Topographic Location Research Articles

Immediate and long-term results of microsurgical resection of tentorial meningiomas

Aim. To optimize the choice of surgical approach based on the assessment of immediate and long-term results of microsurgical treatment of cerebellar meningiomas.Materials and methods. Between 2019 and 2023 at the Department of Neurosurgery of the m.f. vladimirsky moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute, 24 patients with primary meningiomas of the cerebellum underwent microsurgical treatment. The ratio between women and men was 5:1, mean patient age was 51.5 years. mean tumor volume was 8.7 cm3. Neurological and neuroimaging data, information about concomitant disorders, surgical protocols, information on postoperative complications, functional outcomes, and catamneses of the patients were compiled.Results. Total tumor resection was achieved in 22 (91.7 %) cases, subtotal in 2 (8.3 %) cases with grade I–II radicality per the Simpson classification. Deterioration and neurologic deficit were observed in 5 (20.8 %) patients. In 2 (8.3 %) patients, dysfunction of the abducens nerve was observed, in 3 (12.5 %) – impaired hearing or deafness, in 5 (20.8 %) – ataxia aggravation. postoperative complications developed in 2 (8.3 %) patients. No deaths were registered. grade 1 meningiomas were found in 22 (91.7 %) patients, grade 2 – in 2 (8.3 %) patients.Conclusion. During microsurgical removal of tentorial meningiomas, optimal surgical approach takes into account the topographic and anatomical location of the tumor. This makes it possible to achieve safe and effective treatment with favorable functional outcomes.

How to deal with the variability of peripheral nerve lesion patterns after inguinal herniotomy? A descriptive approach for a new terminology in clinical practice

BackgroundInguinal hernia is one of the most common visceral surgical conditions in industrialised countries. The aim of the present observational clinical study was to investigate the dermatome patterns after nerve injury following inguinal hernia surgery and to demonstrate the marked individual anatomical and topographical variability of peripheral nerves in the inguinal region. Methods220 patients were followed up for one year after inguinal herniotomy. Surgical treatment was performed either with tension-free mesh techniques or open according (Lichtenstein). ResultsOne year after inguinal herniotomy, 25 patients (11.4 %) reported postoperative symptoms. Of these, 15 patients showed evidence of a distinct nerve lesion. The results of the clinical neurological examination sometimes differed considerably from the subjective perceptions of the patients. In addition, a marked individual variability in the dermatomes of surgically lesioned nerves was found, with discrepancies to the classical and conventional dermatome data in textbooks. ConclusionsThis study has shown that it is hardly possible to assign a specific lesional inguinal dermatome to a specific nerve, as nerves show a large individual variability in their anatomical, topographical location and thus in their dermatome boundaries. Therefore, we propose a descriptive approach to the terminology of peripheral inguinal nerve lesions using common regional landmarks. This will avoid a potentially erroneous dermatome assignment to a certain nerve and facilitate the reproducibility of lesion descriptions between different observers, thus facilitating communication in clinical practice.

The Mutscore metapredictor: a new application of artificial intelligence in cardiogenetics

Abstract Introduction The rapid development of high-throughput next generation sequencing has shifted the limits of genetic knowledge from variant sequencing to variant interpretation. The current standards recommend that sequence variants are interpreted according to a comprehensive analysis including, among others, computational data. The two major types of in-silico predictive tools encompass those predicting the theoretical variant effect on splicing and algorithms predicting the potential damage of missense variants. However, overall for missense variants, prediction accuracy is often limited and results are sometimes inconsistent between software programs. Purpose We aimed at testing the predictive performance of a new predictive algorithm (Mutscore) for missense variants based on a machine learning approach, in our cohort of families referred for hereditary cardiac diseases. Methods We retrospectively reviewed DNA sequencing results from 230 families (from 01.07.2014 till 01.07.2023) addressed to our center for channelopathy or hereditary cardiomyopathy. Missense variants were identified and evaluated according to the current standards of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Variants were analysed with the commonly used in-silico tools CADD, Polyphen, Alpha-missense and Revel. We further applied the Mutscore, a new metapredictor integrating 16 existing predictive tools to data on variant topographical location. Results Among our 230 families, we detected 252 missense variants (class I-II 2.4%, class III 62.3%, class IV and V 15.9% and 19.4% respectively). We observed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.59, p=0.000) between the Mutscore and the interpretation of variants according to standards. The Mutscore had a better predictive performance than Polyphen (AUC 0.83 vs 0.67, p=0.007), Alpha-missense (AUC 0.87 vs 0.79, p=0.047) and CADD (AUC 0.87 vs 0.70, p=0.0001). Compared to Revel, the Mutscore had a comparable predictive performance (0.89 vs 0.87, p=NS), but a better sensitivity (75% vs 66%) at the maximum tolerated false positive rate of 10%. Figure 1. Focusing on variants of uncertain significance (VUS), we applied Mutscore cut-off values which were identified to reclassify variants in our previous study (1). Importantly, the Mutscore reclassified 45% of VUS into likely benign/pathogenic variants. Figure 2. Conclusions The Mutscore, through its metaprediction approach integrating data on variant topographical location, improves the accuracy of pathogenicity prediction as compared to three out of four algorithms commonly used in clinical practice, and seems to represent a valuable tool contributing to VUS disambiguation.

Anatomy of the uterus of sheep of the Edilbaev breed in the age aspect

Sheep farming is one of the key branches of animal husbandry in the Russian Federation. Various measures aimed at further increasing the useful qualities in sheep breeding are based not only on breeding principles, but also on the achievements of veterinary sciences. It is quite understandable that the special attention of biological science and agricultural practice to the breed, age, and species characteristics of animals, namely to the reproduction system, allows us to scientifically and correctly raise issues in breeding, care, feeding, exploitation and reproduction. Not knowing the issues of anatomical topography, the structure of organs in animals of different age groups, it is difficult to carry out various medical manipulations in surgical or obstetric and gynecological practice. The study was conducted at the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. Cadaveric material for the study was delivered to the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine from a farm in the Leningrad Region. Female sheep of the Edilbaev breed served as the object of the study. Three age groups were selected for the study. The study established the anatomical features of the uterus in the age aspect in sheep of the Edilbaev breed, and morphometric measurements were carried out in three age-related physiological groups (fetuses, newborns, young). Skeleto- and syntopia of all parts of the uterus was determined in different age groups. It was established that the uterus of sheep of the Edilbaevsky breed belongs to mobile organs, that is, depending on physiological conditions, it can change its topographic location points. Morphometry has determined that there is an uneven increase in the components of all parts of the uterus from the fetal period to the age stage of the young. The results of the study can be used by veterinary specialists, in particular obstetricians, surgeons to establish operative access to the uterus and in obstetric and gynecological practice in sheep breeding.

Anatomical Variants of the Jejunal Veins and Their Technical Implications in Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

One of the most common causes of bleeding during pancreaticoduodenectomy is a dissection of the pancreatic head from the superior mesenteric vein and superior mesenteric artery. Knowledge of the anatomical variants of the veins draining the proximal jejunum may allow better control of bleeding during detachment of the uncinate process and pancreatic head from the mesenteric pedicle and division of the mesopancreas. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the anatomical variations of the first jejunal vein (FJV) and jejunal trunk (FJT). Fourteen studies (1,888 patients) were included. We performed a systematic review of the available literature according to PRISMA guidelines. The analysis has shown that the posterior course of the FJT and FJV represents the most frequent topographical location (pooled prevalence estimate [PPE] 79.6%) with the anterior jejunal trunk having a lower rate (PPE 20.4%). Few articles reported the variations with separate trunks for the first and second jejunal veins. A thorough preoperative radiological assessment of the anatomical variation of FJT and FJV may confer some advantage to establish the best therapeutic strategy and the best surgical approach in case of pancreatic head carcinoma as it can allow a better estimate of the extent of the neoplasm and improve the accuracy of surgical dissection with potential for reduced bleeding.

Artificial intelligence-based analysis of retinal fluid volume dynamics in neovascular age-related macular degeneration and association with vision and atrophy.

To characterise morphological changes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) during anti-angiogenic therapy and explore relationships with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and development of macular atrophy (MA). Post-hoc analysis of the phase III HARBOR trial. SD-OCT scans from 1097 treatment-naïve nAMD eyes were analysed. Volumes of intraretinal cystoid fluid (ICF), subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM), subretinal fluid (SRF), pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and cyst-free retinal volume (CFRV) were measured by deep-learning model. Volumes were analysed by treatment regimen, macular neovascularisation (MNV) subtypes and topographic location. Associations of volumetric features with BCVA and MA development were quantified at month 12/24. Differences in feature volume changes by treatment regimens and MNV subtypes were observed. Each additional 100 nanolitre unit (AHNU) of residual ICF, SHRM and CFRV at month 1 in the fovea was associated with deficits of 10.3, 7.3 and 12.2 letters at month 12. Baseline AHNUs of ICF, CFRV and PED were associated with increased odds of MA development at month 12 by 10%, 4% and 3%. While that of SRF was associated with a decrease in odds of 5%. Associations at month 24 were similar to those at month 12. Eyes with different MNV subtypes showed distinct trajectories of feature volume response to treatment. Higher baseline volumes of ICF or PED and lower baseline volume of SRF were associated with higher likelihoods of MA development over 24 months. Residual intraretinal fluid, including ICF and CFRV, along with SHRM were predictors of poor visual outcomes.

Repeatability of Scheimpflug-Placido camera in mild dry eye versus normal eyes according to the topographical position of the cornea.

We aimed to investigate the repeatability of various corneal measurements according to topographical location in the entire cornea measured by dual rotating Scheimpflug-Placido camera and to explore the differences in repeatability between patients with mild dry eye and those with normal eyes. In both the normal and dry eye groups, divided based on BUT or the height of the tear film, there were no statistically significant differences in the ratio of unacceptable variation (RUV) and ICC. The consistency of the examination of the anterior and posterior refractive values and corneal thickness according to the corneal location, measured three times repeatedly using the Galilei anterior segment camera, was high. There was no difference based on the height of the tear film or the tear film break-up time. However, caution is needed when interpreting the values of the anterior corneal refractive values, as there can be changes of more than 0.5D within 3mm of the central area.

PSMA PET-targeted Biopsy for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Initial Experience From a Multicenter Cohort

Objectivesto describe the initial experience with PSMA-PET/CT - guided biopsy in European referral centres. MethodsThis multicenter observational cohort study was endorsed by the Young Academic Urologist (YAU) Prostate Cancer Group of the EAU and conducted across six tertiary-level European centres. PSMA-guided biopsies were carried out in a cognitive/fusion manner for all the recruited patients with or without MRI-guided biopsies and/or standard biopsy (SB). PCa and clinical significant PCa (csPCA) detection rate (DR) at prostate biopsy were assessed. Uni- and multivariable models were employed to identify features related to csPCA. ResultsOverall, 72 patients were recruited. The topographic location of the dominant lesion depicted by PSMA PET/CT was significantly associated with the location of csPCa, especially in the biopsy naïve cohort. The DR for PCa and csPCa of PSMA-PET/CT-guided biopsies was significantly higher than SB (0.40±0.43 vs. 0.23±0.29, and 0.36±0.44 vs. 0.21±0.30, respectively, both p<0.05) but did not surpass MRI-guided biopsies (0.40±0.43 vs. 0.47±0.44, and 0.36±0.44 vs. 0.47±0.34, respectively, both p>0.05). PSMA-PET/CT-guided biopsy performed better in the biopsy naïve than in the repeated biopsy setting. A SUVmax cut-off value equal to 4.8 provided the best results for detecting csPCa. ConclusionsOur real-world data illustrate the potentialities of PSMA-PET/CT guided biopsy in diagnosing PCa. Specifically, in biopsy naïve patients with suspicion of high-risk disease, the use of PSMA-PET/CT-targeted biopsy can be considered. Additionally, in the context of repeated biopsies, a PSMA-PET/CT target biopsy might be advisable over the SB.

공주시 마곡사 부속 건물군 배치의 지형적 입지 특성

공주시 마곡사 부속 건물군 배치의 지형적 입지 특성

Sex differences in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction

Introduction: Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction constitutes a health problem in the world and in Cuba, with differences according to sex in clinical and laboratory findings, complications and therapeutic response. Objective: to identify sex differences in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: quantitative, cross-sectional, retrospective study of 155 patients, 97 men and 58 women, from the Coronary Intensive Care Unit of the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, from January 2020-December 2021. The following variables were explored: general, admission, hospitalization and complications. Results: the following were statistically significant: men developed infarction earlier than women (65±13 vs 71±11.9); of the known coronary risk factors, arterial hypertension predominated (61.3%); smoking prevailed in men (53%) and 54% of the patients with an anterior-extensive topographic location died (80% in men and 100% in women). In addition, there was a predominance of Killip-Kimball IV classification (15.5%), right coronary artery as the responsible vessel (29.9%), heart failure as a complication (26.8%) and death (15.5%) in men. However, in women, the anterior descending coronary artery prevailed as the vessel responsible for the lesion (34.4%). Conclusions: there are differences between men and women in age, risk factors and clinical manifestations of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Women were more likely to present extensive anterior myocardial infarction, a topography that had a greater incidence of mortality as a complication

The anatomical structure of the stellate ganglion in the European badger (Meles meles)

Abstract The stellate ganglion belongs to the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system. It responds to signals from the brain to the organs in the chest, including the heart, whose function it regulates. In this study, an analysis of the normal anatomy of the stellate ganglion in the European badger was presented. The research involved 6 male specimens, 3 female specimens, and 1 specimen with undetermined sex. Dissection was performed to remove the skin and muscles of the thorax, as well as parts of the ribs and lungs. The shape, topographical location, dimensions, and the ganglia constituting the structure of interest were analyzed. The results were compared with studies conducted on other animal species. However, these studies are preliminary and require further expansion with a larger group of specimens. They provide a basis for further development of the normal and comparative anatomy of the European badger.

RESEARCHES OF RUSSIAN MILITARY ORIENTALISTS ABOUT THE POPULATION OF AFGHANISTAN IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

In this article it is explained that the Russian military orientalists recorded in their reports valuable information about the geographical location of Afghanistan, its political and administrative management system, as well as detailed information about the various peoples and tribes living in the country, the population of the regions, and their topographical location in their reports. The information of the Russian researchers about the ethnic composition of the Afghan population and their characteristics will later serve as a source for many studies. Most importantly, these data were collected and analyzed by Russian orientalists directly, without any tools, during their trips to the country.

The emission of CO from tropical rainforest soils

Abstract. Soil carbon monoxide (CO) fluxes represent a net balance between biological soil CO uptake and abiotic soil and (senescent) plant CO production. Studies largely from temperate and boreal forests indicate that soils serve as a net sink for CO, but uncertainty remains about the role of tropical rainforest soils to date. Here we report the first direct measurements of soil CO fluxes in a tropical rainforest and compare them with estimates of net ecosystem CO fluxes derived from accumulation of CO at night under stable atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, we used laboratory experiments to demonstrate the importance of temperature on net soil CO fluxes. Net soil surface CO fluxes ranged from −0.19 to 3.36 nmol m−2 s−1, averaging ∼1 nmol CO m−2 s−1. Fluxes varied with season and topographic location, with the highest fluxes measured in the dry season in a seasonally inundated valley. Ecosystem CO fluxes estimated from nocturnal canopy air profiles, which showed CO mixing ratios that consistently decreased with height, ranged between 0.3 and 2.0 nmol CO m−2 s−1. A canopy layer budget method, using the nocturnal increase in CO, estimated similar flux magnitudes (1.1 to 2.3 nmol CO m−2 s−1). In the wet season, a greater valley ecosystem CO production was observed in comparison to measured soil valley CO fluxes, suggesting a contribution of the valley stream to overall CO emissions. Laboratory incubations demonstrated a clear increase in CO production with temperature that was also observed in field fluxes, though high correlations between soil temperature and moisture limit our ability to interpret the field relationship. At a common temperature (25 °C), expected plateau and valley senescent-leaf CO production was small (0.012 and 0.002 nmol CO m−2 s−1) in comparison to expected soil material CO emissions (∼ 0.9 nmol CO m−2 s−1). Based on our field and laboratory observations, we expect that tropical rainforest ecosystems are a net source of CO, with thermal-degradation-induced soil emissions likely being the main contributor to ecosystem CO emissions. Extrapolating our first observation-based tropical rainforest soil emission estimate of ∼ 1 nmol m−2 s−1, global tropical rainforest soil emissions of ∼ 16.0 Tg CO yr−1 are estimated. Nevertheless, total ecosystem CO emissions might be higher, since valley streams and inundated areas might represent local CO emission hot spots. To further improve tropical forest ecosystem CO emission estimates, more in situ tropical forest soil and ecosystem CO flux measurements are essential.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Topography of Bone Marrow Edema in the Sacroiliac Joint of Postpartum Women.

A traditional monoplanar semicoronal and a biplanar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment method were used to compare the topographical distribution of postpartum strain-related bone marrow edema (BME) at the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). The presence and topographical location of SIJ BME were assessed independently by three readers in 71 women 12 months postpartum. A traditional monoplanar semicoronal and a biplanar BME evaluation by 8 (upper and lower) and 12 joint (upper, middle, and lower) regions, respectively, was performed with >4 weeks between the two assessments. Descriptive results were reported as mean ± SD and ranges, and interreader agreement by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). By semicoronal assessment, 38 (53.5%) women had BME with a mean ± SD SPARCC score of 2.3 ± 4.0 (range 0-22; ICC 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-0.94). Forty-one (57.8%) had BME by biplanar assessment with a mean ± SD sum score of 2.9 ± 5.8 (range 0-32.7; ICC 0.89, 95% CI 0.88-0.91). By semicoronal assessment, the highest frequency and mean SPARCC scores were in the anterior upper regions of ilium (24%, mean 0.6) and sacrum (21%, mean 0.3) followed by the posterior upper sacral (20%, mean 0.4) and posterior lower iliac (20%, mean 0.3) regions. By biplanar assessment, the anterior middle joint regions had highest BME frequency and sum scores, sacral side (32%, mean 1.9) and iliac side (27%, mean 2.0), respectively; frequencies and sum scores were generally higher in the anterior compared to the posterior joint regions. The 12-region biplanar assessment revealed a predominantly anterior middle location of postpartum SIJ BME whereas the 8-region monoplanar approach did not demarcate distinct strain-prone SIJ regions. Complementing traditional monoplanar semicoronal SIJ MRI evaluation by a semiaxial assessment may facilitate discrimination of strain-related conditions from early axial spondyloarthritis.

Linking hydrological connectivity with the richness and composition of aquatic invertebrates across the Paraná River floodplain, Argentina

Lateral hydrological connectivity can affect the community characteristics by promoting dispersal of organisms between the river and its floodplain. We investigated the species richness, specific diversity, and relative abundance of microcrustaceans transported by the flood and the macroinvertebrates retained by Pontederia crassipes Mart. roots in five floodplain lakes with different connectivity within the RAMSAR Site Humedales Chaco. Due to differences in the slopes of the floodplain studied, the connectivity was determined by the topographic location of each lake, rather than by the distance from the river. During the hydrological connection, there was a transverse gradient in the physical and chemical characteristics of the water, with an increase in the electrical conductivity and a decrease in dissolved oxygen and suspended solids in the more isolated sites. A total of 62 species of microcrustaceans (48 cladocerans and 14 copepods) and 63 taxa of macroinvertebrates were identified. The microcrustaceans had high species richness in the three most connected lakes, whereas the macroinvertebrates had a peak in taxa richness in the lakes with intermediate connectivity. The low beta diversity (βw) for both microcrustaceans (14.63 %) and macroinvertebrates (16.9 %) indicated that taxa richness varied little between sites with different hydrological connectivity. In both assemblages, cluster analysis based on the similarity of the relative abundance grouped the three sites more connected and separated from the less connected sites. Our results suggest that species richness followed different patterns in different assemblages across the lateral gradient and that the hydrological connectivity was more related to the relative abundance of microcrustaceans and macroinvertebrates than to the classical measures of βw. Species diversity indices did not vary between sites. The high total species richness of invertebrates is mainly a result of the spatial arrangement of the different floodplain lakes.

Application of Doppler sodar in short-term forecasting of PM10 concentration in the air in Krakow (Poland)

Abstract. This paper describes an attempt to use data obtained from sodar (sound detection and ranging) for short-term forecasting of PM10 concentration levels in Krakow. Krakow is one of the most polluted cities in central Europe (CE) in terms of PM10 concentration. This is due to the high municipal emissions. Thanks to intensive corrective actions taken by the city authorities, these are being effectively eliminated, but the unfavourable topographic location of the city limits natural ventilation. The article describes all these conditions, focusing on presenting the method of short-term correction of air quality for the time needed to take quick corrective actions by the city authorities in the event of anticipated exceedances of the permissible values. Based on several years of measurements of the physical properties of the atmosphere with sodar, the authors of the paper suggest that sodar data could be considered for operational use to generate short-term predictions. The proposed method is based on the use of the spectrum, i.e. the set of amplitudes of signals returning to the sodar receiver from the reflection of a single-frequency sound transmission and its characteristic properties depending on the physical state of the atmosphere. Similar spectra were parameterised with a single numerical value using statistical methods. It was found that, in some cases preceding high concentrations of PM10, the spectral parameters had similar values. This made it possible to develop a forecasting method for such concentrations by using data mining to search for conditions in historical data closest to the state of the atmosphere at the time of forecasting. In this part of the study, data from 2017–2018 were used. In the next step, three methods of using the sodar data developed for PM10 prediction were proposed, comparing them with the method without sodar use. The study results were tested on independent material using data concerning the episodes of high concentrations of pollutants from October 2021 to March 2022 in Krakow. The findings were considered to be encouraging, also taking into account the speed and low cost of preparing the forecast.

Seasonal investigation of the macroscopic and microscopic structure of the sinus interdigitalis in Hamdani crossbred sheep (Ovis aries).

The odours of different body parts and structures, such as external genitalia, female urine, ventral tail radix, infraorbital sinus and interdigital sinus, have a strong attractiveness for rams. The sinus interdigitalis is considered an important trail gland for sexual behaviour, as its odour is included in the list of strongly attractive structures for male animals during the breeding season, being important in pheromone production. In the present study, the effects of sex and breeding season on the morphological and histological structure of the interdigital gland were investigated in Hamdani crossbred sheep (Ovis aries). Sinus interdigitalis glands located on the forelimbs and hind limbs were collected from 10 male and 10 female sheep during both breeding and non-breeding seasons. The gland's position in the forelimbs and hind limbs was determined radiographically. The glands were examined macroscopically, histologically and immunohistochemically in both seasons. In all animals, the topographic location of the gland between the digits was determined to be distal to the phalanx proximalis and at the level of the phalanx media. The mean weight of the gland in male and female animals was 1.07±0.03 and 1.4±0.11g, respectively. In general, the results of morphometric measurements were higher during the breeding season, and the increase was more pronounced in female animals. In histological examinations, it was determined that both neck and body parts of the tissues consisted of a structure consisting of a connective tissue capsule at the outermost, dermis, epidermis and lumen underneath. Immunohistochemically staining revealed that oestrogen receptors showed positive immunoreactions only in the intracytoplasmic localization of apocrine sweat glands. In terms of morphological, histological and oestrogen receptors, it was thought that the gland may play a role in sexual communication.

Anisotropy of T2 and T1ρ relaxation time in articular cartilage at 3 T.

The anisotropy of R2 and R1ρ relaxation rates in articular cartilage contains information about the collagenous structure of the tissue. Here we determine and study the anisotropic and isotropic components of T2 and T1ρ relaxation parameters in articular cartilage with a clinical 3T MRI device. Furthermore, a visual representation of the topographical variation in anisotropy is given via anisotropy mapping. Eight bovine stifle joints were imaged at 22 orientations with respect to the main magnetic field using T2, continuous-wave (CW) T1ρ, and adiabatic T1ρ mapping sequences. Relaxation rates were separated into isotropic and anisotropic relaxation components using a previously established relaxation anisotropy model. Pixel-wise anisotropy values were determined from the relaxation-time maps using Michelson contrast. The relaxation rates obtained from the samples displayed notable variation depending on the sample orientation, magnetization preparation, and cartilage layer. R2 demonstrated significant anisotropy, whereas CW-R1ρ (300 Hz) and CW-R1ρ (500 Hz) displayed a low degree of anisotropy. Adiabatic R1ρ was largely isotropic. In the deep cartilage regions, relaxation rates were generally faster and more anisotropic than in the cartilage closer to the tissue surface. The isotropic relaxation rate components were found to have similar values regardless of measurement sequence. The fitted relaxation model for T2 and T1ρ demonstrated varying amounts anisotropy, depending on magnetization preparation, and studied the articular cartilage layer. Anisotropy mapping of full joints showed varying amounts of anisotropy depending on the quantitative MRI parameter and topographical location, and in the case of T2, showed systematic changes in anisotropy across cartilage depth.

Long-term trends in British Columbia lower mainland air quality: Criteria air pollutants and VOC

ABSTRACT The lower mainland of British Columbia is a geographic region that comprises the districts of Metro Vancouver and the Lower Fraser Valley. It is situated in a complex topographical and coastal location in southwestern British Columbia. Metro Vancouver is Canada’s third largest population center. Accessing the Canadian National Air Pollution Surveillance Program (NAPS) database we calculated air pollutant statistics using the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) averaging times, numerical forms, and numerical levels for the years 2001to 2020. Man Kendall and Sen statistical methods were used to test for the presence of trends and the slope of those trends in fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compound (VOC) ambient air concentrations. We did not determine a significant trend in 98th percentile of the daily 24-hr average PM2.5 concentrations. We did determine significant negative trends in the annual average of the daily 24-hr average PM2.5 concentrations at 6 of the 9 locations. Episodic, multi-day duration elevated PM2.5 concentrations related to forest fires were a significant influence on PM2.5 ambient concentrations. Annual 4th highest daily maximum 8-hr average O3 concentrations showed no trend at 14 of 18 locations, declined at 3 locations, and increased at one location. We determined statistically significant declines in peak and average NO2 and SO2 concentrations, and in time-integrated annual VOC concentrations.

Topographic Anatomy and Pneumatization of the Posterior Clinoid Process in Chiari Type I Malformation

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine pneumatization and topographic location of the posterior clinoid process (PCP) in Chiari type I malformation (CIM) for skull base approaches. MethodsComputed tomography images of 52 (23 males / 29 females) CIM subjects aged 23.87±16.09 years, and 71 (26 males / 45 females) healthy subjects aged 42.48±21.48 years constituted the study universe. ResultsThe distances of PCP to the foramen magnum (p=0.037), superior orbital fissure (p<0.001), foramen rotundum (p<0.001), and foramen ovale (p<0.001) were smaller, but the distance of PCP to the crista galli (p=0.038) was greater in CIM patients, compared to normal subjects. In CIM, the fusion between PCP and the anterior clinoid process was observed in nine sides (8.70%), while in controls, in 12 sides (8.50%). PCP pneumatization was observed in 40 sides (38.50%) in CIM patients, while in 28 sides (19.70%) in normal subjects. This data displayed that PCP pneumatization was affected by CIM (p<0.001). ConclusionThe distances of PCP to the crista galli and foramen magnum indicate the anterior fossa length and the posterior fossa depth, respectively; thus, CIM patients have longer anterior fossa and shallow posterior fossa. In addition, the distances of PCP to superior orbital fissure, foramen rotundum and foramen ovale indicate the middle fossa width; thence, CIM patients have less middle fossa width than normal individuals. CIM patients have approximately 50% higher PCP pneumatization rate, and this may increase the risk of complications such as cerebrospinal fluid fistula during the application of posterior clinoidectomy.