Trunk Length Research Articles

Kinect-based assessment of proximal arm non-use after a stroke

BackgroundAfter a stroke, during seated reaching with their paretic upper limb, many patients spontaneously replace the use of their arm by trunk compensation movements, even though they are able to use their arm when forced to do so. We previously quantified this proximal arm non-use (PANU) with a motion capture system (Zebris, CMS20s). The aim of this study was to validate a low-cost Microsoft Kinect-based system against the CMS20s reference system to diagnose PANU.MethodsIn 19 hemiparetic stroke individuals, the PANU score, reach length, trunk length, and proximal arm use (PAU) were measured during seated reaching simultaneously by the Kinect (v2) and the CMS20s over two testing sessions separated by two hours.ResultsIntraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and linear regression analysis showed that the PANU score (ICC = 0.96, r2 = 0.92), reach length (ICC = 0.81, r2 = 0.68), trunk length (ICC = 0.97, r2 = 0.94) and PAU (ICC = 0.97, r2 = 0.94) measured using the Kinect were strongly related to those measured using the CMS20s. The PANU scores showed good test-retest reliability for both the Kinect (ICC = 0.76) and CMS20s (ICC = 0.72). Bland and Altman plots showed slightly reduced PANU scores in the re-test session for both systems (Kinect: − 4.25 ± 6.76; CMS20s: − 4.71 ± 7.88), which suggests a practice effect.ConclusionWe showed that the Kinect could accurately and reliably assess PANU, reach length, trunk length and PAU during seated reaching in post stroke individuals. We conclude that the Kinect can offer a low-cost and widely available solution to clinically assess PANU for individualised rehabilitation and to monitor the progress of paretic arm recovery.Trial registrationThe study was approved by The Ethics Committee of Montpellier, France (N°ID-RCB: 2014-A00395–42) and registered in Clinical Trial (N° NCT02326688, Registered on 15 December 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/results/NCT02326688).

Anatomical study of length and branching pattern of main trunk of the left coronary artery

The left coronary artery is responsible for the irrigation of important heart structures. The objective of this study was to analyze the morphological characteristics of the main trunk of left coronary artery in the Brazilian population and its clinical implications. The study was carried out by using 63 adult human hearts of the human anatomy laboratory of the Federal university of Ceará, Brazil. The hearts were dissected for exposure and analysis of the left coronary artery and its branches. The data collected were statistically analyzed. The main trunk arose from the left aortic sinus under the left atrial auricle in all the 63 hearts. The mean length of the main trunk was 8.53±4.03mm. According to the criteria for the classification of the main trunk length, about 78% were medium-sized. The majority of the hearts (52.38%) showed trifurcation of the main trunk. Anova test followed by the Tukey's post hoc test showed that the main trunk length of hearts with trifurcation was significantly longer when compared with hearts with bifurcation (9.77±4.31mm vs. 6.44±3.01mm; P=0.0029). Similar findings were observed in the main trunk length of the hearts with tetrafurcation in comparison with hearts with bifurcation (10.78±1.4mm vs. 6.44±3.01mm; P=0.0387). This study showed that there is a correlation between the branching pattern and the length of the main trunk. Additionally, we showed that the most common branching pattern of the main trunk is the trifurcation, differing from other Brazilian studies and providing additional information to professionals of cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, and radiology.

Comparison between the musician-specific seating position of high string bow players and their habitual seating position \u2013 a video raster stereographic study of the dorsal upper body posture

BackgroundEffects of playing high stringed bow instruments on the upper body posture have not been analysed so far. The instrument-specific seating position when playing in an orchestra is compared to the habitual seating position.MethodsThree dimensional back scans were performed in 13 professional violinists and viola players of a radio orchestra (8 f / 5 m). Trunk position in their habitual seating position and in the instrument- specific seating position imitating playing was compared. Statistical differences were calculated using Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test with Bonferroni Holm correction.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the seated position with instrument and without (p < 0.001, 0.03, 0.02 or 0.01) in the spine (trunk length, sagittal trunk decline, lumbar bending angle, maximal rotation, standard deviation rotation, lumbar lordosis), the shoulder (scapula distance, scapula rotation, scapula angle right) and pelvis distance.ConclusionsPlaying an instrument changes the static seating position by increased rotation of the spine and specific shoulder adaptations holding the instrument (left arm) and the bow (right arm), with minor effects on the pelvis. This forced position may result in chronic health effects. The method used in this study is an approach to better understand the involved muscular structures and possible resulting health damages.

Minimizing Spine Autofusion With the Use of Semiconstrained Growing Rods for Early Onset Scoliosis in Children

A new growing rod (GR) design, the semiconstrained growing rod (SCGR), with the added advantage of axial rotation freedom within the components, has been introduced at our center which has been shown to be growth friendly. We hypothesize that the SCGR system would reduce autofusion in vivo, thereby maximizing the coronal plane correction, T1-S1 growth, and the final correction achieved at definitive fusion for children with an early onset scoliosis. In total, 28 patients had either single or dual 5.5 mm diameter SCGR placed minimally invasively through a submuscular approach. Surgical lengthening procedures occurred approximately every 6 months until the definitive fusion procedure was performed for 18 patients. Scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis angles, T1-S1 trunk length, and any complications encountered were evaluated. For the full cohort, before GR insertion, the mean major Cobb curve angle was 72.4 degrees (SD, 18.8; range, 45 to 120), mean T1-S1 trunk length was 282 mm (SD, 59; range, 129 to 365), and at the latest follow-up (mean 6.9 y, SD 3.3, range 2.0 to 13.0), 38.8 degrees (SD, 17.5; range 10 to 90) and 377 mm (SD, 62; range, 225 to 487), respectively. For the subset of 18 patients who have had their final instrumented fusion surgery, the definitive surgery procedure alone produced a correction of the major Cobb curve angle by mean 20.3 degrees (SD, 16.1; P<0.0001), and an increase in the T1-S1 trunk length of mean 31.7 mm (SD, 23.1; P<0.0001). There were 14 complications involving 11 of the 28 patients, giving rise to 5 unplanned surgical interventions and 1 case where GR treatment was abandoned. SCGR patients exhibited statistically significant increase in T1-S1 trunk length and statistically significant decrease in the severity of scoliosis over the course of GR treatment and again, importantly, with the definitive fusion surgery, suggesting that autofusion had been minimized during GR treatment with relatively low complication rates. Level IV-case series.

Fetal anatomy of the facial nerve trunk and its relationship with posterior auricular artery.

The aims of the study are to define anatomy of the facial nerve (FN) and its main trunks as well as their relationship with the posterior auricular artery in fetal period to evaluate the data for regional surgery in newborns and young infants. Formalin-fixed 34 fetuses from anatomy laboratory collection with a mean gestational age of 26.4 ± 4.6 (20-36) weeks were dissected. Parameters regarding the presence of major or minor trunks, width, length, branching pattern of FN were evaluated according to side, gender and trimester. The positional relationship of posterior auricular artery with the FN trunk was inspected. On all sides only the major trunk of the FN was detected. For length and width parameters, there was no statistically significant difference for side and gender except for trimester. Linear functions were found as 0.329 + 0.025×weeks for width and 5.264 + 0.185×weeks for length. There are statistically significant linear relationships between width and length of the FN trunk and week parameters as r = 0.507, p < 0.001 and r = 0.484, p < 0.001, respectively. Posterior auricular artery crossed FN trunk laterally in 42 of 53 sides, medially in 9 sides while it was puncturing it proximally in 2 sides. In all cases, it was in close contact to the FN trunk. FN trunk showed bifurcation in 82% and trifurcation in 18%. Dimensions of FN trunk, growth ratio and linear functions can be beneficial in understanding the fetal growth of FN trunk and its usage for grafts. Data about the relationship of the posterior auricular artery with FN trunk may be crucial in avoiding iatrogenic injuries during surgery in early ages.

Separating sexual dimorphism from other morphological variation in a specimen complex of fossil marine reptiles (Reptilia, Ichthyosauriformes, Chaohusaurus)

The Early Triassic Chaohu Fauna from Anhui Province, China, contains the oldest record of Mesozoic marine reptiles, such as Cartorhynchus and Sclerocormus. Most specimens from the fauna belong to the ichthyosauriform Chaohusaurus, more specifically resembling C. chaoxianensis. However, a wide range of morphological variation exists within about 40 skeletons that have been prepared, likely reflecting mixed signals from both sexual and taxonomic differences. We test whether the sexual and taxonomic signals are separable based on quantification, aided by the knowledge of sexual dimorphism in extant marine tetrapods. There are two different suites of dimorphism that divide the specimens differently from each other yet consistently within each suite, resulting in four morphotypes in combination, likely representing two sexes of two taxa. Presumed males have larger ‘organ of prehension’ sensu Darwin, specifically limbs in the present case, for a given body length. This sexing criterion is supported by the only specimen of a gravid female, which belongs to the morphotype with short limbs. Males also have larger skulls for the trunk length compared to females. This study demonstrates that sexual and taxonomic signals are separable in fossil reptiles, with a sufficient sample size and careful analyses.

New Supple Skink, GenusLygosoma(Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), from Indochina and Redescription ofLygosoma quadrupes()

Abstract Based on molecular and morphological data sets, we describe a new species of scincid lizard of the genus Lygosoma from Indochina, and redescribe true Lygosoma quadrupes (Linnaeus, 1766). The new species is small and slender, and represents the third member of the L. quadrupes complex, increasing the diversity of Lygosoma species recognized in Southeast Asia to 24. Based on the reevaluation of vouchered specimens from the type locality of L. quadrupes sensu Linnaeus (1766), the recognized geographic distribution of true L. quadrupes is restricted to the island of Java in Indonesia. With 10 species of Lygosoma recognized in Thailand, the country possesses considerable species-level diversity of these enigmatic, semifossorial skinks. In addition to being one of the smallest species in the genus, the new species can be distinguished from all congeners by features of its external morphology, including having small relative limb lengths, longer trunk length, and greater numbers of axilla–groin and para...

Growth response, nutrient digestibility and physical body measurements of Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) fed whole cassava (Manihot esculenta) root meal fortified with selected fermented protein sources

Grasscutter serves as a major tool for improved household income generation, nutrition and bio-diversity in Nigeria. It provides a quick turnover, foreign exchange earner and reduce unemployment rate of the country.In order to assess the feeding values of concentrates used as supplement, studies were conducted in captivity to evaluate the performance of Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) using 20 growing Grasscutters comprising 16 females and 4 males who were balanced for weight and grouped into four treatments. Inclusion of whole cassava meal that was incorporated at 80% of the total bulk acted as the control(T0) while 10% of whole cassava root meal was replaced by fermented soybean meal in (T1), fermented locust bean meal in (T2) and fermented melon seed meal in (T3) respectively were considered as experimental using a complete randomized design. Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) was used as the basal diet and water were given ad libitum. There were significant difference in the final body weight gains (P&lt;0.05) between treatments. The mean final body weights were 1175.0 ±302.01, 1266.7±302.01, 1215±302.01 and 1143.0±302.01g for animals on T0, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The corresponding mean for final body weight gains were found to be 481±209.55, 536.7±209.55, 507±209.55 and 407±209.55g for T0, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. There were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in the trunk length in T1 over T2, T0 and T3 and were recorded at the level of4.78±0.19, 4.56 ±0.18, 4.55 ± 0.18 and 4.12 ± 0.16 respectively. The nutrient digestibility of CP, EE, NFE, ADF and ADL were significantly different (P&lt;0.05). The whole cassava root that was combined with fermented soybean meal supported a highest growth rate than those of other treatments. It was therefore concluded that fermented soybean meal may be used as an ideal diet for sustainable Grasscutter production when whole cassava root is combined with this ingredient.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(2): 254-259, August 2018

Eels of the genus Bathyuroconger in the northwestern Pacific, with descriptions of four new species (Anguilliformes: Congridae).

Examination of the congrid genus Bathyuroconger in the northwestern Pacific reveals six species are present. Bathyuroconger albus sp. nov. differs from congeners in having a pale coloration, a moderately reduced gill opening that is close to but not touching the pectoral-fin base, trunk length 2.0-2.9 times HL, preanal vertebrae 45-54, preanal lateral-line pores 42-48. Bathyuroconger dolichosomus sp. nov. has a moderately reduced gill opening that is close to but not touching the pectoral-fin base, trunk length 3.2 times HL, preanal vertebrae 63, and preanal lateral-line pores 61. Bathyuroconger fowleri sp. nov. has a small gill opening distant from the pectoral-fin base, trunk length 1.7-2.1 times head length, dorsal-fin origin over middle of pectoral fin, predorsal vertebrae 10-14, preanal vertebrae 48-52, total vertebrae 173-178. Bathyuroconger hawaiiensis sp. nov. has a slightly reduced gill opening, separated from the pectoral-fin base, dark color, total vertebrae 201-210. Bathyuroconger parvibranchialis (Fowler, 1934), redescribed herein, has a small gill opening distant from the pectoral-fin base, dorsal-fin origin over base of pectoral fin, trunk length 1.4-1.7 times in HL, preanal vertebrae 43-48, total vertebrae 181-189, and a uniformly dark color in adults. Bathyuroconger cf. vicinus has a full-size gill opening in contact with pectoral-fin base, dark color, and total vertebrae 196-201. A key to the species in the northwestern Pacific is provided.

Linking life-history traits, spatial distribution and abundance of two species of lugworms to bait collection: A case study for sustainable management plan

Arenicola spp. are marine benthic polychaetes dug for bait by anglers. Without regulation, this activity can lead to the decrease of lugworms' population meanwhile affecting the physical characteristics of the beach and the biodiversity. Here, we identified through morphology and genetics two species of lugworms, Arenicola marina and A. defodiens, within a Marine Protected Area of the Eastern English Channel (France). For each species, abundance and spatial distribution were assessed using a stratified random sampling and interpolation at four studied sites, as well as some life-history traits. These data were compared to lugworms' collection data to estimate its sustainability and to provide potential management measures. At one site, A. marina was present in large numbers on the higher and middle shore, whereas A. defodiens occupied the lower shore. At the other sites, both species co-occurred on the lower shore, and A. marina individuals were less numerous and lacking recruits. Spawning periods for A. marina occurred in early autumn and in late autumn for A. defodiens. The size at first maturity of A. marina was at 3.8 cm of trunk length (between 1.5 and 2.5 years old). One site (Au) appeared in need for management when linking abundance data with bait collection, where harvest of both species represented ∼14% of the total amount of lugworms and was above the carrying capacity of the beach for A. marina. The retail value associated to lugworm harvesting within the MPA was estimated at the same level as the shrimp retail value. Our results highlight the need for some fishery regulations.

Validation of a kinect-based system to quantify proximal arm non-use after a stroke

Proximal arm non-use is when an individual with a weaker arm can use it, however spontaneously persists in under-using shoulder and elbow joints. The score of proximal arm non-use (PANU) is computed as the difference between the spontaneous use and the maximal use of shoulder and elbow joints. We previously quantified PANU using an ultrasound and marker-based movement analysis system (Zebris, CMS20s ® ). The aim of this study is to validate a low-cost markerless system (Microsoft Kinect ® -based) against the reference system (CMS20s ® ) to determine PANU during seated reaching. In 19 hemiparetic stroke individuals the PANU score, reach length, trunk length, proximal arm use were measured during seated reaching simultaneously by the Kinect ® (v2) and CMS20s ® over two testing sessions separated by 2 h. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and linear regression analysis showed that the PANU score (ICC = 0.95, r 2 = 0.90), reach length (ICC = 0.82, r 2 = 0,70), trunk length (ICC = 0.97, r 2 = 0.94) and PAU (ICC = 0.97, r 2 = 0.93) measured using the Kinect were strongly related to those using the CMS20s. The PANU scores showed good test-retest reliability for both the Kinect (ICC = 0.76) and CMS20s (ICC = 0.72) with Bland & Altman plots showing slightly reduced PANU scores (i.e., improved performance) in the re-test session for both systems (Kinect: −4,25 ± 6.76; CMS20s: −4,71 ± 7.88), which suggests a practice effect. We conclude that the Kinect ® can offer a low-cost and widely available solution to clinically assess PANU to monitor the progress of paretic arm recovery and to better individualise rehabilitation.

Association of anthropometric measures and cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents: Findings from the Aboriginal Birth Cohort study.

This study examined the association of anthropometric measures including height, leg length, trunk length and body mass index (BMI) at 11 and 18 years with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) at 11 and 18 years. We analysed data from 661 participants from the Aboriginal Birth Cohort study–a longitudinal study based in the Northern Territory, Australia. Associations between anthropometric measures and cardiovascular risk factors were investigated in linear regression analyses adjusted for confounding, with imputation for missing data. In adjusted analyses, increasing leg length [males: 0.47mmHg/cm (0.23, 0.72); females: 0.50mmHg/cm (0.18, 0.83)], trunk length [males: 0.50mmHg/cm (0.28, 0.73); females: 0.57mmHg/cm (0.33, 0.81)] and height [males: 0.32mmHg/cm (0.16, 0.48); females: 0.32mmHg/cm (0.12, 0.52)] at 11 years was associated with higher SBP at 11 years. When these exposures were measured at 18 years the effect on SBP at 18 years had attenuated, and only increased trunk length was associated with higher SBP at 18 years for both sexes [males: 0.46mmHg/cm (0.05, 0.87); females: 0.69mmHg/cm (0.30, 1.08)]. We observed little association between height, leg length and trunk length and DBP, total cholesterol, LDL-c and HDL-c. Increased BMI was associated with elevated SBP and DBP at 11 and 18 years. Our findings suggest that height, leg length, and trunk length measured at 11 and 18 years was generally not associated with cardiovascular risk factors at 11 and 18 years. However, greater childhood BMI was associated with higher blood pressure and this association persisted into adolescence. This study contributes to the limited body of evidence on the association between measures of early anthropometry and cardiovascular risk among the Australian Aboriginal population.

Dento-alveolar measurements and histomorphometric parameters of maxillary and mandibular first molars, using micro-CT.

Micro-CT is a high-resolution, non-invasive, and non-destructive imaging technique, currently acknowledged as a gold standard modality for assessing quantitatively and objectively dental morphology and bone microarchitecture parameters. The aim of this study was to analyze critical dental and periodontal measurements characterizing the mandibular (MandFM) and maxillary (MaxFM) first molar architecture, as well as the corresponding bony socket, using micro-CT. Thirty-eight human dried skulls (22-76 years) were scanned to enable the virtual analysis of 61 first molars. Depending on the type of measurement, the parameters were recorded on two-dimensional sections or directly on three-dimensional models. Tooth morphology was described by four aspects (e.g., tooth width, trunk length, root length, and root span), while the socket architecture was assessed by buccal plate thicknesses and bone density measurements. Minimum, maximum, and mean distances as well as cortical and trabecular bone densities were recorded in MandFM and MaxFM. It is noteworthy that the buccal plate thickness was found to be less than 1 mm in more than 55% of cases in MaxFM, whereas only in 20.8% of cases in MandFM (and even 0% at two sites). A wide range of bone densities was observed and the comparison between MandFM and MaxFM did not show a significant difference. Furthermore, cortical densities were negatively correlated with aging, while trabecular densities were not influenced. Using micro-CT, three-dimensional aspects of the human first molar morphology and microstructural parameters of the surrounding bone were evaluated in the mandible and in the maxilla. These comprehensive measurements and their correlation with aging may be of great importance for the use of immediate implant placement in molar extraction sockets and thus the potential long-term success of this treatment modality.

Ecological Characteristics of the New Recorded Seahorse (Hippocampus haema) in Geoje-Hansan Bay, Korea

ABSTRACT Kim, M.J.; Kim, H.C.; Lee, W.C.; Park, J.M.; Kwak, S.N.; Oh, Y.; Kang, M.G., and Lee, S.H., 2018. Ecological characteristics of the new recorded seahorse in Geoje-Hansan Bay, Korea. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 351–355. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A basic ecological research of the seahorse populations has not been done to date even though the population is declining due to overfishing, by-catching and heavy human activities. Recently reported seahorse (Hippocampus haema) samples were monthly collected in Geoje–Hansan bay for a year from August 2015 to August 2016. Standard length (SL), weight (Wt), coronet height (CH), trunk length (TrL), and tail length (TaL) of each individual were measured for identifying characteristics of H. haema. The ranges of temperature and salinity were 8.2–26.0 °C and 29.3–34.1 ‰, respective...

A Link between Nutritional and Growth States in Pediatric Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

To investigate nutritional status and growth status of pediatric patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and to examine the relationship between nutritional status and linear growth in these children. In total, 102 pediatric patients diagnosed with functional constipation (FC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or functional abdominal pain (FAP) in years 2013-2015 were subjected to anthropometric measurements. Anthropometry comprised body height, leg and trunk lengths, body weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and 3 skinfold thicknesses. Body fat percentage was obtained with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Indices of the nutritional status and body proportions were calculated and adjusted for age and sex. Excessive body weight and excessive fatness were the most common in children with IBS. Being underweight was most common in children with FAP, but fat deficiency was similarly frequent in the FAP and in FC groups. Short stature was the most common in children with FC. Children with IBS were the best nourished and the tallest for age and sex due to increased trunk length. Body height and linear body proportions adjusted for age and sex were positively associated with body weight and body fatness in the total sample. Children with FGIDs present various linear growth abnormalities that are associated with body weight and body fatness. Although excessive body weight and body fat are common in children with IBS, pediatricians should be aware of the risk of malnutrition in children with other FGIDs.

SCREENING OF SALT TOLERANT BACTERIA FOR PLANT GROWTH PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF RICE BLAST AND SHEATH BLIGHT DISEASE ON MANGROVE RICE

From 22 rice, soil and water samples collected in the field of Long An and Tien Giang provinces, we isolated and screened 87 strains of bacteria around the root zone and endophytic bacteria. Through testing the ability of plant growth stimulation, the result showed 16 strains were capable of nitrogen fixation, 13 strains were capable of phosphate solubilization, 27 strains were capable of IAA production and 2 strains had all 3 activities. By the dual testing method and the percentage of inhibition method between bacterial and fungal pathogen, LD5 and LS6 strains had the highest antifungal activity against Rhizotocnia sp. CR1 at 94.02 %. TS3 and TĐ13 strains had the highest antifungal activity against Magnaporthe sp. BP3 at 81.74 ± 0.88 % and 80 ± 0.60 %, respectively. Furthermore, there were 6 strains inhibiting both Rhizotocnia sp. CR1 and Magnaporthe sp. BP3 (LĐ5, LS4, LS6, LN1, LN6, TS3). The strains were identified by biochemical methods. The results showed that LD5, LS6 and TS3 were 70.37 % similar to Bacillus thurigiensis, TD13 strain was 70.37 % similar to Bacillus pantothenticus, TD9 strain was 72.72 % similar to Azotobacter vinelandii and TD6 strain was 70.37 % similar to Bacillus subtilis. Regarding the test of activity to stimulate growth in net house model, combination of 4-strain (TD6, TD9, TD13, TS3) had the effect of increasing the length of roots, trunk and weight of rice compared with control treatment. For evaluation of biocontrol of fungal pathogen in net house model, the abilities to control sheath blight in N-2C1 and N-LĐ5 treatment were the highest (40.59 % and 39.06 %, respectively). The ability to control rice blast in N-2C2 treatment was the highest (41.26 %). The ability to biocontrol both sheath blight and rice blast in N-4C treatment was 37.89 %.

Root-crown ratio and root canal configuration of Egyptian primary molars sample using CBCT and Clearing Technique: An invitro study

Background: The study of dental morphological characteristics is essential in research as it can provide information about diversities within a population and can also aid in clinical practice.Aim: This work aimed to study the size and root canal morphology of primary molars in a sample of the Egyptian population.Materials and Methods: Eighty primary molars were randomly selected from extracted teeth in children seeking dental treatment. The following measurements were performed: the crown height, root length, root trunk length from the buccal aspect, R/C ratio and mesiodistal dimension of the crown at the contacts. Whereas, the root canal morphology was studied using cone beam computed tomography and clearing technique. Statistical analysis of the previous data was tabulated.Results: The mean mesiodistal crown width of deciduous mandibular first molar was 7.64mm, while that of the maxillary was 6.76mm respectively. It was found that the mean R/C ratio for the deciduous mandibular first molar was 1.45, while that of the maxillary was 1.58. As for the mean mesiodistal crown width of deciduous mandibular second molar was 9.71mm, while that of the maxillary the mean was 8.36mm respectively. Regarding R/C ratio, the mean R/C in the mandibular second molar was 1.79, while for the maxillary the mean was 1.74. The most common canal configuration for deciduous mandibular first molar is type IV in the mesial root and type I in the distal. Type II was the most relevant in the MB root of a deciduous maxillary first molar. Meanwhile, type I was the most common in the DB and type I in the palatal. Deciduous mandibular second molar showed type II and IV as the most common canal configurations in the mesial root and type IV in the distal. As for the maxillary deciduous second molar, type IV was the most common in the MB and DB roots and type I and IV in the palatal roots.Conclusions: Morphological characteristics of primary molars in a sample of Egyptian population were consistent with those of other studies performed in different communities using a similar methodology.

Microstructure evolution, mechanical response and underlying thermodynamic mechanism of multi-phase strengthening WC/Inconel 718 composites using selective laser melting

For further understanding the underlying relations of microstructure evolution on mechanical properties of Inconel 718 composites reinforced by WC particles using selective laser melting (SLM), the influence of laser scanning speed on microstructure growth, evolution mechanism and mechanical properties was analyzed combining with experiments and mesoscopic simulations. The obtained results apparently reveal that the Ni2W4C primary dendrites exhibit with a reduced trunk length as well as the decreasing length and spacing of dendrite arms following an increasing scanning speed according to the combining analysis of X-ray diffraction spectrum and EDS, due to the significant reduction of operating temperature and the resultantly weak atoms diffusion rate and thermodynamic driving force of dendrite growth. Meanwhile, the (Nb, M)C carbides (M representing Ni, Cr, W, Fe, Ti) generated in γ-Ni matrix are inversely refined as elevating the laser scanning speed. Both the experimental microhardness and ultimate tensile strength of SLM-processed WC/Inconel 718 composite is, therefore, evidently enhanced with a slight reduction of elongation as successively increasing the scanning speed, attributing to the combined strengthening effects of refined multi-phase of Ni2W4C primary dendrite and granular (Nb, M)C carbides. Furthermore, the underlying evolution mechanism of composite microstructure with variable processing conditions is discussed.

New species of Echinoderes (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida) from Mediterranean seamounts and from the deep-sea floor in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, including notes on two undescribed species.

Two new species of Echinoderes from the Eratosthenes Seamount and a deep-sea station near the Sedlo Seamount are described. Echinoderes multiporus sp. nov. from the Eratosthenes Seamount is characterized by a combination of the presence of middorsal acicular spines on segments 4, 6, and 8, ventrolateral tubes on segment 2, lateroventral tubes on segment 5, lateroventral acicular spines on segments 6-9, midlateral tubes on segment 10, and type-2 glandular cell outlets in subdorsal position on segment 2 and in laterodorsal position on segments 4-9. Echinoderes unispinosus sp. nov. from the deep-sea station differs from its congeners by the combination of middorsal acicular spine on segment 4, lateroventral acicular spines on segments 6 and 7, type-2 glandular cell outlets present in midlateral position on segment 1, in subdorsal, laterodorsal, sublateral, and ventrolateral position on segment 2, in lateral accessory position on segment 5, and in sublateral position on segment 8, and densely aligned pectinate fringe teeth of the primary pectinate fringes similar in width on segments 1-10. In addition, the morphological data of two undescribed species from the Anaximenes Seamount and a deep-sea station near the Sedlo Seamount are given. An undescribed species from the Anaximenes Seamount is morphologically similar to Echinoderes unispinosus sp. nov., but differs in the smaller trunk length, the presence of broader pectinate fringe teeth of the primary pectinate fringe on segment 1, and the absence of ventromedial sensory spots on segment 8. Another undescribed species from the deep-sea station differs from its congeners in the pattern of spines, tubes, and type-2 glandular cell outlets and length of middorsal and lateral terminal spines. New names are not given to both undescribed species in this study, because only one specimen is available for each species, and both of the specimens were damaged during the preparation.

Morphometric measurements applied in the evaluation of Arapaima gigas body components

This study was carried out to evaluate morphometry and direct and indirect effects of measurements and morphometric relationships on the weight of pirarucu body components. A total of 96 fish were raised in captivity at the Federal University of Rondônia, Presidente Médici - RO, Brazil, with a mean body weight of 9.18 ± 0.1 kg and 104 ± 0.3 cm in length. After desensitizing, the fish were sacrificed, weighed and morphometric measurements of total (TL), standard (SL), head (HL), trunk (LA) and tail (CL) lengths and frontal perimeter (FP), larger perimeter (LP) and tail perimeter (CP) were determined. The fish were dissected and the following body components were measured: leather (with scales), head, viscera and carcass divided into meat layer and spines. The data were submitted to descriptive and multiple regression analyses and the correlation coefficients were separated into direct and indirect effects by a path analysis. Most of the measurements and morphometric ratios showed significant correlations with body weights and body components (carcass, head, meat layer, leather, viscera and spines). LP showed a greater direct and positive effect and was determinant for the variation of total weight and meat layer weight.