Reliability of Different Anterior Cranial Base Reference Areas for Voxel-Based Superimposition

The study aimed to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility and compare the outcomes of two 3D voxel-based superimposition techniques for craniofacial CBCT images, using anterior cranial base areas of different extent as references. Fifteen preexisting pairs of serial CBCTs (initial age: 11.7 ± 0.6 years; interval: 1.7 ± 0.4 years) were superimposed on total anterior cranial base (TACB) or middle anterior cranial base (MACB) structures through the Dolphin 3D software. The overlap of the reference structures was assessed visually to indicate reliability. All superimpositions were repeated by the same investigator. Outcomes were compared to assess the agreement between the two methods. Reliability was perfect for the TACB and moderate for the MACB method (p = 0.044). Both areas showed good overall reproducibility, though in individual cases there were notable differences for MACB superimpositions, ranging from −1.84 to 1.64 mm (TACB range: −0.48 to 0.31 mm). The overall agreement in the detected T0/T1 changes was also good, though it was significantly reduced for individual measurements (median < 0.01 mm, IQR: 0.46 mm, range: −2.81 to 0.73 mm). In conclusion, the voxel-based superimposition on TACB was more reliable and showed higher reproducibility than the superimposition on MACB. Thus, the extended anterior cranial base area is recommended for the assessment of craniofacial changes.

Three-Dimensional-Printed External Scaffolds Mitigate Loss of Volume and Topography in Engineered Elastic Cartilage Constructs

Objective: A major obstacle in the clinical translation of engineered auricular scaffolds is the significant contraction and loss of topography that occur during maturation of the soft collagen-chondrocyte matrix into elastic cartilage. We hypothesized that 3-dimensional-printed, biocompatible scaffolds would “protect” maturing hydrogel constructs from contraction and loss of topography. Design: External disc-shaped and “ridged” scaffolds were designed and 3D-printed using polylactic acid (PLA). Acellular type I collagen constructs were cultured in vitro for up to 3 months. Collagen constructs seeded with bovine auricular chondrocytes (BAuCs) were prepared in 3 groups and implanted subcutaneously in vivo for 3 months: preformed discs with (“Scaffolded/S”) or without (“Naked/N”) an external scaffold and discs that were formed within an external scaffold via injection molding (“Injection Molded/SInj”). Results: The presence of an external scaffold or use of injection molding methodology did not affect the acellular construct volume or base area loss. In vivo, the presence of an external scaffold significantly improved preservation of volume and base area at 3 months compared to the naked group ( P < 0.05). Construct contraction was mitigated even further in the injection molded group, and topography of the ridged constructs was maintained with greater fidelity ( P < 0.05). Histology verified the development of mature auricular cartilage in the constructs within external scaffolds after 3 months. Conclusion: Custom-designed, 3D-printed, biocompatible external scaffolds significantly mitigate BAuC-seeded construct contraction and maintain complex topography. Further refinement and scaling of this approach in conjunction with construct fabrication utilizing injection molding may aid in the development of full-scale auricular scaffolds.

ANALISIS PERWILAYAHAN KOMODITAS SEMANGKA DI KABUPATEN BANYUWANGI

Watermelon commodity has the highest productivity compared to other superior fruit commodities in Banyuwangi Regency. However, the land area and production of watermelon commodities are still quite volatile and their distribution is uneven. Therefore, a regional approach for watermelon commodities is needed in Banyuwangi Regency. This study aimed to determine the watermelon commodity base area, the characteristics of the watermelon commodity distribution, and the carrying capacity of the watermelon commodity on fruit horticultural crops in the Banyuwangi Regency. The determination of the research area was carried out intentionally in Banyuwangi Regency. The analytical methods used were Location Quotient (LQ) analysis, localization and specialization analysis, as well as Basic Service Ratio (BSR) and Regional Multiplier (RM) analysis. The results of the analysis show that the sub-district area was the basis for watermelon commodities in Banyuwangi Regency. The characteristics of the distribution of watermelon commodities in the Banyuwangi Regency were not localized. Watermelon farming activities are not concentrated in one sub-district but spread to several sub-districts in Banyuwangi Regency. The results of the analysis of the Basic Service Ratio (BSR) and Regional Multiplier (RM) of watermelon commodities produce more than one value. The existence of watermelon commodity farming activities can support fruit horticultural farming activities in Banyuwangi Regency.

Morphometric analysis of fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachments treated with ranibizumab and aflibercept

Purpose: To assess fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachments (PED) and their response to two different anti-VEGF agents using optical coherence tomography (OCT) morphometric analysis. Methods: Seventy-three consecutive, treatment-naïve eyes with fibrovascular PED (>125 μm) treated with ranibizumab or aflibercept were retrospectively included. A custom-made software was used to manually segment and calculate PED maximum height, base area, volume and internal reflectivity at baseline, after three injections and 1 year. Results: Visual acuity (VA) change was 2 ETDRS letters ± 7.6 after three injections and 3.2 ETDRS letters ± 10.3 at 1 year. There was no significant difference between VA changes amongst the two drugs. At 1 year, anti-VEGF treatment resulted in a mean reduction of 125 μm in maximum PED height, of 2.26 mm2 in base area and of 0.54 mm3 in volume with a corresponding increase in reflectivity. These changes were more prominent in the aflilbercept group. The observed PED and VA changes at year 1 were strongly correlated with their values at baseline and after three injections. Conclusions: Anti-VEGF treatment resulted in a reduction of all PED dimensions and a corresponding increase in optical reflectivity. Higher, larger and more hypo-reflective PEDs demonstrated a better anatomical response, especially with aflibercept, but this was not correlated with VA.

Reinterpreting the Chinese Revolution: The Balance between Radical and Moderate Approaches, 1937–1945

The success of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by the end of the Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) has generally been credited to its moderate approach to mobilizing the local peasantry through appeals to anti-Japanese nationalism and programs of social justice. However, the evidence presented in this article demonstrates that during late 1939 and early 1940 in some counties of the Southwest Shanxi Base Area and other major North China base areas the CCP abandoned its moderate approach and promoted a radical and violent class struggle. Based on its experiences in 1939–1940, the CCP created a model for mobilization in early 1942 that balanced radical and moderate approaches, which was then gradually applied to all Communist base areas. This article argues that the CCP relied on a combination of two contrasting and complementary approaches—radical and moderate—both of which played an indispensable role in its success by 1945.