The Association Between Ascending Aortic and Left Ventricular Dimensions in Patients After Aortic Valve Replacement

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is often recommended for patients with severe aortic stenosis or chronic aortic regurgitation. These conditions result in remodeling of the left ventricle, including increased interstitial fibrosis that may persist even after AVR. These structural changes impact left ventricular (LV) mechanics, causing compromised LV diameter to occur earlier than reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and its role in aortic expansion one year after AVR. Methods: Sixty-three patients who underwent AVR were evaluated. All patients underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography, which included measurements of the ascending aorta, aortic root, LVEF, and LVEDD before the surgery and one year postoperatively. Correlations between these variables were calculated. Results: All patients underwent AVR with either a mechanical or biological prosthetic aortic valve. Following AVR, there was a significant decrease in the dimensions of the ascending aorta and aortic root (both P=0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in LVEDD and LVEF. Correlations were found between the preoperative ascending aortic size and the preoperative and one-year postoperative LVEDD (r=0.419, P=0.001 and r=0.320, P=0.314, respectively). Additionally, there was a correlation between the postoperative ascending aortic size and the preoperative and one-year postoperative LVEDD (r=0.320, P=0.003 and r=0.136, P=0.335, respectively). Conclusion: The study findings demonstrate a significant correlation between the size of the aortic root and ascending aorta, before and after AVR. Additionally, a notable correlation was observed between postoperative LVEDD and the size of the aortic root.

Quantitative analysis of macular capillaries in diabetic patients using optical coherence tomography angiography / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To quantify early changes of macular capillary parameters in type 2 diabetic patients using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).METHODS: Retrospective case study. A total of 49 healthy subjects, 52 diabetic patients without retinopathy(noDR)patients, and 43 mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy(mNPDR)patients were recruited. Capillary perfusion density, vessel length density(VLD), and average vessel diameter(AVD)were calculated from macular OCTA images(3 mm×3 mm)of the superficial capillary plexus after segmenting large vessels and the deep capillary plexus. Parameters were compared among control subjects, noDR, and mNPDR patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve estimated the abilities of these parameters to detect early changes of retinal microvascular networks.RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the VLD and AVD among the three groups(P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the noDR group had significantly higher AVD(P<0.05). VLD of both layers in patients of mNPDR group was significant decreased compared with that of noDR group(all P<0.01). Deep AVD had a higher area under the curve(AUC)of 0.796 than other parameters to discriminate the noDR group from the healthy group. Deep AVD had the highest AUC of 0.920, followed by that of the deep VLD(AUC=0.899)to discriminate the mNPDR group from the healthy group.CONCLUSIONS: NoDR patients had wider AVD than healthy individuals and longer VLD than mNPDR patients in both layers. When compared with healthy individuals, deep AVD had a stronger ability than other parameters to detect early retinal capillary impairments in noDR patients.

Evaluation of the Association between Pelvic Diameters and Pelvic Types on Computed Tomography Images in Healthy Turkish Females / Evaluación de la Asociación entre Diámetros Pélvicos y Tipos de Pelvis en Imágenes de Tomografías Computarizadas en Mujeres Turcas Sanas

SUMMARY: Pelvis contributes to both human locomotion and obstetrics, and normal vaginal delivery is associated with a spacious inlet, a large interspinosus diameter. This paper aimed to measure crucial diameters of pelvic ring, and to determine both the prevalence of pelvic types, and labor types including normal vaginal delivery or caesarean section in Turkish healthy females. Additionally, it was aimed to evaluate presence of relationship between pelvic types and pelvic diameters. Labor shape of subjects was obtained from hospital records. This retrospective study was carried out on 165 healthy subjects aged between 18 and 45 years. Anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic inlet (APDI), anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet, sacrum length (SL), sacrum depth, conjugata vera, obstetrical conjugate, the diagonal conjugate, diameter transversa, diameter bispinous, intertuberous diameter were measured. From these measurements, brim index was calculated and decided to gynecoid, anthropoid and platypelloid type. Also, the andoid type was calculated to the ratio of posterior sagittal diameter of the inlet to conjugata obstetrica. 50.91 % of participants has gynecoid type pelvis, followed by 24.85 % anthropoid type, 14.55 % platypelloid, and 9.70 % android type pelvis. There was a significant difference in APDI, SL, SD, Conjugata vera, Conjugata obstetrica, Conjugata diagonalis, Conjugata transversa, diameter bispinous, diameter intertubercularis and Brim index measurements according to pelvic types. the first degree of narrowing (conjugata vera from 11 to 9) was found in 18 pelvises and 12 pelvises with the pathological degree of narrowing bellonged to the platypelloid type followed by android type pelvis with 6 pelvices. The android type pelvis is not appropriate for natural labor and a good assessment of birth canal can reduce the labor risks. Also, only 7 females who delivered with cesarean have gynecoid type pelvic type. The APDI and SL were significantly lower in subjects having pathological narrowing according to conjugata obstetrica values.

La pelvis contribuye tanto a la locomoción humana como a la obstetricia. El parto vaginal normal se asocia con una entrada espaciosa y un diámetro interespinoso grande. Este artículo tuvo como objetivo medir diámetros cruciales del anillo pélvico y determinar tanto la prevalencia de los tipos pélvicos como los tipos de parto, incluido el parto vaginal normal o la cesárea en mujeres turcas sanas. Además, se buscó evaluar la presencia de relación entre los tipos de pelvis y los diámetros de la pelvis. La forma laboral de los sujetos se obtuvo de los registros hospitalarios. Este estudio retrospectivo se llevó a cabo en 165 mujeres sanas con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 45 años. Se midieron el diámetro anteroposterior de la entrada pélvica (APDPI), el diámetro anteroposterior de la salida pélvica, la longitud del sacro (SL), la profundidad del sacro, la conjugada vera, el conjugado obstétrico, el conjugado diagonal, el diámetro transverso, el diámetro biespinoso y el diámetro intertuberoso. A partir de estas mediciones se calculó el índice del ala y se decidió tipo ginecoide, antropoide y platipoide. Además, el tipo androide se calculó en función de la relación entre el diámetro sagital posterior de la entrada y la conjugada obstétrica. El 50,91 % de los participantes tenía pelvis de tipo ginecoide, seguida del 24,85 % de pelvis de tipo antropoide, el 14,55 % de tipo platipeloide y el 9,70 % de tipo androide. Hubo una diferencia significativa en las mediciones de APDPI, SL, SD, Conjugada vera, Conjugada obstétrica, Conjugada diagonal, Conjugata transversa, diámetro biespinoso, diámetro intertubercular e índice de ala según los tipos de pelvis. El primer grado de estrechamiento (conjugada vera del 11 al 9) se encontró en 18 pelvis y 12 pelvis, siendo el grado patológico de estrechamiento del tipo platipeloide seguido de pelvis tipo androide con 6 pelvis. La pelvis tipo androide no es apropiada para el parto natural y una buena evaluación del canal del parto puede reducir los riesgos. Además, solo 7 mujeres que dieron a luz por cesárea tenían un tipo pélvico de tipo ginecoides. El APDPI y SL fueron significativamente más bajos en mujeres que tenían estrechamiento patológico según los valores obstétricos conjugados.

The effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) application on optic nerve sheath diameter in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized trial

Abstract Background: Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can overcome respiratory changes that occur during pneumoperitoneum application in laparoscopic procedures, but it can also increase intracranial pressure. We investigated PEEP vs. no PEEP application on ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (indirect measure of increased intracranial pressure) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: Eighty ASA I-II patients aged between 18 and 60 years scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included. The study was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials (ACTRN12618000771257). Patients were randomly divided into either Group C (control, PEEP not applied), or Group P (PEEP applied at 10 cmH20). Optic nerve sheath diameter, hemodynamic, and respiratory parameters were recorded at six different time points. Ocular ultrasonography was used to measure optic nerve sheath diameter. Results: Peak pressure (PPeak) values were significantly higher in Group P after application of PEEP (p = 0.012). Mean respiratory rate was higher in Group C at all time points after application of pneumoperitoneum (p < 0.05). The mean values of optic nerve sheath diameters measured at all time points were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). The pulmonary dynamic compliance value was significantly higher in group P as long as PEEP was applied (p = 0.001). Conclusions: During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, application of 10 cmH2O PEEP did not induce a significant change in optic nerve sheath diameter (indirect indicator of intracranial pressure) compared to no PEEP application. It would appear that PEEP can be used safely to correct

Comparison between ocular biometry parameters in patients with unilateral congenital glaucoma

Purpose: To compare the axial length (AL) and corneal diameter between glaucomatous eye (GE) and fellow normal eye (NE) in patients with unilateral congenital glaucoma and to obtain a normative database for ocular growth among Indian children below 3 years of age. Methods: Retrospective longitudinal study. Patients who had a follow?up of 3 years from diagnosis with ocular biometry parameters being recorded at least thrice (once a year) and fellow eye being normal were included. Data collected were age, gender, intraocular pressure (IOP), AL, corneal diameter, optic disc findings, diagnosis, and surgery details. Results: Eleven patients were analyzed. All GE underwent combined trabeculotomy with trabeculectomy. Mean (SD) baseline IOP, AL, and corneal diameter were 17.1 (6.7) mmHg, 18.9 (1.1) mm and 12 (0.91) mm in GE, and 11.1 (3.8) mmHg, 17.8 (0.44) mm, and 10.5 (0.58) mm in NE, respectively. Increase in AL was 3.1 mm in the first year followed by 0.6 mm in second year and 0.4 mm in third year in GE compared to 2.6, 0.6, and 0.5 mm in NE, respectively. Corneal diameter increased by 1.1 mm in GE in the first year and remained stable thereafter compared to 0.7 mm in first year followed by 0.3 mm in second year and stable thereafter in NE. The percentage of success was 73% at 3 years. Conclusion: Axial length and corneal diameter were higher in GE than NE at all?time points. With prompt intervention, the growth curve of the GE was made parallel to that of NE.

Capacidad del diámetro biparietal para predecir los recién nacidos grandes para edad gestacional. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / Ability of biparietal diameter to predict large for gestational age newborns. A retrospective cohort study

Fundamento: Predecir el recién nacido grande para la edad gestacional es una acción de salud que necesita de herramientas tecnológicas de probada eficiencia. Objetivo: Determinar la capacidad predictiva del diámetro biparietal en los recién nacidos grandes para la edad gestacional. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo que incluyó 1959 gestantes cubanas con embarazo simple con captación y término del embarazo entre enero del 2009 y diciembre de 2017. En cada trimestre de gestación se compararon las condiciones tróficas adecuado para la edad gestacional (AEG) y grandes para la edad gestacional (GEG) mediante estadígrafos de tendencia central (media) y de dispersión (rango, desviación estándar) correspondientes al diámetro biparietal. Se calculó además el intervalo de confianza (IC) de 95 % para la diferencia de medias del diámetro biparietal. Asimismo, se realizó un análisis de curvas ROC para determinar si el diámetro biparietal y el peso fetal predicen la condición trófica grande para la edad gestacional en el segundo y tercer trimestre de gestación. Los datos fueron recogidos del libro registro de genética del área de salud. Resultados: El diámetro biparietal en el segundo y tercer trimestre de gestación tuvo un área bajo curva de 0.60 (IC 95 %: 0.54-0.65) y 0.59 (IC 95 %: 0.54-0.64) respectivamente. Los puntos de corte establecidos (T2: 56.55 mm, T3: 81.55 mm) tienen una especificidad y exactitud superior al 78 %. Conclusiones: El diámetro biparietal y los modelos de regresión de Shepard y de Hadlock V mostraron capacidad para discriminar el nacimiento grande para la edad gestacional del adecuado para la edad gestacional, a partir del segundo trimestre de gestación siendo más eficaces en el tercero.

Background: Predicting large for gestational age newborns is a medical action that requires technological tools with proven efficiency. Objective: To determine the predictive ability of biparietal diameter in large newborns for gestational age. Methodology: Retrospective cohort study that included 1959 Cuban pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy, with recruitment and pregnancy term between January 2009 and December 2017. In each gestational trimester, trophic conditions appropriate for gestational age (GAW) were compared and large for gestational age (GA) using central tendency (mean) and dispersion (range, standard deviation) statistics corresponding to the biparietal diameter. The 95% confidence interval (CI) for mean biparietal diameter difference was also calculated. In addition, an analysis of ROC curves was performed to determine if biparietal diameter and fetal weight predict large trophic condition for gestational age in the second and third gestational trimester. Data were gathered from the health area genetics registry book. Results: Biparietal diameter in the second and third trimester of gestation had an area under curve of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.54-0.65) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.54-0.64) respectively. The established cut-off points (T2: 56.55 mm, T3: 81.55 mm) have a specificity and accuracy greater than 78%. Conclusions: Biparietal diameter and the Shepard and Hadlock V regression models showed ability to discriminate large for gestational age birth from adequate for gestational age birth from the second trimester of gestation onward, being more effective in the third trimester.

Choosing the Correct?Sized Adult Double?Lumen Tube: Quest for the Holy Grail

Appropriate size selection of double?lumen tubes (DLTs) for one?lung ventilation (OLV) in adults is still a humongous task. Several important factors are to be considered like patient height, gender, tracheal diameter, left main bronchial diameter, and cricoid cartilage transverse diameter. In addition to radiological assessment of the airway diameters, the manufacturing details of the particular DLT being used also play a significant role in size selection. Optimal positioning of the appropriately sized DLT is indispensable to avoid complications like airway trauma, cuff rupture, hypoxemia, and tube displacement. It is imperative to know whether the one?size?fits?all dictum holds for DLT size selection as claimed by certain studies. Further randomized studies are required for crystallizing standard protocols ascertaining the correct DLT size. This systematic review article highlights the various parameters employed for DLT size selection and explores the newer DLTs used for adult OLV.

Histological analysis of different types of port-wine stains to guide clinical decision making: A retrospective study

Background and objectives: Port-wine stains are defined as congenital benign vascular lesions. The treatment of port-wine stains remains a challenge, worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the histological characteristics in different types of port-wine stains and provide guidance for clinical decision-making. Methods and materials: Biopsies were from the hospital from 2015 to 2021. H&E staining, Immunofluorescence staining, Masson’s trichrome staining and Weigert staining were performed on the tissues. Results: A total of 35 port-wine stains patients were included in the study of four distinct types, namely red port-wine stains (11 cases), purple port-wine stains (seven cases), hypertrophic port-wine stains (nine cases) and nodular port-wine stains (eight cases). The mean vessel diameter of the different types was 38.7 ± 5.9 ?m, 93.5 ± 9.7 ?m, 155.6 ± 21.8 ?m and 155.6 ± 29.54 ?m, respectively. Mean vessel depth was 396.4 ± 31 ?m, 944.2 ± 105.4 ?m, 2,971 ± 161.3 ?m and 3,594 ± 364.6 ?m, respectively. The vessels in red port-wine stains, purple port-wine stains and hypertrophic port-wine stains were mainly composed of capillary and venous malformations, whereas those in nodular port-wine stains were venous or arteriovenous malformations. Limitation: The main limitation of the current study was the small number of patients. Conclusion: As the disease progresses, vessel diameters become larger, the vessel wall becomes thicker and vessels were found in a greater depth. A treatment plan should be scientifically formulated keeping in mind the histological characteristics of port-wine stains.

Evaluation of 18FDG PET-CT-positive mediastinal-hilar lymph nodes in extrathoracic malignancies by EBUS-TBNA; correlation of SUVmax, and short-axis diameter with the final diagnosis

Introduction: Intrathoracic lymph node metastasis from extrathoracic neoplasms are rare. Primary malignancies that metastasize to mediastinal-hilar lymph nodes are head and neck , carcinoma breast ,and genitourinary. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)/endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is currently the preferred modality for mediastinal lymph node sampling. Methods: Fifty seven patients with extrathoracic malignancies with maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of mediastinal-hilar lymph nodes greater than or equal to 2.5 were taken up for EBUS-TBNA. The histo-cytopathological results obtained from EBUS-TBNA were compared with SUVmax value and short-axis diameter of a lymph node as noted on EBUS. Results: Out of 74 sampled nodes, 49 (66.2%) were benign and 25 (33.8%) were malignant. The SUVmax range of benign nodes was 2.8� as compared to 3� of malignant nodes. The size range of malignant and benign nodes were 8� mm and 8� mm, respectively. The mean size of abnormal nodes (metastatic + granulomatous) was 17.5 (8� mm) and the mean SUVmax was 9.1 (3.4�), and it was a statistically significant difference when compared to reactive (normal) nodes. At SUVmax cut-off 7.5, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) were 78.5%, 81.2%, 84.6%, and 74.2%, respectively for detecting abnormal nodes. At 13 mm size cut-off, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV were 75.5%, 65%, 75%, and 72%, respectively, for detecting abnormal nodes. Conclusion: The majority of mediastinal-hilar nodes with increased metabolic activity are benign in nature. Size and SUVmax are poor predictors of metastasis in tuberculosis endemic region. There should be a restrictive attitude toward invasive diagnostic testing for mediastinal-hilar nodes in extrathoracic malignancies.

Overweight status, abdominal circumference, physical activity, and functional constipation in children

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of functional constipation and its relationship with the food intake, overweight status, and physical activity of children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included students from two public schools in the municipality of Osasco, which is located in the metropolitan area of São Paulo. Functional constipation was diagnosed if the clinical manifestations of the Rome IV criteria were present for more than 2 months. A 24-h recall survey was used to determine the daily food intake. Weight, height, abdominal circumference, and bioelectrical impedance were used to evaluate the weight status. Active commuting to school and physical activity scores were assessed using a questionnaire that has been validated in Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 452 children, aged 6-12 years, were evaluated. Functional constipation was observed in 22.3% of participants. A greater abdominal circumference was associated with functional constipation in girls (p=0.036) in the bivariate analysis but not in the logistic regression model. Boys with functional constipation consumed higher quantities of fats (p=0.041). There was no statistically significant relationship between functional constipation and overweight status (44.6 and 34.5% of children with and without constipation, respectively; p=0.083) and active commuting to school (48.5 and 56.7% of children with and without constipation, respectively; p=0.179). CONCLUSION: Functional constipation was associated with a greater abdominal circumference in girls in the bivariate analysis, however, without association in the logistic regression model. Boys with functional constipation consumed higher quantities of fat. No association was found between functional constipation, overweight status, and physical activity.

Relationship between Aortic Root Diameter and Type 2 Diabetes in Hypertensive Patients

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) involves a series of metabolic conditions associated with hyperglycaemia which is caused by defects in insulin secretion and./or insulin action. The aim of this work was assessment of the relationship between Aortic Root (AOR) diameter and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Hypertension (HTN) cases. Methods: This prospective case control study was carried out on 80 HTN cases. Cases were divided in to three groups: Group A (30 HTN cases) with type 2 DM with good metabolic control (Hb AIC ? 7.0), group B: (30 HTN cases) with type 2 DM with poor metabolic control (Hb AIC > 7.0) and C (Control group) 20 HTN, non-DM subjects of the same age and sex group with no other comorbid conditions. Results: FS had a significant decline in group A (P2 = 0.001) and in group B (P3 <0.001) than C. EF had a significant difference among all groups (P <0.001). Early wave declaration time (DT) had a significant decline in group A (P2 = 0.049) and in group B (P3= 0.023) than C. Tissue doppler early velocity wave had a significant difference among all groups (P = 0.004). Tissue doppler early velocity wave had a significant decline in group A and B than C. (P2 = 0.038. P3 = 0.003). Conclusions: AOR in HTN cases had a significant decline in DM cases compared with non-DM cases. In our results, glycaemic control didn’t play a significant role in aortic root.

A comparative study on efficacy of different dilutions of phenylephrine and tropicamide combination eye drops on pupil dilatation

Background: In ophthalmology (OPD), cycloplegics or mydriatics were needed for doing correct refraction and evaluation of fundus on a daily basis. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare the clinical efficacy and systemic side effects of different dilutions of phenylephrine and tropicamide combinations drops on pupil dilatation and to measure and compare pulse rate and blood pressure before and after giving the drug. Materials and Methods: The present study is a hospital-based interventional study conducted among patients attending to OPD of Regional Eye hospital, Visakhapatnam during April 2012–August 2012. Eighty-one patients randomly allocated to two groups (41 patients in Group 1 and 40 patients in Group 2). Dilution of phenylephrine 5% and Tropicamide 0.8% mixture was applied to patients of Group A in both eyes and dilution of phenylephrine 2.5% and Tropicamide 0.4% mixture was applied to Group B patients in both eyes. Pupil diameter and pulse rate BP were measured and compared. Results: Mean age of Group 1 patients was 55.39 ± 11.47 and Group 2 was 49.95 ± 13.71. Among 36 males, 50% in Group 1 and 50% in Group 2 and among 45 females 51.1% in Group 1 and 48.9% in Group 2. Among both Group 1 and Group 2 patients, both left and right pupil size was significantly increased after application of dilutions, but there was more increase in the pupil size among Group 1 patients compared to Group 2 patients 15 min after and 30 min after application of drug. Conclusions: The combination of 0.8% tropicamide and 5% phenylephrine was effective compared to alternate application of 0.4% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine for rapid and sustainable pupil dilatation for indirect ophthalmoscopy.

Utilidad de la medición del diámetro transversal del cerebelo fetal para la predicción de la edad gestacional

Objetivo: Establecer la utilidad de la medición del diámetro transversal del cerebelo fetal para la predicción de la edad gestacional. Diseño : Estudio de cohortes, prospectivo y longitudinal. Institución. Hospital Central "Dr. Urquinaona", Maracaibo, Venezuela. Participantes : Mujeres con embarazos simples de bajo riesgo, entre las 14 y las 40 semanas de gestación. Métodos : Se midieron los valores de diámetro biparietal, circunferencia abdominal, longitud del fémur y diámetro transverso del cerebelo fetal durante la duración del embarazo. Principales medidas de resultado. Predicción de la edad gestacional por medición de diámetro transverso del cerebelo. Resultados : Fueron seleccionados los datos de 215 embarazadas. Se realizaron un total de 3,858 evaluaciones totales, siendo el menor número de evaluaciones 131 a las 18 semanas y el mayor número 157 a las 28 semanas. El diámetro transversal del cerebelo presentó correlaciones fuertes, positivas y significativas con la edad gestacional por fecha de última menstruación y las mediciones ecográficas (p < 0,001). El modelo de edad gestacional predicha por el diámetro transverso del cerebelo alcanzó un valor del coeficiente de determinación de 0,908. La correlación entre la edad gestacional por fecha de última menstruación y la predicha por el modelo alcanzó un valor de r = 0,953 (p < 0,001). Conclusión : La medición del diámetro transversal del cerebelo es un parámetro útil para predecir la edad gestacional en embarazadas sanas.

Objective : To establish the usefulness of fetal cerebellar transverse diameter measurement for the prediction of gestational age. Design : Prospective, longitudinal, cohort study. Institution: Hospital Central "Dr. Urquinaona", Maracaibo, Venezuela. Participants : Women with low-risk singleton pregnancies, between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation. Methods : Biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, and transverse diameter of the fetal cerebellum were measured during the duration of pregnancy. Main outcome measures: Prediction of gestational age by measurement of the transverse diameter of the cerebellum. Results : Data from 215 pregnant women were selected. A total of 3,858 total evaluations were performed, with the lowest number of evaluations 131 at 18 weeks and the highest number 157 at 28 weeks. The transverse diameter of the cerebellum presented strong, positive, and significant correlations with gestational age by date of last menstrual period and ultrasound measurements (p < 0.001). The model of gestational age predicted by the transverse diameter of the cerebellum reached a value of the coefficient of determination of 0.908. The correlation between gestational age by date of last menstrual period and that predicted by the model reached a value of r = 0.953 (p < 0.001). Conclusion : Measurement of the transverse diameter of the cerebellum is a useful parameter for predicting gestational age in healthy pregnant women.

Effects of short-term use of atropine with different concentrations and frequencies on eye safety in children / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of short-term topical administration of atropine eye drops with various concentrations and frequencies on eye safety in children.Methods:A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted.Sevevty-two children with ametropia or pre-myopia (72 eyes) were enrolled in Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital from December 2020 to January 2022.The subjects were randomly divided into 0.01% atropine group, 0.02% atropine group and 0.04% atropine group according to a random number table, with 24 cases (24 eyes) in each group.Automatic refraction with an automatic computer optometry device, subjective refraction with a phoropter, intraocular pressure with a non-contact tonometer, axial length by optical biometrics, the amplitude of accommodation (AMP) by the push-up method, pupil diameter with pupilometer, near visual acuity at 33 cm with a standard logarithmic visual acuity chart, tear evaluation with Keratograph 5M and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire survey were performed among all subjects.One drop of 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.04% atropine was administrated to the study eye according to grouping, and the pupil diameter was measured every 10 minutes until the pupil did not enlarge three times, then the data after a single treatment of the three groups were recorded.After one-week application of the corresponding concentration of atropine eye drops once at night, the data after one-week treatment were recorded.For the next week, the application frequency of 0.01% and 0.02% atropine groups changed to once daily in the morning and evening, and 0.04% atropine group maintained once at night, then the data after two-week treatment were recorded.Data of the right eyes were analyzed.The changes in pupil diameter, AMP and other eye parameters before and after atropine eye drops of the three groups were compared.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and the study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital (No.2020KY[L]-51). All subjects and their guardians were fully informed of the method and purpose of this study before entering the cohort.Written informed consent was obtained from guardians.Results:Pupil diameters of 0.01%, 0.02% and 0.04% atropine groups were (5.59±0.48), (5.35±0.76) and (5.65±0.43)mm before treatment respectively, (7.00±0.68), (7.17±0.58) and (8.40±1.71)mm after a single treatment, (6.67±0.62), (6.56±0.65) and (7.60±0.69)mm after one-week treatment, (6.96±0.49), (7.04±0.53) and (7.60±0.36)mm after two-week treatment.There were significant differences in pupil diameter at different time points after treatment among the three groups ( Fgroup=9.430, P<0.001; Ftime=156.620, P<0.001). The AMP of 0.01%, 0.02% and 0.04% atropine groups were (12.94±3.02), (13.25±2.81) and (13.42±2.60)D before treatment respectively, (11.62±2.61), (11.53±2.06) and (9.64±1.93)D after a single treatment, (11.14±2.61), (11.33±2.33) and (8.30±1.18)D after one-week treatment, (9.99±1.81), (8.72±1.25) and (8.76±2.12)D after two-week treatment.There was no significant difference in the AMP among the three groups ( Fgroup=2.800, P=0.063). In the three groups, the AMP at different time points after treatment were significantly lower than that before treatment ( Ftime=61.400, P<0.001). There was no difference in spherical equivalent refraction, intraocular pressure, near visual acuity, axial length, first none-invasive tear break-up time, average none-invasive tear break-up time, tear meniscus height and OSDI score among the three groups ( Fgroup=0.030, 0.630, 1.420, 0.580, 0.140, 0.120, 0.340, 0.142; all at P>0.05). There were significant differences in spherical equivalent refraction, intraocular pressure, first none-invasive tear break-up time, average none-invasive tear break-up time, tear meniscus height and OSDI score at different time points between before and after medication among the three groups ( Ftime=12.560, 4.730, 4.720, 5.220, 3.720; all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Varying pupil dilation and AMP reduction occur after the use of different concentrations of atropine and are more severe at higher concentrations.Increased administration frequency of atropine is associated with more pupil dilation and AMP reduction, but there is no intolerable adverse effect.

Role of the criteria based on preoperative serological indexes of AFP and GGT in predicting long-term survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the role of preoperative serological indexes in predicting long-term survival and tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after liver transplantation, aiming to explore its significance in expanding the Milan criteria. Methods Clinical data of 669 recipients undergoing liver transplantation for HCC were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cut-off value was calculated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The risk factors affecting the overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients after liver transplantation were identified by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. The correlation between preoperative serum liver enzymes and pathological characteristics in HCC patients was analyzed. The predictive values of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) combined with γ -glutamyl transferase (GGT) and different liver transplant criteria for the survival and recurrence of HCC patients after liver transplantation were compared. Results Exceeded Milan criteria, total tumor diameter (TTD) > 8 cm, AFP > 200 ng/mL and GGT > 84 U/L were the independent risk factors for the overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients after liver transplantation (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that preoperative serum GGT level was correlated with TTD, number of tumor, venous invasion, microsatellite lesions, capsular invasion, tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, Child-Pugh score and exceeded Milan criteria (all P < 0.05). Milan-AFP-GGT-TTD (M-AGT) criteria were proposed by combining Milan criteria, TTD with serum liver enzyme indexes (AFP and GGT). The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC recipients who met the M-AGT criteria (111 cases of exceeded Milan criteria) were significantly higher than those who met Hangzhou criteria (both P < 0.05), whereas had no significant difference from their counterparts who met the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) criteria (both P > 0.05). Conclusions Preoperative serological indexes of AFP and GGT could effectively predict the long-term survival and tumor recurrence of HCC patients after liver transplantation. Establishing the M-AGT criteria based on serological indexes contributes to expanding the Milan criteria, which is convenient and feasible.

Efficacy of 0.01% atropine in myopic children of different ages / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To valuate the efficacy of 0.01% atropine for controlling myopia in children of different ages.METHOD: A randomized, double-blind, placebo control and single-center study was conducted. A total of 295 myopic children, aged 6～13 years, with myopia of -0.5D～-6.00D and astigmatism ≤2.0D, who admitted to our hospital from May 2019 to May 2020 were randomly assigned to experimental group(197 cases)and control group(98 cases)in a 2:1 ratio. Two groups were further divided into three subgroups according to age, 6～8 years old group(40/26 cases), 9～10 years group(84/34 cases), and 11～13 years group(73/38 cases). 0.01% atropine was administrated in the experimental group and placebo was administrated in the control group once before sleep. The changes of parameters were compared before and at 2wk, 3, 6, 9 and 12mo after treatment. Intraocular pressure, accommodation amplitude, best corrected distance and near visual acuity, pupil diameter and tear film were tested at 2wk. Cycloplegic refraction was assessed before treatment, and at 6 and 12mo after treatment.RESULTS: The spherical equivalent and axial length progression at 12mo after administration was -0.37±0.69D and 0.29±0.24mm in the experimental group, and -0.59±0.65D and 0.37±0.23mm in the control group(P=0.008, 0.006). In 6～8 years group, spherical equivalent and axial length progression between experimental and control group were not statistically significant(t=0.054, P=0.957; t=-0.623, P=0.536). In 9～10 years group, spherical equivalent and axial length progression between groups were statistically significant(t=2.056, P=0.042; t=-2.057 P=0.042). In 11～13 years group, spherical equivalent and axial length progression between groups were statistically significant(t=2.33, P=0.022; t=-2.424, P=0.017). The pupil was slightly dilated and the accommodation amplitude was decreased in experimental group, and the mean pupil diameter of the two groups was 3.94±0.79 and 3.16±0.48 mm respectively at 12mo after treatment(P<0.001). Other parameters and adverse event noted between groups were not statistically significant.CONCLUSIONS: 0.01% atropine is helpful to control the progression of myopia in children, which is well tolerated by adolescents. However, the effect of 0.01% atropine on the control of myopia for children aged 6～8 years is not enough. The findings suggest that increased concentration of atropine can be tried for 6～8 years old.

Correlation between ciliary sulcus diameter and corneal diameter of patients with low to moderate myopia / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To determine the correlation among horizontal ciliary sulcus(HCS)diameter, vertical ciliary sulcus(VCS)diameter and corneal diameter in different anterior chamber depth(ACD)levels from patients with low to moderate myopia.METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 78 patients(129 eyes)with low to moderate myopia who had preoperative examination of implantable contact lens(ICL)implantation in Shanghai Bright Eye Hospital from April 2021 to April 2022 were included. HCS, VCS and white to white(WTW)were measured and compared. Patients were divided into shallow ACD group(2.8 mm ≤ ACD ≤3.2 mm), medium ACD group(3.2 mm < ACD ≤3.4 mm)and deep ACD group(ACD > 3.4 mm)based on the ACD obtained by Pentacam. The HCS, VCS and WTW within and among groups were compared, and the correlation of WTW, HCS and VCS among each group was analyzed by Pearson and linear regression equation.RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in WTW and HCS overall and in groups with different ACD(P>0.05), while there was difference between VCS and both HCS and WTW(P<0.01). The WTW had a correlation with both HCS and VCS in each group, while correlation between WTW and VCS was weak in the deep ACD group(r=0.470, R2=0.221, P<0.01). Furthermore, the WTW, HCS and VCS in the shallow ACD group were statistically different from those in the medium and deep ACD groups(P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The WTW was suggested predicting HCS rather than perfectly replacing HCS before patients had the ICL operation among patients with low to moderate myopia. The predictability of VCS would decline as the ACD depth increasing, predicting VCS by WTW was not recommended.

Clinical study on the diagnosis of early keratoconus based on ocular morphological parameters with different corneal diameters / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic value of ocular morphological parameters under different corneal diameters for early keratoconus.METHODS: A retrospective case-control study. A total of 201 patients(201 eyes)who were treated in our hospital from January 2019 to March 2022 were included. They were divided into 135 cases(135 eyes)in the control group(patients with history of refractive error)and 66 cases(66 eyes)in the subclinical keratoconus group. The Pentacam anterior segment analyzer was used to determine the horizontal central curvature of corneal posterior surface(Kf), posterior vertical central curvature of corneal posterior surface(Ks), average curvature of corneal posterior surface(Km), Posterior I-S ratio, corneal posterior surface height after the thinnest point(PE at the thinnest point), maximum posterior elevation from best fit sphere(MPE from BFS), maximum posterior elevation from best fit toric ellipsoid(MPE from BFTE), posterior asphericity asymmetry index(AAI), thinnest point thickness of the cornea(TCT), central corneal thickness(CCT), depressed corneal thickness(DCT), pachymetric progression index average(PPIavg), Ambrósio relational thickness maximum(ARTmax)and Belin D value. The differences of each parameter between the two groups were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were analyzed to determine the best diagnosis point. The control group was further divided into groups according to the corneal diameter: corneal diameter ≤11.0mm, 11.1mm≤ corneal diameter ≤11.5mm, 11.6mm≤ corneal diameter ≤12.0mm, corneal diameter ≥12.1mm. The differences of each parameter among these groups were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between corneal diameter and other parameters.RESULTS: There were significant differences in posterior I-S ratio, PE at the thinnest point, MPE from BFS, MPE from BFTE, posterior AAI, TCT, DCT, PPIavg, ARTmax, Belin D value between the subclinical keratoconus group and the control group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). Sensitive index of Pentacam to diagnosis subclinical keratoconus were Belin D value, posterior I-S ratio, PPIavg, posterior AAI and MPE from BFTE(AUC≥0.9). In the control group, there was no significant difference in posterior I-S ratio, MPE from BFTE, posterior AAI, TCT, CCT, and DCT among different corneal diameter groups (P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05), and there was no significant correlation with corneal diameter(all P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05).CONCLUSION: The Belin D value, posterior I-S ratio, PPIavg, posterior AAI, MPE from BFTE obtained by Pentacam are sensitive indicators for the diagnosis of early keratoconus, among which posterior I-S ratio, posterior AAI, MPE from BFTE are less affected by corneal diameter. They play an important role in the early diagnosis of keratoconus under different corneal diameters.

Effect of pancreatin on acute pancreatitis resulting from L-arginine administration in mice, a morpho-histopathological and biochemical study

Abstract Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a life-unpleasant situation with contradictory and inadequate treatments. In this regard, the present study evaluated the effect of the possible pretreatment of lipase-pancreatin on L-arginine-induced AP. Forty adult mice were selected and divided into five groups: I) control group, II and III) AP groups (i.p.) receiving L-arginine of 2×300 and 2×400 mg/100 g body weight (b.w.), IV) AP (2×300 L-arginine) group + pancreatin (mice were i.p. injected by 350 U-lipase), and V) AP (2×400 L-arginine) group + pancreatin (mice were i.p. injected by 350 U-lipase). All AP groups displayed a significant increase in serum levels of ALT, AST, TBARS, and TNF-alpha compared to the control group. Moreover, pancreatic tissue edema, inflammation, and vacuolization of acinar cells were significantly higher in the untreated L-arginine group compared to the control and pancreatin groups. Conversely, the diameter of pancreatic islets significantly declined after induction of pancreatitis compared with control and pancreatin groups. Pancreatin treatment can be used in pancreatic dysfunction, however, this medicine showed no protective effect against L-arginine-induced AP in the mouse model.

Value of spectral domain-optical coherence tomography parameters on evaluating visual acuity improvement after internal limiting membrane peeling of macular hole / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the application value of spectral domain-optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)parameters on evaluating visual acuity improvement after internal limiting membrane peeling of macular hole.METHODS: The retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 82 patients(82 eyes)with idiopathic macular hole(IMH)who underwent vitrectomy + internal limiting membrane peeling + long-acting gas tamponade in the hospital between May 2019 and February 2021. The correlation between IMH closure and SD-OCT parameters at 3mo after surgery was analyzed, and the risk factors for poor postoperative visual acuity improvement were evaluated.RESULTS: Spearman rank correlation coefficient analysis showed that IMH closure at 3mo after operation was positively correlated with preoperative external limiting membrane(ELM)defect diameter(rs=0.308, P&#x003C;0.05), and it was negatively correlated with preoperative macular hole index(MHI; rs=-0.266, P&#x003C;0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative MHI≥0.5 was a protective factor affecting poor postoperative visual acuity improvement(OR=0.691, P&#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: SD-OCT can predict the surgical efficacy by detecting the preoperative MHI and ELM defect diameter, and it is beneficial to judging the improvement of visual function.