Segment Thickness Research Articles

Optimization of production of blanched apple chips using sublimation drying

AbstractThe aim of the research is to investigate the efficiency of producing blanched apple chips utilizing an innovative technology, namely sublimation drying. Apples of the “Aport Almaty” variety were stored at a temperature of 4°C prior to processing. They were peeled, seeded, sliced into segments of specific thickness, and subjected to drying in a drying chamber at temperatures of 45, 50, and 60°C. Following drying, the samples were analyzed for antioxidant content, phenolics, minerals, and vitamins. For comparative analysis, methods such as sublimation drying, conventional drying, and low‐temperature drying were also employed. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and high‐performance liquid chromatography methods are employed for the analysis of the mineral and vitamin composition. Each group consists of 30 samples. Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences in antioxidants (F(3, 116) = 12.48, p < .001), water activity (F(3, 116) = 7.22, p < .01), and phenols (F(3, 116) = 9.85, p < .001) among the drying methods. Sublimation drying demonstrated higher levels of antioxidants and phenols (p < .05). At 45°C, sublimation drying resulted in higher levels of antioxidants (p < .05) and vitamin C, as well as low water activity (p < .05). Dry mass significantly correlated with storage stability (r = −0.75, p < .05). Sublimation drying exhibited superiority in moisture loss (F > 24.17, p < .001). The correlation coefficient between dry mass and moisture content was −0.82 (p < .01). Blanching improved antioxidant activity (75% vs. 65%) and color preservation.Practical applicationsOur study deepened the understanding of sublimation drying processes in apple chip production by determining optimal conditions for achieving high product quality. The obtained results provide valuable recommendations for practical application in the food industry, including optimal temperature regimes and the use of blanching to enhance chip quality. The universality of our study results supports their applicability in various sectors of the food industry that involve the drying of fruits and vegetables. Sublimation drying with blanching demonstrated high effectiveness in preserving the biochemical characteristics of the product, extending shelf life, and enhancing organoleptic properties.

Comparison of lower uterine segment thickness among pregnant women by transabdominal and transvaginal sonography

Comparison of lower uterine segment thickness among pregnant women by transabdominal and transvaginal sonography

Online segmented thickness prediction of hot rolling strip based on IBA-XGBoost

Online segmented thickness prediction of hot rolling strip based on IBA-XGBoost

Pipe wall thickness estimation by frequency–wavenumber analysis of circumferential guided waves

Ultrasonic guided waves in pipes propagating in the circumferential direction carry information about the thickness of the pipe wall. This study proposes a method for estimating the pipe wall thickness based on measurements from circumferentially distributed sensors and a set of pre-computed theoretical dispersion curves. The recorded data are Fourier transformed into a frequency–wavenumber representation. The wall thickness is obtained by identifying the best fitting dispersion curve to the frequency–wavenumber data by determining the maximum stacking power. The thickness estimation method has demonstrated robustness against noise. Given the presence of significant noise (0.0dB signal-to-noise ratio) and simulations where the thickness ranges from 6.0 to 10.0mm, using eight sensors or more attain a mean absolute percentage error of less than 1%. The method is also supported by real laboratory measurements using eight sensor positions, where the error is less than 0.7%. Experimental measurements near the pipe end demonstrate that with appropriate positioning, end-reflections should not have a detrimental effect on the accuracy. The method estimates the mean thickness in cases where the pipe wall has near-uniform thickness but may not be as reliable when there are large shallow defects caused by metal loss, which is typically the case when the inner wall has suffered from erosion. In this case, monitoring of the stacking power curves could detect regional metal loss due to erosion and analysis of the local maxima could uncover information about individual thickness segments around the pipe circumference.

InAs–InP Superlattice Nanowires with Tunable Phonon Frequencies

AbstractThe control of heat conduction through the manipulation of phonons in solids is of fundamental interest and can be exploited in applications for thermoelectric conversion. In this context, the advent of novel semiconductor nanomaterials with high surface‐to‐volume ratio, e.g. nanowires, offer exciting perspectives, leading to significant leaps forwarding the efficiency of solid‐state thermoelectric converters after decades of stagnation. Beyond the high aspect ratio, the nanowire geometry offers unprecedented possibilities of materials combination and crystal phase engineering not achievable with 2D counterparts. In this work, the growth of long (up to 100 repetitions) wurtzite InAs/InP superlattice nanowires with homogeneous segment thicknesses is reported, with control down to the single digit of nanometer. By means of Raman scattering experiments, clear modifications of the phonon dispersion in superlattice nanowires are found, where both InAs‐like and InP‐like modes are present. The experimentally measured modes are well reproduced by density functional perturbation theory calculations. Remarkably, it is found that the phonon frequencies can be tuned by the superlattice periodicity, opening exciting perspectives for phonon engineering and thermoelectric applications.

Comparison of focal loss volume, global loss volume, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and corneal epithelial thickness in eyes with glaucoma and suspicious optic discs

Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to study the role of the focal loss volume (FLV), global loss volume (GLV), and other spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) parameters in early diagnosis of glaucomatous damage. METHODS: A retrospective study included records of 34 eyes with early glaucoma (Group A) and 17 eyes with suspicious optic discs (Group B). Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), and corneal thickness parameters were assessed by the SD OCT (RTVue SD-OCT). These included the FLV, GLV, in addition to RNFL thickness, cup/disc ratio, GCC thickness, and anterior segment OCT for assessment of central corneal thickness and central corneal epithelial thickness. Data from both groups were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The FLV and GLV had the highest areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve in Group A eyes. FLV had higher (97.2%) specificity and was the earliest parameter to be affected by glaucomatous damage, followed by GLV. Moreover, Group A eyes had significant thinning of the RNFL (91.59 μm) compared to Group B (118.18 μm), and GCC thickness was also significantly thinner in Group A (92.07 μm) than in Group B (110.54 μm). Interestingly, Group A eyes had thinner corneal epithelium (nonsignificant) than Group B. CONCLUSION: FLV and GLV were of the greatest value in the assessment of early glaucomatous GCC degeneration.

Reduced contrast sensitivity function is correlated with changes to cone photoreceptors in simple high myopia.

To investigate the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) changes in simple high myopia (SHM) and evaluate the correlations between these changes with the early changes in the retinal microstructure. This prospective study comprised 81 subjects, 20 with emmetropia (EM), 26 with low myopia and moderate myopia (LM/MM), and 35 with SHM. The area under the log CSF curve (AULCSF) and the cut-off spatial frequency (Cut-off SF) were employed as measures of CSF. Adaptive optics (AO) was employed to quantify the cone density, spacing, and regularity. The thickness and blood flow of the retinal sublayers were determined from vertical and horizontal optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) A-scans. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was employed to analyze the choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity using a custom algorithm. Differences in the retinal and choroidal parameters, cone distribution, AULCSF, and Cut-off SF were compared among the three groups. Multivariate linear mixed models were used to elucidate the associations between photoreceptor morphological alterations, retinal and choroidal parameters, and AULCSF. The AULCSF and Cut-off SF were significantly lower in the SHM group compared to the EM and LM groups (p < 0.05). The SHM group had less cone density, larger cone spacing, and lower cone regularity than the EM and LM/MM groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the thickness of the inner segment of photoreceptors (IS), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer and choroid were reduced, and the outer segment of photoreceptors (OS) was thicker in the SHM group compared to the EM and LM/MM groups (all p < 0.05). A longer axial length (AL) was correlated with decreased AULCSF, cone density, and cone spacing (r = -0.800 to 0.752, all p < 0.050). Additionally, decreased CSF was correlated with lower cone density (r = 0.338, p = 0.035). Decreased contrast sensitivity was observed in patients with SHM and cone density was significantly correlated with reduced AUCSF.

Anterior Scleral Thickness and Anterior Segment Biometrics Measured with Swept Source Ocular Coherence Tomography in High Myopic Eyes with and without Glaucoma: A Comparative Study.

Background: To assess the anterior scleral thickness (AST), Schlemm's canal diameter (SCD), trabecular meshwork diameter (TMD) and conjunctiva tenon capsule thickness (CTT) in high myopic (HM) subjects and HM subjects with glaucoma (HMG) compared to control eyes. Methods: One hundred and twenty eyes were included, and AST at 0, 1, 2 and 3 mm from the scleral spur, SCD, TMD and CTT were measured. Results: Mean age was 64.2 ± 11.0 years, and the temporal SCD and temporal TMD were significantly longer in the HMG subjects compared to the controls (380.0 ± 62 μm vs. 316.7 ± 72 μm, p = 0.001) and (637.6 ± 113 μm vs. 512.1 ± 97 μm, p = 0.000), respectively. There were no significant differences between the HM and HMG subjects in SCD and TMD (all p > 0.025). Compared to the HM subjects, the temporal AST0 (432.5 ± 79 μm vs. 532.8 ± 99 μm, p = 0.000), temporal AST1 (383.9 ± 64 μm vs. 460.5 ± 80 μm, p = 0.000), temporal AST2 (404.0 ± 68 μm vs. 464.0 ± 88 μm, p = 0.006) and temporal AST3 (403.0 ± 80 μm vs. 458.1 ± 91 μm, p = 0.014) were significantly thinner in the HMG group. No differences were found between the CTT in the three groups (all p > 0.025). Conclusions: Our data indicate a thinner AST in HMG subjects and no differences in SCD and TMD between HM and HMG subjects.

The utility of combined utero-cervical ındex in predicting preterm delivery in pregnant women with preterm uterine contractions.

To evaluate the utility of a novel ultrasound index "combined utero-cervical index (CUCI)" in the prediction of preterm delivery. The present prospective cohort study was conducted in Ankara Bilkent City Hospital Perinatology Clinic between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2023. Pregnant women with uterine contractions between 24 and 36th gestational weeks but did not have dilatation or effacement were included. CUCI was calculated as: (utero-cervical angle)/(anterior cervical lip thickness + fundal thickness + lower uterine segment thickness + cervical length). In the presence of cervical funneling, one point was added to the final result. A ROC analysis was conducted to determine the potential of CUCI in predicting delivery <37weeks of gestation, <34weeks of gestation, and <4weeks after the first admission to the hospital for uterine contractions, respectively. Optimal cut-off values of CUCI were found to be 1.4 (67.1% sensitivity, 67.2% specificity) for predicting delivery at <37th weeks, 1.7 (72.7% sensitivity, 65.7% specificity) for predicting delivery at <34th weeks, and 1.4 (62.5% sensitivity, 61.7% specificity) for predicting delivery at <4weeks. CUCI may be used in the prediction of preterm delivery for pregnant women admitted to hospital with preterm uterine contractions.

Utilité de la mesure échographique du segment utérin inférieur avant accouchement parmi les femmes ayant un antécédent de césarienne: revue de la littérature

Identifying women with a history of cesarean delivery and at real risk for uterine rupture is an important aim in obstetric care. It is with this objective that different authors have evaluated the interest of ultrasound for predicting the risk of a cesarean scar defect by measuring the thickness of the lower uterine segment. The literature is sparse and subject to numerous biases because they are mainly prospective cohort studies with small numbers. However, the results are concordant: Ultrasound measurements of lower uterine segment thickness are strongly correlated with the operative findings observed during cesarean delivery. Moreover, the thinner the lower uterine segment on ultrasound, the higher the likelihood of a uterine defect. Two randomized trials have recently been published. The PRISMA cluster randomized controlled trial evaluated a multifaceted intervention including an ultrasound estimation of the risk of uterine rupture by ultrasound measurement of the lower uterine segment thickness and aimed at helping women in their choice of mode of delivery after a previous cesarean delivery. This multifaceted intervention resulted in a significant reduction in the rates of major perinatal and maternal morbidity, without any increase in the rate of cesarean delivery or uterine rupture. However, due to its design, it is impossible to specifically specify the benefit of lower uterine segment measurement in reducing major maternal and perinatal morbidity since the trial combined several interventions. The LUSTrial randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact on maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality of proposing a mode of delivery based on ultrasound measurement of the lower uterine segment thickness compared to usual care among women with a history of cesarean delivery. Ultrasound measurement of lower uterine segment thickness was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality compared to usual care. In this literature review, we will mainly detail and analyze the results of this trial.

Automated measurement and grading of knee cartilage thickness: a deep learning-based approach.

Knee cartilage is the most crucial structure in the knee, and the reduction of cartilage thickness is a significant factor in the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis. Measuring cartilage thickness allows for a more accurate assessment of cartilage wear, but this process is relatively time-consuming. Our objectives encompass using various DL methods to segment knee cartilage from MRIs taken with different equipment and parameters, building a DL-based model for measuring and grading knee cartilage, and establishing a standardized database of knee cartilage thickness. In this retrospective study, we selected a mixed knee MRI dataset consisting of 700 cases from four datasets with varying cartilage thickness. We employed four convolutional neural networks-UNet, UNet++, ResUNet, and TransUNet-to train and segment the mixed dataset, leveraging an extensive array of labeled data for effective supervised learning. Subsequently, we measured and graded the thickness of knee cartilage in 12 regions. Finally, a standard knee cartilage thickness dataset was established using 291 cases with ages ranging from 20 to 45 years and a Kellgren-Lawrence grading of 0. The validation results of network segmentation showed that TransUNet performed the best in the mixed dataset, with an overall dice similarity coefficient of 0.813 and an Intersection over Union of 0.692. The model's mean absolute percentage error for automatic measurement and grading after segmentation was 0.831. The experiment also yielded standard knee cartilage thickness, with an average thickness of 1.98 mm for the femoral cartilage and 2.14 mm for the tibial cartilage. By selecting the best knee cartilage segmentation network, we built a model with a stronger generalization ability to automatically segment, measure, and grade cartilage thickness. This model can assist surgeons in more accurately and efficiently diagnosing changes in patients' cartilage thickness.

FractalRG: Advanced fractal region growing using Gaussian mixture models for left atrium segmentation

This paper presents an advanced region growing method for precise left atrium (LA) segmentation and estimation of atrial wall thickness in CT/MRI scans. The method leverages a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) and fractal dimension (FD) analysis in a three-step procedure to enhance segmentation accuracy. The first step employs GMM for seed initialization based on the probability distribution of image intensities. The second step utilizes fractal-based texture analysis to capture image self-similarity and texture complexity. An enhanced approach for generating 3D fractal maps is proposed, providing valuable texture information for region growing. In the last step, fractal-guided 3D region growing is applied for segmentation. This process expands seed points iteratively by adding neighboring voxels meeting specific similarity criteria. GMM estimations and fractal maps are used to restrict the region growing process, reducing the search space for global segmentation and enhancing computational efficiency. Experiments on a dataset of 10 CT scans with 3,947 images resulted in a Dice score of 0.85, demonstrating superiority over traditional techniques. In a dataset of 30 MRI scans with 3,600 images, the proposed method achieved a competitive Dice score of 0.89±0.02, comparable to Deep Learning-based models. These results highlight the effectiveness of our approach in accurately delineating the LA region across diverse imaging modalities.

Parametric study on the assessment of the local buckling behavior of perforated square hollow sections with non-uniform wall thickness under axial compression

The aim of this rigorous parametric study is to explore the influence of perforations on the local buckling behavior of square hollow sections (SHSs) possessing non-uniform wall thickness. A finite element procedure followed in the current study has been first validated against existing test results documented for the local buckling behavior of the perforated SHS with uniform web and flange segment thickness under axial compression. The linear elastic eigenvalue buckling and elastoplastic buckling analyses have been implemented using the Abaqus engineering finite element code. The verification of the numerical procedure has been achieved by favorably comparing the finite element results with the existing test results in terms of the first local buckling mode shape and load-end shortening curves of the perforated SHS with uniform wall thickness. . The verified numerical procedure has been applied to the problem of finding the perforation effect on the local buckling response of the SHS with non-uniform thickness. Finite element analyses have been performed for four various web width-to-perforation diameter ratios ranging from 0.3 to 0.9. Finite element analysis results have revealed that the presence of perforations does not influence the local buckling mode shape of the SHS but considerably affects the critical local buckling loads. The results have put forth that increasing perforation diameter leads to a more pronounced and drastic decrease in the critical local buckling load. The outcomes of the study have also shown that the critical post-buckling load of the SHS with non-uniform wall thickness is less susceptible to perforations compared to the SHS with uniform wall thickness. The results obtained in the context of this parametric study have been made available to practical engineering for use in actual design of the perforated SHSs.

The relationships between lens diameter and ocular biometric parameters: an ultrasound biomicroscopy-based study.

This study aims to explore the relationships between lens diameter (LD) measured with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and ocular biometric parameters. Ocular biometric parameters including axial length (AL), white-to-white distance (WTW), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT) and anterior segment length (ASL) were measured with IOL-Master 700, and the direct measurement of LD was conducted through UBM (ArcScan Insight 100). Relationships between LD and ocular biometric parameters were then investigated. Eyes with AL ≥ 28 mm were defined as eyes with extreme myopia, and eyes with AL < 28 mm were defined as eyes without extreme myopia. A total of 194 eyes from 194 subjects were included. The mean LD was 9.58 ± 0.49 mm, ranging from 8.60 to 10.96 mm. According to univariate analysis, larger LD was associated with elder age, male gender, larger WTW, ACD and ASL (all p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the LD was positively correlated with AL in eyes without extreme myopia (p < 0.05), but not in eyes with extreme myopia (p > 0.05). Backward stepwise regressions revealed that a larger LD was associated with larger WTW, ASL and AL in eyes without extreme myopia (all p < 0.05), while ASL was the only significant variable in eyes with extreme myopia (p < 0.05). Larger WTW, ASL and AL in eyes without extreme myopia, as well as longer ASL in eyes with extreme myopia indicated a larger LD, which provides guidance in personalized surgical choice and promises ideal visual outcomes.

Dynamic characteristics of segmental assembled HH120 wind turbine tower

The analysis of dynamic characteristics is crucial in the design of wind tower structures. The dynamic behavior of wind towers is primarily influenced by structural stiffness and mass distribution. In particular, the segment thickness of prefabricated concrete towers should be selected and optimized based on computed results of stress distribution in order to achieve the desired dynamic performance. The main objective of this research is to investigate the effects of design factors, such as segmental thickness and top mass of wind blades, hub, and nacelle, on the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the precast concrete towers. For the finite element analysis, a high-rise wind turbine tower with a hub height of 120 m (HH120 tower) is utilized. Finally, the theoretical model for the reduced degrees of freedom system is validated using the results from the finite element analysis.

Advanced repair of recurrent and low-large hysterotomy defects using a myometrial glide flap

Background The resolution of factors linked to the recurrence of cesarean section defects can be accomplished through a comprehensive technique that effectively addresses the dehiscent area, eliminates associated intraluminal fibrosis, and establishes a vascularized anterior wall by creating a sliding myometrial flap. Objective Propose a comprehensive surgical repair for recurrent and large low hysterotomy defects in women seeking pregnancy or recurrent spotting. Study design A retrospective cohort analysis included 54 patients aged 25–41 with recurrent large cesarean scar defects treated at Otamendi, CEMIC, and Valle de Lili hospitals. Comprehensive surgical repair was performed by suprapubic laparotomy, involving a wide opening of the vesicouterine space, removal of the dehiscent cesarean scar and all intrauterine abnormal fibrous tissues, using a glide myometrial flap, and intramyometrial injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma. Qualitative variables were determined, and descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data in absolute frequencies or percentages. The data obtained were processed using the InfostatTM statistic program. Results Following the repair, all women experienced normal menstrual cycles and demonstrated an adequate lower uterine segment thickness, with no evidence of healing defects. All patients experienced early ambulation and were discharged within 24 h. Uterine hemostasis was achieved at specific points, minimizing the use of electrocautery. The standard duration of the procedure was 60 min (skin-to-skin), and the average bleeding was 80–100 ml. No perioperative complications were recorded. A control T2-weighted MRI was performed six months after surgery. All patients displayed a clean, unobstructed endometrial cavity with a thick anterior wall (Median: 14.98 mm, IQR 13–17). Twelve patients became pregnant again, all delivered by cesarean between 36.1 and 38.0 weeks, with a mean of 37.17 weeks. The thickness of the uterine segment before cesarean ranged between 3 and 7 mm, with a mean of 3.91 mm. No cases of placenta previa, dehiscence, placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), or postpartum hemorrhage were reported. Conclusions The comprehensive repair of recurrent low-large defects offers a holistic solution for addressing recurrent hysterotomy defects. Innovative repair concepts effectively address the wound defect and associated fibrosis, ensuring an appropriate myometrial thickness through a gliding myometrial flap.

Effect of systemic sclerosis on macular anatomy

Aims/Purpose: Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a rare autoimmune disease that involves the hardening of the skin and also hinders the blood supply by occluding the small arteries and capillaries that carry blood to the tissues. Our aim was to compare the retinal thickness of different segmentations at the macula.Methods: In this pilot study 22 eyes from subjects with systemic sclerosis were compared with 22 eyes from healthy subjects (controls). All participants underwent a complete ophthalmological study and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) including complete retina, inner and outer layers, intermediate retinal layers (inner nuclear layer + outer plexiform layer + outer nuclear layer) and ganglion cell complex thickness (macular retinal nerve fibre layer + ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer) at the macula using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid so foveal, parafoveal and perifoveal subfields were measured. The values of the thickness of each segmentation in relation to the thickness of the complete retina (considered layer segmentation thickness divided by complete retina thickness) were also compared.Results: Best‐corrected visual acuity was lower in systemic sclerosis group but age, gender, spherical equivalent, intraocular pressure and axial length did not show any differences between both groups. Diffuse thinning in parafovea of complete retina, inner retina, outer retina, intermediate retina and ganglion cell complex was found in systemic sclerosis group. Fovea is also thinner in complete retina and intermediate retina in systemic sclerosis group. When considering the comparisons of the results in relation to complete retina thickness no differences were found between groups.Conclusions: Systemic sclerosis induces the thinning specially in the parafovea of all the considered macular segmentations alike.

Determining the Accuracy of Intestinal Ultrasound Scores as a Prescreening Tool in Crohn's Disease Clinical Trials.

High rates of screen failure for the minimum Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (SES-CD) plague Crohn's disease (CD) clinical trials. We aimed to determine the accuracy of segmental intestinal ultrasound (IUS) parameters and scores to detect segmental SES-CD activity. A single-center, blinded, cross-sectional cohort study of children and young adult patients with CD undergoing IUS and ileocolonoscopy, comparing segmental IUS bowel wall thickness (BWT), hyperemia (modified Limberg score [MLS]), and scores to detect segmental SES-CD activity: (i) SES-CD ≤2, (ii) SES-CD ≥6, and (iii) SES-CD ≥4 in the terminal ileum (TI) only. Primary outcome was accuracy of BWT, MLS, and IUS scores to detect SES-CD ≤2 and SES-CD ≥6. Secondary outcomes were accuracy of TI BWT, MLS, and IUS scores to detect SES-CD ≥4 and correlation with the SES-CD. Eighty-two patients (median [interquartile range] age 16.5 [12.9-20.0] years) underwent IUS and ileocolonoscopy of 323 bowel segments. Segmental BWT ≤3.1 mm had a similar high accuracy to detect SES-CD ≤2 as IUS scores (area under the receiver operating curve [AUROC] 0.833 [95% confidence interval 0.76-0.91], 94% sensitivity, and 73% specificity). Segmental BWT ≥3.6 mm and ≥4.3 mm had similar high accuracy to detect SES-CD ≥6 (AUROC 0.950 [95% confidence interval 0.92-0.98], 89% sensitivity, 93% specificity) in the colon and an SES-CD ≥4 in the TI (AUROC 0.874 [0.79-0.96], 80% sensitivity, and 91% specificity) as IUS scores. Segmental IUS scores strongly correlated with the SES-CD. Segmental IUS BWT is highly accurate to detect moderate-to-severe endoscopic inflammation. IUS may be the ideal prescreening tool to reduce unnecessary trial screen failures.

Evaluation of Retinal Layers in Individuals With Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Ocular Hypertension.

This study investigated the retinal segmental thicknesses in individuals with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and ocular hypertension. Maximum thinning was found at 6 mm inferior to the inner plexiform layer. This layer is very important for the early diagnosis of glaucoma. To analyze the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and 8 macular layers using optical coherence tomography in eyes with ocular hypertension (OHT) and pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and healthy eyes and to evaluate between-group differences. In a prospective study, the macular segmentation of retinal layers in 120 eyes of 120 participants was performed automatically using current Heidelberg Spectralis optical coherence tomography software, which provides measurements for 8 retinal layers. Thickness maps divided into nine subfields (ie, 1, 3, and 6mm) were extracted from the software for each retinal layer and compared between groups. The thinnest macular layers appeared in the ocular hypertensive PXS, normotensive PXS, and OHT groups in that order. In the inner retinal layers (macular retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer), statistically significant differences emerged between the PXS and control groups in all quadrants of the 3 and 6mm areas. No significant difference between the OHT group and control group appeared except in the 6mm temporal quadrant of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Receiving operating characteristic analysis revealed quadrants with high area-under-the-curve values at 3 and 6mm in macular segments in all 3 groups compared with the control group. In macular segment analysis, the inner retinal layers showed the most thinning in patients with ocular hypertensive PXS. According to receiving operating characteristic curve analysis, examinations performed 6mm inferior to the IPL, as the quadrant with the highest area under the curve in all 3 groups, are critical for the early diagnosis of glaucoma.

A Prediction Model for the Efficacy of Transvaginal Repair in Patients With Cesarean Scar Defect: An Evidence-Based Proposal for Patient Selection

To establish a prediction model to help doctors determine which patients with cesarean scar defect are more suitable for transvaginal repair. Retrospective analysis. Xinhua Hospital and Shanghai First Maternity & Infant Hospital between June 2014 and May 2021. 1015 women who underwent transvaginal repair of cesarean scar defect (CSD). All enrolled patients underwent CSD repair performed by the same gynecologist and his team. And followed up a clinic visit at 6 months to record their menstruation and measure multiple parameters of the CSD by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. CSD patients are categorized as optimal healing group when the menstruation duration is no more than 7 days, meanwhile the thickness of residual myometrium is no less than 5.39 mm after vaginal repair. The final nomogram is constructed to predict surgical outcomes based on preoperative variables. The key factors that determine optimal healing are the timing of cesarean section (elective or emergency), menstrual cycle, CSD length, width, depth, and the thickness of the lower uterine segment. With the prediction model, scores are given to each parameter according to the statistics. Total scores range from 0 to 25 points, with a cutoff point of 16.5. When a score is greater than 16.5, the transvaginal repair can achieve optimal healing. Uterine position (anteflexion or retroflexion) and preoperative thickness of residual myometrium are the key factors affecting postoperative thickness of residual myometrium. The width of the CSD and the thickness of the lower uterine segment are the key factors affecting abnormal uterine bleeding symptoms (p < 0.01). For the first time, we established a prediction model system that may predict the repair effect of CSD and can potentially be useful in future clinical trials to determine which patients are more suitable for surgery or other treatment options.