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The digital fabrication of a maxillary obturator with a 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) framework is described. Digital oral data were scanned for the computer-aided design (CAD) of the framework and the 3D printing of a preliminary resin cast. The framework was accurately printed from a PEEK filament material. A secondary impression was made to fabricate the definitive cast. The PEEK framework exhibited precise fit, excellent retention, and reduced weight compared with a typical metal framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The destruction of the blood-brain barrier and damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are important reasons for its high disability and mortality rates. However, the exact etiology is not yet clear. In addition, there are currently no effective treatments for improving cerebral edema and gastric mucosal damage after ICH. Trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) is a secretory protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and barrier function of the gastric mucosa, and it has been reported to have a protective effect on brain damage induced by various causes. This study utilized a rat model of ICH induced by type IV collagenase was utilized, and intervened with recombinant TFF1 protein from an external institute to investigate the protective mechanisms of TFF1 against brain edema and gastric mucosal damage after ICH. The results demonstrated that TFF1 alleviated the neurological function and gastric mucosal damage in the rat model of ICH induced by type IV collagenase. TFF1 may ensure the integrity of the blood-brain and gastric mucosal barriers by regulating the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)/Src (non-receptor tyrosine kinase)/FAK (focal adhesion kinase) pathway. Clearly, the disruption of the blood-brain barrier and the destruction of the gastric mucosal barrier are key pathological features of ICH, and TFF1 can improve the progression of blood-brain barrier and gastric mucosal barrier disruption in ICH by regulating the EGFR/Src/FAK pathway. Therefore, TFF1 may be a potential target for the treatment of ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This clinical report describes the fabrication of conventional complete dentures with polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) frameworks made with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM). No biologic or prosthetic complications were observed at the 1-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-lying coastal areas are threatened worldwide by compound flooding effects, including sea-level rise (SLR), frequent tropical cyclones (TCs), and accelerated land subsidence (LS). Compound flooding results in a negative effect, creating challenges for decision-making and coastal management for sustainable urban development. To comprehend the precise consequences and the combined effect of LS and SLR on coastal cities and to inform management scientifically, we initially chose historical TCs (TC6311 and TC1415) that resulted in exceptionally high surges and significant losses as reference scenarios for simulating potential compound events. We then utilized a hydrodynamic model, which combines TCs, LS, and SLR, to simulate the combined impact of flood hazards. Our findings indicated that the highest subsidence rate exceeds −20 mm/yr, the cumulative subsidence reaches −119.09 mm and 68.44% of the land is experiencing subsidence from 2015 to 2021. When comparing flood scenarios with and without the influence of SLR, the most severely affected by LS is projected to become submerged and completely inundated by 2100. We found that the combined impact of SLR and LS significantly amplified flood inundation and SLR is the primary amplification factor of flooding, projected to account for 46.2% by 2100. The framework established in this study facilitates the quantitative assessment of the interactions among multi-driver factors of compound flooding, thereby serving as a supplementary and guiding tool for future risk management. • Propose a framework combining multi-driver factors and hydrodynamics to quantitatively assess the compound flood disaster in coastal cities. • Combined impacts of sea level rise, land subsidence, and tropical cyclones significantly amplify flood inundation. • Regions with higher LS are more vulnerable to flooding driven by sea level rise and land subsidence. • The combined impact of SLR and LS on compound flooding during TCs was not a simple linear addition of individual factors. • Provide new insights into integrating multiple drivers of compound flooding into coastal management and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a digital fabrication method for a speech aid prosthesis by using a 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) framework. The computer-aided design (CAD) of the speech aid prosthesis framework was based on oral scan data. The framework was printed with PEEK filament material supplemented with nanoTiO 2 powder by fused deposition modeling (FDM). A resin preliminary cast was 3D printed, and an altered cast technique was adopted to fabricate the definitive cast. The PEEK framework exhibited precise fit, toothlike color, excellent mechanical properties, and reduced weight as compared with a typical metal framework. This technique describes the successful clinical application of 3D-printed PEEK material for the fabrication of an adult speech aid prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This clinical report described a digital workflow for the design, manufacture, and clinical delivery of a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) removable dental prosthesis with a speech bulb. The process combined intraoral scanning, digital milling for the PEKK framework, and 3D printing for the definitive cast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) guiding device to facilitate the simultaneous preconditioning and cementation of multiunit porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs). The guiding device was designed from the digital cast of the PLVs and definitive cast assembly, with gingival margins 2 mm from the PLV margins and lingual perforations and milled from a transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) disk. The PLVs were seated in the guiding device during the preconditioning procedures and transferred to the abutment teeth with luting cement loaded on the intaglio surfaces. Excess resin cement was removed while the guiding device held the PLVs in place. This technique provides predictable, accurate, and efficient simultaneous preconditioning and cementing of PLVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We propose a 2D-to-3D strategy for invasive plants mapping in mountain area, using UAV-derived 2D digital ortho map (DOM) and 3D mesh model. • The texture features overcome the shortcomings of RGB-only image, and helps to better distinguish invasive vegetation. • A 3D mesh model could better visualize the final results, and show the distribution of invasive plants in the mountains. Abstract Invasive plants constitute one of the major causes of biodiversity loss, and its monitoring plays an important role in the management of coastal ecological systems. This study aimed to apply high precision 3D mesh-model and digital orthophoto map (DOM) derived from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multi view images to monitor the invasive plants over coastal mountain region in Shenzhen, China. To overcome the limitations of RGB images, the Gray-level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) features of images were analyzed and combined with spectral features to obtain the 2-dimentional distribution of invasive plants first, using an object-based image analysis technique. A fine analysis was then introduced to obtain a more accurate 3-dimentional distribution of invasive plant by combining 2-dimentional distribution of invasive plant and 3D mesh model. the results have shown that: (1) Although the UAV RGB image has limited spectral information, the low-altitude makes the spatial resolution very high, which can effectively enhance the effectiveness of the texture in mapping invasive plants, and finally achieved an overall accuracy of 93.25%. (2) The use of 3D mesh model, on the one hand, could significantly alleviate the impact of undulatory terrain over mountain area and improve the classification result; on the other hand, it could better visualize the final results, helping us more intuitively understanding the distribution of invasive plants. This study demonstrated the great potential of UAV-derived 3D mesh model in accurate natural resource management over mountain areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Variation patterns of turbidity index with aerosol size distributions, aerosol optical thickness, relative humidity and observing geometry, are investigated. • The effectiveness of the turbidity index for the NIR-SWIR ocean color atmospheric correction algorithm is tested using simulated aerosol reflectance and Aqua MODIS images. • Turbidity index does not work well as expected, and more effective switching scheme should be developed for the NIR-SWIR algorithm. Abstract Accurately removing atmospheric interferences and retrieving water-leaving reflectance are decisive for subsequent ocean color applications. Over turbid waters, the black pixel assumption at the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region does not hold, and shortwave infrared (SWIR)-based atmospheric correction algorithm should be applied. Turbidity index is proposed to detect turbid waters and worked as a criterion for NIR-SWIR combined algorithm. However, studies demonstrated that turbidity index did not work well as expected. This study, using simulated data and satellite images, aimed to revisit the effectiveness of turbidity index for the switching scheme of NIR-SWIR algorithm. The simulated data were obtained from aerosol look-up tables, and the Aqua MODIS images were used. The variations of turbidity index calculated from aerosol reflectance and Rayleigh-corrected reflectance were explored. Results showed that turbidity index did not obey the assumption that it should be close to one over clear waters with negligible NIR water-leaving reflectance; its value calculated from simulated aerosol reflectance ranged from 0.7 to 2.2; and the turbidity index values varied depending on fine-mode fraction, aerosol optical thickness, relative humidity and observing geometries. Therefore, more effective switching scheme should be developed for the NIR-SWIR combined atmospheric correction algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeromonas hydrophila is a conditional pathogen impacting public hygiene and safety. Hemolysin is a virulence factor of Aeromonas hydrophila that causes erythrocyte hemolysis, yet its transcriptional response to Cyprinus rubrofuscus remains unknown. Our investigation confirmed the hemolysis of hemolysin from A. hydrophila. Serum enzyme activity was evaluated weekly after C. rubrofuscus were immunized with hemolysin Ahh1. The results showed that the hemolysin enhances the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), lysozyme (LZM), and catalase (CAT) activity, which reached a maximum on day 14. To elucidate the molecular interaction between hemolysin from A. hydrophila and the host, we performed transcriptome sequencing on the spleen of C. rubrofuscus 14 days post hemolysin infection. The total number of clean reads was 41.37 Gb, resulting in 79,832 unigenes with an N50 length of 1863 bp. There were 1982 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 1083 upregulated genes and 899 downregulated genes. Transcript levels of the genes, such as LA6BL, CD2, and NLRC5, were significantly downregulated, while those of IL11, IL1R2, and IL8 were dramatically upregulated. The DEGs were mainly enriched in the immune disease, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor, and toll-like receptor pathways, suggesting that hemolysin stimulation can activate the transcriptional responses. RT-qPCR experiments results of seven genes, IL-8, STAT2, CTSK, PRF1, CXCL9, TLR5, and SACS, showed that their expression was highly concordant with RNA-seq data. We clarified for the first time the key genes and signaling pathways response to hemolysin from A. hydrophila , which offers strategies for treating and preventing diseases. • Hemolysin from A. hydrophila enhances serum SOD, LZM, and CAT activities of Cyprinus rubrofuscus. • Transcriptome sequencing showed 1982 significantly DEGs post hemolysin mediated responses. • Hemolysin regulates the expression of immune-related genes, and DEGs are enriched in the immune disease pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system bit- error-rate (BER) performance in ocean is limited mainly by oceanic absorption and scattering. In this paper, we study the single photon avalanche diodes (SPAD) based UWOC systems performance with non-return-to-zero on-off keying (NRZ-OOK) modulation. To analyze the system performance, we first get the modulation of the SPAD-based UWOC system considering nonparalyzable deadtime limit. Moreover, we get the practical maximum likelihood detection threshold for the system. Our analytical treatment involves the impairing effects of the underwater optical channel. We also investigate the effect of the dead time on the BER performance of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the molecular mechanism involved in rosiglitazone against secondary brain damage caused by cerebral hemorrhage, we pretreated thrombin-induced microglial cells by rosiglitazone and then investigated its effect on antioxidant-related genes NQO1and γ-GCS expression change. Primary microglial cells were obtained from the brain tissue of newborn Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats and were randomly divided into three groups: the normal (control), thrombin stimulation (TH), thrombin-treated plus rosiglitazone (TH+RGZ). The expression of NQO1and γ-GCS was measured by immunocytochemistry, real-time PCR, and western blot analysis. The immunocytochemistry showed that the number of NQO1and γ-GCS stained cells in TH and TH+RGZ group increased compared to the control group. In addition, the expression of NQO1 and γ-GCS in TH+RGZ group remarkably increased in mRNA and protein level compared to TH only group (p < 0.01). Rosiglitazone can increase thrombin-induced microglia anti-oxidative ability by increasing NQO1and γ-GCS expression, which can effectively reduce secondary injury after cerebral hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Muscles converge or intertweave around the perioral area, and this can be treated with sequential therapy in infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The force of perioral muscles has a great influence on maxillary development and morphology. Perioral force in infants with CLP has not been well studied, and accurate and reliable measurement of perioral force in infants remains a challenge. This study aimed to investigate a new way to accurately and reliably measure perioral force in infants with unilateral CLP (UCLP) and explore the change before and after cheiloplasty. Study design A perioral force measurement system was developed and applied to measure perioral force at labial frenum area and the commissures on both the normal and the cleft sides of four infants with UCLP before and after cheiloplasty. The results were analyzed using the SPSS 19.0 software. Results The perioral force measurement system appears to produce valid results in infants with UCLP. Before cheiloplasty, the perioral force of labial frenum area was 1.79 ± 0.94 g/cm 2 and that of commissure on the normal and cleft sides was 5.41 ± 1.01 g/cm 2 and 3.12 ± 1.55 g/cm 2 , respectively (P < 0.05). After cheiloplasty, perioral force of labial frenum area was 12.73 ± 3.51 g/cm 2 and that of commissure on the normal and cleft sides was 7.64 ± 1.64 g/cm 2 and 7.27 ± 1.89 g/cm 2 , respectively (P > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to observe the effects of hippocampal low-frequency stimulation (Hip-LFS) on amygdala afterdischarge and GABA (A) receptor expression in pharmacoresistant epileptic (PRE) rats. Methods: A total of 110 healthy adult male Wistar rats were used to generate a model of epilepsy by chronic stimulation of the amygdala. Sixteen PRE rats were selected from 70 amygdala-kindled rats by testing their response to Phenytoin and Phenobarbital, and they were randomly assigned to a pharmacoresistant stimulation group (PRS group, 8 rats) or a pharmacoresistant control group (PRC group, 8 rats). A stimulation electrode was implanted into the hippocampus of all of the rats. Hip-LFS was administered twice per day in the PRS group for two weeks. Simultaneously, amygdala stimulus-induced seizures and afterdischarge were recorded. After the hippocampal stimulation was terminated, the brain tissues were obtained to determine the GABA (A) receptors by a method of immumohistochemistry and a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The stages and duration of the amygdala stimulus-induced epileptic seizures were decreased in the PRS group. The afterdischarge threshold was increased and the duration as well as the afterdischarge frequency was decreased. Simultaneously, the GABA (A) expression was significantly increased in the PRS group. Conclusions: Hip-LFS may inhibit amygdala stimulus-induced epileptic seizures and up-regulate GABA (A) receptor expression in PRE rats. The antiepileptic effects of hippocampal stimulation may be partly achieved by increasing the GABA (A) receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diffusion tensor imaging was used to observe the effects of performing early minimally invasive surgery (MIS) on internal capsule in dog model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).Methods: Twenty-five male dogs were selected to prepare an ICH model, and then they were randomly distributed into a model control (MC) group (5 dogs) or an MIS group (20 dogs). In the MIS group, the intracerebral hematoma was evacuated by stereotactic minimally invasive procedures over 6 hours (5 dogs), 12 hours (5 dogs), 18 hours (5 dogs), or 24 hours (5 dogs) after successful induction of ICH. The same procedure was performed in the MC group but without evacuating the hematoma. All the animals were sacrificed within 2 weeks after the hematoma was surgically evacuated. The neurologic deficit score and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were observed before and after the MIS. The perihematomal blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and the brain water content (BWC) were measured 2 weeks after the hematoma was surgically evacuated.Results: The DTI demonstrated that integrity of the internal capsule restored largely after surgery and the fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the internal capsule on the hematoma side increased significantly as compared with those in the MC group or those before surgery in the same group. The postoperative ratios of FA values of each MIS subgroup increased compared with the MC group and those before surgery in the same subgroup before operation. The neurologic deficit score, the perihematomal BBB permeability, and the BWC of each MIS subgroup decreased significantly compared with those of the MC group. The 6-12-hour group displayed a more favorable result.Conclusions: Performing the MIS in the early stage (6-12 hours) after ICH could decrease the secondary damages to the internal capsule so as to promote the recovery of motor function. The optimal time window for MIS should be within 6-12 hours after onset of ICH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy provides a beneficial tool for investigating soil heavy metal contamination. This study aimed to investigate mechanisms of soil arsenic prediction using laboratory based soil and leaf spectra, compare the prediction of arsenic content using soil spectra with that using rice plant spectra, and determine whether the combination of both could improve the prediction of soil arsenic content. A total of 100 samples were collected and the reflectance spectra of soils and rice plants were measured using a FieldSpec3 portable spectroradiometer (350–2500 nm). After eliminating spectral outliers, the reflectance spectra were divided into calibration ( n = 62) and validation ( n = 32) data sets using the Kennard-Stone algorithm. Genetic algorithm (GA) was used to select useful spectral variables for soil arsenic prediction. Thereafter, the GA-selected spectral variables of the soil and leaf spectra were individually and jointly employed to calibrate the partial least squares regression (PLSR) models using the calibration data set. The regression models were validated and compared using independent validation data set. Furthermore, the correlation coefficients of soil arsenic against soil organic matter, leaf arsenic and leaf chlorophyll were calculated, and the important wavelengths for PLSR modeling were extracted. Results showed that arsenic prediction using the leaf spectra (coefficient of determination in validation, R v 2 = 0.54; root mean square error in validation, RMSE v = 12.99 mg kg −1 ; and residual prediction deviation in validation, RPD v = 1.35) was slightly better than using the soil spectra ( R v 2 = 0.42, RMSE v = 13.35 mg kg −1 , and RPD v = 1.31). However, results also showed that the combinational use of soil and leaf spectra resulted in higher arsenic prediction ( R v 2 = 0.63, RMSE v = 11.94 mg kg −1 , RPD v = 1.47) compared with either soil or leaf spectra alone. Soil spectral bands near 480, 600, 670, 810, 1980, 2050 and 2290 nm, leaf spectral bands near 700, 890 and 900 nm in PLSR models were important wavelengths for soil arsenic prediction. Moreover, soil arsenic showed significantly positive correlations with soil organic matter ( r = 0.62, p < 0.01) and leaf arsenic ( r = 0.77, p < 0.01), and a significantly negative correlation with leaf chlorophyll ( r = −0.67, p < 0.01). The results showed that the prediction of arsenic contents using soil and leaf spectra may be based on their relationships with soil organic matter and leaf chlorophyll contents, respectively. Although RPD of 1.47 was below the recommended RPD of >2 for soil analysis, arsenic prediction in agricultural soils can be improved by combining the leaf and soil spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presurgical correction of severe nasal deformities before cheiloplasty is often recommended for infants with cleft lip and palate. This article describes an approach for the computer-aided design and fabrication of a nasal molding stent. A 3-dimensional photogrammetric system was used to obtain the shape information of the nosewing that was then built as the nostril support for the nasal molding stent. The stent was fabricated automatically with a rapid prototyping machine. This technique may be an alternative approach to presurgical nasal molding in the clinic. Moreover, the patient’s nasal morphology can be saved as clinical data for future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) transplantation has been used to treat intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD); however, the degenerative nature of NPCs influences its effectiveness. Nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells (NPSCs), which are self-renewing, have high expansion potential and can adapt to the intervertebral disc (IVD) microenvironment and may have a better regenerative capacity, which is favourable for treating IDD. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of transplantation with NPSCs and NPCs on the regeneration of the IVD in rabbit models. Methods: NPSCs and NPCs were isolated from human degenerate nucleus pulposus tissue by differential adhesion method, and stem cell surface markers were detected by flow cytometry. Degenerative discs in rabbits were randomly distributed into three groups: NPSCs, NPCs and vehicle control group; the normal discs served as the normal control group. Cells of the P3 generation were prepared for transplantation. About 20 μl of cell suspension (NPSCs or NPCs) or DMEM was injected into corresponding discs, while the normal discs were left untreated. After 8 weeks, disc height was evaluated using X-ray, water content was evaluated by MRI, and gene and protein expression levels of collagen II and aggrecan in the nucleus were determined by real-time PCR and ELISA. Results: NPCs and NPSCs from the P3 generation were polygonal and spindle-shaped, respectively. Both NPSCs and NPCs strongly expressed surface markers CD73, CD90, and CD105 and weakly expressed CD34 and CD45. The relative rates of expression of CD73, CD90, and CD105 were higher in NPSCs than in NPCs. After 8 weeks, X-ray results showed no significant difference in disc height index among the groups (p > 0.05). MRI revealed that the intensity of the nucleus pulposus signal was increased in NPSCs (p < 0.05). The results from PCR and ELISA demonstrated that NPSCs promoted gene and protein expression of aggrecan instead of collagen II (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Compared to NPCs, NPSCs harvested by differential adhesion method displayed a higher positive rate of stem cell surface markers and showed superior regenerative effectiveness for treating IDD in rabbit models. Therefore, NPSCs are potential candidates for cell therapy for the regeneration of the IVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To observe the effects of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for intracerebral hematoma (ICH) evacuation followed by rosiglitazone infusion therapy on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and neurological function. Methods: A total of 75 male rabbits (2.8-3.4 kg) were randomly assigned to a normal control group (NC group), a model control group (MC group), a rosiglitazone group (RSG group), a minimally invasive treatment group (MIS group) or a MIS combined with rosiglitazone group (MIS+RSG group). ICH was induced in all of the animals except for those in the NC group. The rosiglitazone was infused into the hematoma area in the RSG group and the MIS+RSG group. A MIS was performed to evacuate the ICH 6 h after the successful preparation of the ICH model in the MIS group and the MIS+RSG group. Each group included 15 rabbits and was divided equally into 3 subgroups (each subgroup included 5 rabbits that were killed on day 1, day 3, or day 7). Neurological deficit scores were determined, and the perihematomal brain tissue was removed to determine the PPARγ level and BBB permeability. Results: Neurological deficit scores, perihematomal PPARγ levels, and BBB permeability were all significantly increased in the MC group compared to the NC group. Performing the MIS alone to evacuate the ICH resulted in a marked decrease in these indices. The RSG used alone increased PPARγ levels and decreased BBB disruption. The MIS+RSG group displayed a marked increase in PPARγ levels and a more significant decrease in BBB permeability and neurological deficit scores. Conclusions: Performing MIS followed by PPARγ agonist infusion therapy is more efficacious for reducing secondary damage to the brain and improving neurological function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To determine the effects of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) at various stages after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on perihematomal endothelin (ET)-1 levels and neurological functioning. Methods: Sixty rabbits were randomly distributed into a model control group (MC group, 30 rabbits) or a MIS group (MI group, 30 rabbits). An ICH model was established in all animals. In the MI group, ICH was evacuated by MIS at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 hours (six rabbits at each time point) after the ICH was established. The animals in the MC group underwent the same procedures for ICH evacuation, but with a sham operation without hematoma aspiration. All the animals were sacrificed 7 days after the ICH was established. Neurological deficit scores were determined, and the perihematomal brain tissue was removed to determine the ET-1 levels, blood--brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and brain water content (BWC). Results: The neurological deficit scores, perihematomal ET-1 levels, BBB permeability, and BWC all decreased significantly in the MI group compared to the MC group. Performing the MIS for evacuating the ICH at 6 hours resulted in the most remarkable decreases in these indices, followed by a significant difference observed at 12 hours within the MI subgroups. Conclusions: Performing MIS at 6--12 hours after ICH resulted in the most significant decreases in neurological deficit scores, ET-1 levels, BBB permeability, and brain edema. The optimal time window for performing MIS for ICH evacuation might be within 6--12 hours after hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of prosthesis-guided implantation has been widely accepted for intraoral implant placement, although clinicians do not fully appreciate its use for facial defect restoration. In this clinical report, multiple digital technologies were used to restore a facial defect with prosthesis-guided implantation. A simulation surgery was performed to remove the residual auricular tissue and to ensure the correct position of the mirrored contralateral ear model. The combined application of computed tomography and 3-dimensional photography preserved the position of the mirrored model and facilitated the definitive implant-retained auricular prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To case-II waters, suspended particulate matter (SPM) is one of the dominant water constituents, SPM concentration ( C SPM ) is a key parameter describing water quality, and developing remote sensing-based C SPM retrieval models is foundation for obtaining its spatiotemporal distributions. This study aimed to develop moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based C SPM empirical retrieval models in Dongting Lake, China. The 95 C SPM measurements on 31 August 2012 and 14 June 2013 and their corresponding MODIS Terra images were used to calibrate models, and the model calibration results showed that the 250 m MODIS red band obtained better fitting accuracies than the near infrared band; the quadratic and exponential models of single red band explained 75% (estimated standard errors (SE) = 6.19 mg/l) and 71% (SE = 6.54 mg/l) of the variation of C SPM ; and the quadratic and exponential models of red minus shortwave infrared (SWIR) band at 1240 and 1640 nm explained 72–73% (SE = 6.43–6.48 mg/l) and 68–69% (SE = 6.83–6.96 mg/l) of the variations of C SPM , respectively. The quadratic and exponential models of red band and red minus SWIR band were applied to the MODIS Terra image on 16 September 2013 to estimate C SPM values. By comparing the estimated C SPM values on 16 September 2013 and the measured ones on 17 September 2013 at 40 sampling points for model validations, the results indicated that there exited significantly strong correlations between the measured and estimated C SPM values at a significance level of 0.05 for all models, and the exponential model of red minus SWIR band at 1240 nm achieved the best estimation result within all models. Such result provided foundation for obtaining the spatiotemporal distribution information of C SPM from MODIS images in Dongting Lake, which will be helpful for understanding, managing and protecting this ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) is a key parameter describing water quality, and developing the retrieval model of SPM concentration ( C SPM ) is fundamental for obtaining the spatiotemporal information of C SPM and further for understanding, managing and protecting aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to compare moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based C SPM retrieval models in order to find the optimal model for improving the C SPM estimation in Poyang Lake. The C SPM measurements on 27 September 2007 and their coincident MODIS Terra image were used to calibrate retrieval models with the least-squares technique. The C SPM measurements on 31 August 2012 and the MODIS Terra image on 30 August 2012 were applied to validate the calibrated models, and the correlation coefficient ( r ) between the measured and estimated C SPM values, the root mean square error (RMSE) and relative root mean square error (RRMSE) of estimation as well as the model bias evaluation result were compared to determine the optimal model for estimating the C SPM values of Poyang Lake from MODIS images. Model calibration showed that, after two samples were removed, the exponential models of blue, green and red band, the linear model of infrared band, the cubic model of red band as well as the exponential model of red minus infrared band explained about 92%, 88%, 90%, 89%, 90% and 76% of the variation of C SPM , respectively; while model validation indicated that, after removing two samples, the exponential models of blue and green band got biased C SPM estimations, the agreement between the measured and estimated C SPM values was not very high ( r = <0.8) for the models with single red and infrared band, and the exponential model of red minus infrared band got the best result among all calibrated models ( r = 0.87, RMSE = 22.1 mg/l, RRMSE = 52.8%). We concluded that the exponential model of red minus infrared band obtained stable C SPM estimation and was the optimal model for C SPM estimation in this study, and more independent datasets should be obtained to further validate our finding for improving the C SPM estimation in Poyang Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to provide pathophysiological evidence for the time window of minimally invasive (MI) procedures for evacuating intracerebral hematoma by observing the perihematomal glutamate level and its correlation with the outcome of the patients treated with MI surgery. Methods: One hundred consecutive patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the basal ganglia were assigned to either a medical treatment group (MT group, 20 patients) or a minimally invasive treatment group (MI group, 80 patients). The intracerebral hematoma was evacuated using stereotactic MI surgery within 6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, or 24 hours of symptom onset based on the interval between the initial hemorrhage to the patients' arrival at the hospital. Perihematomal glutamate levels and brain water content were measured in 10 randomly selected patients in each MI subgroup. The outcome of the patients was determined by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Modified Ranking Scale (MRS) within 6 months after admission. Results: The perihematomal glutamate levels and brain water content increased gradually as the intervals from symptom onset to surgery were prolonged. Minimally invasive surgery at all the investigated time points could improve the neurological functions. Performing the MI procedures in 6 hours showed the most remarkable decrease of NIHSS and MRS, and secondarily in 12 hours. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery could be effective in the treatment of patients with ICH. The optimal time window for MI surgery may be within 6-12 hours of symptom onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Cleft lip in the presence or absence of a cleft palate is a major public health problem. However, few studies have been published concerning the soft-tissue morphology of cleft lip infants. Currently, obtaining reliable three-dimensional (3D) surface models of infants remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate a new way of capturing 3D images of cleft lip infants using a structured light scanning system. In addition, the accuracy and precision of the acquired facial 3D data were validated and compared with direct measurements. Study design: Ten unilateral cleft lip patients were enrolled in the study. Briefly, 3D facial images of the patients were acquired using a 3D scanner device before and after the surgery. Fourteen items were measured by direct anthropometry and 3D image software. The accuracy and precision of the 3D system were assessed by comparative analysis. Results: The anthropometric data obtained using the 3D method were in agreement with the direct anthropometry measurements. All data calculated by the software were ‘highly reliable’ or ‘reliable’, as defined in the literature. The localisation of four landmarks was not consistent in repeated experiments of inter-observer reliability in preoperative images (P < 0.05), while the intra-observer reliability in both pre- and postoperative images was good (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The structured light scanning system is proven to be a non-invasive, accurate and precise method in cleft lip anthropometry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: The effects of performing a minimally invasive procedure at different stages after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on perifocal MMP-9 expression and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability were evaluated. Methods: Thirty-six rabbits were randomly distributed into a normal control group (NC group, six rabbits), a model control group (MC group, six rabbits), and a minimally invasive group (MI group, 24 rabbits). A model of ICH was established in the MC and MI groups. In the MI group, the intracerebral hematoma was evacuated by stereotactic minimally invasive procedures over 6 hours (six rabbits), 12 hours (six rabbits), 18 hours (six rabbits), and 24 hours (six rabbits), following successful induction of ICH. All animals were sacrificed within 48 hours after the hematoma was surgically evacuated. A neurological deficit score was determined, and the perihematomal MMP-9 level and the BBB permeability were measured. Results: The neurological deficit score, the perihematomal MMP-9 level, and the BBB permeability of the MI group were decreased significantly compared with the MC group. Performing the MI procedure 6-12 hours after ICH showed the most significant decrease in MMP-9, BBB permeability, and neurological deficit score. Conclusion: The optimal time window of performing MI procedures for the intracerebral hematoma evacuation might be within 6-12 hours after hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to observe changes in motor function using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) in patients with thalamic hematoma treated by minimally invasive procedures. Methods: Forty-three patients with thalamic hematoma were randomized to either a minimally invasive group (MI group) or a medical treatment group (MT group). The patients in the MI group underwent whole-brain DTI and MEP measurements both before and 2 weeks after the thalamic hematoma was evacuated by minimally invasive procedures. The fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the corticospinal tract (CST) in the internal capsule and MEP ipsilateral to the hematoma side and the contralateral side were determined and then compared with the MT group. Results: DTI showed that fibers in the internal capsule ipsilateral to the hematoma decreased either in number or were interrupted because of hematoma-induced damages, and in both groups, the CST FA values on admission were significantly lower (0.428 ± 0.032 and 0.415 ± 0.048 for the MI and MT groups, respectively) than the control values. Two weeks after the hematoma was evacuated, the number of fibers and the FA values of the CST in the internal capsule had both increased significantly relative to the values on admission. MEP was recorded simultaneously in all patients who were treated with minimally invasive procedures, and the latency of MEP decreased compared with the MT group. As FA values of the CST in internal capsule increased and MEP appeared with its latency decreased, the modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score decreased after the surgery. Conclusions: Minimally invasive procedures for thalamic hematoma evacuation could effectively reduce the degree of injury to the function as observed by a combination of DTI and MEP measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]