Experimental investigation of scouring around a single spur under clear water conditions

This study presents the effect of different parameters on scouring process around spur dikes. Our research group's stated objective was to evaluate the effects of sediment gradation, flow depth, spur angle and spur length on scouring process. Since most existing studies generally employed uniform sediment; in this study uniform and non-uniform sediment were selected. Experiments were made in a rectangular open channel in uniform flow conditions. Results showed that the effect of the spur dike length and the orientation angle on sediment scour varies with the type of sediment used. Scour volumes were 40% greater in uniform sediments than in non-uniform sediments. Measured scour depth was maximum at spurs perpendicular to the flow, whereas the scour volume was maximum at spurs directed upstream. The scour depth increased with an increase in the spur length; however, effect of spur length on scouring varied at a contraction rate of 0.29 for uniform sediments and 0.36 for non-uniform sediments. A multiple regression analysis was also performed, and four equations were suggested to predict the scour depth and scour volume. Comparisons were made with the literature equations applicable for clear-water scouring to check the suggested equation. Because of a wide range of contraction ratios considered in this study, the equations which considered the contraction effect yielded better estimates.

Dynamic changes of scleral spur length in different accommodation stimuli states

This study aimed to evaluate the scleral spur length (SSL) in response to different accommodation stimuli states, as well as the correlation with Schlemm’s canal (SC) and trabecular meshwork (TM). 74 children were recruited for this study. The 0D, − 4D, and − 8.0 D accommodation stimuli state was achieved by looking at a variable distance optotype. The ciliary muscle (CM), scleral spur (SS), SC, and TM were imaged by swept-source optical coherence tomography. The SSL (Method III) increased significantly from 221.56 ± 30.74 μm at base state to 234.99 ± 30.11 μm at − 4D accommodation stimuli state (p = 0.028) and increased to 250.09 ± 29.87 μm at − 8D accommodation stimuli state (p = 0.011). Method III had the largest areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (0.798, 95% CI 0.721–0.875). Moreover, CM 1, SC, and trabecular meshwork length (TML) were significantly correlated with SSL (Method III) (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the contractile ability and compliance of the SS play an important role in maintaining the morphology of the SC. Moreover, the force of accommodation regulates the SC size by increasing the length of SS.

Brassinosteroids regulate petal spur length in Aquilegia by controlling cell elongation

Background and Aims Aquilegia produce elongated, three-dimensional petal spurs that fill with nectar to attract pollinators. Previous studies have shown that the diversity of spur length across the Aquilegia genus is a key innovation that is tightly linked with its recent and rapid diversification into new ranges, and that evolution of increased spur lengths are achieved via anisotropic cell elongation. Previous work identified a brassinosteroid response transcription factor as being enriched in the early developing spur cup. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are known to be important for cell elongation, suggesting that brassinosteroid-mediated response may be an important regulator of spur elongation and potentially a driver of spur length diversity in Aquilegia. In this study, we investigated the role of brassinosteroids in the development of the Aquilegia coerulea petal spur. Methods We exogenously applied the biologically active BR brassinolide to developing petals spurs to investigate spur growth under high hormone conditions. We used virus induced gene silencing and gene expression experiments to understand the function of brassinosteroid-related transcription factors in Aquilegia coerulea petal spurs. Key Results We identified a total of three Aquilegia homologs of the BES1/BZR1 protein family and found that these genes are ubiquitously expressed in all floral tissues during development, yet consistent with the previous RNAseq study, we found that two of these paralogs are enriched in early developing petals. Exogenously applied brassinosteroid increased petal spur length due to increased anisotropic cell elongation as well as cell division. We found that targeting of the AqBEH genes with VIGS resulted in shortened petals, a phenotype caused in part by a loss of cell anisotropy. Conclusions Collectively, our results support a role for brassinosteroids in anisotropic cell expansion in Aquilegia petal spurs and highlight the BR pathway as a potential player in the diversification of petal spur length in Aquilegia.

Dynamic Changes of Scleral Spur Length In Different Accommodation States

This study aimed to evaluate the scleral spur length in response to different accommodation stimuli states, as well as the correlation with Schlemm’s canal and trabecular meshwork. 74 children were recruited for this study. The 0D, -4D, and − 8.0 D accommodation state was stimulated by looking at a variable distance optotype. The ciliary muscle, scleral spur, Schlemm’s canal, and trabecular meshwork were imaged by swept-source optical coherence tomography. The scleral spur length increased with accommodation stimulation (p < 0.05). Method I was 127.97 ± 20.32 µm, 138.29 ± 20.11 µm, and 150.73 ± 21.75 µm at 0D, -4D and − 8D, respectively. Method II was 158.15 ± 19.97 µm, 168.47 ± 18.72 µm, and 179.79 ± 20.83 µm at 0D, -4D and − 8D, respectively. Method III was 221.56 ± 30.74 µm, 234.99 ± 30.11 µm, and 250.09 ± 29.87 µm at 0D, -4D and − 8D, respectively. Method III had the largest areas under ROC curves (0.798, 95% CI 0.721–0.875). Moreover, ciliary muscle 1, Schlemm’s canal, and trabecular meshwork length were significantly correlated with SSL (Method III) (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the contractile ability and compliance of the scleral spur play an important role in maintaining the morphology of the SC. Moreover, the force of accommodation regulates the SC size by increasing the length of SS.

Evaluation of acromial spur using ultrasonography

Background: The presence of an acromial spur implies a rotator cuff disorder due to impingement between the acromial spur and the rotator cuff. The purpose of the study was to observe acromial spurs using ultrasonography and to compare measurements between plain radiographs and sonograms.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 51 consecutive patients with acromial spurs, which were interpreted on preoperative plain radiographs (supraspinatus outlet view and 30° caudal tilt) and preoperative sonograms. The ultrasonography transducer was held vertically and continuously moved laterally, which corresponded to the long axis of the long head of the biceps. The distance from the most distal margin of the original acromion to the most projected point of the acromial spur was measured.Results: No significant difference was found between the plain radiograph and ultrasonography measurements (p=0.186). A moderate to strong correlation was detected between the ultrasonography and supraspinatus outlet-view measurements (r=0.776, p=0.000).Conclusions: Anteriorly projected acromial spurs were well-visualized by ultrasonography. No discrepancy in acromial spur length was detected between the use of plain radiography (supraspinatus outlet view and 30° caudal-tilt view) and ultrasonography. The correlation coefficients between the plain radiography and ultrasonography measurements exceeded 0.7.

Tibial spurs (pes anserinus bony spurs) in children and adolescents: a case series of 21 patients

Background: Icicle-like bony spurs that originate from the proximal medial surface of the tibia in young persons have been referred to by various names in the literature. This tibial spur, called pes anserinus bony spurs (PABSs), can present as exostoses, but lacks a cartilage cap which is characteristic feature of osteochondroma. To date, there are only two small case series about the tibial spur, and little information is available. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of PABSs in children and adolescents. Methods: This retrospective study analysed patients diagnosed with PABSs on an orthopaedic oncology service from 2013 to 2020. Additionally, in order to estimate the prevalence of PABSs in children and adolescents, we retrospectively reviewed knee X-rays of patients who visited our hospital for other reasons from 2008 to 2020. Results: Thirteen male and 8 female patients with PABSs, with a mean age of 11.7 years, were evaluated. Bilateral spurs were observed in 7 of the 21 patients. Among 28 PABSs in 21 patients, 6 were incidentally identified. Radiological evaluation showed that the average PABS length was 10.6 mm. There was a statistically significant difference in the spur length between incidentally detected PABSs and symptomatic PABSs at the first visit. The prevalence rate of PABSs among children and adolescents was 0.94%. Computed tomography examinations showed that no PABSs occurred at the site of the tendinous insertion of the pes anserinus. Surgical resection was performed in only 2 patients, both of whom were high-performing athletes. Conclusions: This is the first study to describe the clinical and radiological features of PABSs in detail and to report their prevalence in children and adolescents. Although longer PABSs are symptomatic, most PABSs are non-problematic and surgical resection of PABSs should be considered only if pain persists despite conservative treatment.

Tibial Spurs (Pes Anserinus Bony Spurs) in Children and Adolescents: A Case Series of 21 Patients

Background: Icicle-like bony spurs that originate from the proximal medial surface of the tibia in young persons have been referred to by various names in the literature. This tibial spur, called pes anserinus bony spurs (PABSs), can present as exostoses, but lacks a cartilage cap which is characteristic feature of osteochondroma. To date, there are only two small case series about the tibial spur, and little information is available. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of PABSs in children and adolescents. Methods: This retrospective study analysed patients diagnosed with PABSs on an orthopaedic oncology service from 2013 to 2020. Additionally, in order to estimate the prevalence of PABSs in children and adolescents, we retrospectively reviewed knee X-rays of patients who visited our hospital for other reasons from 2008 to 2020.Results: Thirteen male and 8 female patients with PABSs, with a mean age of 11.7 years, were evaluated. Bilateral spurs were observed in 7 of the 21 patients. Among 28 PABSs in 21 patients, 6 were incidentally identified. Radiological evaluation showed that the average PABS length was 10.6 mm. There was a statistically significant difference in the spur length between incidentally detected PABSs and symptomatic PABSs at the first visit. The prevalence rate of PABSs among children and adolescents was 0.94%. Computed tomography examinations showed that no PABSs occurred at the site of the tendinous insertion of the pes anserinus. Surgical resection was performed in only 2 patients, both of whom were high-performing athletes.Conclusions: This is the first study to describe the clinical and radiological features of PABSs in detail and to report their prevalence in children and adolescents. Although longer PABSs are symptomatic, most PABSs are non-problematic and surgical resection of PABSs should be considered only if pain persists despite conservative treatment.

Comparative floral and pollen morphology of some invasive and native impatiens species

To evaluate the hypothesis of competitive superiority of invasive species, we compared the invasive Impatiens parviflora DC. and I. Glandulifera royle, the naturalized I. Nevskii pobed. and the native I. Noli-tangere L. in the flowers’ morphometric characters at different phases of anthesis. The characters in which alien species have a competitive superiority over closely related I. Noli-tangere are revealed. Morphological variability was studied by morphometric observations of the following characters: bud: length and diameter; spurred sepal: length and width; spur: length and diameter; lateral sepal: length and width; largest petal: length and death; large lobe of lateral petal: length and width; small lobe of lateral petal: length and width; anther: length; stamen’s filament: length; calyptra: length and width; ovary: length and diameter; length of a style, length of a stigma. There is a tendency for alien Impatiens species of the earlier development of androecium and gynoecium: сaliptra is formed at the stage of uncolored bud, the pistil is differentiated in ovary, short style and stigma is formed at the stage of colored bud. No other flowers’ morphometric characters, representing competitive advantage of the invasive I. Glandulifera and I. Parviflora over the native I. Noli-tangere and naturalized I. Nevskii were identified.