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There is no validated method of assessing masseter muscle thickness (MMT) by ultrasound imaging (US). However, this is important to ensure study and measurement quality of MMT by US in future studies, as MMT differs depending on the examined area. Thus, this study's aim was to present a new standardized method for assessing the MMT by US and to evaluate the reliability, consistency, and accuracy of its measurements. We also compared the results of MMT measurements obtained by US and computer tomography (CT). The study included nine healthy adults. The US and CT scans were collected in a supine rest position with the mandible in relaxed position. US measurements were determined according to a new standardized protocol (with precise probe location). The MMT measured by CT and US over a seven-day interval showed excellent intra-rater reliability. The mean MMT measured by CT was 12.1 mm (1.74) on the right side and 11.9 mm (1.61) on the left side. The mean MMT measured by US was 12.7 mm (2.00) on the right side and 11.5 mm (1.37) on the left side. The mean percent error in MMT measurement between CT and US was below 6%. A strong linear relationship was found between the CT and US measurements of the MMT on both body sides (p < 0.001, r ≥ 0.93). The proposed method of MMT measurement using US demonstrated excellent reliability, yielding results similar to those obtained from CT images. We recommend the use of this standardization protocol in further studies where precise assessment of MMT by US is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound imaging (US) is being increasingly used to aid in the diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies. This study aims to evaluate the shear modulus and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A total of 35 patients with CTS participated in the study. CSA and shear modulus testing were performed in shear wave elastography (SWE) mode in five positions of the right and left radiocarpal joints (intermediate position 0°, 45° of extension, maximum extension, 45° of flexion, and maximum flexion). There were significant side-to-side differences in the median nerve shear modulus at each wrist position as compared to the asymptomatic side. There were significant side-to-side differences in the median nerve CSA at each wrist position as compared to the asymptomatic side. Shear modulus increases in patients with CTS at different angular positions of flexion and extension of the radiocarpal joint. In individuals with CTS, the CSA of the median nerve is greater on the symptomatic side compared to the asymptomatic side. The CSA decreases in positions of maximum extension and 45° of flexion and in maximum flexion relative to the resting position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research concerns the possibility of using reclaimed asphalt pavement as a substitute for conventional aggregate in cement concrete mixtures for roads and airfield applications. The advantages of using reclaimed asphalt pavement as a replacement for natural aggregates are presented. Economic and environmental aspects are indicated, including the reduction in the consumption of natural non-renewable sources of mineral aggregates, as well as reduction in transport costs and emissions of harmful greenhouse gases. The consistency of this recycled material with the idea of sustainable development in the construction industry is emphasized. The test results of the used reclaimed asphalt and the assessment of the effect of its amount on the change in mechanical, physical and strength parameters of cement concrete are presented. It has been shown that the addition of reclaimed concrete reduces selected parameters of cement concrete, but it is possible to use it in structures with less traffic load, taking into account the sustainable development policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parsonage–Turner syndrome (PTS) is a rare neurological disorder that causes major diagnostic problems. This paper presents a case report of a patient with PTS and proposes a new physiotherapy program. Case description: a 23-year-old man presents a sudden severe pain of his right arm. The man is consulted by several doctors and physiotherapists. Three magnetic resonance imagings (MRI), a nerve conduction study (NCS), and needle electromyography (EMG) are performed. After 6 months, based on medical history, physical examination and ultrasound imaging (UI), the physiotherapist suggests PTS, which is confirmed by a neurologist. Intervention: due to the lack of physiotherapy treatment standards in PTS, we apply neurodynamic techniques. Outcomes: neurodynamic techniques are effective in reducing pain and paraesthesia, improving sensation, and reducing nerve swelling (assessed by UI), as well as improving manual dexterity and overall health status. Conclusions: the patient with PTS is challenging for making an accurate diagnosis. This study shows an important role for UI, which shows changes in the musculocutaneous nerve, despite the lack of abnormalities in the MRI, NCS, and EMG, and helps in making an accurate diagnosis. This report also confirms that physiotherapy based on neurodynamic techniques may have beneficial effects in PTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 10-week sensomotor exercise programme on body balance and agility in a group of adolescent athletes. Initially, 120 adolescent football players were included in the study. In the final analysis, 90 athletes aged 10–17 years participated. The study was designed as a single-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Healthy athletes who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two comparative groups: experimental and control groups. Sensomotor exercises were conducted twice weekly for 10 weeks in the experimental group. The adolescent footballers were subjected to the following tests: a COP (Centre of Pressure) test on a stabilometric platform, a Y balance test (Y-BT), and an agility test. The experimental group showed improvement with respect to the following variables: COP-based path length, with eyes open, for 30 s duration—improved by 5.3 cm (mean: 20.0; 95% CI 15.3–24.8); area, with eyes open, for 30 s duration—improved by 1 cm2 (mean 2.1; 95% CI 0.6–3.5); area, with eyes closed, for 30 s duration—improved by 0.4 cm2 (mean 2.2; 95% CI 1.6–2.8). The Y-BT was significantly improved in terms of the final score for the following variables: left leg anterior by 2.1% (mean 73.1; 95% CI 70.7–75.2); right leg posterolateral by 3.8% (mean 112.3; 95% CI 109.3–115.3); right and left leg posteromedial by 5.6% (mean 111.7; 95% CI 108.6–114.9) and 5.7% (mean 112.3; 95% CI 109.7–115.1), respectively; medium posterolateral by 3.2% (mean 111.8; 95% CI 109.0–114.7); medium posteromedial by 6.0% (mean 112.0; 95% CI 109.2–115.0); and Y total score by 3.5% (mean 98.8; 95% CI 96.6–100.9). The agility test in the experimental group was improved by 1.6 s (mean 13.2; 95% CI 12.6–14.0). A 10-week programme of additional sensomotor exercises improved selected parameters determining balance and agility in the young football players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound imaging (US) is increasingly being used in the diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies. The aim of the current study was to evaluate changes in stiffness (shear modulus), cross-sectional area (CSA), and trace length (TRACE) of the ulnar nerve in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), with shear wave elastography (SWE). A total of 31 patients with CuTS were included. CSA, shear modulus, and TRACE examinations were performed in the SWE mode in four positions of the elbow: full extension, 45° flexion, 90° flexion, and maximum flexion. There were significant side-to-side differences in the ulnar nerve elasticity value at 45°, 90°, and maximal elbow flexion (all, p < 0.001) but not at elbow extension (p = 0.36). There were significant side-to-side differences in the ulnar nerve CSA value at each elbow position (all, p < 0.001). There were significant side-to-side differences in the ulnar nerve trace value at each elbow position (all, p < 0.001). The symptomatic ulnar nerve in patients with CuTS exhibited greater stiffness (shear modulus), CSA, and TRACE values, compared with the asymptomatic side. US examinations (shear modulus, CSA, and TRACE evaluation) of the ulnar nerve can be helpful in supporting and supplementing the diagnosis in patients with CuTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Static two-point discrimination (2PD) and Semmes–Weinstein monofilament (SWM) tests are commonly used to evaluate sensory disorders in the hand. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of 2PD and SWM tests in the ulnar nerve innervation area in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) and healthy individuals. This was a two-group repeated-measures inter-rater and intra-rater reliability study. Twenty-one patients with CuTS and 30 healthy adults participated. The static 2PD test was performed using a standardized Dellon discriminator, whereas the SWM test was conducted using TOUCH TEST monofilaments. Two examiners performed both tests at the hypothenar eminence and the fourth and fifth digits (ulnar nerve innervation hand territory). First, examiner A conducted three series of 2PD and SWM tests twice with a 15-min rest period (within-day intra-rater reliability). Next, examiner B repeated the same examination 5 min after (inter-rater reliability). Examiner A conducted the same examination 7 days after (between-day intra-rater reliability). For single measurements, the inter-rater reliability and within-day intra-rater reliability in the 2PD was at least 0.81 in patients with CuTS or healthy subjects. The between-days intra-rater reliability for a single measurement varied from 0.56 to 0.95 in CuTS patients and healthy subjects. The between-days intra-rater reliability for mean value from three measurements was above 0.80. The kappa for SWM was above 0.8 and the percentage of agreement was at least 90% for all sessions and trials. In conclusion, the 2PD and SWM tests are reliable for assessing sensation in the ulnar nerve innervation area of the hand in patients with CuTS and healthy subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the intra-rater reliability and agreement of diaphragm and intercostal muscle elasticity and thickness during tidal breathing. The diaphragm and intercostal muscle parameters were measured using shear wave elastography in adolescent athletes. To calculate intra-rater reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman statistics were used. The reliability/agreement for one-day both muscle measurements (regardless of probe orientation) were at least moderate. During the seven-day interval between measurements, the reliability of a single measurement depended on the measured parameter, transducer orientation, respiratory phase, and muscle. Excellent reliability was found for diaphragm shear modulus at the peak of tidal expiration in transverse probe position (ICC3.1 = 0.91–0.96; ICC3.2 = 0.95), and from poor to excellent reliability for the intercostal muscle thickness at the peak of tidal inspiration with the longitudinal probe position (ICC3.1 = 0.26–0.95; ICC3.2 = 0.15). The overall reliability/agreement of the analysed data was higher for the diaphragm measurements (than the intercostal muscles) regardless of the respiratory phase and probe position. It is difficult to identify a more appropriate probe position to examine these muscles. The shear modulus/thickness of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles demonstrated good reliability/agreement so this appears to be a promising technique for their examination in athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To date, various forms of physiotherapy are used in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). The effectiveness of physiotherapy for CuTS is inconclusive. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of physiotherapy in the conservative treatment of CuTS. Methods: The six databases were searched from December 2020 to March 2022. The inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials, case series, and case reports that evaluate the effects of physiotherapy in the treatment of adult participants with diagnosis CuTS. A total of 11 studies met the eligibility criteria, capturing a total of 187 participants. Results: In three types of papers, pain, muscle strength, and limitation of upper limb function were the most frequently assessed characteristics. Physiotherapy was most often based on manual therapy, neurodynamic techniques, and electrical modalities. One clinical trial rated the risk of bias "high" and the other two "some concerns". In case-series designs, five studies rated the risk of bias as "serious" and three as "moderate". Most of the studies showed a significant improvement in the clinical condition, also in the follow-up study. Only one clinical trial showed no therapeutic effect. Conclusion: There is no possibility of recommending the best method of physiotherapy in clinical practice for people with CuTS based on the results of this systematic review. More high-quality studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of aircraft on airport pavements is varied and closely related to their operational durability. The article presents the impact of the annealing process related to the forced impact of airplanes on airport pavements. The composition of cement concrete with ceramic dust, which is characterized by increased thermal resistance, has been proposed. Two research cycles were programmed, differentiated by the annealing scheme and the way in which the temperature influences the annealing time. Samples stored at a temperature of 20 ± 2 °C were subjected to testing. The tests were carried out for two diagrams: A and B. The first—diagram A—included the continuous impact of the flue gas stream on the samples for a period of 350 min with a test step every 25 min. For the second—diagram B—the samples were alternately heated (1 min) and cooled (15 min). The influence of the proposed pavement mix on changes in the internal structure of cement concrete and the increase in its resistance to high temperatures was determined. In the microstructure of the CC-1 concrete matrix, it was found that there were plate-granular portlandite crystals up to 10 µm in size and ettringite crystals with a length of 8 µm. In the CC-2 concrete, the ettringite crystals were less numerous and had a length of up to 5 µm, there were also continuous contact zones between the aggregate grains and the cement matrix (diagrams A). The alternating annealing/cooling (diagram B) resulted in the ettringite crystals in the CC-1 matrix being up to 10 µm long, and in the CC-2 concrete up to 7 µm long. The contact zone between the aggregate grain and the matrix in CC-2 concrete was continuous, and the microcracks in CC-1 concrete were up to 8 nm. Regardless of the heating diagram, in the surface zone, there were larger microcracks in the CC-1 concrete than in the CC-2 concrete. For diagram A they were 14 µm and 4 µm and for diagram B they were 35 µm and 5 µm, respectively. It was found that concrete with ceramic dust is characterized by a lower and more stable temperature increase. In scheme A, the average temperature increase on the heated surface ranged from 46 °C to 79.5 °C for CC-1 concrete, and from 33.3 °C to 61.3 °C for CC-2 concrete. However, in scheme B, the temperature after 350 heating cycles for CC-1 concrete increased to 129.8 °C, and for CC-2 concrete to 116.6 °C. After the cooling period, the temperature of CC-1 and CC-2 concrete was comparable and amounted to 76.4 C and 76.3 °C, respectively. CC-2 concrete heats to lower values, and favorable changes in internal structure translate into higher strength and durability (after 350 heating cycles according to scheme A, the strength of CC-1 concrete was 67.1 MPa and of CC-2 concrete 83.9 MPa, while in scheme B, respectively, 55.4 MPa for CC-1 and 75 MPa for CC-2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screen (HLLMS) was developed to detect altered movement patterns and asymmetry specifically related to hip, pelvic, and lower limb movement control, as the other tools, such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), lacked focus on the hip and pelvic area. Both screening tools contain symmetrical and asymmetrical motor tasks which are based on observation of different aspects of each task performance. One motor task is in both screening tools. Therefore, they have some common features. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the HLLMS and FMS performance in youth football players. The study included 41 elite male football (soccer) players (age: 15.6 ± 0.50 years), and the HLLMS and FMS scores were analyzed by assessing Spearman's rank correlation. The FMS total score and the FMSMOVE were moderately correlated with the HLLMS total score (R = −0.54; −0.53, respectively). The FMS rotatory stability task was moderately correlated with the HLLMS small knee bend with the trunk rotation task (R = −0.50). The FMS deep squat task was moderately correlated with the HLLMS deep squat task (R = −0.46). The FMS hurdle step was weakly correlated with two of the HLLMS tasks: standing hip flexion (R = −0.37) and hip abduction with external rotation (R = −0.34). There were no other relationships found (p > 0.05). Out of the seven FMS tasks, only one asymmetrical (trunk rotary stability) and one symmetrical (deep squat) task were moderately related to the newly developed HLLMS tool contributing moderate relationship between the FMS total score and the HLLMS total score. Other FMS tasks were weakly or unrelated with the HLLMS. These findings indicate that these two screening tools mainly assess different aspects of movement quality in healthy youth football players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telescopic crowns are used to connect removable dental prostheses with the remaining dentition. Several material combinations are used for manufacturing primary and secondary crowns. The present experimental study analysed the influence of different material combinations on the long-term development of surface roughness and pull-off forces. Six different material combinations were tested. Secondary crowns were manufactured either by casting or electroforming. Each material combination was tested with n = 10 specimens. A material testing device with integrated power sensors was used for 10,000 cycles per test. Signs of wear were identified by surface roughness measurements, and visualized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) technologies. Statistical significances were tested by using the U-Test with Bonferroni correction. The choice of materials and the manufacturing process were found to influence the long-term development of pull-off forces as well as wear-associated surface roughness. Combinations of different groups of materials for primary and secondary crowns showed favourable results. Worse results were found for the combination pure titanium and pure titanium and the combination high gold alloy and electroformed gold. Wear-associated surface roughness was higher for combinations of similar or identical groups of materials. For manufacturing telescopic crowns, combinations of different groups of materials are preferred. For secondary crown manufacturing, electroforming is superior to casting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ankyloses in the area of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are mentioned as a potential etiological factor of mandibular growth disorders and facial asymmetry. The aim of this case study was to evaluate the changes in the mandible of a child with zygomatic-coronoid ankylosis during the first five years of life, in which two adhesion release procedures were performed. The adopted symmetrical approach is based on the assumption of symmetry of the structure of the stomatognathic system in relation to the sagittal median plane. However, the assessment of pathological changes in the structure of the skeletal system was performed using an asymmetrical approach. Computed tomography techniques and a system of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) were used in the case study. During the child's growth, linear and angular measurements were made thrice (at the age of 16, 25 and 54 months). The degree of asymmetry was estimated in the measurements made on the right and left sides of the three-dimensional mandible. Unilateral congenital hypoplasia of the articular process and zygomatic-coronoid adhesion caused asymmetrical growth of the mandible in the child along with shortening of the mandibular branch and body on the damaged side and a visible difference in the size of the mandibular angles. Removal of the adhesions during surgical procedures made it possible to reduce the asymmetry of the mandible and catch-up growth, although at the age of five, the mandible was still smaller than the mandible in healthy peers. It was shown that the early adhesion release procedures supported by the CAD analysis enabled the restoration of mandibular symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to perform a reliability and agreement analysis and to compare lateral abdominal muscles (LAMs) thickness and elasticity results obtained by an experienced operator, by a non-experienced operator, and in an ultrasound imaging probe compression controlled (PCC) condition with minimal force necessary to obtain a proper ultrasound image. The sample consisted of 39 adolescents. An Aixplorer ultrasound scanner was used to evaluate the LAM. The probe in PCC condition was positioned in a prepared probe holder coupled with a pressure sensor. The LAM thickness and elasticity measurements were significantly (p < 0.05) different in the ultrasound PCC condition, compared to results obtained by both examiners. The abdominal oblique external and internal muscle thickness measurements were underestimated and all LAM shear moduli were overestimated during measurements without controlling the probe compression by an external sensor. The intra-class correlation coefficient was excellent in all conditions, but the smallest detectable differences were approximately 43–60% lower during the measurements collected in PCC condition. Differences in LAM measurements between PCC and 'on-hand' conditions may be clinically irrelevant when the force applied by the probe is consciously controlled by the examiner. However, during ultrasound measurements of the LAM morphology, the potential under/over estimation should always be considered when measurements are performed without controlling probe compression by an external sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a fabrication technology for nanoscale superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) with overdamped superconductor-normal metal-superconductor (SNS) trilayer Nb/HfTi/Nb Josephson junctions. A combination of electron-beam lithography with chemical-mechanical polishing and magnetron sputtering on thermally oxidized Si wafers is used to produce direct current SQUIDs with 100-nm-lateral dimensions for Nb lines and junctions. We extended the process from originally two to three independent Nb layers. This extension offers the possibility to realize superconducting vias to all Nb layers without the HfTi barrier, and hence to increase the density and complexity of circuit structures. We present results on the yield of this process and measurements of SQUID characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4-month-old female Irish Terrier presented with a well demarcated ulcerative and crusting lesion in the right ear canal. Histological analysis revealed epidermal hyperplasia with severe acantholysis affecting all suprabasal layers of the epidermis, which prompted a presumptive diagnosis of canine Darier disease. The lesion was successfully treated by repeated laser ablation of the affected epidermis. Over the course of three years, the dog additionally developed three dermal nodules of up to 4 cm in diameter that were excised and healed without complications. Histology of the excised tissue revealed multiple infundibular cysts extending from the upper dermis to the subcutis. The cysts were lined by squamous epithelium, which presented with abundant acantholysis of suprabasal keratinocytes. Infundibular cysts represent a novel finding not previously reported in Darier patients. Whole genome sequencing of the affected dog was performed, and the functional candidate genes for Darier disease (ATP2A2) and Hailey-Hailey disease (ATP2C1) were investigated. The analysis revealed a heterozygous SINE insertion into the ATP2A2 gene, at the end of intron 14, close to the boundary of exon 15. Analysis of the ATP2A2 mRNA from skin of the affected dog demonstrated a splicing defect and marked allelic imbalance, suggesting nonsense-mediated decay of the resulting aberrant transcripts. As Darier disease in humans is caused by haploinsufficiency of ATP2A2, our genetic findings are in agreement with the clinical and histopathological data and support the diagnosis of canine Darier disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) in humans encompasses multiple subtypes that exhibit a wide array of skin lesions and, in some cases, are associated with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated dogs with exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus (ECLE), a dog-specific form of chronic CLE that is inherited as a monogenic autosomal recessive trait. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) with 14 cases and 29 controls confirmed a previously published result that the causative variant maps to chromosome 18. Autozygosity mapping refined the ECLE locus to a 493 kb critical interval. Filtering of whole genome sequence data from two cases against 654 controls revealed a single private protein-changing variant in this critical interval, UNC93B1:c.1438C>A or p.Pro480Thr. The homozygous mutant genotype was exclusively observed in 23 ECLE affected German Shorthaired Pointers and an ECLE affected Vizsla, but absent from 845 controls. UNC93B1 is a transmembrane protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum and endolysosomes, which is required for correct trafficking of several Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The p.Pro480Thr variant is predicted to affect the C-terminal tail of the UNC93B1 that has recently been shown to restrict TLR7 mediated autoimmunity via an interaction with syndecan binding protein (SDCBP). The functional knowledge on UNC93B1 strongly suggests that p.Pro480Thr is causing ECLE in dogs. These dogs therefore represent an interesting spontaneous model for human lupus erythematosus. Our results warrant further investigations of whether genetic variants affecting the C-terminus of UNC93B1 might be involved in specific subsets of CLE or SLE cases in humans and other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]