatation is stronger in women than in men.

Agricultural soils strengthening employing humic acids and its effect on plant growth chilli pepper and eggplant

The Humic substance has been recognized widely as a plant growth promoter because they induce changes in root, architecture and dynamics of growth which result in larger root size. The aim of this study was evaluating the effect Humic acids on the chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena) plants growing in soils fertilized with urea. 200 g of soil were incorporated to the fertilizer once and the Humic acid in concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2%. All measurements growths were carried out during 45 days growth. The finding shows that all treatments cause significant increases (p &lt; 0.05) in the total area of roots. For the chili pepper, the multiple comparison tests of Tukey and Dunnett showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the control soils and the soils containing 0.1% and 0.2% of Humic acid. By the opposite, no statistical differences (p &gt; 0.05) were observed among control soil and those containing 0.05 % of Humic acid. Concerning the eggplant, significant differences were established (p&lt;0.05) between the control and samples incorporated with 0.1% and 0.2% of Humic acid. The Humic acids act as a growth biostimulant in chili pepper plants (Capsicum annuum) and eggplant (Solanum melongena).

Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features in patients with major arterial vascular disease assigned to surgical revascularization

Background: We aimed to depict the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic aspects in patients before elective major vascular surgery.Methods: We evaluated through standard 12 lead electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography 469 patients with asymptomatic large abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), 334 with critical carotid stenosis (CAS), and 238 with advanced peripheral artery disease (PAD) before surgical revascularization.Results: Patients with AAA were predominantly males (p < .001) with normal sinus rhythm (p = .026), were more affected by atrioventricular block (p = .033) and left anterior fascicular block (p < .001). They also presented larger aortic root size (p < .001) and septal hypertrophy (p = .036), in addition, atrial fibrillation was less frequent in the same group (p = .023). Patients with CAS were of older age (p < .001) with a substantial number of females (p < .001). They presented less left ventricular segmental kinetic disorders and fewer dilated ventricles (p = .004 and p < .001 respectively). Finally, those with PAD had reduced septal and posterior wall thickness (p < .01, p = .009 respectively), greater mitral and aortic annular calcification (p < .001), and were more affected by previous myocardial infarction (p < .001). The PR interval, left anterior fascicular block and aortic root size were independently associated with aneurysm, previous myocardial infarction with PAD, while smaller left ventricular end systolic volumes with carotid artery stenosis.Conclusions: Patients with AAA were mostly affected by cardiac conduction disorders, septal hypertrophy, aortic root dilation and less affected by atrial fibrillation. Patients with CAS were older with more normal sized ventricles, whereas, previous myocardial infarction was most common amongst patients with peripheral artery disease.

English

Twenty-five yellow fleshed cassava varieties including three checks (two improved and one local) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications in three locations in Nigeria. Tuber yield, dry matter content, root size, fiber content, harvest index, sprouting and vigor of the varieties evaluated were all significant at 0.05 significant levels across the locations. Taste, color of unexpanded leaves, height at branching, and internode length were not significant. In Ibadan, plant height, vigor and root size were not significant. In Mokwa, plant height was not significant. Traits such as dry matter, mealiness and taste were significant. In Onne, dry matter was not significant. Clones such as 01/1413, 01/1442, 01/1663, 98/2132, 01/1277, and 01/1235 were stable across locations, 94/0330 had the highest dry matter (38%) which was better than the best check 30572 (37%). All clones were resistant to cassava mosaic disease, cassava bacteria blight, cassava green mites and cassava anthracnose disease vector infection and to the spread of the pathogens within the plant and across locations. Clones 01/1115, 011413, 01/1663, and 01/1335 had high beta-carotene content of range 7 on a color chart. Clones 01/1368, 01/1371, 98/2132, 90/01554 and 94/0330 had dry matter values ranging from 30 to 38%; these were acceptable values. In terms of yield, the best clones were 01/1368 (26 t/ha), 98/2132 (25 t/ha) and 01/1663 (24.5 t/ha). For gari yield clone 01/1649 gave 25%; 94/0330 gave 23% and 90/01554 gave 23%. They were better than the best check, with 22% garri yield. Cultivating cassava with yellow pigmented root flesh is a valid strategy to solve the problem of improving the nutritional value of the diet in the region where cassava is a staple food. Key words: Agronomic performance, beta-carotene, clone, evaluation, cassava, yellow cassava, yield. &nbsp

English

In an early yellow root cassava study in 2003 to 2004, we investigated agronomic performance of pro Vitamin A (yellow fleshed) cassava genotypes in three locations in Nigeria (Ibadan, Mokwa, and Onne). Twenty-two clones and three checks were evaluated. A randomized complete block design was used with four replications. Characteristics showing significant differences among genotypes across all locations included sprouting, vigor, harvest index, root size, storage root yield, dry matter content and fiber content. Plant height, root mealiness and taste were different in only selected locations. Six clones showed stable performance across locations including IITA TMS I011413, IITA TMS I011442, IITA TMS I011663, IITA TMS I982132, IITA TMS I011277 and IITA TMS I011235. Clones IITA TMS I940330 showed the highest dry matter content of 38%. All clones exhibited good resistant to cassava mosaic disease, cassava bacterial blight, cassava green mite, and cassava anthracnose disease. These genotypes ranged in total carotenoid content from 3.4 to 8.2 &micro;g/g fresh weight. In terms of yield, the best clones were IITA TMS I011368 (26 t/ha), IITA TMS I011663 (22 t/ha) and IITA TMS I982132 (25 t/ha). For gari yield clone IITA, TMS I011649 gave 25%, IITA TMS I940330 gave 23%, and IITA TMS I9001554 gave 23%. They were better than the best check IITA TMS I30572, with 22% gari yield. This study showed the potential for biofortification of cassava as a valid strategy to approach the problem of micronutritient deficiencies of the population in the region where cassava is a staple food. &nbsp; Key words: cassava varieties, biofortification, pro Vitamin A, Nigeria, agronomic performance.

A study of the wood anatomy of Picea abies roots and their role in biomechanical weathering of rock cracks

Our study of the wood anatomy of roots of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) growing in fractured bedrock reveals widening of bedrock cracks. Analysis, under a transmitted-light microscope of 30 micro-sections of three roots from two trees, shows that the most common anatomical features of roots growing in fractured bedrock are the blocking of radial growth, multi-directional uneven radial growth and fan-shaped deformation of cell rows. Crack widening is indicated by a sequence of features: normal growth followed by blocking of radial growth, then reappearance of radial growth. Changes in crack shape are shown by formation of traumatic resin ducts followed by radial growth eccentricity or multidirectional uneven growth. Eccentricity and radial growth release and an abrupt decrease in cell size imply increasing space for root growth and root exposure. We found inconclusive evidence of crack widening due to pressure from increasing root size (biomechanical weathering). Nevertheless, root anatomy indicates sudden crack widening, with other possible causesincluding tree-trunk flexing of roots by strong winds, mass-movement or freeze-thaw processes.

Usefulness of Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm During Transthoracic Echocardiography in Women ≥50 Years of Age

Usefulness of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in women is uncertain. The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinical usefulness of screening for AAA during TTE and to identify important TTE indices associated with AAA in women in a routine clinical setting. We prospectively studied 1,495 women (≥50 years) referred for TTE. AAA was defined as ≥30 mm in size. The additional screening time for AAA was <1 minute. The abdominal aorta was visualized in 95.1 % (1,422 of 1,495) using the same TTE probe. AAA was identified in 1.9% (27 of 1422). The aortic root size was larger in patients with AAA than those without (33.3 ± 3.2 vs 30.5 ± 3.4 mm, p < 0.001). The aortic root size had a correlation with abdominal aortic size (r = 0.22, p < 0.001). The aortic root size of ≥30.3 mm was predictive of AAA (area under the curve = 0.74, p < 0.001) and all patients with AAA had the aortic root size of ≥28.0 mm. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the aortic root size (Odds ratio 1.17, p = 0.007) was a most independent TTE index of AAA. In conclusion, the visibility of the abdominal aorta using TTE probe was excellent. When the aortic root size is ≥28.0 mm during TTE in women ≥50 years of age, screening for AAA should be carried out.

Mandibular canines with additional roots: An ex vivo study of the external and internal morphology.

The aim of this study was to investigate the root and root canal morphologies of mandibular canines with additional roots using cone-beam computed tomography. Seventy-seven extracted two-rooted and one-three-rooted permanent human mandibular canines were selected. Aspects of the external morphology evaluated were crown length, root length, total length, root bifurcation distance from the cementoenamel junction, root size, and direction of the root curvature in the apical third. Features of internal morphology assessed were root canal number per root, root canal bifurcation distance from the cementoenamel junction, and the angle between the buccal or lingual canal and the main canal. The root size and length presented considerable diversity. Most of the roots bifurcated at the middle third and exhibited a buccal curvature. The main root canal bifurcated coronally in two root canals, a buccal and a lingual. The majority of the buccal and lingual root canal angles were blunt. The presence of a third root in a specimen was a novel finding of this study.

Is there a role for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging during pregnancy?

Purpose: To assess the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) for the evaluation and management of women with cardiac disorders in pregnancy and postpartum.Methods: Retrospective record review of women at a university-affiliated, single institution referred for CMR without contrast due to known or suspected cardiac disorders between January 2010 and December 2015. Medical records, echocardiogram and CMR reports were reviewed. Instances where clinical management was changed based on CMR findings were identified.Results: There were 17 peripartum CMR studies performed without contrast in 17 pregnancies from 16 women. Indications for CMR included congenital heart disease (N = 8, 47.1%), Marfan syndrome or strong family history of Marfan syndrome (N = 5, 29.4%), cardiomyopathy (N = 1, 5.9%), cardiac mass (N = 1, 5.9%), persistent dyspnea with a normal echocardiogram (N = 1, 5.9%), and hypertension with suspected aortic root dilation (N = 1, 5.9%). CMR confirmed the echocardiogram diagnosis in eight (47.1%) and improved the diagnosis in five (29.4%). Availability of CMR findings changed the delivery management in 2/17 (11.8%) women. CMR was especially helpful in assessing the size of the aortic root in women at risk for dilation.Conclusions: Although echocardiogram imaging of the heart is considered the first-line method for assessing the maternal cardiac status, CMR can provide information about cardiac anatomy and function in pregnant women with complex cardiac disease or suspected aortic pathology. Management may be changed based on results.

Lumbosacral plexus root thickening: Establishing normal root dimensions using magnetic resonance neurography.

Disorders affecting the lumbosacral plexus (LSP) can alter root diameter. Our aim was to determine normal LSP nerve root dimensions using magnetic resonance neurography (MRN). Eleven asymptomatic patients (ages: 18-53, mean: 34 years) underwent MRN of the LSP on a 3 T scanner with an 8-channel torso-PA coil. IDEAL T2-weighted images were acquired and nerve root dimensions were measured from the second lumbar (L2) to the first sacral (S1) vertebrae on the coronal plane, 5 mm from the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Root size was recorded by three separate groups of radiologists with different levels of expertise. Additional LSP-MRN images were acquired from a fresh-frozen cadaver specimen using the same scanner and parameters identical to those described above. Subsequently, two experienced anatomists dissected and measured the LSP roots at exactly the same distance from the DRG, using an electronic caliper. Mean root size values recorded (± standard deviation) in the asymptomatic patients were as follows: L2: 3.12 mm (±0.92), L3: 4.29 mm (±0.95), L4: 5.13 mm (±0.79), L5: 5.29 mm (±0.9), and S1: 5.38 mm (±0.7). The correlation coefficients were 0.72 between the patient and cadaver MRN results and 0.79 between the patient and dissected cadaver MRN results. Inter-observer agreements were 0.73 among the radiologist groups and 0.87 between the anatomists conducting dissections. We believe MRN provides reliable assessments of LSP root thickness. More extensive studies should be conducted to confirm the results described here. Clin. Anat. 31:782-787, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PRODUTIVIDADE E QUALIDADE DE RAÍZES DA MANDIOQUINHA-SALSA EM DIFERENTES NÍVEIS DE ADUBAÇÃO NPK

The storage roots of arracacha have high nutritional value, being rich in carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins A and C, and starch of high digestibility. However, in this crop one of the decisive factors for the production of roots with higher nutritional value is the balanced fertilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and nutritional quality of storage roots of arracacha, grown at increasing levels of NPK fertilization. The experiment was conducted in the randomized blocks design, with eight replications. The treatments consisted of three NPK levels (AD0 = unfertilized cultivation, AD1 = cultivation with 50% of recommended fertilization, and AD2 = cultivation with 100% ofrecommended fertilization). It was observedthat higher levels of NPK fertilization increase the number, size and marketable yield of storage roots of arracachacrop. NPK fertilization also increases the size and contentsof K, Mg, and Mn of storage roots, without interfering with the pulp pH and contentsof protein, Ca, Cu, and Fe. However, when the increase in root size is not accompanied by an increase in dry matter content, the starch, P, and Zn contents of the roots reduce with increasing levels of NPK fertilization.

Carotid Artery Tortuosity Index Is Associated With the Need for Early Aortic Root Replacement in Patients With Loeys-Dietz Syndrome.

This study aimed to determine if carotid arterial tortuosity represents a marker of disease severity in Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS). Fifty-four 54 LDS patients (mean age, 17.0 years) who underwent computed tomogram angiography from January 2004 to December 2013 were retrospectively identified. Carotid artery tortuosity index (CATI) was calculated from computed tomogram angiography. Clinical variables were obtained from the medical records. Relationship between CATI and need for aortic root replacement was evaluated with Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Higher CATI was associated with the need for aortic root replacement (P < 0.001) in the univariate Cox proportional hazard model. Patients were stratified based on both CATI and aortic root size in Kaplan-Meier analysis, and patients with higher CATI were more likely to require aortic root replacement (P < 0.001) in both aortic root size strata. Increased carotid artery tortuosity is associated with the need for early aortic root replacement in patients with LDS.