Significant Difference In Thickness Research Articles

Evaluation of the Macular, Peripapillary Nerve Fiber Layer and Choroid Thickness Changes in Behçet’s Disease with Spectral-Domain OCT

Purpose. To assess the macular, choroid, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) in Behçet's disease (BD) patients with and without ocular involvement by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and compare these findings with healthy controls. Design. Eighty patients with BD and 40 healthy controls who were followed up at the Uveitis and Retina Clinic of the Kayseri Research and Education Hospital in Turkey were enrolled in this prospective study. Subjects and Controls. The patients with BD were divided into two groups according to the presence of ocular involvement. Group 1 consisted of 40 eyes of 40 patients with ocular involvement and group 2 consisted of 40 eyes of 40 patients without ocular involvement. Methods. All of the patients and controls underwent macular, choroid, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness analysis with Spectralis domain OCT (Spectralis OCT Heidelberg Engineering, Dossenheim, Germany). Main Outcome Measures. The differences in macular, choroid, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thicknesses between groups were analyzed statistically. Results. Macular thickness was thinner in patients with BD than in the control group; this result was statistically significant (P = 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in thickness between RNFL analysis of the patients with BD and control subjects. However, the BD patients with ocular involvement had statistically significant thinning in RNFL compared with BD patients without ocular involvement. Although the choroid was thicker in patients with BD than in the control group, it did not reach a statistically significant level (P = 0.382). Conclusions. BD with ocular involvement may be associated with decreased macular and RNFL thickness measured with spectral-domain OCT.

Efficacy and safety of remifemin on peri-menopausal symptoms induced by post-operative GnRH-a therapy for endometriosis: a randomized study versus tibolone.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate clinical efficacy and safety of Remifemin on peri-menopausal symptoms in endometriosis patients with a post-operative GnRH-a therapy.Material/MethodsWe treated 116 women who had endometriosis with either Remifemin (n=56) 20 mg bid po or Tibolone (n=60) 2.5 mg qd po for 12 weeks after GnRH-a injection. The efficacy was evaluated by Kupperman menopausal index (KMI), and hot flash/sweating scores. The safety parameters such as liver and renal functions, lipid profile, endometrial thickness, and serum sex hormone level, as well as the incidence of adverse events were recorded.Results(1) After GnRH-a therapy, KMI and hot flash/sweating scores in both groups increased significantly (P<0.05) but we found no significant difference for KMI (2.87±1.40 for Remifemin and 2.70±1.26 for Tibolone) and hot flash/sweating scores (0.94±1.72 for Remifemin and 1.06±1.78 for Tibolone) between the 2 groups (P>0.05). (2) No statistical change was observed in liver or renal functions and lipid profile in both groups before and after the treatment (P>0.05). The post-therapeutic serum FSH, LH, and E2 level and endometrial thickness decreased remarkably in both groups (P<0.05). E2 level in the Remifemin group was obviously lower than that in the Tibolone group (P<0.05), and FSH and LH levels were strongly higher (P<0.05). No significant difference in thickness were found in either group (P>0.05). The Remifemin group had far fewer adverse events than the Tibolone group (P<0. 05).ConclusionsCompared with Tibolone, Remifemin had a similar clinical efficacy and was safer for the peri-menopausal symptoms induced by GnRH-a in endometriosis patients.

Analysis of spectral domain optical coherence tomography measurements in optic neuritis: differences in neuromyelitis optica, multiple sclerosis, isolated optic neuritis and normal healthy controls

To compare the retinal layer thickness of eyes with optic neuritis (ON) and that of control eyes and ON eyes with and without neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or multiple sclerosis (MS). Horizontal and vertical SD-OCT scans of the fovea were undertaken for 56 patients with ON with and without NMO or MS and for 24 healthy controls. Patients with ON were divided into three groups: NMO, MS and isolated ON without NMO or MS. The thickness of each retinal layer was compared between ON and healthy control eyes, and between ON eyes with and without NMO or MS. Compared with healthy control eyes, ON eyes showed significant thinning of the ganglion cell layer plus the inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL) at all eight inner and outer macular locations. Significant differences in thickness were observed for the retinal layers of NMO, MS and isolated ON without NMO or MS at several retinal locations. Our SD-OCT data revealed a notable difference in the GCL + IPL thickness between ON and healthy control eyes. It also showed differences in the thickness of several retinal layers for ON subgroups including NMO, MS and isolated ON. This may be helpful for distinguishing the aetiology of ON.

Correlation of Inner Retinal Thickness Evaluated by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Contrast Sensitivity in Parkinson disease

To compare inner retinal layer (IRL) thickness measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and contrast sensitivity (CS) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and in healthy control (HC) subjects. Consecutive patients with and without PD were prospectively analyzed using SD-OCT and Pelli-Robson CS testing. SD-OCT IRL (ganglion-cell complex) thickness, consisting of the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer, was segmented using an RTVue Model-RT100 with an EMM5 scan parameter covering a 5.0 × 5.0 mm cube centered on the fovea. Thickness voxel measurements at 0.25-mm intervals at sequential radial distances from the foveola were acquired horizontally and vertically. SD-OCT thickness raw data files were imported and analyzed within MATLAB (version 7.10.0). A database of CS scores and IRL thickness values by foveal location was constructed and statistically evaluated using JMP 10 (SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC). The results were compared between 28 eyes of 14 patients with PD and 28 eyes of 14 HC subjects. Controlling for age, mean CS scores of monocular right and randomized eyes were statistically lower in PD eyes (P < 0.05). IRL was significantly thinner in PD eyes than in HC eyes at several distances from the foveola (P < 0.05). The most numerous and significant thickness differences by diagnosis were located in the superior quadrant at a distance of 1.00-1.75 mm from the foveal center (17 μm; P < 0.01, maximum significant thickness difference and P value). Correlation was demonstrated between monocular CS and IRL thickness by diagnosis at multiple foveal locations for HC eyes as follows: nasal quadrant, 0.75-1.00 mm (P < 0.02); temporal quadrant, 0.50-1.00 mm (P < 0.05); superior quadrant, 1.00 mm (P < 0.05); and inferior quadrant, 1.00 mm (P < 0.03). No significant correlation was found between monocular CS and IRL thickness within PD subjects (P > 0.05 for each foveal location measured). CS and foveal IRL thickness are decreased in patients with PD. CS and IRL thickness correlated in HC subjects; however, no such correlation was demonstrated in PD. The functional deficit of dopaminergic interneurons, including amacrine cells, may outstrip the anatomic structural changes in the inner retina of PD patients. Inner retinal atrophic changes may underlie the pathogenesis of CS deficit and IRL thinning in PD.

Sternocleidomastoid ultrasonography data for muscular torticollis in infants

This study was performed to obtain normative ultrasonographic data of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in infants and to describe an ultrasound method for evaluating muscular torticollis. The thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the sternal and clavicular heads of the SCM in 84 subjects were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnostic performance of ultrasonography (US) was estimated using receiver-operating characteristic analysis. Muscle thickness increased with age until 10 months. There were no significant differences in thickness or CSA between the right and left sides (P > 0.05) in normal subjects. A ratio of the thickness of the affected side to the unaffected side for the sternal head of the SCM muscle of >1.19 showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 97.9% and specificity of 96.4%. Distinguishing the heads of the SCM muscle and comparing the thickness of the same head on both sides using US may be helpful for evaluating torticollis in infants.

Impaired muscle function in a mouse surgical model of osteoarthritis

Impaired muscle function in a mouse surgical model of osteoarthritis

Postfabrication thickness of single‐ and double‐layered pressure‐formed mouthguards

The thickness of a mouthguard (MG) plays an important role in its primary function of preventing injuries. Multi-layered MGs have recently come into prominent use due to the disadvantages associated with single-layered MGs. Whereas researchers have evaluated the postfabrication thickness of single-layered MGs, the effects of fabrication procedures on multi-layered MGs are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate postfabrication thickness of various single-layered and double-layered pressure-formed MGs. Mouthguards were fabricated using stone models produced from impressions of a phantom model maxillary arch. A total of 50 MGs were fabricated from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheets and divided into 10 groups of five according to the sheet(s) used in fabrication. The initial thickness of each sheet was recorded prior to fabrication. Following fabrication, MG thickness was measured at seven sites per MG. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and one-way anova followed by Tukey's test. Mean reduction in MG thickness was 36-38% for single-layered MGs and 32-34% for double-layered MGs. Significant differences in thickness were seen between measured sites for all MG groups (P < 0.05). Maximum thinning occurred at the incisal edge of the central incisor, whereas minimum thinning was observed in the molar crown fissure sites for all groups. Clinicians should take into account the effects of fabrication on MG thickness. A loss of thickness of approximately 50% should be expected in critical areas of both single-layered and double-layered MGs made from EVA.

White matter imaging changes in subjective and mild cognitive impairment

To determine whether white matter (WM) memory network changes accompany early cognitive impairment and whether these changes represent early, pathologically independent axonal affection, we combined WM diffusion tensor imaging and cortical morphometric measurements of normal control subjects, patients with only subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We included 66 patients with SCI or MCI and 21 control subjects from a university-hospital-based memory clinic in a cross-sectional study. Morphometric analysis was performed in FreeSurfer, and Tract-Based Spatial Statistics was used for analysis of diffusion tensor imaging-derived WM fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity (DR), and mean diffusivity (MD). Relationships between WM measures and stage were assessed with whole-brain voxelwise statistics and on a region-of-interest basis, with subsequent correction for cortical atrophy. In SCI patients, as compared with control subjects, there were widespread changes in DR and MD. No significant differences in thickness could be demonstrated. In MCI patients, as compared with control subjects, there were widespread changes in DR, MD, and fractional anisotropy; the precuneal and inferior parietal cortices were thinner; and the hippocampus was smaller. Multiple logistic regression analysis eliminated morphometry as an explanatory variable in favor of DR/MD for all regions of interest, except in the precuneus, where both thickness and DR/MD were significant explanatory variables. WM tract degeneration is prominent in SCI and MCI patients, and is at least in part independent of overlying gray matter atrophy.

Changes of choroidal thickness in central serous chorioretinopathy

To determine the quantitative changes of choroidal thickness in central serous chorioretinopathy. Cross-sectional study. Twenty-three patients with unilateral central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in acute and chronic stages were diagnosed after fluorescein angiography, indocyanine angiography and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI OCT). EDI OCT scan across the fovea was performed in each eye and the result was compared with that from an age-, sex-matched and spherical equivalent-matched control subject. Subfoveal thickness of choroid was calculated by a onboard software in HRA2. Choroidal thickness in the CSC eyes and the fellow eyes was (464.43 ± 97.15) µm and (399.91 ± 124.01) µm, respectively. No significant difference between the two groups (t = 4.653, P < 0.05). Choroidal thickness was (313.09 ± 70.67) µm in the control group. There was statistically significant difference in thickness between the CSC group and the control group (t = 5.077, -2.085; P < 0.05). Choroidal thickness in the fellow eyes with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability was (506.44 ± 75.66) µm, which was differed significantly (t = 4.749, P < 0.05)from the non-hypermeability eyes (331.43 ± 97.94) µm. Subfoveal choroid thickness in the symptomatic eye and the fellow eyes in CSC group is thicker than that of the control group. The subfoveal choroidal thickness of eyes with hypermeability is thicker than that in the non-hypermeability eyes. EDI-OCT is a noninvasive procedure which can be used to evaluate the choroidal hypermeability in CSC.

Diffusion of macromolecules through sclera

To quantify the in vitro permeability coefficient over different topographical locations of porcine sclera to macromolecules with different molecular weight. Fresh equatorial and posterior superotemporal porcine sclera was mounted in a two-chamber diffusion apparatus, and its permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated dextrans ranging in molecular weight from 40 kDa to 150 kDa was determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The sclera was processed as frozen sections and viewed with a fluorescence microscope. The thickness of the area and the thickness that macromolecules enriched in the surface of sclera were measured. The permeability coefficient (Pc) of porcine sclera to macromolecules was significantly higher (40 kDa, p = 0.028; 70 kDa, p = 0.033; 150 kDa, p = 0.007) in equatorial region than posterior, which could be attributed to the significant difference of thickness (p < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis) between them. Moreover, linear regression indicated a significant negative relationship (40 kDa, p < 0.001; 70 kDa, p = 0.015; 150 kDa, p < 0.001) between scleral permeability coefficient and thickness. Also, Pc declined significantly with increasing molecular weight (MW, p < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis). The area that the macromolecules enriched in the scleral surface was thicker for those with larger MW (p < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis). The maximum MW and size for equatorial and posterior superotemporal scleral tissue were 185.01 KDa and 180.42 KDa, 9.92 nm and 9.67 nm, respectively. The permeability coefficient of porcine sclera has a significant negative relationship with scleral thickness and MW of macromolecules. Larger macromolecules are more likely to accumulate in scleral surface. The difference between topographical locations may have pharmacokinetic implications when considering transscleral diffusion of macromolecules.

P1‐148: Hippocampal volume and shape analysis in patients with PIB (‐), PIB (+) subcortical vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease

promise in better distinguishing between the MCI and MCI converter subject groups.Methods:We investigated 124 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 54 subjects with mild cognitive impairment that later converted to Alzheimer’s dementia (MCIconv). We computed cortical thickness of each subject by a method that is based on solving the potential equation between the gray and white matter surfaces, and integrating along the gradient field that runs perpendicular to each isosurface. Next, we parcellate each subject’s cortical surface into n1⁄4 350 different cortical regions by a recursive zonal equal-area partitioning algorithm.We averaged the cortical thickness at each cortical patch for each subject and investigated the differences in thickness of cortical mantle across the two subject groups. Results: Accounting for multiple comparison corrections, statistical analysis on the patch-wise cortical thickness data was able to localize regions, Fig. 1, where there are significant differences in thickness among the two subject groups. Patch-wise cortical thickness data was used as a biomarker in SVM-based classification with a classification accuracy of 71%. This is a significant improvements over using the conventional vertex-wise cortical thickness data, which is able to achieve a 62.4% accuracy. Conclusions: The proposed method to analyze cortical data is a powerful form of dimensionality reduction that can significantly reduce the effects of multiple comparison corrections in subsequent statistical analysis. Using this method we were able to localize the regions on the cortex where there are significant differences in cortical thickness among the two subject groups. We also observed a significant advantage in terms of classification accuracy of using patch-wise cortical thickness data as opposed to vertex-wise data.

Difference in the thickness of mouthguards fabricated from step-type polyolefin–polystyrene copolymer sheets differently arranged v-shaped grooves

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the change in thickness of different types of step-type mouthguard sheets after suction molding in response to heating conditions for more effective use. MethodsFour types of mouthguard sheets (Impact Guard®) were compared: a step-type sheet; a step-type sheet with a v-shaped groove 30mm from the anterior end; a step-type sheet with a v-shaped groove at the inferior margin of the step portion; and a step-type sheet with a v-shaped groove at the center of the step portion. The working model was trimmed to a height of 20-mm at the incisor and 15-mm at the first molar. The thickness of sheet was measured at points defined on the incisor and molar portion. The heating condition was defined when the sheet sagged by 15-mm below the level of the clamp. Differences in the percent change in thickness from types of sheets were analyzed using Scheffé’s multiple comparison test. Additionally, the sheet type of thickness change with smallest was compared between the 15-mm and 20-mm sheet-sagging condition by paired t-test. ResultsThe sheet with a v-shaped groove at the center of the step portion showed smallest reduction in thickness. With this type of sheet, no significant difference in thickness was observed under heating conditions. ConclusionsThe present results demonstrate the thickness of the incisor and molar portions of a step-type mouthguard sheet can be maintained by creating a v-shaped groove at the center of the step portion, regardless of heating condition.

Scientific Posters

Objective: Anatomical imaging studies in cerebral palsy have largely focussed on classification of white matter injury and on properties of deep grey matter. This study aims to identify any regions in the cortex where cortical grey matter thickness correlates with upper limb function as measured by the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function (MUUL). Design: Cross sectional study. Method: Nineteen subjects (aged 7y 8mos to 19y 7mos; 9 left hemiplegia; 10 right hemiplegia; GMFCS I=11, II=8) and 15 age and gender matched controls (aged 7y 6mos to 16y 2mos) were scanned with 3T Siemens MRI scanner at either the Centre for Advanced Imaging in Brisbane or the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Surface based morphometry of pial and grey-white cortical surfaces were used to generate cortical thickness maps across the entire cerebrum. Differences in thickness between groups (left and right hemiplegia and controls) were assessed as well as identification of regions where cortical thickness correlated with MUUL scores. Identified regions were localised using automated parcellation. Statistical significance was determined by correcting for multiple comparisons using False Discovery Rate (FDR) of 0.1. Results: There were no regions of significant difference in thickness between groups (left and right hemiplegia and controls) in either hemisphere. In subjects with right hemiplegia upper limb motor function positively correlated with cortical thickness of a region in the left middle temporal gyrus (FDR 0.1). In subjects with left hemiplegia upper limb motor function negatively correlated with a focus on the right pre-central gyrus (FDR 0.05). Conclusion: The cortical thickness of the medial temporal gyrus has been previously shown to be important for complex visuo-motor learning. This may explain the correlation between increased cortical thickness in this region and upper limb function. The region identified at the pre-central gyrus was situated at the upper limb of the motor homunculus. The inverse relationship between thickness at this region and upper limb function may suggest compensatory plastic changes in the motor cortex of impaired children.

Post-heat Treatment Effects on Cold-Sprayed Aluminum Coatings on AZ91D Magnesium Substrates

Commercially pure aluminum (CP-Al) powder was deposited by the cold spray process onto AZ91D magnesium (Mg) substrates that had been subjected to three different heat-treatment conditions: namely, as-cast (F), homogenized (T4), and artificially aged (T6). The substrate hardness was measured to be 80.7 ± 1.8, 73.7 ± 4.0, and 103.6 ± 7.4 HV0.025 for the F-, T4-, and T6-Mg alloy substrates respectively. Thick (~400 μm) and dense (below 1% porosity) Al coatings have been obtained. After post-deposition heat treatment at 400 °C, the intermetallic Mg17Al12 (β) and Al3Mg2 (γ) phases with different thicknesses were found to have formed at the coating/substrate interface depending on the holding time. While no significant thickness differences of the intermetallic layers were detected in the cases of F- and T6-AZ91D substrates, thicker layers formed on the T4-AZ91D substrate. It is believed that the higher Al concentration in the T4-AZ91D solid solution within the α-Mg could diffuse and contribute more easily to the growth of the intermetallic phases. The hardness of the β- and γ-phase was measured to be 260.5 ± 10.7 HV0.025 and 279.6 ± 13.7 HV0.025, respectively. Shear strength test results revealed lower adhesion strength after heat treatment, which is attributed to the presence of brittle intermetallic layers at the coating/substrate interface.

The Effect of Shock Wave Therapy on Patellar Ligament Desmitis after Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy

To determine if shock wave therapy (SWT) after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) has a beneficial effect on patellar ligament inflammation assessed by thickening of the ligament and ligament fiber disruption. Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Dogs (n = 30). Dogs that had TPLO (July 1, 2009 to June 1, 2010) were enrolled. The affected stifle was examined by radiographs and ultrasonography preoperatively and 4, 6, and 8 weeks after TPLO. At 4 and 6 weeks, dogs in the treatment group were briefly anesthetized and treated with SWT. Patellar ligament thickness on a lateral radiographic projection was measured at 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 of the distance from origin to insertion. Ultrasound images were evaluated for patellar ligament disruption and periligament edema. There was significant difference in thickness (P = .0264) only at the distal point; therefore, only this point was used to measure difference between the control and treatment groups. A significant difference between groups was reached at 6 and 8 weeks (P = .0059 and P = .0095, respectively) postoperatively. No significant ultrasonographic differences were found. Based on these results, SWT decreases the radiographic signs of patellar ligament desmitis.

Noise-induced gastric lesions: a light and electron microscopy study of the rat gastric wall exposed to low frequency noise

Only a few studies evaluated the digestive alterations caused by low frequency noise (LFN) and most focused only on mucosal alterations. To investigate the morphological injury of LFN-exposed gastric wall, beyond the epithelial layer. Wistar rats were exposed to low frequency noise (LFN), during increasing periods, 1 to 13 weeks. A control group was kept in silence. Gastric specimens were studied using: (i) light microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin and immunostaining for collagens; (ii) transmission electron microscopy; (iii) morphometry allowing statistical analysis. Submucosa of all LFN-exposed animals exhibit increased thickness with fibrous proliferation. Transmission electron microscopy showed massive collagen deposition. Immunostaining identified collagen IV as responsible for the increased thickness. Morphometry allowed the demonstration of a significant difference of thickness between control and exposed groups. Vascular alterations included: i) intima proliferation and thickening, rupture of the internal elastic lamina, thrombotic changes; ii) thickening of the media; iii) after 9 weeks of LFN-exposure, we found new formed vessel presenting tortuous and twisted. There is a significant difference of arterial wall thickness between control and exposed groups. Deeper layers of gastric wall undergo alterations, including fibrosis of the submucosa caused by collagen IV deposition, an early marker of neoangiogenesis. Vascular alterations included thickening and thrombotic phenomena, but also images of newly formed vessels. This study suggests that, at least in the stomach, LFN-induced fibrosis could be linked with neoangiogenesis.

옆으로 누운 자세에서 고관절 외전시 반대 측 고관절 내전이 요추안정화 근육 두께와 골반 외측 경사에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of contralateral hip adduction (CHA) on thickness of lumbar stabilizers during hip abduction in side-lying. Twenty healthy subjects without back pain were recruited for this study. The thickness of transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO) and quadratus lumborum (QL) were measured by ultrasonography. Pelvic lateral tilting motion was measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Measurements were performed at rest position (RP), preferred hip abduction (PHA) and abduction with contralateral hip adduction (CHA) in side-lying at the end of expiration. During the measurements, subjects were asked to maintain steady trunk alignment without hand support. Thickness of TrA and IO was significantly greater in CHA than in PHA and RP conditions. There was no significant difference in thickness of TrA and IO between PHA and RP conditions. Medio-lateral (M-L) thickness of QL was not significant between PHA and CHA conditions. Anterio-posterior (A-P) thickness of QL in PHA and CHA significantly decreased compared to RP condition. Angle of pelvic lateral tilting was significantly decreased in CHA compared to PHA condition. In conclusion, CHA can be recommended for increasing trunk stability without compensatory pelvic motion during hip abduction exercise in side-lying.

Changes in corneal thickness following vitreous surgery

PurposeWe investigated changes in corneal thickness following vitreous surgery and determined whether such changes can be used to evaluate the invasiveness of a vitrectomy.Patients and methodsThis retrospective, consecutive, comparative study examined 20 eyes that had undergone 23-gauge vitrectomy. Corneal thickness was measured prior to as well as following 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Measurements were performed at the center and at points 3 mm superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal to the center.ResultsAcross the 20 cases, postoperative data showed a significant increase at 1 week after surgery at all points, but recovery to preoperative levels was evident only 1 month after surgery (P < 0.05, paired t-test test). In the rhegmatogenous retinal detachment group (n = 9), mean corneal thickness 1 week after vitrectomy showed a significant increase at all points, but had recovered to preoperative levels by 1 month. In the proliferative diabetic retinopathy group (n = 5), mean corneal thickness at 1 week after vitrectomy showed a significant increase at central, inferior, and temporal points, but had recovered to preoperative levels by 1 month. In the epiretinal membrane group (n = 6), a significant difference in thickness was apparent only at the superior point between baseline and at 1 week, but had recovered to preoperative levels by 1 month. In all groups, no significant differences in thickness were apparent at any of the measurement points between preoperative measurements and at 3 months after surgery (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test).ConclusionsMeasurement of corneal thickness is useful for assessing the extent of surgical stress following vitrectomy.

Enamel surface remineralization: Using synthetic nanohydroxyapatite

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of synthetically processed hydroxyapatite particles in remineralization of the early enamel lesions in comparison with 2% sodium fluoride.Materials and Methods:Thirty sound human premolars were divided into nanohydroxyapatite group (n = 15) and the sodium fluoride group (n = 15). The specimens were subjected to demineralization before being coated with 10% aqueous slurry of 20 nm nanohydroxyapatite or 2% sodium fluoride. The remineralizing efficacy of the materials was evaluated using surface microhardness (SMH) measurements, scanning microscopic analysis and analysis of the Ca/P ratio of the surface enamel. Data analysis was carried out using paired t-test and independent t-test.Results:The results showed that the nanohydroxyapatite group produced a surface morphology close to the biologic enamel, the increase in mineral content (Ca/P ratio) was more significant in the nanohydroxyapatite group (P < 0.05) and the SMH recovery was closer to the baseline level in the nanohydroxyapatite group (P < 0.05). Both the groups did not show any significant difference in thickness (P > 0.05).Conclusion:The use of biomimetic nanohydroxyapatite as a remineralizing agent holds promise as a new synthetic enamel biocompatible material to repair early carious lesions.

Ultrasonography and color Doppler of proximal gluteal enthesitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a descriptive study

BackgroundThe presence of enthesitis (insertional inflammation) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is difficult to establish clinically and may influence classification and treatment of the disease. We used ultrasonography (US) and color Doppler (CD) imaging to detect enthesitis at the small and deep-seated proximal insertion of the gluteus medius fascia on the posterior iliac crest where clinical diagnosis is difficult. The findings in JIA patients were compared with those obtained in healthy controls and with the patients' MRI results.MethodsSeventy-six proximal gluteus medius insertions were studied clinically (tenderness to palpation of the posterior iliac crest) and by US and CD (echogenicity, thickness, hyperemia) in 38 patients with JIA and in 38 healthy controls, respectively (median age 13 years, range 7-18 years). In addition, an additional MRI examination of the sacroiliac joints and iliac crests was performed in all patients.ResultsIn patients with focal, palpable tenderness, US detected decreased echogenicity of the entheses in 53% of the iliac crests (bilateral in 37% and unilateral in 32%). US also revealed significantly thicker entheses in JIA patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.003 left side, p < 0.001 right side). There was no significant difference in thickness between the left and right sides in individual subjects. Hyperemia was detected by CD in 37% (28/76) of the iliac crests and by contrast-enhanced MRI in 12% (6/50).ConclusionsAccording to US, the gluteus medius insertion was thicker in JIA patients than in controls, and it was hypoechoic (enthesitis) in about half of the patients. These findings may represent chronic, inactive disease in some of the patients, because there was only limited Doppler flow and MRI contrast enhancement. The present study indicates that US can be useful as an adjunct to clinical examination for improved assessment of enthesitis in JIA. This may influence disease classification, ambition to treat, and choice of treatment regimen.