Shallow Concavity Research Articles

The running barbed tension-offloading suture: An updated technique update on tension wound closure.

The CHN•WU wound suture technique uses barbed sutures. The needle is inserted from the basal part of the superficial fascia at the left edge of the wound and passed through half of the reticular dermis to reach a point (1A) approximately 0.5-2cm away from the wound edge. Occlusion is achieved at 1A at the level of the reticular dermis, and if done correctly, a shallow concavity will appear at the occlusion point on the skin. The needle is then walked along the natural curvature until it reaches the center of the wound and then moved out from the junction between the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. On the other side of the incision, the needle is inserted into the contralateral position at the junction between the dermis and subcutaneous tissue and moved along its natural curvature to achieve occlusion at the mirror site of 1A in the reticular dermis. This process is repeated until the entire wound is closed. In the end, two stitches should be applied in the opposite direction. The left barbed suture is cut and thrown. This technique does not break through the epidermis, has high suture efficiency and satisfactory cosmetic appearance, disperses mechanical tension, and maintains wound tensile strength. This technique was especially effective in closing high-tension wounds in the chest and extremities where the blood supply to both sides of the wound was not affected after suturing, and wound closure could be performed quickly and efficiently in one stage.

Clinical manifestations and treatment strategies for congenital aural atresia with temporomandibular joint retroposition: a retrospective study of 30 patients

BackgroundPatients with congenital aural atresia (CAA) can present with concomitant temporomandibular joint (TMJ) retroposition, implying that even with a high Jahrsdoerfer score, canaloplasty and tympanoplasty cannot be performed. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the clinical manifestations and share our diagnostic and treatment experience of this rare entity, which has not been described previously.MethodsThirty patients (30 ears) with CAA and TMJ retroposition without maxillofacial dysplasia were included. Diagnosis was based on patient history, physical examination, pure-tone average test results, and temporal bone high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings. Their Jahrsdoerfer scores and interventions were also recorded.ResultsTwenty-four and six patients among the 30 patients (males, n = 15) had CAA and TMJ retroposition on the right and left sides, respectively. Seventeen ears had a normal auricle; most had an enlarged cavum conchae and a large tragus. Twelve ears had an accessory auricle, and two had a preauricular fistula. All external auditory canals had complete atresia, including four with a shallow concavity and four with a small orifice in the cavum conchae. Temporal bone HRCT revealed poor or undeveloped tympanic temporal bone in the diseased ears, atresia in the external auditory canals, and partial/complete occupation of the mandibular condyle with or without soft tissue. The average Jahrsdoerfer score was 8.17. Thirteen patients opted for different surgeries, three wore a bone-conduction hearing aid, and fourteen chose no intervention.ConclusionsCAA with TMJ retroposition was often unilateral, typically on the right side. Most patients had normal auricles, with an enlarged cavum conchae and a large tragus (“mirror ear”). Even with a high Jahrsdoerfer score, traditional hearing reconstruction surgery could not be performed. Patients can undergo Vibrant Soundbridge or Bonebridge implantation or wear bone-conduction hearing aids to improve hearing levels, or refuse intervention because of mild hearing loss. The TMJ location can be used as a Jahrsdoerfer Grading System supplement for preoperative evaluation.Graphical

Synbranchus of the Middle to Lower Xingu Basin, Brazil, with the description of a new rheophilic species, S. royal (Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae)

Synbranchus (swamp eel) specimens exhibiting remarkable variation were collected from different habitats during recent fieldwork in the Xingu Basin, Brazil. For this study, those specimens were first sorted into about six morphotypes based on external morphology, especially color pattern. Representatives of each morphotype and additional specimens extralimital to the Xingu Basin were then sequenced for three mitochondrial genes (ATPase 8/6, 16s, and Cytb) and one nuclear (Rag1). Molecular phylogenetic analyses using Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian methods supported the recognition of five distinct lineages of Synbranchus in the middle to lower Xingu Basin and up to 10 species-level lineages across all samples. Two of the Xingu lineages were subsequently identified as the nominal S. marmoratus and S. madeirae, and another two were provisionally treated as Synbranchus spp. 5 and 7. The fifth lineage is formally described here as Synbranchus royal, distinguished by its extremely pronounced nuchal hump with dorsal head profile distinctly concave and rising steeply from above middle of eye vs. nuchal region moderately bulbous with dorsal profile ascending more gradually, straight or with shallow concavity behind eye (S. marmoratus) or nuchal hump lacking, dorsal profile ascending modestly, straight to scarcely concave behind eye (S. lampreia and S. madeirae); and relatively deep body, maximum depth at middle of TL 4.7–5.4% TL (vs. 3.2–4.8% TL in congeners). Synbranchus royal and Synbranchus sp. 7 were found in rocky rapids of main channels of the middle Xingu on the Brazilian Shield uplands, a sharp departure from the lentic habitats commonly associated with synbranchid (swamp) eels.

Steep posterior slope and shallow concave shape of the medial tibial plateau are risk factors for medial meniscus posterior root tears.

Bone morphological factors are important for menisci. Their association with medial meniscus posterior root tears, however, has not yet been studied. This study aimed to compare sagittal medial tibial slope and medial tibial plateau depth between knees with and without medial meniscus posterior root tears. Nine healthy volunteers, 24 patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and 36 patients who underwent medial meniscus posterior root pullout repair were included. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed in the 10°-knee-flexed position. The medial tibial slope and medial tibial plateau depth were compared among the groups. In healthy volunteers, the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction group, and the medial meniscus posterior root tear group, the medial tibial slopes were 3.5° ± 1.4°, 4.0° ± 1.9°, and 7.2° ± 1.9°, respectively, and the medial tibial plateau depths were 2.1 ± 0.7mm, 2.2 ± 0.6mm, and 1.2 ± 0.5mm, respectively. Patients with medial meniscus posterior root tears had a significantly steep medial tibial slope and shallow medial tibial plateau concavity compared to those of healthy volunteers (P < 0.01) and the anterior cruciate ligament group (P < 0.01). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, body mass index, medial tibial slope, and medial tibial plateau depth were significantly associated with medial meniscus posterior root tears. A steep posterior slope and a shallow concave shape of the medial tibial plateau are risk factors for medial meniscus posterior root tear. Level III: Case-control study.

Patterned titania nanostructures produced by electrochemical anodization of titanium sheet

A two-step anodization method has been used to produce patterned arrays of TiO2 on the surface of Ti sheet. Hexagonal ripples were created on Ti substrate after removing the TiO2 layer produced by first-step anodization. The shallow concaves were served as an ideal position for the subsequent step anodization due to their low electrical resistance, resulting in novel hierarchical nanostructures with small pits inside the original ripples. The mechanism of morphology evolution during patterned anodization was studied through changing the anodizing voltages and duration time. This work provides a new idea for controlling nanostructures and thus tailoring the photocatalytic property and wettability of anodic TiO2.

The oldest modern spearer-type mantis shrimp dactyli – fossils from the Maastrichtian (Cretaceous) of the Peedee Formation, North Carolina, USA

We describe here new fragmentary remains of mantis shrimps (Stomatopoda) from the Late Cretaceous of Rocky Point, Pender County, North Carolina, USA. The specimens represent two forms of isolated dactyli of the large raptorial appendages. Type 1 is a typical spearer-type form with median spines (9 or 10). Each spine (besides the terminal one) is flanked by a distinct serration. This type cannot be ascribed to a specific ingroup of Stomatopoda easily. It resembles certain species of the modern stomatopod ingroups Lysiosquilloidae and Squillidae. Type 2 is less completely known and differs from type 1 by a lack of spines and a distinct shallow concavity on the lateral edge of the dactylus. An ascription is more difficult;it could be a representative of the modern stomatopod ingroups Hemisquillidae or Pseudosquillidae, but could also be a representative of a non-verunipeltatan group (i.e., branching off before the monophyletic group including all modern forms of stomatopods), e.g., of Sculdidae, or a larval form of a verunipeltatan species. Type 1 represents our first direct evidence of a spearer-type mantis shrimp from Cretaceous sediments, with this it is the oldest modern spearer-type mantis shrimp. These findings demonstrate the importance also of fragmentary material for enlightening the evolutionary history of Stomatopoda.

Communication—Formation of Porous Anodic TiO2 with Square Nanoholes by Pretexturing Process

The formation of porous anodic TiO2 with square cells and holes based on the modification of a lattice of holes by pretexturing using nanoimprinting is described. A Ti plate with an ordered array of shallow concaves in a square lattice prepared by nanoimprinting using a mold was anodized in an electrolyte containing fluoride ions. The shallow concaves in the Ti plate acted as starting sites for hole development at the initial stage of the anodization, and generated anodic porous TiO2 with square cells and holes originating from the close packing of the uniform-sized cells in the two-dimensional space.

First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis A Clinical Review

The first metatarsophalangeal joint of the human foot may best be classified as an anatomically condyloid synovial juncture. This joint is primarily formed by the rounded head of the first metatarsal bone, in sequence with the shallow concavity of the base of the first proximal phalanx. Whilst there is no dorsal ligament supporting or stabilizing the first metatarsophalangeal joint, the structure is largely secured by both the adjoining collateral ligaments and the plantar metatarsal ligament respectively. The movements permitted at the first metatarsophalangeal joint are inclusive of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction. This articulation is particularly subjected to a significant amount of stress during the weight-bearing activity of human locomotion, and is consequently susceptible to the precipitated development of degenerative osteoarthritis through repetitive loading. Such a pathological sequence can elicit marked intra-articular pain and overall functional limitation capacity of the first metatarsophangeal joint. In reference to the disorder of first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as either hallux limitus or hallux rigidus, this review will scrutinize the differential diagnoses, predisposing factors, physical examination traits and clinical management of the condition accordingly.

Three new species of the genus Cypella (Iridaceae, Tigridieae)

Three new species of Cypella section Nais from South America are described and illustrated: C. charruana, C. gloriana , and C. uliginosa . Cypella charruana occurs in Santana do Livramento (southern Brazil) and in Rivera and Artigas (northern Uruguay). It is related to C. suffusa ; however, it can be easily separated by its one-flowered spathes, outer tepals with narrowed claws, longer antheral filaments, and bigger anthers. Cypella gloriana is only found in Sao Vicente do Sul (central-western Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil); this species is closely related to C. pusilla from which it can be separated by its larger perigone with shallower and broader concavity, outer tepals with narrowed claws, inner tepals with blades markedly narrowed and longer towards the apex, and with glandular trichomes spreading in a small area, stamens shorter, with porrect filaments, smaller anthers, and broader connective tissue. Cypella uliginosa occurs in bogs from Entre Rios and Corrientes in northeastern Argentina; it morphologically resembles C. crenata and C. laxa ; however, C. uliginosa can be distinguished from both species by its flowers with pale translucent and shallow central concavity, inner tepals blade plicate with a deep central depression, marked by a darker area covered by ochraceous glandular trichomes, and erect or slightly porrect style branches, with the stigmatic trichomes prolonged on the proximal portion of the adaxial crests. Cypella charruana and C. gloriana are recognized as critically endangered, while the data of C. uliginosa are insufficient to establish criteria of threat. Data about phenology, geographic distribution, conservation, plus comparative tables to segregate these three new species from the related taxa, and a key to differentiate species of the section Nais are supplied.

Ideally ordered porous TiO2 prepared by anodization of pretextured Ti by nanoimprinting process

Ideally ordered anodic porous TiO2 was fabricated through the pretexturing of Ti by nanoimprinting using a metal mold with an ordered array of convexes. The shallow concaves prepared by nanoimprinting acted as initiation sites for hole development during the subsequent anodization and generated ideally hexagonally ordered porous or nanotubular TiO2. The hole interval of the ideally ordered TiO2 could be controlled by changing the pretexturing pattern. This process is a key step towards the preparation of various types of functional devices requiring ideally ordered defect-free hole or pore arrangements.

Fabrication of highly ordered nanoporous Si with high aspect ratio through prepatterning of Si using porous alumina mask

Highly ordered nanoporous Si was prepared through the prepatterning of Si using an anodic porous alumina mask. A highly ordered array of shallow nanoconcaves was formed on Si(100) by dry etching through the nanopores of the anodic porous alumina. During electrochemical etching of the prepatterned Si, nanopores were generated at the shallow concaves. Consequently, highly ordered arrays of deep nanopores with intervals of 200 and 100 nm were obtained. This result demonstrated that the shallow concave features on Si act as initiation sites for the development of nanopores. This process is useful for the preparation of highly ordered porous Si of nanometer scale.

Osteoclast‐like cells on deproteinized bovine bone mineral and biphasic calcium phosphate: light and transmission electron microscopical observations

The occurrence of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) on bone substitute materials has been recognized for a long time. However, there have been no studies linking material characteristics with morphology of the MNGCs. The aim was to analyze the qualitative differences of MNGCs on two commercially available calcium phosphate bone substitute materials retrieved from bone defects. Six defects were prepared bilaterally in the mandibular body of three mini pigs. The defects were randomly grafted with either deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) or biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP). After a healing period of four weeks, bone blocks were embedded in LR White resin. Three consecutive sections per defect were analyzed as follows: two with light microscopy using toluidine blue and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and one with transmission electron microscopy. Multinucleated giant cells appeared on both biomaterials. On BCP, MNGCs had a flat morphology and were not observed in resorption lacunae. On DBBM, the MNGCs appeared more round and were often found in shallow concavities. MNGCs on both biomaterials demonstrated a varying degree of TRAP staining, with a tendency toward higher staining intensity of MNGCs on BCP. At the ultrastructural level, signs of superficial dissolution of BCP together with phagocytosis of minor fragments were observed. MNGCs on the surface of DBBM demonstrated sealing zones and ruffled borders, both features of mature osteoclasts. MNGCs demonstrated distinctly different histological features depending on the bone substitute material used. Further research is warranted to understand the clinical implications of these morphological observations.

Diagnosis of erosive tooth wear.

The clinical diagnosis 'erosion' is made from characteristic deviations from the original anatomical tooth morphology, thus distinguishing acid-induced tissue loss from other forms of wear. Primary pathognomonic features are shallow concavities on smooth surfaces occurring coronal from the enamel-cementum junction. Problems from diagnosing occlusal surfaces and exposed dentine are discussed. Indices for recording erosive wear include morphological as well as quantitative criteria. Currently, various indices are used, each having their virtues and flaws, making the comparison of prevalence studies difficult. The Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) is described, which is intended to provide an easy tool for research as well as for use in general dental practice. The cumulative score of this index is the sum of the most severe scores obtained from all sextants and is linked to suggestions for clinical management. In addition to recording erosive lesions, the assessment of progression is important as the indication of treatment measures depends on erosion activity. A number of evaluated and sensitive methods for in vitro and in situ approaches are available, but the fundamental problem for their clinical use is the lack of reidentifiable reference areas. Tools for clinical monitoring are described.

A revision of the genus Atelecrinus PH Carpenter (Echinodermata: Crinoidea).

The unusual bathyal comatulid crinoid genus Atelecrinus is widespread in the Atlantic and tropical Pacific Oceans and currently includes three recognized species. A re-assessment based on examination of new and existing specimens requires establishment of two new genera and five new species, and returns three junior synonyms to species-level status. Paratelecrinus is erected to accommodate Atelecrinus wyvilli PH Carpenter, A. conifer AH Clark, A. cubensis PH Carpenter, P. orthotriremis, new species, P. amenouzume new species, P. laticonulus new species and P. telo new species. Adelatelecrinus is erected to accommodate Atelecrinus sulcatus AH Clark and Adelatelecrinus vallatus new species. Atelecrinus retains A. balanoides PH Carpenter and A. helgae AH Clark, which restricts the genus to the Atlantic. In both Paratelecrinus and Adelatelecrinus, the basals articulate with the centrodorsal via ligament bundles anchored in deep ringlike interradial pits that project into the centrodorsal cavity, whereas in Atelecrinus the centrodorsal rim has shallow interradial concavities and attaches to the basals via a tight junction with no obvious ligament bundles. The spoon-shaped aboral fossa in the basals of Paratelecrinus appears to be unique among articulate crinoids and differs from the smooth fossa found in both Atelecrinus and Adelatelecrinus. New material extends the range of the family to the Indian Ocean. A few species are now known from enough specimens to identify some ontogenetic and distributional variations. Proximal ray morphology varies substantially with size in P. cubensis and P. orthotriremis. A. balanoides generally occurs in deeper water in the Lesser Antilles than in the Bahamas and Strait of Florida, while P. orthotriremis occurs in shallower water in the Lesser Antilles and deeper in the Bahamas.

Agelacrinitid Edrioasteroidea (Echinodermata) from the Middle Devonian of the Eifel (Rhenish Massif, Germany)

The few isolated reports of agelacrinitid edrioasteroids (“Timeischytes”) from the Middle Devonian of the Eifel (Rhenish Massif, Germany) are revised. In this context, a specimen-rich but low-diversity edrioasteroid association is described from the threshold of the Eisen and Latistriatus Members of the Junkerberg Formation (Eifelian, Middle Devonian) of the Blankenheim Syncline. Predominantly, the autochthonously preserved edrioasteroids settled fixosessile-epibenthically on the frequent-occurring orthid brachiopod Schizophoria schnuri blankenheimensis and represent a wide spectrum of ontogenetic growth stages. They are associated with epibenthic brachiopods, microconchids, bryozoans, and auloporids—exemplifying synecological interactions. Roundish, shallow concavities with the shape and size of preserved adjacent edrioasteroids within encrusting colonies of the bryozoan Eostenopora clivosa are of special interest. It is suggested that the depressions represent former positions of the adjacent edrioasteroids. The new Bellastrella eifeliana n. gen. n. sp. is described, and genus Krama Bell, 1976 is reported from the Middle Devonian of Germany for the first time.

On the identification of two Brazilian leafhoppers: redescription of Scoposcartula frontaliana comb. nov. and description of the female of S. talitae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini)

This paper deals with two species of Scoposcartula Young, 1977 that are very similar to each other externally (form and color pattern): S. frontaliana (Metcalf, 1955) comb. nov. (from the state of Bahia, NE. Brazil) and S. talitae Leal, Mejdalani & Cavichioli, 2005 (from the state of Espirito Santo, SE. Brazil). The former species, previously positioned in Amblyscarta Stal, 1869, is redescribed and a male specimen is selected as the lectotype. The previously unknown female of the latter species is described for the first time. Scoposcartula frontaliana can be distinguished from S. talitae by features of the male and female genitalia. The most remarkable difference is in the male pygofer, which has a conspicuously concave posterior margin in S. frontaliana, whereas it is convex in S. talitae. The posterior margin of the female sternite VII is convex in S. frontaliana, whereas in S. talitae it has a pair of shallow concavities and a median dentiform projection.

Description of a New Species of the GenusKrisna(Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae) from India

A new species, Krisna pampadumparaensis, is described from Pampadumpara, Kerala, India collected from Ficus exasperata. It is distinguished by its deeply transversely carinate vertex and without any anterior transverse black spot. Three prominent constrictions at the ventral lower margin of aedeagal shaft, hind margin of male eighth sternite medially slightly concave and its lateral angles slightly rounded are the other distinguishing characters. Aedeagus in caudal aspects with shallow concavity in the apical region, second pair of gonapophyses with a smooth area between basal and median teeth, margin between median and apical prominent teeth with denticles and margin beyond apical prominent teeth serrated up to tip, apex with undulated margin and ventral margin with subapical notch, make it distinct from K. varia Viraktamath with which it is closely related.

Understanding focused ion beam guided anodic alumina nanopore development

Focused ion beam (FIB) patterning in combination with anodization has shown great promise in creating unique pore patterns. This work is aimed to understand the effect of the FIB patterned sites in guiding anodized pore development. Highly ordered porous anodic alumina has been created with the guidance of FIB created patterns on electropolished aluminum followed by oxalic acid anodization. Shallow concaves created by the FIB with only 1.5nm depth can effectively guide the growth of ordered nanopore patterns. With the guidance of the FIB pattern, the anodization rate is much faster and the nanopore growth direction bends at the boundary of the FIB patterned and un-patterned regions. FIB patterning also enlarges the anodization window; ordered nanopore arrays with 150nm interpore distances can be produced under an applied potential from 50V to 80V. The fundamental understanding of these unique processes is discussed.

Clinical Results with Two Different Methods of Root-end Preparation and Filling in Apical Surgery: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Adhesive Resin Composite

Introduction The aim of apical surgery is to hermetically seal the root canal system after root-end resection, thereby enabling periradicular healing. The objective of this nonrandomized prospective clinical study was to report results of 2 different root-end preparation and filling methods, ie, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and an adhesive resin composite (Retroplast). Methods The study included 353 consecutive cases with endodontic lesions limited to the periapical area. Root-end cavities were prepared with sonic microtips and filled with MTA (n = 178), or alternatively, a shallow concavity was prepared in the cut root face, with subsequent placement of an adhesive resin composite (Retroplast) (n = 175). Patients were recalled after 1 year. Cases were defined as healed when no clinical signs or symptoms were present and radiographs demonstrated complete or incomplete (scar tissue) healing of previous radiolucencies. Results The overall rate of healed cases was 85.5%. MTA-treated teeth demonstrated a significantly ( P = .003) higher rate of healed cases (91.3%) compared with Retroplast-treated teeth (79.5%). Within the MTA group, 89.5%–100% of cases were classified as healed, depending on the type of treated tooth. In contrast, more variable rates ranging from 66.7%–100% were found in the Retroplast group. In particular, mandibular premolars and molars demonstrated considerably lower rates of healed cases when treated with Retroplast. Conclusions MTA can be recommended for root-end filling in apical surgery, irrespective of the type of treated tooth. Retroplast should be used with caution for root-end sealing in apical surgery of mandibular premolars and molars.

First occurrence of Orthotheca Novák, 1886 (Hyolitha, Early Devonian) in North America

Family Orthothecidae Sysoev, 1958 is herein emended to encompass only hyoliths that possess a very shallow longitudinal ventral concavity and a tightly rounded dorsum, resulting in a near-triangular to only slightly kidney-shaped cross section. Orthotheca Novak, 1886 is restricted to orthothecids that possess longitudinal ornamentation on the dorsum, with Cryptocaris suavis Barrande, 1872 now recognized as the type species of that genus. Based on the revised generic concept, orthothecids from the Lower Devonian (Emsian) Shriver Chert of northeastern Pennsylvania are here included within the genus as Orthotheca shriveri n. sp., making this the first occurrence of the genus in North America. The Orthothecida were a group of sessile, benthic hyoliths that ranged from Early Cambrian to Early Devonian. Their life habit appeared to have included filter-feeding. Their ability to retract the operculum into the shell when closed probably aided in preventing sediment influx, and the ventral furrow may have been an adaptation to differing degrees of firmness of the underlying substrate. Despite faunal linkages between the Devonian paleocontinents, the majority of orthothecid genera seem to be largely restricted to their type areas, although Orthotheca documented herein has eroded slightly their endemic character.