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Neural Regeneration Research May 2024Microvasculature of the retina is considered an alternative marker of cerebral vascular risk in healthy populations. However, the ability of retinal vasculature changes,...
Microvasculature of the retina is considered an alternative marker of cerebral vascular risk in healthy populations. However, the ability of retinal vasculature changes, specifically focusing on retinal vessel diameter, to predict the recurrence of cerebrovascular events in patients with ischemic stroke has not been determined comprehensively. While previous studies have shown a link between retinal vessel diameter and recurrent cerebrovascular events, they have not incorporated this information into a predictive model. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between retinal vessel diameter and subsequent cerebrovascular events in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, we sought to establish a predictive model by combining retinal veessel diameter with traditional risk factors. We performed a prospective observational study of 141 patients with acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University. All of these patients underwent digital retinal imaging within 72 hours of admission and were followed up for 3 years. We found that, after adjusting for related risk factors, patients with acute ischemic stroke with mean arteriolar diameter within 0.5-1.0 disc diameters of the disc margin (MAD) of ≥ 74.14 μm and mean venular diameter within 0.5-1.0 disc diameters of the disc margin (MVD) of ≥ 83.91 μm tended to experience recurrent cerebrovascular events. We established three multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models: model 1 included traditional risk factors, model 2 added MAD to model 1, and model 3 added MVD to model 1. Model 3 had the greatest potential to predict subsequent cerebrovascular events, followed by model 2, and finally model 1. These findings indicate that combining retinal venular or arteriolar diameter with traditional risk factors could improve the prediction of recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and that retinal imaging could be a useful and non-invasive method for identifying high-risk patients who require closer monitoring and more aggressive management.
PubMed: 37862222
DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382863 -
Medicine Oct 2023Semitendinosus and Gracilis autografts are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, its main drawback is individual variation in the...
Semitendinosus and Gracilis autografts are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, its main drawback is individual variation in the tendon diameter. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the anthropometric measurements for the prediction of Semitendinosus and Gracilis combined (quadrupled) strands graft diameter in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction among the Bengali population. Sixty consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between July 2019 to June 2020 were observed in this cross-sectional study. In all cases, the doubled (2 strands) Gracilis and Semitendinosus tendons were combined to get the final quadrupled (combined 4 strands) graft for use. Anthropometries such as body mass index (BMI), body weight, and height were recorded preoperatively and quadrupled combined tendon diameter was measured at the operating theater. The relationship between these parameters was statistically determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and scatter diagrams were plotted. Among the study subjects, most (54) were male, and the mean age of all subjects was 24 ± 6.92 years. The average graft diameter was 7.20 ± 0.76 mm. Correlations between the mean graft diameter with BMI (r = 0.018, and P = .891), body height (r = 0.011 and P = .933), and weight (r = 0.028 and P = .832) were not significant. Scatter diagrams also showed that the variables were not correlated. Anthropometries like BMI, body weight, or body height cannot be used in predicting Semitendinosus and Gracilis tendon graft diameter for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction among the Bengali population.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Female; Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Hamstring Muscles; Cross-Sectional Studies; Anthropometry; Hamstring Tendons; Body Weight; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
PubMed: 37800843
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035402 -
Botanical Studies Jul 2023Dendrometer bands have been proposed as an accurate method for measuring tree growth. However, the constrained observation window and the material used in them hamper...
Dendrometer bands have been proposed as an accurate method for measuring tree growth. However, the constrained observation window and the material used in them hamper long-term tree growth monitoring. This study devised a dendrometer band made from stainless steel and primarily extended the extension length of the band spring to yield ample space to monitor diameter increments long-term. A total of more than 500 individual trees, including both coniferous and broadleaf trees, were examined. We compared the dendrometer band's long-term performance with diameter tape for 5- and 10-year measurements. The results showed that the measurements of the two methods were highly correlated (R > 0.89) in both measuring periods. Differences between the two measurements for individual trees were typically less than 5 mm, and the mean differences at a stand level were less than 2 mm. These consistent observations suggested that the dendrometer band measurements were reliable for long-term measurement. Using the dendrometer bands, we further demonstrated the annual tree growths of diameter at breast height (DBH) and basal area (BA) for ten years of measurements. The size-dependent relationships between DBH/BA growth and initial DBH were also presented. Owing to their simple installation, low cost, and reliable measurement, these dendrometer bands would be helpful in forestry and forest ecology research.
PubMed: 37466801
DOI: 10.1186/s40529-023-00395-8 -
European Review For Medical and... Dec 2023The aim of this study was to determine the splenic stiffness (SS) values in healthy individuals as measured by 3 Tesla magnetic resonance elastography (3T MRE) and to...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the splenic stiffness (SS) values in healthy individuals as measured by 3 Tesla magnetic resonance elastography (3T MRE) and to investigate the possible effects of parameters such as age, sex, spleen volume, diameter, and parenchyma thickness on SS.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2023. A total of 54 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Participants' age and sex information were recorded, in addition to spleen craniocaudal and anteroposterior diameter, cortical thickness, spleen volume, and SS, which were measured using 3T magnetic resonance imaging and MRE. The relationships between SS and the other variables were investigated.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine male and 25 female subjects with a mean age of 54.78 ± 15.40 years were included in the study. Mean craniocaudal diameter was 10.46 ± 1.16 cm, anteroposterior diameter was 9.88 ± 1.29 cm, parenchyma thickness was 4.08 ± 0.67 cm, SS was 3,721.94 ± 709.69 Pascal (Pa), and median spleen volume was 292.54 (239.40 - 311.00) cm3. A significant and strong positive correlation was observed between age and SS (r = 0.779, p < 0.001). The SS values were not associated with sex, craniocaudal diameter, anteroposterior diameter, parenchymal thickness, or volume.
CONCLUSIONS
Age should be considered when using SS in the diagnosis and staging of relevant diseases such as portal hypertension and esophageal varices. Our results should be confirmed by future studies using 3T MRE in larger populations.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Spleen; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hypertension, Portal; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver
PubMed: 38164835
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202312_34769 -
Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and... Sep 2023A calibration phantom-based method has been developed for predicting small lung nodule volume measurement bias and precision that is specific to a particular computed...
BACKGROUND
A calibration phantom-based method has been developed for predicting small lung nodule volume measurement bias and precision that is specific to a particular computed tomography (CT) scanner and acquisition protocol.
METHODS
The approach involves CT scanning a simple reference object with a specific acquisition protocol, analyzing the scan to estimate the fundamental imaging properties of the CT acquisition system, generating numerous simulated images of a target geometry using the fundamental imaging properties, measuring the simulated images with a standard nodule volume segmentation algorithm, and calculating bias and precision performance statistics from the resulting volume measurements. We evaluated the ability of this approach to predict volume measurement bias and precision of Teflon spheres (diameters =4.76, 6.36, and 7.94 mm) placed within an anthropomorphic chest phantom when using 3M Scotch Magic™ tape as the reference object. CT scanning of the spheres was performed with 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mm slice thickness and spacing.
RESULTS
The study demonstrated good agreement between predicted volumetric performance and observed volume measurement performance for both volumetric measurement bias and precision. The predicted and observed volume mean for all slice thicknesses was found to be 28% and 13% lower on average than the manufactured sphere volume, respectively. When restricted to 0.625 and 1.25 mm slice thickness scans, which are recommended for small lung nodule volume measurement, we found that the difference between predicted and observed volume coefficient of variation was less than 1.0 %. The approach also showed a resilience to varying CT image acquisition protocols, a critical capability when deploying in a real-world clinical setting.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report of a calibration phantom-based method's ability to predict both small lung nodule volume measurement bias and precision. Volume measurement bias and precision for small lung nodules can be predicted using simple low-cost reference objects to estimate fundamental CT image characteristics and modeling and simulation techniques. The approach demonstrates an improved method for predicting task specific, clinically relevant measurement performance using advanced and fully automated image analysis techniques and low-cost reference objects.
PubMed: 37711774
DOI: 10.21037/qims-22-320 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2023To analyze the multimodal imaging characteristics of intraretinal macroaneurysms.
PURPOSE
To analyze the multimodal imaging characteristics of intraretinal macroaneurysms.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Intraretinal aneurysms larger than 150 μm in diameter on fluorescein angiography were termed as intraretinal macroaneurysm and grouped as primary and secondary according to the absence or presence of any coexisting posterior segment diseases.
RESULTS
A total of 20 intraretinal macroaneurysms were observed in 18 eyes of 18 patients. Mean age of the cohort was 65.44 ± 9.14 years (Range; 49-82 years). Mean diameters of intraretinal macroaneurysms were 238.20 ± 61.12 μm (Range; 163.00-292.50 μm) and 242.72 ± 49.58 μm (Range; 168.00-328.00 μm) on fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, respectively. Primary group had 10 eyes with 11 intraretinal macroaneurysms, whereas eight eyes had nine intraretinal macroaneurysms in the secondary group. Three of the eight eyes (37.5%) had diabetic retinopathy, four (50%), retinal vein occlusion, and one (12.5%), posterior uveitis in the secondary group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of age, sex, presence of intraretinal or subretinal fluid, the mean age, the mean central macular thickness, the mean distance of intraretinal macroaneurysms from the fovea, the mean diameter of intraretinal macroaneurysms measured on fluorescein angiography, and the mean diameter of intraretinal macroaneurysms measured on optical coherence tomography. Presence of intraretinal fluid was significantly more frequent than the presence of subretinal fluid in all eyes (p = 0.004).
CONCLUSION
Intraretinal macroaneurysms are diagnosed more and more with the utilization of multimodal imaging techniques. We propose a simple classification system in order to help achieving a standardized terminology and ensure consistent understanding. The classification can be simplified as primary or secondary intraretinal macroaneurysm according to the absence or presence of the associated posterior segment disorders.
PubMed: 37908897
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S436652 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023Measurement of brainstem diameters (midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata)is of potential clinical significance, as changes in brainstem size may decrease or increase...
Measurement of brainstem diameters (midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata)is of potential clinical significance, as changes in brainstem size may decrease or increase due to age, neurodegenerative disorders, or neoplasms. In human medicine, numerous studies have reported the normal reference range of brainstem size, which is hitherto unexplored in veterinary medicine, particularly for small-breed dogs. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the reference range of brainstem diameters in small-breed dogs and to correlate the measurements with age, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS). Herein, magnetic resonance (MR) images of 544 small-breed dogs were evaluated. Based on the exclusion criteria, 193 dogs were included in the midbrain and pons evaluation, and of these, 119 dogs were included in the medulla oblongata evaluation. Using MR images, the height and width of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata were measured on the median and transverse plane on the T1-weighted image. For the medulla oblongata, two points were measured for each height and width. The mean values of midbrain height (MH), midbrain width (MW), pons height (PH), pons width (PW), medulla oblongata height at the fourth ventricle level (MOHV), medulla oblongata height at the cervicomedullary (CM) junction level (MOHC), rostral medulla oblongata width (RMOW), and caudal medulla oblongata width (CMOW) were 7.18 ± 0.56 mm, 17.42 ± 1.21 mm, 9.73 ± 0.64 mm, 17.23 ± 1.21 mm, 6.06 ± 0.53 mm, 5.77 ± 0.40 mm, 18.93 ± 1.25 mm, and 10.12 ± 1.08 mm, respectively. No significant differences were found between male and female dogs for all the measurements. A negative correlation was found between age and midbrain diameter, including MH (p < 0.001) and MW ( = 0.002). All brainstem diameters were correlated positively with BW ( < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between BCS and all brainstem diameters. Brainstem diameters differed significantly between breeds ( < 0.05), except for MW ( = 0.137). This study assessed linear measurements of the brainstem diameter in small-breed dogs. We suggest that these results could be useful in assessing abnormal conditions of the brainstem in small-breed dogs.
PubMed: 37519998
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1183412 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Jul 2024To study the pupil dynamics with premixed intracameral anesthetic mydriatic combination of phenylephrine (0.31%), tropicamide (0.02%), and lidocaine (1%) in pediatric...
PURPOSE
To study the pupil dynamics with premixed intracameral anesthetic mydriatic combination of phenylephrine (0.31%), tropicamide (0.02%), and lidocaine (1%) in pediatric cataract surgery.
METHODS
Consecutive children aged ≤12 years planned for cataract surgery were recruited. A commercially available premixed combination of phenylephrine (0.31%), tropicamide (0.02%), and lidocaine (1%) was injected at the beginning of surgery without any topical/infusion drugs for mydriasis. Pupil sizes at various points of surgery were studied.
RESULTS
We recruited 75 patients with a mean age of 24.3 ± 33.4 months (range: 1 month-11 years). Adequate mydriasis with a single injection was achieved in 93.5% (n = 73 eyes of 70 patients) without additional pharmacotherapy or intervention. The mean pupillary diameter increased from 1.8 ± 0.79 to 6.1 ± 1.4 mm after injection (mean change of 4.2 ± 1.25 mm from baseline). The mean variability in pupillary diameter was 0.73 ± 1.3 mm. In five eyes, good dilatation was not possible even after repeat injection.
CONCLUSION
Fixed-dose premixed intracameral injection is effective in pupil dilatation. It alleviates the need for any topical dilators or additional intraoperative supplementation for pediatric cataract surgery.
Topics: Humans; Mydriatics; Child, Preschool; Male; Infant; Female; Cataract Extraction; Pupil; Child; Tropicamide; Phenylephrine; Lidocaine; Anterior Chamber; Cataract; Prospective Studies; Follow-Up Studies; Ophthalmic Solutions; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
PubMed: 38454863
DOI: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_2628_23 -
Anatomical Structures to Be Concerned With During Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Procedures.Journal of Korean Medical Science Oct 2023The central line has been frequently used for drug and nutrition supply and regular blood sampling of patients with chronic diseases. However, this procedure is...
BACKGROUND
The central line has been frequently used for drug and nutrition supply and regular blood sampling of patients with chronic diseases. However, this procedure is performed in a highly sensitive area and has several potential complications. Therefore, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), which have various advantages, are being extensively used. Although the number of PICC procedures is increasing, the anatomy for safe procedures has not yet been properly established. Therefore, we studied basic anatomical information for safe procedures.
METHODS
We used 20 fixed cadavers (40 arms) donated to the Korea University College of Medicine. The mean age was 76.75 years (range, 48-94 years). After dissection of each arm, the distribution pattern of the basilic vein and close structures was recorded, and some important parameters based on bony landmarks were measured. In addition, the number of vein branches (axillary region) and basilic vein diameter were also checked.
RESULTS
The mean length from the insertion site to the right atrium was 38.39 ± 2.63 cm (left) and 34.66 ± 3.60 cm (right), and the basilic vein diameter was 4.93 ± 1.18 mm (left) and 4.08 ± 1.49 mm (right). The data showed significant differences between the left and right arms ( < 0.05). The mean distance from the basilic vein to brachial artery was 8.29 ± 2.78 mm in men and 7.81 ± 2.78 mm in women, while the distance to the ulnar nerve was 5.41 ± 1.67 mm in men and 5.52 ± 2.06 mm in women.
CONCLUSION
According to these results, the right arm has a shorter distance from the insertion site to the right atrium, and the left arm has a wider vein diameter, which is advantageous for the procedure. In addition, the ulnar nerve and brachial artery were located close to or behind the insertion site. Therefore, special attention is required during the procedure to avoid damaging these important structures.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Aged; Catheterization, Central Venous; Central Venous Catheters; Arm; Upper Extremity; Catheterization, Peripheral
PubMed: 37873629
DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e329 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2023While a basic understanding of pelvic size and typology is still important for obstetricians, pelvic measurement data for Japanese women are very scarce. To our best... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
While a basic understanding of pelvic size and typology is still important for obstetricians, pelvic measurement data for Japanese women are very scarce. To our best knowledge, no large-scale pelvimetry studies of Japanese women have been made for the past 50 years. This study aimed to investigate the accurate size, particularly the obstetric conjugate (OC) and transverse diameter of the pelvic inlet (TD), of modern Japanese women, using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT), and to obtain their reference values.
METHODS
This retrospective, single-center observational study enrolled Japanese non-pregnant women aged between 20 and 40 years, who underwent pelvic CT examination from 2016 to 2021. CT was performed for various reasons, including acute abdomen, search for cancer metastases, and follow-up of existing disease. However, no cases were taken for pelvic measurements. Pelvimetry was performed retrospectively using a 3D workstation. The OC was measured on a strict lateral view and the TD was measured on an axial-oblique view. Other clinical data, such as age, height, and weight, were also extracted from the medical charts and analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 1,263 patients were enrolled, with the mean age of 32.7 years (standard deviation [SD] 6.2). The mean height, weight, and body mass index were 158.8 cm (SD 5.8), 54.8 kg (SD 11.7), and 21.7 kg/m (SD 4.4), respectively. The mean OC length was 127.0 mm (SD 9.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 126.5-127.5), while the mean TD length was 126.8 mm (SD 7.5, 95% CI 126.4-127.2). Both values were normally distributed. Height was significantly associated with OC (regression coefficient = 0.75 [95% CI 0.66-0.84], < .001) and TD (regression coefficient = 0.63 [95% CI 0.56-0.70], < .001). Age showed a weak but statistically significant positive association with TD (regression coefficient = 0.14 [95% CI 0.07-0.20], < .001) and OC (regression coefficient = -0.10 [95% CI -0.18 to -0.01], = .026).
CONCLUSION
The 3D CT pelvimetry in 1,263 non-pregnant Japanese women of childbearing age revealed the mean OC and TD of 127.0 mm, and 126.8 mm, which were 11.8 mm and 4.3 mm larger, respectively, than those in the survey in 1972. Our data will be referred to in clinical practice as the standard pelvic measurement values for the Japanese population.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Young Adult; Adult; Pelvimetry; Retrospective Studies; East Asian People; Pelvis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 36927362
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2190444