Genetic diversity of nuts traits and fatty acids of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) germplasm resources

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is the most economically valuable nut tree growing in many countries of the world. 10 nut quantitative traits and 15 fatty acid components of 112 pecan accessions were determined to analyze the morphometric and fatty acids genetic diversity in this study. The measured nuts traits of single nut mass, nut transverse, longitudinal and lateral diameter, nut aspect ratio, single nuts kernel mass, kernel yield and shell thinness were found highly variable. 15 fatty acids were detected among 36 tested fat acids in the nut kernel of pecan, and 14 fatty acids were found high variation except for the C12:0. Plenty of these traits are significant economic importance and could be used as breeding targets to improve the pecan variety. The positive correlations were observed between each pair of single nut mass, nut transverse diameter, nut longitudinal diameter and nut lateral diameter. Single nuts kernel mass is significantly positively correlated with single nut mass, nut transverse diameter, nut longitudinal diameter and nut lateral diameter. The 2D PCA plot successfully grouped the samples according to their phenotypic resemblance and morphological characteristics. 112 accessions were grouped into 4 and 3 major clusters according to the nut quantitative traits and fatty acids components and contents, respectively. Based on these results, we suggest that multidisciplinary research team should be set for genetic breeding of pecan to promote the conservation of local genetic diversity and improve the nuts production and commercialization in China.

Existence of Gender-Based Difference in Morphology of Convex Lateral Tibial Plateau in Korean Population Primary Knee Joint Osteoarthritis

Purpose. Morphological differences in the knee joints of females and males have been reported in a previous study. These differences have realized the need of developing a gender-specific prosthesis. However, anatomical studies on gender-based differences in the proximal tibial plateau’s sagittal curvature have rarely been conducted. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the geometry of the sagittal curvature of the proximal tibial plateau in the Korean population. Methods. Three-dimensional data for the sagittal curvature of the tibial plateau morphology from 1976 patients (i.e., 299 male and 1677 female) were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. The sagittal profiles of the tibial plateaus were also evaluated. The independent t -test and paired t -test were used for statistical analysis. Results. The proximal tibia had concave and convex surfaces in the medial and lateral plateaus, respectively, for both genders. In addition, the medial diameter of the tibial plateau was significantly greater than the lateral diameter for both genders. Gender-based difference was not found in the medial diameter of the tibial plateau but was observed in the lateral diameter. Conclusion. These results may provide guidelines for a suitable knee implant design for the Korean patients. The incorporation of this shape information in the medial and lateral sides in the prosthetics for a total knee arthroplasty and a lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty can improve knee range motion.

Computed tomography characteristics of patients with functional MR receiving MitraClip

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Percutaneous leaflet repair with the MitraClip device (Abbott Vascular, Menlo Park, CA) is safe and effective in patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Residual or recurrent MR may occur in up to 40% of patients and is associated with persistent symptoms and impaired survival. The anatomical characteristics associated with residual or recurrent MR after MitraClip are not well defined by computed tomography angiography (CTA) in FMR population. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with significant FMR, who underwent retrospective-gated CTA at Minneapolis Heart Institute between July 2015 to January 2020, identified those who underwent percutaneous leaflet repair with MitraClip. Anatomical and functional parameters were assessed by pre-procedure CTA and compared between those with and without residual (≥2) MR. Results A total of 25 patients were included (median[Q1, Q3]; age, 80[75, 85]; 44% men) and classified into ventricular FMR (V-FMR, n = 12) and atrial FMR (A-FMR, n = 13) according to anatomical and functional characteristics by CTA. 50% of V-FMR and 38% of A-FMR had residual/worsening MR. Among V-FMR patients with residual/worsening MR, shorter coaptation length was observed (2.2[2, 2.3] mm vs. 3.5[3, 4], p = 0.006) (Figure). No differences in anatomical or functional characteristics were seen in A-FMR patients. Conclusion Longer coaptation length in V-FMR is predictive of successful MitraClip procedure, whereas mitral annulus size and cardiac volumes are not. <Ventricular FMR> Total (N = 12) No residual/no worsening MR (N = 6) Residual/worsening MR (N = 6) P value Septal-lateral diameter, mm 31.9 (30.5, 37.9) 32.2 (30.1, 39.8) 31.9 (29.5, 35) 0.749 Annulus area, cm² 11.2 (10.4, 13.6) 11.3 (10.1, 14.6) 11.1 (9.6, 12.6) 0.631 Tenting area, cm² 1.6 (1.3, 2.1) 1.6 (1.2, 2.2) 1.7 (1.2, 2.3) 0.873 Tenting height, mm 8.5 (6.5, 9.7) 8.5 (6.6, 9.3) 8.3 (6.3, 10.1) 0.749 Coaptation length, mm 2.6 (2.1, 3.5) 3.5 (3.0, 4.0) 2.2 (2.0, 2.3) 0.006 <Atrial FMR> Total (N = 13) No residual/no worsening MR (N = 8) Residual/worsening MR (N = 5) P value Septal-lateral diameter, mm 32.3 (29.5, 39.0) 32.0 (29.2, 39.9) 34.3 (30.8, 39.02) 0.464 Annulus area, cm² 10.3 (9.2, 14.7) 10.2 (9.0, 14.6) 12.4 (9.4, 14.7) 0.661 Tenting area, cm² 1.2 (0.8, 1.8) 1.1 (0.7, 2.2) 1.3 (0.7, 1.8) 0.884 Tenting height, mm 5.5 (4.1, 6.9) 6.3 (4.1, 8.7) 4.6 (3.7, 5.8) 0.213 Coaptation length, mm 2.3 (1.5, 2.8) 2.5 (1.4, 3.5) 1.9 (1.5, 2.6) 0.464 Comparison of baseline CT parameters between no residual/ no worsening MR and residual/ worsening MR Abstract Figure.

Changes of tricuspid valve geometry after interventional implantation of an anuloplasty band

Background Implantation of an anuloplasty band (Cardioband, Edwards Lifesciences) is a new treatment option for patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The initial clinical results are promising. Nevertheless very few details about the mechanism of reducing TR beyond the basic principle of reducing the annular perimeter are known. Therefore we sought to study the changes of the tricuspid valve geometry after Cardioband implantation. Methods In all patients, that were treated by Cardioband implantation for tricuspid valve implantation at our institution, fluoroscopic images of the implant were optained at an angle, which would correspond to an echocardiographic “enface” view of the tricuspid valve. In these images the area enclosed by the implant, the perimeter of this area, the septal to lateral diameter, the anterior to posterior diameter and the length of the implant before and after contracting the band was measured. In all patients an echocardiographic evaluation of the tricuspid regurgitation before and after cardioband implantation was performed. These clinical finding were correlated to changes of the above mentioned dimension in the fluoroscopic images. Results Between October 2018 und January 2019 17 patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation were treated by Cardioband implantation. In one patient the procedure had to be aborted due to extensive movement of the tricuspid annulus. In the remaining 16 patients (mean age 78±8 years, 7 males) the procedure could be completed successfully and the required measurements were done. The mean severity grade (5 grade scale) of the TR was 3.5±0.6 before and 2±0.7 (p<0.0001) after the implantation, the corresponding mean vena contracta changed from 12±4 mm to 6±3 mm (p<0.000, 51% reduction). The area decreased after band contraction from 10.6±1.4 cm2 to 4.7±1.4 cm2 (p<0.0001; 56% reduction), the perimeter from 13.4±1.8 cm to 9.6±1.6 cm (p<0.0001; 28% reduction) the septal to lateral diameter from 2.8±0.5 cm to 1.6±0.2 cm (p<0.0001; 40% reduction), the anterior to posterior diameter from 4.8±0.9 cm to 3.8±1.0 cm (p<0.005; 19% reduction) and the measured device length from 8.6 cm±1.0 to 5.8±0.8 cm (p<0.0001; 32% reduction). The strongest correlation was seen between area reduction and reduction of the vena contracta (r=0.5), reduction of the septal to lateral dimension as well as the reduction of the device length had a weaker correlation (r=0.3 and r=0.2). The reduction of the anterior posterior diameter and perimeter reduction showed no relevant correlation with regard to TR reduction. Conclusion In our patient population Cardioband implantation lead to effective TR reduction. Area reduction and reduction of the septal to lateral diameter of the tricuspid valve seem to have the strongest impact. These findings may be considered when implantations techniques are being optimized or when new devices for TR treatment are developed. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Impact of body-mass factors on setup displacement during pelvic irradiation in patients with lower abdominal cancer

Background The aim of the study was investigate the impact of body-mass factors (BMF) on setup displacement during pelvic radiotherapy in patients with lower abdominal cancers. Patients and methods The clinical data of a training cohort composed of 60 patients with gynecological, rectal, or prostate cancer were analyzed. The daily alignment data from image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) were retrieved. Setup errors for were assessed by systematic error (SE) and random error (RE) through the superior-inferior (SI), anterior-posterior (AP), and medial-lateral (ML) directions. Several BMFs and patient-related parameters were analyzed with binary logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curves. A scoring system was proposed to identify those with greater setup displacement during daily treatment. The results were validated by another cohort. Results A large hip lateral diameter correlated with a greater SI-SE and AP-SE, whereas a large umbilical AP diameter correlated with a greater ML-SE and ML-RE. A higher SI-RE was associated with a large hip circumference. The positive predictors for setup uncertainty were chosen to dichotomize patients into groups at high risk and low risk for setup displacement. Based on the scoring system, the adequate treatment margins for the SI direction in the high-and low-risk groups were 5.4 mm and 3.8 mm, whereas those for the ML direction were 8.2 mm and 4.2 mm, respectively. The validated cohort showed a similar trend. Conclusions Large BMFs including hip lateral diameter, hip circumference, and umbilical AP diameter are associated with greater setup uncertainty. Based on the scores, IGRT or required treatment margins can be adapted for patients with high risk features.

MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF THE JUGULAR FORAMEN IN DRY NIGERIAN SKULLS. Estudio morfométrico del foramen yugular en cráneos nigerianos secos

Jugular foramen is a hiatus in the posterior cranial fossa that transmits the internal jugular vein among other structures. The knowledge of the jugular foramen is important in neurosurgical procedures. The objective of the study was to characterize the morphology and the dimensions of jugular foramen in dry Nigerian skulls. One hundred and seventy jugular foramens from 85 dry adult skulls of unknown sex were studied. Morphology was studied by observation and measurements were taken with Venier caliper. The parameters that were studied included the shape, septation, medio-lateral diameter, antero-posterior diameter of jugular foramen, and the dome, width and depth of jugular fossa. Oval shaped foramen (77%) was more prevalent than round shaped foramen (23%). Complete septation was found in 19.4% of skulls, while incomplete septation was found in 41.2% of skulls. Absence of septation was found in 39,4% of skulls. Dome over the jugular fossa was present in 67,6% and absent in 32,4% of the skulls. The antero-posterior diameter (right - 13,20mm±2.8, left - 11,72±2.8) and medio-lateral diameter (right – 18.73mm±3.5, left – 17,33mm±3.1) were significantly higher on the right side than on the left side. The depth of jugular fossa was significantly higher on the right side (12.38mm±2.4) than on the left side (10.95mm±2.8). The width of jugular fossa was higher on the right (12.06mm±3.6) than on the left (11.80mm±3.3) but the difference was not significant. The present study demonstrated right sided dominance in the metric parameters of the jugular foramen in our environment. El foramen yugular es un hiato en la fosa craneal posterior que transmite la vena yugular interna entre otras estructuras. El conocimiento del foramen yugular es importante en procedimientos neuro-quirúrgicos. El objetivo del estudio era caracterizar la morfología y las dimensiones del foramen yugular en cráneos nige-rianos secos. Cientos y setenta forámenes yugulares a partir de 85 cráneos secos del adulto de sexo desconocido fueron estudiados. La morfología fue estudiada por la observación y las medidas fueron tomadas con el calibrador de Vernier. Los parámetros que fueron estudiados incluyeron la forma, la tabicación, el diámetro medio-lateral, el diámetro anteroposterior del foramen yugular, y la bóveda, la anchura y la profundidad de la fosa yugular. El agujero de forma oval (el 77%) era más frecuente que el agujero de forma redonda (23%). La tabicación completa fue encontrada en 19,4% de cráneos, mientras que la tabicación incompleta fue encontrada en 41,2% de cráneos. La ausencia de tabicación fue encontrada en 39,4% de cráneos. La bóveda sobre la fosa yugular estaba presente en 67,6% y ausente en 32,4% de los cráneos. El diámetro anteroposterior (derecho: 13,20 mm±2,8, izquierdo: 11,72±2,8) y el diámetro medio-lateral (derecho: 18,73mm ±3,5, izquierdo: 17,33mm±3,1) eran perceptiblemente más altos en el derecho que en el lado izquierdo. La profundidad de la fosa yugular era perceptiblemente más alta en el derecho (12,38mm±2,4) que en el lado izquierdo (10,95mm±2,8). La anchura de la fosa yugular era más alta en la derecha (12,06mm±3,6) que a la izquierda (11,80mm±3,3) pero la diferencia no era significativa. El actual estudio demostró la dominación del lado derecho en los parámetros métricos del foramen yugular en nuestro medio.

Factors associated with the size of the adhesio interthalamica based on 3.0-T magnetic resonance images

Background Adhesio interthalamica (AI) is a small structure connecting bilateral thalami. Purpose To evaluate the effects of patient age, sex, and lateral diameter of the third ventricle on the long diameter of the AI using multivariate analyses based on magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained with 3.0-T scanners. Material and Methods This clinical retrospective study included images of 153 patients who underwent MR examination using 3.0-T scanners. The long diameter of the AI and lateral diameter of the third ventricle were measured on images in the mid-sagittal plane and axial plane at the anterior commissure, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results AI was observed in 138 patients (70 men, 68 women; mean age = 63.7 ± 13.7 years; mean AI size =5.34 ± 1.63 mm). By univariate analyses, patient age (r = −0.262, P = 0.002), sex ( P = 0.010), and lateral diameter of the third ventricle (r = −0.642, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the long diameter of the AI. With multiple linear regression analyses with a stepwise selection of parameters, only the lateral diameter of the third ventricle (estimate = −0.432, P < 0.001) was significantly associated with the long diameter of the AI. The lateral diameter of the third ventricle was longer in patients without AI (15 patients) than in those with AI ( P = 0.006). Conclusion The lateral diameter of the third ventricle was a major factor negatively associated with the long diameter of the AI.

Measurement of Renal Dimensions to Determine Standard Reference Renal Volume Model for Clinical Application in Ghana

The study is based on measurements of renal dimensions to determine standard reference renal volume model and renal volumetric ellipsoid coefficient. Two methods, Voxel count method and rotational renal ellipsoid equation were the two measuring tools used with an integrated MVL application software platform. The procedure involve measurement of linear dimensions together with using the snake technique to draw the region of interest (ROI) for the volumetric measurements. These were done to obtain: renal length, lateral diameter, A-P diameter and the total number of voxels to estimates the renal volume. These parameters were used to calculate renal volume using the rotational renal ellipsoid equation as well as using the Minitab statistical software to model renal volume equation. The reference standard renal volume was also determined using water displacement with the Archimedes' principle. The average renal shape index and its dispersion (i.e. covariance matrix) was approximately 1±0.02. The male average measured values for right and left kidneys were as follows: renal length, 103.35cm and 105.13cm, lateral diameter, 60.79 and 60.40 and A-P diameter, 44.12 and 44.95 and renal volume; 146.74cm3 and 151.76cm3 respectively. Furthermore, the female average measured values for right and left kidneys were as follows: renal length, 101.43 and 102.98, lateral diameter, 59.20 and 59.02 and A-P diameter, 43.09 and 44.82, renal volume 142.04cm3 and 148.29cm3 respectively. The average estimated renal volumetric ellipsoid coefficient (VeC) was 0.53. However, various variations for both male and female, with their corresponding right and left kidneys were, 0.5283, 0.5297, 0.5280 and 0.5304 respectively. The reference renal dimensions including the standard renal volume and renal volumetric ellipsoid coefficient are recommended for clinical application in Ghana.

Comparison of CT versus MRI measurements of transverse atlantal ligament integrity in craniovertebral junction injuries. Part 1: A clinical study

OBJECTIVE Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) injuries complicated by transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) disruption often require surgical stabilization. Measurements based on the atlantodental interval (ADI), atlas lateral diameter (ALD1), and axis lateral diameter (ALD2) may help clinicians identify TAL disruption. This study used CT scanning to evaluate the reliability of these measurements and other variants in the clinical setting. METHODS Patients with CVJ injuries treated at the authors' institution between 2004 and 2011 were evaluated retrospectively for demographics, mechanism and location of CVJ injury, classification of injury, treatment, and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score at the time of injury and follow-up. The integrity of the TAL was evaluated using MRI. The ADI, ALD1, and ALD2 were measured on CT to identify TAL disruption indirectly. RESULTS Among the 125 patients identified, 40 (32%) had atlas fractures, 59 (47.2%) odontoid fractures, 31 (24.8%) axis fractures, and 4 (3.2%) occipital condyle fractures. TAL disruption was documented on MRI in 11 cases (8.8%). The average ADI for TAL injury was 1.8 mm (range 0.9–3.9 mm). Nine (81.8%) of the 11 patients with TAL injury had an ADI of less than 3 mm. In 10 patients (90.9%) with TAL injury, overhang of the C-1 lateral masses on C-2 was less than 7 mm. ADI, ALD1, ALD2, ALD1 – ALD2, and ALD1/ALD2 did not correlate with the integrity of the TAL. CONCLUSIONS No current measurement method using CT, including the ADI, ALD1, and ALD2 or their differences or ratios, consistently indicates the integrity of the TAL. A more reliable CT-based criterion is needed to diagnose TAL disruption when MRI is unavailable.