Width Diameter Research Articles

Internal morphology of 101 mandibular canines of a Swiss-German population by means of micro-CT: An ex vivo study

The aim of this study was to investigate the root canal system morphology by means of a root canal configuration (RCC) classification described with a four-digit system, the physiological foramen geometry and accessory canal frequency and morphology, of 101 mandibular canines (MaCa) of a Swiss-German population by means of micro-computed tomography. Micro-CT examination of the MaCa was performed and the obtained images analyzed with a 3D imaging software. In single-rooted MaCas, the most frequently observed RCCs were 1-1-1/1 (74.5%) and 1-1-1/2 (14.3%). Seven other RCCs were less frequently observed with a frequency from 4.1 to 1.0%. One physiological foramen was observed in 80.6% of the MaCas, two in 16.3%, three in 1.0% and four in 2.0%. Accessory and connecting canals were apparent only in the middle and apical root thirds. Two-rooted MaCas occurred less frequently (n = 3). When one physiological foramen was present, the mean size of the narrow and wide diameters were 0.28 mm (± 0.07) and 0.40 mm (± 0.11), while the distance between physiological and anatomical foramen was 0.45 mm (± 0.17). MaCas are predominantly single-rooted teeth with a 1-1-1/1 or 1-1-1/2 RCC. Most MaCas had one physiological foramen with an oval shape.

The favorable prognosis of cystic biliary atresia may be related to early surgery and mild liver pathological changes.

The objectives of this study is to compare the prognostic differences between cystic biliary atresia (CBA) and non-CBA, analyze the clinical and liver pathological differences between the two groups, and explore the possible factors that affect the native liver survival of infants with CBA after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). From 2013 to 2020, 131 infants with BA were admitted to Tianjin Children's Hospital. A total of 108 infants with BA were included after excluding those who did not undergo surgery after diagnosis (n = 23), including 12 cases of CBA and 96 cases of non-CBA. The clinical data, native liver survival and liver pathology, including liver fibrosis, bile ductular proliferation (BDP), bile plug, and portal area inflammation infiltration of the two study groups were compared. CBA accounts for 9.16% (12/131) and type I CBA accounts for 6.87% (9/131) of all types of BA. 16.7% (2/12) of CBA were detected prenatally with diagnosis of choledochal cyst (CC). The age at KPE, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and total bile acid levels of CBA were significantly lower than those of non-CBA (P = 0.047, P = 0.013, P = 0.009, P = 0.010, respectively). The long and wide diameters of the gallbladder were significantly larger than those of non-CBA (both P < 0.001). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of CBA were 83.3%, 71.4%, and 71.4%, respectively, and 56.5%, 32.5%, and 29.8%, respectively, in non-CBA. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.031). The degree of liver fibrosis and bile plug in non-CBA was higher than that of CBA (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, respectively). There was no difference of BDP and inflammation infiltration between the two groups (P = 0.285, P = 0.243, respectively). CBA is a distinct type different from non-CBA, with different pathological processes, pathological manifestations, and clinical prognosis. The favorable prognosis of CBA may be derived from the early diagnosis, early operation, and mild pathological changes.

A Six-Year Prospective Comparative Study of Wide and Standard Diameter Implants in the Maxillary and Mandibular Posterior Area.

Background and Objectives: The aim of our study was to test whether wide diameter (6 mm) implants perform differently from standard diameter (4 mm) implants in terms of marginal bone level and survival rate. Materials and Methods: Our sample comprised 72 patients who underwent surgery; a total of 80 implants were placed in the maxillary or mandibular molar region. Patients were divided into two groups according to the diameter of the implant, and were followed up for six years after the final setting of the prosthetics. In the test group, 40 implants with 6-mm diameter were inserted; in the control group, 40 standard diameter implants were inserted. Using panoramic radiographs, we investigated mesial and distal marginal bone levels around the implant fixtures. Results: After the first implant surgery, three implants, including one wide diameter and two standard diameter implants, failed due to lack of osseointegration. We did not note any fixture fracture during the six-year follow-up. After loading, we observed a six-year survival rate of 97.29% with no statistically significant difference from standard diameter implants, with a survival rate of 94.87%. Conclusions: This study shows that 6-mm diameter implants may be considered in the presence of adequate alveolar ridge width in the posterior maxillary and mandibular regions.

Can maneuverability in the robot assisted laparoscopic stapler during ileoileal anastomosis compensate for shorter stapler length? – A randomized experimental porcine study

Background Ileal anastomosis is imperative in patients given a urinary diversion during radical cystectomy. Proper handling and staplers with a certain length are important to prevent stenosis of the bowel. The study aim was to compare the circumference and diameter of ileoileal anastomoses using the Endo GIA tri-stapler 45 mm and 60 mm iDrive systems compared to the RAL Endowrist DaVinci 45 mm. This was to investigate if the better maneuverability of the robotic stapler would compensate for the shorter stapler length in the RAL Endowrist DaVinci 45. Materials and methods Twenty ileoileal anastomoses were performed in a total of three pigs after randomization according to the type of anastomosis technique used (depending on stapler and robotic system) allocated to four groups (each with five anastomoses): (1) iDrive 45 mm, (2) iDrive 60 mm, (3) RAL DaVinci 45 mm (Si-system), and (4) RAL DaVinci 45 mm (Xi-system). Diameter (mm) and circumference (mm) were measured and compared. Results Diameters and circumferences in Group 1 were significantly smaller compared to all the other groups, which did not differ from each other, except in Group 2 where anastomoses had a significantly higher circumference than Group 4. Conclusion The iDrive 60 mm makes the anastomoses with the widest diameter and highest circumference compared to the iDrive 45 mm. With the RAL DaVinci 45 mm, the diameter and circumference were comparable to the iDrive 60 mm and significantly better than the iDrive 45 mm. An explanation may be the better maneuverability and surgeon control of the RAL DaVinci stapler.

The evaluation of facial nerve canal diameter in patients with ipsilateral recurrent idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis.

This study evaluated the effects of the diameter of facial canal segments on the ipsilateral recurrence of idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis. This study enrolled 20 patients with ipsilateral recurrent idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis. Measurements were made at the meatal foramen and mid-level of the labyrinthine segment and the narrowest and widest diameters of the mastoid and tympanic segments using the curved planar reformation technique with high-resolution computed tomography. The diameters of the labyrinthine segment measured at the meatal foramen and mid-level segments and the narrowest and widest diameters of the tympanic and mastoid segments on the recurrent paralytic side were significantly smaller than the diameters of the segments on the healthy side. The narrowness of the facial canal segments may be a risk factor in recurrent idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis.

Comparative Assessment of the Primary Stability of Straumann BLX Implant Design Using an In Vitro Sinus Lift-Simultaneous Implant Insertion Model.

Straumann BLX is a novel implant system that has been proclaimed to provide an ideal primary stability in all types of bone. In the current study, the primary stability of the Straumann BLX implant systems with Straumann tapered effect (TE) implants have been comparatively assessed in bovine ribs by using a simultaneous sinus elevation and implant insertion model. In the study group, BLX (4.0 × 12 mm), TE (4.1 × 12 mm), BLX (4.5 × 12 mm), and TE (4.8 × 12 mm) were placed in each bony window, which resembles the sinus maxillaris. As a control, BLX and TE implants with the same sizes were inserted into the proximal diaphysis of the bovine ribs. A total of 40 implant insertions were performed. Stability was measured with resonance frequency analysis. In the study group, 4.8-mm TE implants showed significantly higher values compared with 4.5-mm BLX implants (P = .116). However, 4.0-mm BLX implants in the control group showed higher stability compared with 4.0-mm-diameter TE (P = .014). The primary stability of the BLX implants in the control group was significantly higher compared with the experimental group in both widths (P= .018 for BLX 4.0 mm and P = .002 for BLX 4.5 mm, respectively). The use of the TE design with a wide diameter in simultaneous implant placement with sinus lift could present higher implant stability quotient values and might be a more appropriate option for implant recipient sites with poor bone volume and quality. However, the advantage of BLX design in standard implant insertion protocols could be of value.

Synergistic effect of sericin and keratin in gelatin based nanofibers for in vitro applications

Protein-based nanomaterials are gaining growing interest in biomedical field. The present paper evaluates the physico-chemical properties of electrospun nanofibers resulting from the combination of gelatin with keratin (from wool) and sericin (from silk) to validate their use for in vitro interaction studies. We demonstrated that that presence of sericin influences the fiber morphology at macroscopic level – i.e., wide diameter distributions by SEM and image analysis – with effects on chemical – i.e., a decrease of hydrogen bonds of NH groups verified by infrared spectroscopy – and thermal behavior of electrospun nanofibers, in comparison with gelatin-based ones. Moreover, we verified that sericin, in combination with keratin macromolecules, can amplify the biochemical signal of gelatin, improving the in-vitro stability of gelatin-based nanofibers. In vitro results confirm a synergistic effect of sericin and keratin on human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSC) proliferation – increase over 50% respect to other types – associated to the enhancement of in vitro stability directly ascribable to the peculiar physical interaction among the proteins. These findings suggest the use of sericin/keratin/gelatin enriched electrospun fibers as nanostructured platforms for interface tissue engineering.

Radiology guided antegrade GASTROSTOMY deployment of mushroom (pull type) catheters with classical and modified methods in patients with oropharyngeal, laryngeal carcinoma, and anesthesia risk.

The aim of study is to evaluate the results of deployment of Percutaneous Radiological Gastrostomy (PRG), which is a good alternative to Surgical Gastrostomy (SG), with transoral approach in cases where Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is contraindicated, difficult or unsuccessful, in patients with high risk of American Society of Anesthesiologists with four scores. In addition, we aimed to demonstrate the advantages of mushroom pull type catheters over push type gastrostomy catheters. This retrospective study included a total of 40 patients (18 females and 22 males) aged 21-92 years who underwent PRG with the antegrade transoral approach. PRG was performed by retrograde passing through the esophagus or snaring the guidewire from the stomach and taking out of the anterior abdominal wall. Patients' demographic data, indications for PRG, procedural outcomes and complications were screened and recorded. PRG was performed in 39 of 40 patients included in the study. Technical success rate was 97.5%. Procedure-dependent major complications such as death, aspiration, colon perforation, and deep abscess were not observed. Aspiration occurred in the first patient during the first feeding on the day after the procedure. Major complication rate was 2.5%. The total minor complication rate was 17.5% in 7 patients; parastomal leakage in 2 patients (5%), skin rash and infection in 3 (7.5%) patients, minor bleeding in 2 (5%) patients with oropharynx cancer, minimal bleeding from the gastrostomy catheter 1 week after the procedure in 1 (2.5%) patient. None of the cases had buried buffer. Tube functionality was preserved in all patients without any damage. Mushroom tip (pull type) gastrostomy catheter is a safe treatment method for patients requiring prolonged feeding because of wide diameter, endurance, long staying opening duration, less excessive dilatation and parastomal leakage, and no need for gastropexy. Lower cost and easier access are advantageous for mushroom tip pull type catheters compared to push type gastrostomy catheters in our country. The less invasive PRG is an alternative option in patients who are difficult to administer PEG, are at high anesthesia risk and cannot be sedated. This article is valuable in terms of its contribution to develop an alternative radiological method for the deployment of gastrostomy tubes in medical difficult patients. This method has shortened the duration of the procedure and increased the success rate in patients with difficulty in transition from the stomach to the esophagus or with difficulty in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Mushroom tip catheters can be placed successfully by radiological methods.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Beetroot Varieties in Nepal

Economic use of organic and inorganic fertilizers following their availability is necessary for livestock-based Nepalese farming systems. However, how best to integrate these fertilizers in an appropriate manner is not yet clear. Thus, this study was conducted in the horticulture farm of the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal from November 2018 to February 2019 to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen (N) on growth, yield, and quality of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) varieties. The experiment was laid out in a two factorial randomized complete block design with four replications consisting of two beetroot varieties, i.e., Madhur and Ruby Red, and five N source combinations, i.e., N1: 100% poultry manure (PM), N2: 50% PM + 50% urea, N3: 100% farmyard manure (FYM), N4: 50% FYM + 50% urea, and N5: 100% urea (120:80:40 kg NPK ha−1). Results of this study indicated a significant impact of N sources and varieties on the assessed parameters. During harvest, a significantly higher plant height (41.84 cm), number of leaves per plant (14.68), leaf length (34.56 cm), leaf width (11.38 cm), and beetroot diameter (72.15 mm) were observed in the N2 treatment. Likewise, higher economic (49.78 t ha−1) and biological yields (78.69 t ha−1) were also recorded in the N2 compared to other N sources. Out of the two varieties, the Madhur variety was significantly better in most growth and yield parameters. Similarly, the Madhur variety showed a significantly higher economic (44.49 t ha−1) and biological yields (69.79 t ha−1) compared to the Ruby Red variety. However, the physiological weight loss was higher in the Ruby Red variety. Therefore, the current study suggests that an integration of poultry manure along with the combination of N fertilizer and the Madhur variety is the best combination for quality beetroot production in the Terai region of Nepal.

Precise prediction of the drag reduction efficiency of polymer in turbulent flow considering diameter effect

One important issue for drag reduction of turbulent flow with polymers is the pipe diameter effect. Although this scale-up effect has been extensively investigated, there are still debates. For instance, when using the traditional scaling law to predict the friction factor in pipe flow of wide pipe diameters, the relative errors between experimental data and predicted values can be up to 1000%. This paper develops a new method to predict the friction factor in pipe flow applicable to a wide range of pipe diameters. The new method developed in this study transforms the Reynolds number (Re) vs friction factor (f) to log10(Ref) vs 1/f in the Prandtl–von Karman coordinate, where the latter two parameters are correlated on straight lines. We find that the slope and intercept of these straight lines can be predicted by empirical correlations involving diameters and polymer concentrations. Thus, if Re and f from a pipe flow of small diameter are known, these two correlations for slope and intercept can predict the cases for large pipe diameters. With our method, most relative errors between the predicted values and experimental data are within 20%, much better than the traditional scaling law. Finally, we point out the physical meaning of the slope and intercept, and make it clear why the previous scaling law becomes not reliable when it is employed to predict the friction factor for pipe flow with a too wide range of pipe diameters.

Fracture resistance and crystal phase transformation of a one- and a two-piece zirconia implant with and without simultaneous loading and aging-An in vitro study.

To evaluate the influence of artificial aging on the transformation propagation and fracture resistance of zirconia implants. One-piece (with integrated implant abutment, 1P; regular diameter [4.1mm]; n=16) and two-piece (with separate implant abutment, 2P; wide diameter [5mm]; n=16) zirconia implants were embedded according to ISO 14801. A two-piece titanium-zirconium implant (Ti-Zr; 4.1mm diameter) served as a control (n=16). One subgroup (n=8) of each system was simultaneously dynamically loaded (107 cycles; 98N) and hydrothermally aged (85°C, 58days), while the other subgroup (n=8) remained untreated. Finally, specimens were statically loaded to fracture. Potential crystal phase transformation was examined at cross sections using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A multivariate linear regression model was applied for statistical analyses. The fracture resistance of 1P (1,117 [SD = 38] N; loaded/aged: 1,009 [60] N), 2P (850 [36] N; loaded/aged: 799 [84] N), and Ti-Zr implants (1,338 [205] N; loaded/aged: 1,319 [247] N) was not affected significantly by loading/aging (p=.171). However, when comparing the systems, they revealed significant differences independent of loading/aging (p≤.001). Regarding the crystal structure, a transformation zone was observed in SEM images of 1P only after aging, while 2P showed a transformation zone even before aging. After hydrothermal treatment, an increase of this monoclinic layer was observed in both systems. The Ti-Zr control implant showed higher fracture resistance compared to both zirconia implants. Loading/aging had no significant impact on the fracture resistance of both zirconia implants. The wide-body 2P zirconia implant was weaker than the regular body 1P implant.

Micro-computed tomography analysis of root canal morphology and thickness of crown and root of mandibular incisors in Chinese population.

The aim of this study was to investigate the root canal morphology and the thickness of crown and root of mandibular incisors in a Chinese subpopulation by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). In total, 208 mandibular incisors were scanned using micro-CT. The anatomical features of the canals (canal configuration, apical constriction, foramen-to-apex distance, accessory canal vertical distribution, and canal geometrical parameters) and the thickness of the crown and root 2/3 were evaluated. Three canal categories, labeled as Single (77.88%), Merged (15.87%), and Separated (6.25%), were summarized. The most frequent constriction type in main foramina was single constriction (42.53%). Wide and narrow diameters in a single main foramen were 0.37 ± 0.14mm and 0.26 ± 0.07mm, respectively. The distance from the anatomical foramen to the physiological foramen and the anatomical apex was 0.49 ± 0.20mm and 0.36 ± 0.28mm, respectively. During the virtual root-end resection, 97.12% of roots underwent successful resection at the 2-mm level, with the foramina visible on the resection surface. During 2-D cross-sectional analyses, the shape parameters of the root and canal showed significant positive correlation (P < 0.05). The thickest and thinnest walls were the incisal and proximal walls (P < 0.05) of the crown, respectively. The buccal walls were significantly thicker than the lingual walls on the crown (P < 0.05), whereas the lingual walls were thicker on the root 2/3 (P < 0.05). This study provides detailed information about the root canal morphology and thickness of the crown and root of mandibular incisors in a Chinese population. An understanding of morphology can benefit endodontic treatment. Adequate knowledge of the crown, root, and canal morphology, as well as the thickness distribution of the crown and root, is essential for successful root canal therapy and prevention of complications.

Control study of chest CT imaging features of aluminosis and silicosis patients

Objective: To understand the chest CT features of aluminosis caused by alumina and to improve the understanding of the imaging findings of alumina pneumoconiosis. Methods: The chest CT findings of 17 cases of alumina-induced pneumoconiosis and 30 cases of silicosis (the control group) diagnosed in Zibo Occupational Disease Prevention Hospital from April 2015 to July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The characteristics of fibrosis of the two kinds of pneumoconiosis and the incidence of size, density, distribution, tractive bronchiectasis, pleural thickening and interlobular septal thickening of pneumoconiosis nodules were compared. Results: Alumina pneumoconiosis showed nodules with thickened interlobular septal of 66.67% (12/18) , honeycomb lung of 22.22% (4/18) , ground glass shadow of 61.11% (11/18) , simple nodules of 11.11% (2/18) , and no fusion mass. In the control group, the long-line fibrosis of nodules with thickened interlobular septal were 16.67% (5/30) , 6.67% (2/30) with honeycomb lung and ground glass density shadow, 23.33% (7/30) with fusion mass and 53.33% (16/30) with simple nodule. There were significant differences in CT findings of nodules with thickened interlobular septal, ground glass density shadow, fused mass and simple nodules between the two groups (P<0.05) . The interstitial beaded nodules were seen in 18 cases of alumina pneumoconiosis, 50.00% (9/18) of them were beaded nodules, 61.33% (46/75) of low density nodules and 38.89% (7/18) of central lobular nodules were seen in alumina pneumoconiosis. The average width of nodules was (1.29±0.38) mm. Central lobular nodules were seen in all 30 cases of silicosis, 10.00% (3/30) were mainly beaded nodules, low density nodules were 36.29% (90/248) , and the average width diameter of nodules was (1.85±0.58) mm. There were significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05) . Alumina pneumoconiosis was often accompanied by traction bronchiectasis, pleural thickening and interlobular septal thickening (11, 18, 17 cases, 61.11%, 100.00%, 94.44%) , compared with the control group (9, 18, 18 cases, 30.00%, 60.00%, 60.00%) . The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . The maximum CT value of noncalcified mediastinal lymphnodes in alumina pneumoconiosis was (103.43±26.33) HU, which was higher than that of the control group[ (75.22±16.70) HU], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Alumina pneumoconiosis chest CT shows slightly low-density beaded nodules, thickened interlobular septal, and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis of ground-glass shadows, mostly combines with stretched bronchiectasis, thickened pleura, and mediastinum increased lymph node density.

A rare case of giant pseudocyst of pancreas extending up to anterior abdominal wall requiring Roux en Y cystojejunostomy

Pancreatic pseudocyst is rather a common complication following pancreatitis and chronic alcoholism related. Only few cases of giant pseudocyst measuring more than 10 cm of size or more in widest diameter has been reported in the literature. Possible attributable factors for less reported cases may be due to discripancies in sizing classification, in several studies the term 'large' or 'huge' were used instead of 'giant' when cyst measuring 10 cm or larger in its widest diameter. Pancreatic pseudocyst is usually sterile but when get secondarily infected may lead to life threatening complications such as pancreatc abscess which becomes very difficult to treat. Hence proper and timely intervention of giant pancreatic pseudocyst would probably reduce the risk of developing such dangerous complications. In the treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst to prevent recurrence and especially in protection of endocrine function of pancreas internal drainage is found to be more beneficial when compared to other modalities. This case demonstrates the successful use of Roux en Y cystojejunostomy to surgically drain a giant pancreatic pseudocyst at an unusual location.

Experimental study on two consecutive droplets impacting onto an inclined solid surface

Abstract The present study is concerned with the experimental impingement of two consecutive droplets on an inclined solid surface. Attention is mainly paid to the effects of impingement timing with various oblique angles (Φ) of the surface on the impact phenomena, which mainly affect the maximum droplet spreading diameter. The investigation considers four impingement scenarios differentiated by impingement timing, namely Case 1: single-droplet impingement; Case 2 of Δt1: the moment when the leading droplet starts spreading along the oblique surface; Case 3 of Δt2: the moment when the leading droplet reaches its maximum spreading; and Case 4 of Δt3: the moment when the leading droplet starts retracting. It is observed that deformation behavior of two successive droplets impacting on the inclined surface experiences a complex asymmetric morphology evolution due to the enhancement of gravity effect and various conditions of the impingement timing. The merged droplet becomes slender with increasing oblique surface angle in the final steady shape, causing the decrease in the value of front and back contact angles. The impingement timing has a significant influence on the change of the maximum height of the merged droplet. The coalesced droplet spreads to the maximum dimensionless width diameter at Δt = Δt2 and the oblique angle of Φ = 45°, but reaches the maximum dimensionless height for Δt = Δt2 at Φ = 30°. The front contact angles converge to a fixed value eventually for all conditions of impingement timing, and the values become lower with the increasing surface inclination.

A Case of A1 Wide-necked Aneurysm Embolization via the Front Communicating Artery

With the development of radiography, especially digital subtraction cerebrovascular angiography, which is widely used in clinical practice, interventional embolization of intracranial aneurysms has become more and more popular due to its advantages of minimal invasiveness, high efficiency, and rapid postoperative recovery. The choice of patients, often we have to formulate an unconventional and individualized treatment plan based on the specific conditions of each patient’s blood vessel. This case is a segment A1 aneurysm of the right anterior cerebral artery. Due to its special location and wide diameter, in order to reduce the difficulty and risk of the operation during the operation, a bilateral internal carotid artery approach was developed to complete the stent-assisted procedure and special treatment plan for aneurysm embolization.

Application of Color Doppler Imaging of Portal Vein Based on Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm in the Diagnosis of Exercise-Induced Abdominal Pain

This study was to explore the application of a 50% iterative reconstruction algorithm in the diagnosis of exercise-induced abdominal pain (AP) with color Doppler imaging, the changes of liver and gallbladder, and portal vein before and after the exercise. 108 students with exercise-induced AP caused by mid- and long-distance running from May 30, 2019, to April 15, 2020, were selected as the research objects in this study. They were performed with the color Doppler flow image (CDFI). An iterative reconstruction (IR) with a weight of 50% was adopted for image reconstruction, and the reconstructed images were evaluated subjectively and objectively. Then, the maximum liver diameter (MLD), gallbladder width (GW), and portal vein diameter (PVD) were recorded before and after the exercise. The results showed that the SNR and CNR after ultrasound image reconstruction (UIR) (1.07 ± 0.58 and 3.59 ± 0.61, resp.) were increased greatly in contrast to the values before the UIR (7.36 ± 1.15 and 1.07 ± 0.58, resp.) ( p &lt; 0.05 ); the score after the UIR (4.38 ± 0.59) was obviously higher than that before the UIR (3.52 ± 0.41) ( p &lt; 0.05 ); the MLD of the subject at the 12th minute during the exercise was observably smaller than that at the 0th minute ( p &lt; 0.05 ) while the MLD of the subject at the 12th minute after the exercise was greatly larger than that at the 0th minute ( p &lt; 0.05 ); the GW of the subject during and after the exercise was not changed considerably; and the PVD of the subject at the 12th minute during the exercise was larger greatly than that at the 0th minute ( p &lt; 0.05 ). In short, the quality of the reconstructed image based on the IR and noise index was better than that of the original ultrasound image because the interference of artifacts and noise was reduced. After exercise, the liver volume decreased, while the PVD increased, resulting in exercise-induced AP.

Exploring the influence of large trees on temperate forest spatial structure from the angle of mingling

Large trees have been found to directly affect spatial patterns in forests and understanding forest spatial structure is important for developing effective forest management practices. We examined two primary broad-leaved Korean pine forests in Heilongjiang Province, China, to investigate the effects of large-diameter trees on the distribution of adjacent conspecific trees and to assess whether the effect is related to the conspecific negative density dependence hypothesis in temperate forest. We classified the tree with the widest diameter (diameter at breast height ≥ 50 cm) as the central tree and then surveyed the distribution of adjacent trees around each central tree. The degree of mingling between the central tree and adjacent trees was the lowest at 5–7 m. As the diameter of the adjacent trees increased the degree of mingling declined. This revealed that around the central tree, there was a ring of small trees conspecific to the central tree. The ring-like structure around large-diameter trees is consistent with the conspecific negative density dependence hypothesis. Thus, we propose that a ring-like structure promotes the succession and regeneration of the temperate forest.

Atypical presentation of lateral periodontal cyst associated with impacted teeth: two case reports

BackgroundLateral periodontal cyst (LPC) is an uncommon form of developmental odontogenic cyst. LPC can be suspected when there is a round, well-circumscribed radiolucency, usually of small diameter, along the lateral surface of vital erupted teeth, predominantly in the mandibular premolar region. Histopathological analysis allows LPC to be diagnosed based on its characteristic features such as a thin cuboidal to stratified squamous non-keratinizing epithelium containing epithelial plaques and glycogen-rich clear cells.The aim of this article was to report two cases of atypical LPC associated either with an impacted lower left canine (tooth #33) or with a lower right third molar (tooth #48).Case presentationCase 1: A 56-year-old man was referred to us for an oro-dental assessment. Panoramic radiography revealed an impacted lower left permanent canine (tooth #33) with well-defined radiolucency on its upper cervical margin. A CT scan revealed a pericoronal radiolucency of 5 mm at its widest diameter around the impacted tooth #33. The pericoronal tissue was removed and sent for histopathological examination. The results revealed a lateral periodontal cyst. Satisfactory postoperative healing was achieved at the site. Follow-up at 12 months indicated no recurrence of the lesion.Case 2: A 54-year-old woman consulted with the main issue being pain on the lower right side of the face. Intra-oral examination revealed a vestibular swelling involving the region of the second molar (tooth #47), with obliteration of buccal sulcus. Pocket depth was determined to be 9 mm at the distal of #47. A diagnosis of gingival abscess resulting from chronic periodontitis was made. Panoramic radiography revealed a radiolucent cystic lesion associated with an impacted horizontal lower right third molar (tooth #48), suggestive of a dentigerous cyst. X-rays also revealed alveolar bone resorption on the molar (tooth #47). The cyst was removed along with the third molar and submitted for histopathological diagnosis. The diagnosis was LPC. Follow-up at 18 months indicated no recurrence of the lesion.ConclusionThese cases represent atypical presentations of LPC. They provide examples of the differential diagnosis of pericoronal radiolucencies involving an impacted tooth and our observations provide insights regarding the pathogenesis of LPC.

Morphometric Study of Frontal Horn of Lateral Ventricle of Brain and Its Correlation with Age, Gender and Side among Adults in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019

Background: Knowledge of the frontal horn size is necessary for the initial and precise analysis of Ventriculomegaly. Therefore, having a baseline reference value of the frontal horn size will be beneficial in a huge vary of medical pathologies. The purpose of this study was to determine the frontal horn of lateral ventricle size and its correlation with age among adult patients in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 169 patients in the age group of 20-79 years in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The study participants were assessed by way of structured questionnaires and checklists. Radiological residents were performed computerized tomography measurements of the frontal horn of lateral ventricle size. The data were entered using EPI INFO version 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. By Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficients, the correlations of frontal horn size with associated factors were evaluated. A paired t-test (between left and right side), independent t-test (between male and female) ANOVA (mean the difference between age groups) were performed. The p-value of less than 0.05was considered being significant. Results: The mean right and left frontal horn length, width, and frontal horn tips diameter were 27.57 (±3.72) mm, 28.47 (±3.77) mm, and 4.90 (±1.54) mm, 5.08 (±1.58) mm, and 30.36 (±3.04) mm, respectively. In relation to gender, the measurement of the frontal horn is greater in males as compared to females. Conclusion: In total, 169 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. This study found a direct relationship between the frontal horn of lateral ventricle size with the age of both male and female adult participants. In all measurements, the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle size of male participants was greater than that of female participants.