Volumetric Values Research Articles

What characterizes device-related thrombosis following LAAC, if ejection fraction fails to shine?

Cardiac compartmental size depends on sex, with smaller values found in (healthy) women compared to a matched group of men. Various types of heart disease may cause dilation of the affected chamber. For example, atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with enlarged left atrial (LA) size, often also implying increased left ventricular (LV) size. Sex-specific differences appear to persist during disease states. Thus, chamber volumes depend on both sex and the severity of the underlying disorder, and require quantification to evaluate the effect of interventions. Often, we rely on the popular performance metric ejection fraction (EF) which refers to the ratio of the minimum and maximum LV or LA volumetric values observed during the cardiac cycle. Here we discuss a sex stratified analysis of LVEF and LAEF in AF patients as treated by LA appendage closure, while comparing those with or without device-related thrombosis. Also, an alternative analysis based on primary data is presented while emphasizing its attractiveness. In any event, age- and sex-specific reference values as broadly documented for various imaging modalities should be applied to LA and LV.

A Taguchi-Simplex Algorithm for the Optimization of Tapped Density for Particulate Orange Peels

In the composite industry, green fillers transported between locations face undesirable impacts of road surface on powder loads but few methods accurately account for this challenge in tapped density measurements. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a methodology to help composite development engineers manage the transportation of orange particles in transit, on vehicles as they move from the particle production locations to the production process locations. In this paper, the Taguchi method-simplex algorithm (TM-SA) method is proposed for the tapped density optimization of orange peel particulates (OPPs). OPPs of 0.425 and 0.600mm for automobile applications are optimized using experimental data. Managing the transportation process of orange peel particulates and their outcomes needs managing substantial tapped density information. Taguchi method was integrated into the objective function of a simplex algorithm. The tapped density parameters were optimized at the lowest parametric values and the constraints were formulated. It was revealed that for the 0.425mm orange peel particulates, the optimal values and volumetric values were lower by 0.09% and lower by 4.06%, respectively. For the 0.600mm, the optimal values and volumetric values were higher by 0.005% and 6.91%, respectively, when the current method was compared with the literature values from the grey relational analysis. The results at optimality support the effectiveness of the method and were validated by the grey relational analysis results from the literature. The utility of our research is to help green filler powder manufacturers assure cost-effective decisions and logistics delivery optimization.

Investigation of Maximum Mid-Span Displacement and Reaction Forces in Fiber-reinforced Concrete Beams subjected to Impact

Self-Compacting Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (SCFRC) is a specialized type of concrete that combines the properties of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) with the addition of fibers for reinforcement. SCFRC is designed to have excellent flowability and self-leveling characteristics while providing enhanced tensile strength, ductility, and crack resistance. This paper presents a discussion on the topic of SCFRC and the impact load behavior of SCFRC beams reinforced with Waste Plastic Fibers (WPFs). A comparison with reinforced concrete beams without fibers is also conducted. This study aims to predict the maximum mid-span displacement and the maximum reaction force of the fiber concrete beams under impact load. Twelve beams that represent the total adopted parameters were tested under impact loading. The beams were divided into three main groups according to the longitudinal steel ratio. The steel ratio was varied by using steel bars of 10, 8, and 6 mm diameter, with PET waste fibers with different volume ratios Vf% of 0, 0.5, 0.75, and 1%. The results showed that the use of beams is reinforced with ρmax, ρmax< ρ< ρmin, and ρmin having reduced maximum deflection by 24.23%, 35.9%, and 46.28%, respectively, when using WPFs with a volumetric value of 1%. This paper also covers work steps, model details, and the tests that were carried out on the specimens, which were made from materials available in local markets.

Influence Volumetric Characteristic on Skid Number with Difference Aggregate Gradation

The purpose of this document is to present an investigation into the impact of volumetric characteristics, specifically the composition and distribution of aggregates, on the skid resistance performance of road surfaces. The study focuses on the variations in aggregate gradations and their influence on the volumetric properties of asphalt mixtures. Two distinct gradation types, continuous and gap grading, are analyzed to assess their effects on skid number values. VFA value does not have a significant effect on skid number value. The volumetric value with continuous gradation under standard conditions shows that the VMA value has the most significant influence on the skid value, and the VIM value gap gradation has the most significant influence on the skid value. While in immersion conditions, for volumetrics that affect the skid number value in continuous gradation and gaps, the VMA value has the most significant influence on the performance of skid resistance. The linear regression results in volumetrics and skid values on continuous and gap gradation in standard condition is y = 1.507 x VMA + 12.841 x VIM – 174.097. with an influence on the skid value of 83.7% and y = -5.576 x VMA + 6.233 x VFA + 33.345 x VIM – 461.402. with an influence on the skid value of 99.7%. The linear regression results at volumetric and skid values on continuous and gap gradation in immersion conditions are y = 5.242x VMA + 0.779 x VIM – 51.695. with an influence on the skid value of 45.8% and y = -3.462 x VMA – 0.454 x VFA -2.088 x VIM + 153.820. with an influence on the skid value of 98.3%. The effect of skid resistance performance on temperature, it can be concluded that a consistent increase in temperature causes a decrease in the skid resistance value.

Development of Efficient Brain Age Estimation Method Based on Regional Brain Volume From Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

We aimed to create an efficient and valid predicting model which can estimate individuals' brain age by quantifying their regional brain volumes. A total of 2,560 structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, along with demographic and clinical data, were obtained. Pretrained deep-learning models were employed to automatically segment the MRI data, which enabled fast calculation of regional brain volumes. Brain age gaps for each subject were estimated using volumetric values from predefined 12 regions of interest (ROIs): bilateral frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes, as well as bilateral hippocampus and lateral ventricles. A larger weight was given to the ROIs having a larger mean volumetric difference between the cognitively unimpaired (CU) and cognitively impaired group including mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia groups. The brain age was predicted by adding or subtracting the brain age gap to the chronological age according to the presence or absence of the atrophy region. The study showed significant differences in brain age gaps among CU, MCI, and dementia groups. Furthermore, the brain age gaps exhibited significant correlations with education level and measures of cognitive function, including the clinical dementia rating sum-of-boxes and the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. The brain age that we developed enabled fast and efficient brain age calculations, and it also reflected individual's cognitive function and cognitive reserve. Thus, our study suggested that the brain age might be an important marker of brain health that can be used effectively in real clinical settings.

Impact of Tumor Resection Volume on Visual Outcomes and the Need for Secondary Surgery Following Transsphenoidal Surgery in Suprasellar Extended Non-Functionial Pituitary Adenomas.

To investigate the surgical outcomes in patients with nonfunctional pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) exhibiting visual field defects (VFDs) in order to ascertain the impact of the volume of adenoma excised during surgery on recurrence rates and improvements in VFDs. From a cohort of 150 individuals diagnosed with NFPAs and exhibiting suprasellar extensions accompanied by VFDs, we selected 114 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for further analysis after a comprehensive retrospective review. All selected patients underwent pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, and volumetric measurements were conducted on T1 contrast sequences using the Syngo.via software. Measurements were derived from MRI scans taken 24 h preoperatively, 24 h postoperatively, at 3 months, and at the end of the first year postsurgery. Volumetric values were compared between patients who underwent subsequent surgeries due to recurrence and those who did not. Similarly, the variables were evaluated in patients experiencing an improvement in VFD, those whose VFD remained stable, and those experiencing a deterioration in VFD. The recurrence rate was 19.3%. Among patients who underwent a second surgery due to recurrence, the presurgical adenoma volume, the adenoma volume removed based on the 24-h postoperative MRI, and the volumes recorded in the 3-month and 1-year postoperative imaging were significantly greater than those in patients who did not require a second surgery. Remarkable improvements were identified in 84.2% of patients with VFD complaints and 62.5% of those with visual acuity complaints. Adenoma volume measurements exerted a significant impact on recovery from VFDs and the need for a second surgery. Although the choice of surgical methodology does not definitively affect outcomes, an in-depth evaluation of variations in adenoma volume can provide valuable prognostic insights.

Sequential PET/CT and pathological biomarker crosstalk predict response to PD-1 blockers alone or combined with sunitinib in propensity score-matched cohorts of cancer of unknown primary treatment.

The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including toripalimab and pembrolizumab, has not been confirmed in the treatment of cancer of unknown primary (CUP), which has a very poor prognosis. Combined with anti-angiogenic therapies, ICIs are hypothesized to be effective in prolonging overall survival. The study aims to give evidence on the treatment effects of sunitinib combined with ICIs, find pathological biomarkers associated with changes in volumetric 18F FDG PET/CT parameters, and investigate inner associations among these markers associated with response on PET/CT. The study recruited patients receiving combined treatment (ICIs + sunitinib), compared the effects of combined treatment with those of separate treatment and age-matched negative controls, and analyzed propensity score-matched (PSM) pairs. Markers associated with survival were identified, and their inner associations were tested using structural equation modeling. A total of 292 patients were enrolled in the final analysis, with 53 patients receiving combined treatment. Survival analysis demonstrated significantly prolonged survival in either combined or separate treatment, with the combined arm showing better response when PSM-paired using pre-treatment whole-body PET/CT parameters. The angiogenic markers KDR and VEGF mediate the PD-1 blockade impact on volumetric value changes in positive and negative manners. The anti-angiogenic agent sunitinib may potentiate PD-1 blockade by diminishing angiogenesis or its downstream effects. The combined separate treatment increased the survival of CUP patients, and the responses could be evaluated using volumetric PET/CT parameters.

Oil volumetric calculations of Kujung Formation in the North East Java Basin based on 3D static modelling using geostatistical approach and additional control variable

Carbonate rock is known as the leading oil and gas reservoir such as Kujung Formation in the North East Java Basin which has been proven to produce fossil energy since 2002. The extended time of oil and gas production needs to be reconsidered by investigating reservoir conditions. The 3D static modelling is constructed by integrating seismic, well log, and geological data using the geostatistical approach to delineate the petrophysical properties which can represent the reservoir heterogeneity. Oil and gas volumetric are calculated by two different techniques. First, the Sequential Gaussian Simulation (SGS) algorithm is used to distribute petrophysical properties, in particular porosity and water saturation with seismic and well log as controlling data. Similar to SGS algorithm, the other method involves AI Cube in co-kriging operation as a secondary variable for generating the porosity ratio. The oil and gas volume estimation using 3D static modelling has been done by integrating co-kriging operation and SGS algorithm establishes higher volumetric value than calculation merely involve SGS algorithm. The higher volumetric value from the combination method is more reliable due to the calculation having various variables that influence the result. The outcome of this research is perchance to beused as field development reference.

THE EFFECT OF SEAWATER SOAKING ON THE STABILITY OF AC-WC MIXTURES USING KOYA AGGREGATE, JAYAPURA CITY

Roads are the basic infrastructure in driving the regional economy, so a good pavement structure is needed. One of the factors of road damage is standing water, for roads around the coast are likely to be inundated by sea water. Asphalt Concrete Wearing Course (AC-WC) is one of the concrete asphalt layer which is able to provide good carrying capacity and waterproof layer for road structures. Some areas in kota Jayapura such as Koya have a large number of local aggregates. This study used oil asphalt as a binder, local aggregate for hot asphalt mixture, and saw the effect of sea water immersion in the asphalt mixture. The purpose of this study is to determine the volumetric value and Marshall value of the Laston AC-WC mixture against sea water immersion and without immersion. The material used is oil asphalt from PT. Pertamina and local aggregates from the Koya area. The research carried out is an experimental test in the laboratory, where the resulting asphalt concrete mixture (AC-WC) will be treated with sea water immersion, then Marshall characteristics testing will be carried out to determine its durability value. Based on the tests carried out, the results showed that the volumetric value and the marshall value of the samples treated with immersion did not provide a significant difference in values compared to normal samples. The results of the marshall value, namely the stability of all asphalt levels meet the specifications, while for flow only the asphalt content of 5.5% and 6% both by soaking and without soaking.

Predictive value of spinal CSF volume in the preoperative assessment of patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus.

The pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) remain unclear. Although some prognostic tests recommended in iNPH guidelines should have high sensitivity and high predictive value, there is often no positive clinical response to surgical treatment. In our study, 19 patients with clinical and neuroradiological signs of iNPH were selected for preoperative evaluation and possible further surgical treatment according to the guidelines. MR volumetry of the intracranial and spinal space was performed. Patients were exposed to prolonged external lumbar drainage in excess of 10 ml per hour during 3 days. Clinical response to lumbar drainage was assessed by a walk test and a mini-mental test. Twelve of 19 patients showed a positive clinical response and underwent a shunting procedure. Volumetric values of intracranial space content in responders and non-responders showed no statistically significant difference. Total CSF volume (sum of cranial and spinal CSF volumes) was higher than previously published. No correlation was found between spinal canal length, CSF pressure, and CSF spinal volume. The results show that there is a significantly higher CSF volume in the spinal space in the responder group (n = 12) (120.5 ± 14.9 ml) compared with the non-responder group (103.1 ± 27.4 ml; n = 7). This study demonstrates for the first time that CSF volume in the spinal space may have predictive value in the preoperative assessment of iNPH patients. The results suggest that patients with increased spinal CSF volume have decreased compliance. Additional prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm our results.

Consistency of left ventricular ejection fraction measurements in the early time course of STEMI.

Early after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), initial LV reshaping and hypokinesia may affect analysis of LV function. Concomitant microvascular dysfunction may affect LV function as well. To perform a comparative evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and stroke volume (SV) by different imaging modalities to assess LV function early after STEMI. LVEF and SV were assessed using serial imaging within 24 h and 5 days after STEMI using cineventriculography (CVG), 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), 2D/3D cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) (2D/3D) in 82 patients. 2D analyses of LVEF using CVG, 2DE and 2D CMR yielded uniform results within 24 h and 5 days of STEMI. SV assessment between CVG and 2DE was comparable, whereas values for SV were higher using 2D CMR (p < 0.01 all). This was due to higher LVEDV measurements. LVEF by 2D versus 3D CMR was comparable, 3D CMR yielded higher volumetric values. This was not influenced by infarct location or infarct size. 2D analysis of LVEF yielded robust results across all imaging techniques implying that CVG, 2DE, and 2D CMR can be used interchangeably early after STEMI. SV measurements differed substantially between imaging techniques due to higher intermodality-differences of absolute volumetric measurements.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MIXTURE OF LATASTON (HRS-WC) WITH DOLOMITE LIMESTONE AS A FILLER IN ASPHALT MIXTURE

Indonesia is a country that has a lot of natural resources; one of the natural resources in Indonesia is lime. In Palembang, there is a large-scale dolomite lime-producing company that covers the territory of Indonesia. The content in the dolomite lime is Magnesium Oxide (MgO) ≥ 18% and Calcium Oxide (CaO) ± 30%. The purpose of this study is to utilize dolomite lime as a mixture of asphalt concrete layers and to find out changes in the characteristics of the HRS-WC mixture due to the use of dolomite lime as a filler. The experiment refers to Bina Marga 2018 revision II. The method used in this study is the experimental method, which is carried out by conducting experimental activities to obtain data. The aggregate specific gravity test obtained more than 2.5 gr/cm3 results, which qualify the 2018 Bina Marga revision II specifications. Examination of the wear of the coarse aggregate yielded results that fulfil the 2018 Bina Marga revision II specifications. The filler used in this mixture is applied on combination with a percentage of 0% rock ash and 100% dolomite lime, then 25% rock ash and 75% dolomite lime, then 50% rock ash and 50% dolomite lime, then 75% rock ash and 25% dolomite lime, and 100% rock ash and 0% dolomite lime. %. The Marshall results from the percentage of 100% rock ash filler content and the percentage of 0% OAC dolomite lime filler content of 6.5% obtaine a stability value of 914.821 Kg, a flow value of 3.45 mm, and a Marshall Quotient value of 265.286 Kg/mm. The volumetric value of the percentage of 100% rock ash filler content and the percentage of dolomite lime filler content of 0 % OAC 6.5% deliver a VIM value of 4.153%, a VMA value of 18.391%, a VFB value of 79.671%.

MRI and Trouillas' grading system of pituitary tumors: the usefulness of T2 signal intensity volumetric values.

To classify pituitary macroadenomas according to the Trouillas' grading system; to compare this grading system with T2 values of volumetric signal intensity to determine T2 values able to predict the final grade. A total of 106 patients with macroadenomas were grouped according to the grading system score combining proliferation and invasiveness criteria of Trouillas' classification. Normalized volumetric signal intensity values were extracted from coronal T2-weighted images (nT2mean, nT2Max, nT2min) and were compared with the final grading score system. Thirty-three patients were in grade 1a (non-invasive, non-proliferative tumors), 17 patients in grade 1b (non-invasive, proliferative tumors), 36 patients in grade 2a (invasive, non-proliferative tumors), and 20 patients in grade 2b (invasive, proliferative tumors). No patient was in grade 3 (metastatic tumors). nT2Max and nT2min were the best quantitative values to discriminate invasive from non-invasive grades; in invasive grades, nT2Max intensity values were higher, and nT2min intensity values were lower than in non-invasive grades. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of nT2 values showed that nT2min values had a better diagnostic performance than nT2Max values because they allowed differentiating with a moderate accuracy invasive tumors (2a or 2b grades) from both non-invasive proliferative tumors (1b) and non-invasive-non proliferative tumors (1a) (2a vs 1b: AUCnT2min = 0.78, 2b vs 1b: AUCnT2min = 0.72, 2a vs 1a: AUCnT2min = 0.72, 2b vs 1a AUCnT2min = 0.69). Volumetric nT2Max and nT2min values of MRI might be practical and non-invasive markers for assessing tumor invasiveness although nT2 min signal intensity values have more effects in discriminating tumor's invasive behavior.

Structural and Functional State of Leukocytes During Long-term Adaptation of Experimental Animals to the Climatic and Geographical Conditions of High Mountains

This study presents the results of studies of the structural and functional state of leukocytes during long-term adaptation of experimental animals to high altitude conditions, obtained using the electron microscopic method of morphometry. It has been shown that under the influence of extreme factors of high altitude in the process of adaptation in experimental animals there is a statistically significant increase in the volume density of mitochondria and ribosomes in neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, which can be regarded as an indicator of activation of the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, activation of the biosynthesis of mitochondrial structures and increase energy production in white blood cells. The volumetric value of specific granules also increased. The volume density of vacuoles in all white blood cells by the 30th day of stay at altitude was statistically significantly reduced, however, in neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes, this indicator did not reach the values of animals in the control group. Thus, adaptation to high mountains has a certain training effect, the state of white blood cells under these conditions is a kind of marker of adaptive processes occurring in the body during the stay of humans and animals in high mountains.

Morphometric evaluation of cerebellar lobules in individuals with unilateral vertebral artery hypoplasia.

Vertebral arteries (VAs) provide blood circulation to the posterior fossa in general and are the main blood supply of the posterior fossa structures of the brain. Our aim in this study is to analyze the segmental volumetric values of cerebellar structures with the voxel-based volumetric analysis system in individuals with unilateral vertebral artery hypoplasia. In this retrospective study, segmental volumetric values/percentile ratios of cerebellar lobules were calculated using 3D fast spoiled gradient recall acquisition in steady-state (3D T1 FSPGR) MRI sequence images of the brain in individuals with unilateral vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) and in those without bilateral VAH and any symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency as the control group was evaluated in volBrain ( http://volbrain.upv.es/ ). The VAH group consisted of 50 (19 males/31 females) and the control group had 50 (21 males/29 females) individuals. The cerebellar lobule III, IV, VIIIA and X total volumes and the cerebellar lobule I-II, III, IV, VIIIA and X gray matter volumes were lower in the hypoplastic side than the non-hypoplastic cases and also than the contralateral side of the hypoplastic cases in the VAH group. In addition, it was found that that lobules IV and V had lower cortical thickness and lobules I-II had a higher coverage rate in the intracranial cavity in the hypoplastic side than the non-hypoplastic cases and also than the contralateral side of the hypoplastic cases (p < 0.05). In this study, it was found that cerebellar lobule III, IV, VIIIA, X total volumes and cerebellar lobule I-II, III, IV, VIIIA, X gray matter volumes in addition to lobule IV, V cortical thicknesses were low in individuals with unilateral VAH. Being aware of these variations and taking them into account during future volumetric studies on the cerebellum are very important.

Age-dependent changes in brain iron deposition and volume in deep gray matter nuclei using quantitative susceptibility mapping

BackgroundMicrostructural changes in deep gray matter (DGM) nuclei are related to physiological behavior, cognition, and memory. Therefore, it is critical to study age-dependent trajectories of biomarkers in DGM nuclei for understanding brain development and aging, as well as predicting cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases. ObjectivesWe aimed to (1) characterize age-dependent trajectories of mean susceptibility, adjusted volume, and total iron content simultaneously in DGM nuclei using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM); (2) examine potential contributions of sex related effects to the different age-dependence trajectories of volume and iron deposition; and (3) evaluate the ability of brain age prediction by combining mean magnetic susceptibility and volume of DGM nuclei. MethodsMagnetic susceptibilities and volumetric values of DGM nuclei were obtained from 220 healthy participants (aged 10–70 years) scanned on a 3T MRI system. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn manually on the QSM images. Univariate regression analysis between age and each of the MRI measurements in a single ROI was performed. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between magnetic susceptibility and adjusted volume in a single ROI. The statistical significance of sex differences in age-dependent trajectories of magnetic susceptibilities and adjusted volumes were determined using one-way ANCOVA. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the ability to estimate brain age using a combination of the mean susceptibilities and adjusted volumes in multiple DGM nuclei. ResultsMean susceptibility and total iron content increased linearly, quadratically, or exponentially with age in all six DGM nuclei. Negative linear correlation was observed between adjusted volume and age in the head of the caudate nucleus (CN; R2 = 0.196, p < 0.001). Quadratic relationships were found between adjusted volume and age in the putamen (PUT; R2 = 0.335, p < 0.001), globus pallidus (GP; R2 = 0.062, p = 0.001), and dentate nucleus (DN; R2 = 0.077, p < 0.001). Males had higher mean magnetic susceptibility than females in the PUT (p = 0.001), red nucleus (RN; p = 0.002), and substantia nigra (SN; p < 0.001). Adjusted volumes of the CN (p < 0.001), PUT (p = 0.030), GP (p = 0.007), SN (p = 0.021), and DN (p < 0.001) were higher in females than those in males throughout the entire age range (10–70 years old). The total iron content of females was higher than that of males in the CN (p < 0.001), but lower than that of males in the PUT (p = 0.014) and RN (p = 0.043) throughout the entire age range (10–70 years old). Multiple regression analyses revealed that the combination of the mean susceptibility value of the PUT, and the volumes of the CN and PUT had the strongest associations with brain age (R2 = 0.586). ConclusionsQSM can be used to simultaneously investigate age- and sex- dependent changes in magnetic susceptibility and volume of DGM nuclei, thus enabling a comprehensive understanding of the developmental trajectories of iron accumulation and volume in DGM nuclei during brain development and aging.

Correlation of brain segmental volume changes with clinical parameters: a longitudinal study in multiple sclerosis patients

To measure the cranial volume differences from 15 different parts in the follow-up of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and correlate them with clinical parameters. Forty-seven patients with RRMS were included in the study. Patients were grouped into two categories; low Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (< 3; group 1), and moderate-high EDSS (≥ 3; group 2). Patients were evaluated with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and calculated Annualized Relapse Rate (ARR) scores. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed with a 1.5T MRI device (Magnetom AERA, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) twice in a 1-year period. Volumetric analysis was performed by a free, automated, online MRI brain volumetry software. The differences in volumetric values between the two MRI scans were calculated and correlated with the demographic and clinical parameters of the patients. The number of attacks, disease duration, BDI, and FSS scores were higher in group 2; SDMT was higher in group 1. As expected, volumetric analyses have shown volume loss in total cerebral white matter in follow-up patients (p < 0.001). In addition, putaminal volume loss was related to a higher number of attacks. Besides, a negative relation between FSS with total amygdala volumes, a link between atrophy of globus pallidus and ARR, and BDI scores was found with the aid of network analysis. Apart from a visual demonstration of volume loss, cranial MRI with volumetric analysis has a great potential for revealing covert links between segmental volume changes and clinical parameters.

Comprehensive study of sex-based anatomical variations of human brain and development of sex-specific brain templates

The sex-based human brain structural variations alongside the necessity and development process for sex-specific brain templates were investigated in this study. Comparing magnetic resonance images of 500 female and 500 male subjects, no significant sex-based difference was observed for average cortical thickness, however, all the volumetric values, including the total brain volume (TBV) and major 19 brain regions, were found to be significantly different between females and males. Moreover, analyzing the fractional volume of the regions showed that these sex variations were not proportional to TBV for all regions. These findings underscore the importance of distinguishing the sex-based differences in human brain studies. While brain templates have been developed for general population and cohorts with the same characteristics such as race or age, there is a lack of sex-specific brain templates. To fill this gap and find a representative reference brain image for each sex, nonlinear templates were developed for female, male, and mixed population subjects. Next, a separate set of 109 female and 109 male brain images were used to evaluate the sex-specificity of the brain templates. It was observed that the female and male test subjects were registered to their sex-specific templates with the lowest amount of deformation/warping confirming better representativeness of the sex-specific templates for their target population. The findings of this study including the templates and the reported variations can be used in research involving sex dimorphic brain disorders, diseases, and/or injuries such as traumatic brain injury that is affected by the sex-based brain anatomical differences. Statement of significanceHuman brain exhibits sex-based variation both in size and volumetric composition of different regions. Despite these differences, there is a paucity of sex-specific brain templates. Addressing this gap marks the significance of our study as briefly explained here. We have shown that differences in male and female brain go beyond simple scaling and the observation of regional differences that are not proportional to the sex-based total brain volume variations has motivated us to develop sex-specific templates. The representativeness and difference of these sex-specific templates were assessed by measuring the amount of required warping in nonlinear registration of test subjects to them. It was shown that registration of female and male subjects to their corresponding sex-specific template involved lower level of warping compared to their registration to their opposite sex or mixed population brain template.

Assessment of mandibular asymmetry in different skeletal malocclusions and vertical patterns in adult individuals: A cone-beam computed tomography study

The study aims to measure the mandibular condylar height (CH), ramus height (RH), total height (CH+RH), asymmetry index, and condylar volume (Cvol) in individuals with different anteroposterior and vertical skeletal discrepancies.The study sample consisted of 131 subjects (60 females and 71 males) with a mean age of 35.06 ± 12.79 years. Pre-existing CBCT images were divided into groups according to the anteroposterior and vertical skeletal discrepancies. The investigator analyzed the data using t-tests to assess the mandibular bilateral sides of the individuals and gender differences. The mean difference between groups was determined using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The Chi-square test was used to study the association between the asymmetry index and groups.Each individual's bilateral sides exhibited statistically significant differences in CH, RH, and Cvol (P = 0.033, P = 0.039, P = 0.005, respectively), but not in CH+RH (P = 0.458). There were, however, statistically significant gender differences in CH+RH (P < 0.001). Skeletal Class III and hypodivergent groups revealed the highest linear and volumetric values compared to other groups. The asymmetry index was increased in CH (P = 0.006) and Cvol (P = 0.002) in skeletal Class II subjects.Significant differences in CH, RH, and Cvol were found on the right and left sides of the same individual. This study found increased linear and volumetric values in males, skeletal Class III, and hypodivergent subjects. Class II individuals had an increased CH and Cvol asymmetry index. This study highlights in-depth knowledge of mandibular asymmetry, which is extremely important to achieve an accurate diagnosis and provide the best treatment outcome.

Pituitary gland volumes in children with normal endocrine function.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often the first modality of choice in the detection of pituitary pathologies due to its excellent contrast resolution and high spatial resolution. However, evaluating the size of the pituitary gland is somewhat difficult since the gland morphology varies widely among individuals. The aim of this study was to provide normal reference values for pituitary volumes in the pediatric population using three-dimensional (3-D) MRI data. We also aimed to compare the volumetric data measured through 3-D images with the mathematical volumes obtained by the ellipsoid formula from 2-D images, considering the demographic subgroups of age and sex. This study was performed retrospectively using PACS-archived brain MRIs obtained in the Pediatric Radiology Unit. Eight hundred children under the age of 18 who underwent brain MRI between January 2014 and May 2018 for headaches, seizures or trauma and who had no brain anomaly or endocrine pathology were recruited. Pituitary volumes were separately calculated from those brain MRIs by means of ellipsoid formula and volumetry. The mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum and median values were achieved for each 1-year age group in both sexes. Normal reference ranges containing 5th -10th -25th -50th -75th -90th -95th percentiles of volumetric pituitary values were tabulated. Pituitary gland volumes in both sexes were found to increase gradually with age. The average 3-D volume values were greater in girls than boys except for the age groups 1-2years and 8-9years. Pituitary volumes showed a growth spurt during early puberty, which was more prominent in girls. Moreover, a strong positive correlation was noted between the 2-D calculated and 3-D measured volumes in both sexes. Normative data obtained through this study can be used for clinical diagnostic purposes as well as a reference for future research. The 2-D calculated volumes be used where it is not possible to obtain 3-D volumetric values.