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To describe the systemic and ocular features of fellow eyes' association with nonexudative neovascularization (NV) based on OCT angiography (OCTA) and to identify longitudinal morphologic changes associated with progression to exudation.Cohort study of contralateral eye in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in 1 eye.Patients with nAMD in one eye were eligble for inclusion and enrolled between June 2015 and Jan 2017. The study eye was the contralateral eye that was free of nAMD with a minimum follow-up of 1 year.Progressive multimodal imaging was performed on both eyes. Nonexudative NV was detected on OCTA in the study eye and quantitative changes analyzed. Nonexudative NV eyes were divided into progression to exudation or not during a minimum of 12 months follow-up.Association between systemic and ocular characteristics with nonexudative NV were determined. Change in OCTA size, vessel density, and vessel length density were compared between visits as predictors of progression to exudation.Among 229 study eyes, 21 (9.1%) had nonexudative NV detected on OCTA at baseline. Hyperlipidemia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-3.20; P = 0.04), triglycerides (AOR, 2.84 per mmol/L; 95% CI, 1.06-4.35 per mmol/L; P = 0.02), and baseline lesion size in the presenting eye (AOR, 1.6 per 500 μm; 95% CI, 1.21-3.25 per 500 μm; P = 0.03) were associated significantly with nonexudative NV in the study eye. In the study eye nonexudative NV group, 8 (38%) progressed to exudation, with a mean time to exudation of 377 ± 138 days. The progressor group had larger baseline NV size (1834 ± 552.8 μm vs. 910 ± 461.7 μm; P0.01), higher increase in vessel density/year (8.3 ± 4.1%/year vs. 1.1 ± 2.5%/year; P ≤ 0.01), and higher increase in vessel length density/year (15.6 ± 10.6% vs. 1.9 ± 3.6%; P = 0.02). The change in lesion size per year was similar in both groups.Patients with nonexudative NV in the study eye had significant differences in ocular and systemic characteristics. More than a third of study eyes with nonexudative NV at baseline progressed to exudation, suggesting that close monitoring is essential. OCT angiography features associated with exudation include a larger baseline lesion size, increase in vessel density, and vessel length density.

Purpose To investigate a possible microvascular component of poppers maculopathy (PMP) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods Twelve patients suffering from poppers maculopathy were included. Health records, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCTA data was gathered and compared to a healthy control group (HC). PMP lesion type was determined by manifestation in OCT. OCTA-based evaluation of retinal vascular plexus and choriocapillaris (CC) was executed. Vessel density (VD) and vessel length density (VLD) in superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP, DCP), as well as flow deficits (FD), within the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in CC were assessed. Results Median age of PMP patients was 40 (min 24; max 64) years, all male. Eleven patients presented with ellipsoid zone-type lesions; one patient showed a vitelliform-type lesion. No qualitative microvascular changes between PMP patients and HC were identified. Quantitative values for VD and VLD of SCP and DCP did not differ in between the two groups. The analysis of FDs in CC showed no deviation from PMP patients to HC. Conclusions No vascular anomalies in qualitative and quantitative analysis in OCTA were detected in PMP patients. The constitution of the CC within FAZ of PMP patients does not differ from HC when assessed as FD.

PurposeTo compare the foveal microvascular structure characteristics in children with a history of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) versus laser photocoagulation (LP) for retinopathy of prematurity by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 17 children (28 eyes) underwent IVR and 20 children (37 eyes) underwent LP were recruited. The age of doing OCTA examination of the two groups are 5.4±1.1 years and 6.3±1.8 years, respectively (p=0.07). Spectral-domain OCTA was performed for all the eyes with a scan size of 3×3 mm. The data of the superficial retinal layer were analysed. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and vessel density (including vessel length density (VLD) and perfusion density (PD)) were measured using the software of OCTA (Cirrus AngioPlex 5000, Carl Zeiss, Meditec, Dubin, California, USA). The central foveal thicknesses (CFT) were measured by cross-sectional OCT.ResultsIn the central fovea, the retinal VLD and PD of patients with IVR were 13.82±2.99 mm/mm2 and 0.25±0.05 mm2/mm2, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of the LP group (15.64±2.71 mm/mm2 and 0.28±0.05 mm2/mm2, p=0.01 and p=0.006). The FAZ area of patients with IVR and LP were 0.13±0.09 mm2 and 0.09±0.07 mm2, respectively (p=0.048). The CFT of patients with IVR and LP were 200.7±16.7 µm and 220.9±22.7 µm, respectively (pConclusionThe IVR might contribute to microvascular changes in the macular zone, such as reducing the central foveal VLD and PD, while the LP might contribute to microstructural changes, such as smaller FAZ and thicker CFT.

Althaea officinalis (AO) is reported to have the ability to activate fibroblasts as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Herein, we investigated the effects of this herbal medicine on wound healing in rat models by using stereological methods. In this experiment, 48 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups randomly (n = 12): the control group with no treatment, the gel-base treated group, 5% and 10% AO-gel treated groups. The treatments were administered every 24 hours. Wound closure rate, volume densities of collagen bundles, hair follicles, and vessels, vessel's length density and mean diameter, and fibroblast populations were estimated. Fibroblast populations, hair follicles, and mean diameter of vessels in the dermis of AO-treated groups were noticeably higher than those of control and base groups. Also, collagen bundles synthesis was significantly higher in the AO10%-treated group compared to the control and base groups. According to our research and previous studies, AO has the potential to be considered as an alternative medicine in wound healing treatment; however, further clinical investigations are suggested.

International audience; We aimed to compare retinal vascular density in optical coherence tomography Angiography (oct-A) between patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (AcS) and control patients and to investigate correlation with angiogenesis biomarkers. patients hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome (AcS) in the intensive care Unit were included in the "high cardiovascular risk" group while patients without cardiovascular risk presenting in the ophthalmology department were included as "control". Both groups had blood sampling and OCT-A imaging. Retina microvascularization density in the superficial capillary plexus was measured on 3 × 3 mm angiograms centered on the macula. Angiopoietin-2, TGF-β1, osteoprotegerin, GDF-15 and ST-2 were explored with ELISA or multiplex method. Overall, 62 eyes of ACS patients and 42 eyes of controls were included. ACS patients had significantly lower inner vessel length density than control patients (p = 0.004). A ROC curve found that an inner vessel length density threshold below 20.05 mm −1 was moderately associated with AcS. Significant correlation was found between serum levels of angiopoietin-2 and osteoprotegerin, and retinal microvascularization in OCT-A (R = − 0.293, p = 0.003; R = − 0.310, p = 0.001). Lower inner vessel length density measured with oct-A was associated with AcS event and was also correlated with higher concentrations of angiopoietin-2 and osteoprotegerin. In spite of the improvements in diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), aging of population and urbanization make CVD one of the world's major disease burdens 1,2. Indeed, CVD remain a main cause of premature deaths and disability worldwide, with an estimated 16.7 million deaths in 2010, and projections show an overwhelming 23.3 million by 2030 3. Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus lead to systemic inflammation, vascular and cardiac oxidative stress, which contribute to coronary dysfunction and microvascular impairment 4. Thus, coronary macro and microvascular alterations are closely associated and together contribute to the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia 5. The assessment of myocardial microvascularization is then of major interest in order to estimate the risk of acute coronary events; however, only invasive procedures, using intra vascular contrast agents, are currently available 6 .

The alpine regions are characterized by frequent freeze-thaw cycles, which influence the soil structure remarkably. However, the effects of freeze-thaw cycles on the soil macropore structure and its implications on the formation of hummocks are not well understood. This study aims to quantify the soil macropores of hummocks and the effects of freeze-thaw cycles on soil macropores to reveal its implications on the formation of hummocks in alpine meadows. A total of nine intact soil columns (0–50 cm deep) were excavated from the alpine meadows. Three replicates were collected from the hummocks and three were collected from the interhummocks, and they were scanned by X-ray computed tomography (CT). Another three replicates were excavated from the adjacent non-hummock alpine meadows, which were subjected to successive freeze-thaw cycles (0, 1, 3, and 6) and then scanned using X-ray CT. Soil macropore network of hummocks was more extensive and continuous than that of the interhummocks. The volumetric distribution of soil macropores in hummocks was multiple, while soil macropores of the interhummocks intensively fell in the volume range of 0–400 mm3. The soil macroporosity, macropore number density, surface area density, length density, node density, branch density, and mean macropore size of the hummocks were several times higher than those of the interhummocks. These soil macropore parameters showed a decrease after the first and third freeze-thaw cycle and later increased through the next three cycles. Soil macropores with volume > 1000 mm3 transformed into smaller ones (600–1000 mm3) during the freeze-thaw process. The soil macropore patterns of hummocks and interhummocks differed distinctly. Soil macropores responded significantly to freeze-thaw cycles. The effects of freeze-thaw cycles on the macropore number and size were more significant than on the morphology in alpine meadows. Hummock formation is closely related to the soil macropores during the freeze-thaw cycles, and the soil moisture played a crucial role in the hummock formation process.

We study the evolution of Milky Way thick and thin discs in the light of the most recent observational data. In particular, we analyze abundance gradients of O, N, Fe and Mg along the thin disc as well as the [Mg/Fe] vs. [Fe/H] relations and the metallicity distribution functions at different Galactocentric distances. We run several models starting from the two-infall paradigm, assuming that the thick and thin discs formed by means of two different infall episodes, and we explore several physical parameters, such as radial gas flows, variable efficiency of star formation, different times for the maximum infall onto the disc, different distributions of the total surface mass density of the thick disc and enriched gas infall. Our best model suggests that radial gas flows and variable efficiency of star formation should be acting together with the inside-out mechanism for the thin disc formation. The timescale for maximum infall onto the thin disc, which determines the gap between the formation of the two discs, should be $t_{max}\simeq 3.25$ Gyr. The thick disc should have an exponential, small scale length density profile and gas infall on the inner thin disc should be enriched. We compute also the evolution of Gaia-Enceladus system and study the effects of possible interactions with the thick and thin discs. We conclude that the gas lost by Enceladus or even part of it could have been responsible for the formation of the thick disc but not the thin disc., Comment: 18 pages, 12 figures, 5 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

To investigate the effect of image averaging on qualitative and quantitative assessments of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images from eyes of patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Macular OCTA images of 33 eyes of 33 patients with BRVO were obtained using the HS100 HR-SD-OCT system (Canon, Inc.). For each eye, five OCTA cube scans were obtained with a 3 × 3 mm scan protocol, and the data were averaged and compounded into a single high image quality cube data using built-in software. Pre- and post-averaging images were compared qualitatively and quantitatively in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) OCTA image slabs. After averaging, all OCTA images showed marked improvement in image quality with less background noise and better vessel continuity. The number of microaneurysms in both the SCP and DCP was larger in single images than in averaged images. A significant increase in the detection rate of capillary telangiectasia in the DCP was noted after image averaging. The number of eyes with disrupted foveal avascular zone (FAZ) decreased significantly after averaging (P = .0253). Five eyes (15.2%) with a disrupted FAZ on the single image showed an intact FAZ after averaging. Vessel length density (VLD) and fractal dimension (FD) significantly decreased and vessel diameter index (VDI) increased after averaging, while significant changes were not observed in vessel density (VD) in both the SCP and DCP. In the SCP, lower VD, VLD, and fractal dimension were significantly correlated with worse visual acuity. OCTA averaging has a significant effect on qualitative and quantitative assessments in eyes with BRVO.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play important roles in plant phosphorus (P) accumulation. The aim of this study was to uncover how and to what extent soil plant-available P levels and maize genotypes influence the contribution of mycorrhizal P uptake pathway to plant P nutrition. We selected an old genotype HMY and a modern genotype XY335, combined with 32P labeling and qPCR to quantify P uptake efficiency of the direct pathway (DP) and the mycorrhizal pathway (MP) at three Olsen-P levels: 4.5 (low), 8 (medium) and 50 (high) mg kg−1. The P uptake efficiency ratio PAE-MP/PAE-DP was highest in the treatment with medium Olsen-P, and was correlated positively with MP contribution. The traits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, such as percent colonization, hyphal length density, P uptake per unit hyphae length, and the expression of the mycorrhiza-specific P transporter ZmPT1;6 were higher in XY335 than HMY in high-P soil, which was in accordance with the importance of the MP contribution. Greater mycorrhizal responsiveness in the modern maize genotype than the old genotype under high P soil condition is related to higher P uptake efficiency of MP than DP; the inherent potential of MP can be maximized by managing soil plant P availability to achieve optimal P supply in intensive farming.

Aims Ingrowth bags are widely used to estimate mycorrhizal growth and dynamics. However, it remains unclear to what extent they reflect the surrounding soil, and how this varies with environmental conditions. Methods We used a fertilization experiment to investigate if carbon-free mesh bags were representative of their surrounding soil. We determined AMF hyphal length density (HLD), phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA 16:1 omega 5) and neutral lipid fatty acids (NLFA 16:1 omega 5). Results When AMF abundance in surrounding soil was high, HLD and both fatty acids were underestimated by the mesh bags. The PLFA 16:1 omega 5 in surrounding soil included bacterial PLFA, complicating the comparison of PLFA 16:1 omega 5 between mesh bags and surrounding soil. Both NLFA 16:1 omega 5 and HLD showed a significantly positive correlation, and fertilization effects were mostly similar for mesh bags and surrounding soil. Conclusions Although carbon-free mesh bags can underestimate AMF abundance in soils, they represent a useful method to compare patterns in AMF abundance across environmental gradients and can be particularly useful in combination with the use of stable isotope tracers for unraveling patterns in AMF growth. NLFA 16:1 omega 5 appeared a more accurate measure for AMF than PLFA 16:1 omega 5 because the latter included bacterial PLFA.

We developed a technique of spin-contrast-variation neutron reflectometry (SCV-NR). Polarized-neutron reflectivity curves of film samples vary as a function of their proton-polarization P. The P-dependent reflectivity curves of a polystyrene film was precisely reproduced using a common set of structure parameters and the P-dependent neutron scattering length. The reflectivity curve of poly (styrene-block-isoprene) (PSPI) presented a shoulder attributed to holes with the depth corresponding to one period of periodic lamellae on the free surface only at a specific P. In this way, structural information about specific surfaces or interfaces can be obtained by controlling the P., スピンコントラスト変調中性子反射率法を用いて高分子膜の測定を行った。ポリスチレン薄膜の測定においては核偏極に従って変化する反射率曲線は全て同一の構造因子を用いて綺麗に再現することができた。本結果は、スピン拡散機構によって表面や界面を含めて試料が均一に偏極していることを示したものであり、本手法から構造因子を高い信頼性をもって得られることを担保する結果となった。また、ミクロ相分離したブロック共重合体の測定では、核偏極によって特定の界面構造が選択的に得ることができることを示した。

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a warm season turfgrass that spreads by stolons and rhizomes. The present study aimed to increase knowledge on development of stolons and rhizomes in fertile (‘LaPalo...

This research including lineament automated extraction by using PCI Geomatica program, depending on satellite image and lineament analysis by using GIS program. Analysis included density analysis, length density analysis and intersection density analysis. When calculate the slope map for the study area, found the relationship between the slope and lineament density.The lineament density increases in the regions that have high values for the slope, show that lineament play an important role in the classification process as it isolates the class for the other were observed in Iranian territory, clearly, also show that one of the lineament hit shoulders of Galal Badra dam and the surrounding areas dam. So should take into consideration the lineaments because its plays an important role in the study area.

BACKGROUND Previous studies indicated that both Plantago major and Aloe vera have anti-inflammatory, tissue regeneration, antioxidant, and immune-stimulatory effects. It is assumed that a mixture of these two herbal medicines may provide a potent material in treatment of skin wound injuries. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of Plantago major and Aloe vera mixture in the process of wound healing in rat models according to stereological parameters. METHODS In an experiential study, 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats (200±20 g) were randomly assigned into three groups (n=12): The control group which received no treatment, gel base treated group, and the 5% Plantago major and 5% Aloe vera mixture gel treated group (PA group). Treatments were done every 24 hrs for 15 days. Wound closure rate, volume densities of the collagen bundles and the vessels, vessel’s length density and mean diameter, and fibroblast populations were estimated using stereological methods. RESULTS PA treated group showed faster wound closure rate in comparison with control and gel-base groups (p

Background To investigate the repeatability of superficial retinal vessel density measurements in healthy eyes with long axial length (AL) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods There were 60 eyes of 31 volunteers enrolled in this cross-sectional observational study. All subjects underwent OCTA, AL and refraction test. The enrolled eyes were divided into the long AL group (26 mm ≤ AL

To compare fixation deviation and stability with soft contact lens correction and device built-in auto-focus system during optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). This observational study measured OCTA metrics first with contact lens correction, followed by removal of contact lenses, using the device auto-focus system at a University Optometry Clinic, Hong Kong. All participants were habitual soft contact lens wearers with either low or high myopia. OCTA measurements were obtained using a spectral domain OCTA. Fixation deviation was distance (in pixels) of the fovea to the center of the OCTA measurement grid. Fixation stability was test–retest repeatability (TRR) and coefficient of variation (CV) of fixation deviation from three consecutive OCTA measurements. OCTA metrics included vessel length density (VD), perfusion density (PD), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. Averaged OCTA metrics were calculated from three measurements and compared between the two correction methods. The mean ± SD spherical equivalent of 74 eyes from 74 myopes measured was − 1.94D ± 0.75D in low myopes (n = 37) and − 7.97D ± 1.31D in high myopes (n = 37). When corrected with contact lenses, visual acuities of high myopes (median [IQR], − 0.06 [0.08] logMAR) and low myopes (− 0.02 ± 0.08 logMAR) were similar (P = 0.060), and with similar fixation deviation (5.0 ± 2.2 pixels vs 5.3 [3.6] pixels; P = 0.689). High myopes had poorer fixation stability than low myopes (TRR: 10.2 pixels vs 7.5 pixels; CV: 65% vs 54%, respectively). The worst fixation stability occurred when high myopes were corrected using the auto-focus system (TRR: 12.5 pixels, CV: 72%). The difference in VD and PD was within 1 mm−1 and 1%, respectively. The FAZ area was similar. Difference in OCTA metrics was small in each refractive group (−1 in VD, and

BACKGROUND: Investigating the impact of magnification correction in macular vessel density using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with anisometropia. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Totally 47 patients (11 male, 36 female) aged >18 years with high myopia were analyzed. All patients underwent evaluation of visual acuity, subjective refraction, and axial length. Anisometropia (n=37) was defined as a refraction difference between paired eyes ≥0.75 D. The control group (n=10) consisted patients with a refraction difference ≤0.5 D. Superficial vessel density was performed using 3 mm × 3 mm Cirrus-HD OCTA protocol. The vessel length density (VLD) and foveal avascular zone area (FAZA) were analyzed before and after magnification correction using Bennett’s formula. RESULTS: The mean spherical equivalent (SE) was −10.54±3.47 D in the more myopic eye and −8.05±3.47 D in the contralateral eye (P

Background: To date, there are no studies associating the dried blood spot (DBS) levels of globotrioasylsphingosine (lysoGb3) with quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in Fabry disease (FD) patients. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between OCTA vessel density (VD), vessel length density (VLD) with DBS lysoGb3. Methods: A retrospective, single center analysis of all consecutive FD patients enrolled at the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Zurich from December 1st, 2017 to September 9th, 2020. An association between VD and VLD detected by OCTA and lysoGb3 was investigated using a linear mixed model. Results: A total of 57 FD patients (23 male, 34 female, 109 eyes) were included. Forty-one patients suffered from the classic phenotype and 16 from the later-onset phenotype. LysoGb3 inversely correlated with VD and VLD in both the superficial (VD: p = 0.034, VLD: p = 0.02) and deep capillary plexus (VD: p = 0.017, VLD: p = 0.018) in the overall FD cohort. Conclusions: Our study shows an association between lysoGb3 and OCTA VD and VLD. This supports the hypothesis that quantitative OCTA parameters might be useful as diagnostic biomarkers for evaluating systemic involvement in FD, and possibly other diseases.

This study evaluated quantitative changes in microvascular parameters after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in diabetic retinopathy (DR), using swept-source OCT Angiography (SS-OCTA). A total of 27 treatment-naïve eyes were subjected to PRP and followed-up for > 12 months after the procedure. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, macular perfusion density (PD), and vessel length density (VLD) were calculated on a 3 × 3 mm en face OCTA image and nonperfusion area (NPA) was obtained on a 12 × 12 mm en face OCTA image. One month after PRP, PD and VLD of superficial and deep capillary plexus decreased and subsequently, increased progressively across the next 12 months, with statistically significant differences (P = 0.015 and 0.02). Continuous decreasing trends in total NPA values was observed across 12 months after PRP (P = 0.125). A difference in PD of the superficial capillary plexus between baseline and 6 months post PRP, was significantly associated with the progression of DR, 12 months after PRP (OR 0.528; P = 0.025). We found significant longitudinal retinal microvascular changes after PRP in DR. Overall macular perfusion status was impaired and progressively recovered across the next 12 months, compared to the baseline. Additionally, the early treatment responses in PD can predict the long-term outcomes of PDR after PRP.

PURPOSE To investigate the effect of denoise processing by artificial intelligence (AI) on the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images in eyes with retinal lesions. METHODS Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Optical coherence tomography angiography imaging of a 3 × 3-mm area involving the lesions (neovascularization, intraretinal microvascular abnormality, and nonperfusion area) was performed five times using OCT-HS100 (Canon, Tokyo, Japan). We acquired AI-denoised OCTA images and averaging OCTA images generated from five cube scan data through built-in software. Main outcomes were image acquisition time and the subjective assessment by graders and quantitative measurements of original OCTA images, averaging OCTA images, and AI-denoised OCTA images. The parameters of quantitative measurements were contrast-to-noise ratio, vessel density, vessel length density, and fractal dimension. RESULTS We studied 56 eyes from 43 patients. The image acquisition times for the original, averaging, and AI-denoised images were 31.87 ± 12.02, 165.34 ± 41.91, and 34.37 ± 12.02 seconds, respectively. We found significant differences in vessel density, vessel length density, fractal dimension, and contrast-to-noise ratio (P < 0.001) between original, averaging, and AI-denoised images. Both subjective and quantitative evaluations showed that AI-denoised OCTA images had less background noise and depicted vessels clearly. In AI-denoised images, the presence of fictional vessels was suspected in 2 of the 35 cases of nonperfusion area. CONCLUSION Denoise processing by AI improved the image quality of OCTA in a shorter time and allowed more accurate quantitative evaluation.

[Introducción]:Los sistemas silvopastoriles(SSP)son alternativas sosteniblesenelmanejo de suelos dedicados a la actividad ganadera,que contribuyena la recuperación de suelos degradados.[Objetivo]:Conocer el potencial decaptura de carbono(C)en biomasa de raícesfinaspor especiey su capacidad de exploración en el suelo dentro de dosSSP(A1 -MegathyrsusmaximumcvMombasaasociada con las especies arbustivasLeucaenaleucocephalayCrescentiacujete; A2 – combinación de A1 +especies arbóreasGuazumaulmifolia,CassiagrandisyAlbiziasaman)y praderasinárboles(A0 -M.maximumcvMombasa),en elvalle medio delríoSinú.[Metodología]:Seempleóun diseño de bloques completos al azar con 3 tratamientos y 3 repeticiones, sobre los cuales sedeterminóbiomasa de raíces finas(BRF,≤ 5 mm)concilindro de volumen conocidoy densidad de longitud de raíz (DLR) mediante escáner de superficie plana,igualmente se determinaron propiedades fisicoquímicas de suelo.[Resultados]:LaL.leucocephalamostróvalores altosde Cacumuladoen la biomasa de raíces(441.5kgCha-1)respecto a las otras especies evaluadas. En contraste,el C acumulado enraíces de la gramínease vio afectado por la complejidad de los SSP,reduciéndoseel 59% (A1) y 34 % (A2), respecto A0.La mayor DLR seregistróen las especiesC.cujeteyL.leucocephala(249.7±199.5 y 239.3±135.02 cm cm-2,respectivamente).[Conclusiones]:LosSSPacumulan mayorC en biomasa de raícesymejoran laspropiedadesfisicoquímicas del suelo. [Introduction]: Silvopastoral systems (SPSs) are sustainable alternatives to manage soils dedicated to livestock production, contributing to the recovery of degraded soils. [Objective]: Know the potential of carbon capture (C-capture) in fine root biomass per species and their exploration capacity in the soil between two SPSs (A1 - Megathyrsus maximum cv Mombasa associated with the shrub species, Leucaena leucocephala and Crescentia cujete; A2 - combination of A1 + tree species, Guazuma ulmifolia, Cassia grandis, and Albizia saman) and meadows without trees (A0 - M. maximum cv Mombasa), in the middle valley of the Sinú River. [Methodology]: A randomized complete block design was used with three treatments and three repetitions, in which fine root biomass (FRB, ≤ 5 mm) was determined with a cylinder of known volume and root length density (RLD) using a flatbed scanner; physicochemical properties of soil were also determined. [Results]: L. leucocephala showed high values of C accumulation in root biomass (441.5 kg C ha-1) compared to the other species evaluated. In contrast, C accumulated in grass roots was affected by the SPS complexity, reducing 59 % (A1) and 34 % (A2), with respect to A0. The highest RLD was recorded in the C. cujete and L. leucocephala species (249.7 ± 199.5 and 239.3 ± 135.02 cm cm-2, respectively). [Conclusions]: SPSs accumulate higher C in root biomass and improve the soil’s physicochemical properties. [Introdução]:Os sistemas silvipastoris(SSP)são alternativas sustentáveisnomanejo de solos dedicados à atividade pecuária,que contribuempara a recuperação de solos degradados.[Objetivo]:Conhecer o potencial decaptura de carbono(C)em biomassa de raízesfinaspor espéciee sua capacidade de exploração no solo dentro de doisSSP(A1 -MegathyrsusmaximumcvMombasaassociada com as espécies arbustivasLeucaenaleucocephalaeCrescentiacujete; A2 – combinação de A1 +espécies arbóreasGuazumaulmifolia,CassiagrandiseAlbiziasaman)e pradossemárvores(A0 -M.maximumcvMombasa),novale médio dorioSinú.[Metodologia]:Foi utilizadoum desenho de blocos completos aleatórios com 3 tratamentos e 3 repetições, sobre os quais se determinou abiomassa de raízes finas(BRF,≤ 5 mm)comcilindro de volume conhecido e densidade de longitude de raiz (DLR) mediante o escâner de superfície plana,igualmente foram determinadas propriedades físico-químicas de solo.[Resultados]:AL.leucocephalamostrouvalores altosde Cacumuladona biomassa de raízes(441,5kgCha-1)com relação a outras espécies avaliadas. Em contraste,o C acumulado emraízes da gramíneaviu-se afetado pela complexidade dos SSP,reduzindo-sea 59% (A1) e 34% (A2), com relação ao A0.A maior DLR foi registradanas espéciesC.cujeteeL.leucocephala(249,7±199,5 e 239,3±135,02 cm cm-2,respectivamente).[Conclusões]:OsSSPacumulam maiorC em biomassa de raízesemelhoram aspropriedadesfísico-químicas do solo.&nbsp

Soils with high stone content represent a challenge to root development, as each stone is an obstacle to root growth. A high stone content also affects soil properties such as temperature or water content, which in turn affects root growth. We investigated the effects of all soil properties combined on root development in the field using both experiments and modeling. Field experiments were carried out in rhizotron facilities during two consecutive growing seasons (wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] and maize [Zea mays L.]) in silty loam soils with high (>50%) and low (

Purpose Ocular structural and functional changes, collectively termed spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), have been described in astronauts undergoing long-duration missions in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station. We tested the hypothesis that retinal vascular remodeling, particularly by smaller vessels, mediates the chronic headward fluid shifts associated with SANS. Methods As a retrospective study, arterial and venous patterns extracted from 30° infrared Heidelberg Spectralis retinal images of eight crew members acquired before and after six-month missions were analyzed with NASA's recently released VESsel GENeration Analysis (VESGEN) software. Output parameters included the fractal dimension and overall vessel length density that was further classified into large and small vascular branching generations. Vascular results were compared with SANS-associated clinical ocular measures. Results Significant postflight decreases in Df, Lv, and in smaller but not larger vessels were quantified in 11 of 16 retinas for arteries and veins (P value for Df, Lv, and smaller vessels in all 16 retinas were ≤0.033). The greatest vascular decreases occurred in the only retina displaying clinical evidence of SANS by choroidal folds and optic disc edema. In the remaining 15 retinas, decreases in vascular density from Df and Lv ranged from minimal to high by a custom Subclinical Vascular Pathology Index. Conclusions Together with VESGEN, the Subclinical Vascular Pathology Index may represent a new, useful SANS biomarker for advancing the understanding of SANS etiology and developing successful countermeasures for long duration space exploration in microgravity, although further research is required to better characterize retinal microvascular adaptations.

To investigate factors reflecting visual outcome and macular perfusion in quiescent proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). We included 118 patients with quiescent PDR who had completed PRP. All participants had standardized interview to determine ocular history, smoking status, cardiovascular risk factors, and history of diabetic mellitus (DM). Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, retinal vessel density (VD) and vessel length density (VLD) were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography. VD was negatively correlated with hypertension, diabetic foot, HbA1c, and time after PRP (β = − 0.181, P = 0.046; β = − 0.231, P = 0.020; β = − 0.244, P = 0.010; β = − 0.278, P = 0.029). FAZ area of superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus (DCP) was positively correlated with DM duration and diabetic foot (β = 0.178, P = 0.047; β = 0.293, P = 0.002; β = 0.252, P = 0.045; β = 0.304, P = 0.002). Macular perfusion state in patients with quiescent PDR was associated with diabetic foot, DM duration, HbA1c, and time after PRP. Of note, diabetic foot showed the strongest correlation with macular perfusion among various systemic factors. VLD, especially in DCP was associated with poor visual outcome.

Previously, we measured retinal large vessels and capillaries separately on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). In the present study, we aim to evaluate the role of these parameters in association to diabetic macular edema (DME) and ellipsoid zone disruption (EZD). In this cross-sectional study, 54 eyes from 31 patients (10 females, 31 Asians) with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (25 eyes) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR, 29 eyes) were enrolled. All eyes underwent 3 × 3 mm OCTA scans centered on the fovea. Perfusion density (PD), vessel length density (VLD), and vessel diameter index (VDI) were calculated for retinal large vessels and superficial capillaries separately. Other OCTA findings included suspended scattering particles in motion (SSPiM), number of microaneurysms (MA) in all retinal layers, and the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) of superficial capillary plexus. DME and EZD were evaluated on B-scans. Both univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Of the 54 study eyes, 31 (57%) had DME and 21 (40%) had EZD. Multivariate regression model showed that PDR (β = 27.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7–282.8, p = 0.005), more MA (β = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3–4.5, p = 0.003), and increased VDI of larger vessels (β = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.0–3.5, p = 0.047) were risk factors for DME. As for EZD, presence of SSPiM (β = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.2–26.1, p = 0.032) and increased VDI of capillaries (β = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.1–13.8, p = 0.034) were risk factors. In eyes with diabetic retinopathy, dilation of retinal larger vessels was associated with macular edema, while dilation of retinal capillaries was associated with ellipsoid zone disruption.

Purpose To investigate the impact of scan tilt on quantitative assessments using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in healthy participants. Methods Healthy participants were imaged with a SS-OCTA system (PLEX Elite 9000; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc, Dublin, CA). After a standard scan was obtained, tilted scans were obtained by moving the optical coherence tomography beam entrance position horizontally. The tilting angle was measured from the B-scan image, and the flattest (horizontal) and the most tilted images were selected for comparative analysis. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, vessel density (VD), and vessel length density (VLD) from the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexus (SCP, DCP), and choriocapillaris flow deficits (CC FDs) were computed and compared between horizontal and tilted images. Results Thirteen eyes were excluded due to poor image quality or small angle difference (

A ball-on-rod RCF tester was employed to investigate the failure mechanisms of hydrogen-rich rolling components. The formation of defects, voids and surface cracks, is significantly facilitated in hydrogen-rich bearing steels. In samples with RCF cycles of 1.6 × 107, the void density in hydrogen-rich samples is about three times that of hydrogen-free samples, whilst their crack length density four times that of hydrogen-free samples. This is due to a higher stress intensity factor around inclusions which is altered by hydrogen. Further characterisation confirms that grain boundaries are preferential sites for void formation and crack propagation.

Quality of single optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images of myopic choroidal neovascularisation (mCNV) is poorer than in averaged images, although obtaining averaged images takes much time. This study evaluated the clinical usefulness of novel denoising process for depicting mCNV. This study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with mCNV. Ten en face images taken in a 3 × 3 mm macular cube were obtained from outer-retina-to-choriocapillaris layer. Three image types were prepared for analysis; single images before and after the denoising process accomplished deep learning (single and denoising groups, respectively) and up to 10 images were averaged (averaging group). Pairwise comparisons showed vessel density, vessel length density, and fractal dimension (FD) were higher; whereas, vessel density index (VDI) was lower in single group than in denoising and averaging groups. Detectable CNV indices, contrast-to-nose ratio, and CNV diagnostic scores were higher in denoising and averaging groups than in single group. No significant differences were detected in VDI, FD, or CNV diagnostic scores between denoising and averaging groups. The denoising process can utilise single OCTA images to provide results comparable to averaged OCTA images, which is clinically useful for shortening examination times with quality similar to averaging.

PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between choriocapillaris (CC) hypoperfusion and photoreceptor alterations in eyes with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). METHODS In this prospective, observational, case-control study, 30 eyes (30 patients) with NPDR and 30 healthy eyes from 30 controls were enrolled at the University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy. This study cohort underwent an ophthalmologic examination, including optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography. The main outcome measures were as follows: 1) "normalized" reflectivity of en face image segmented at the ellipsoid zone level, which was calculated to quantify the photoreceptor damage, and 2) CC perfusion density. Secondary outcome measures were as follows: 1) superficial retinal capillary plexus (SCP), intermediate retinal capillary plexus (ICP), and deep retinal capillary plexus (DCP) perfusion density (based on the area of vessels); 2) SCP, ICP, and DCP vessel length density (based on a map with vessels of 1-pixel width); and 3) SCP, ICP, and DCP vessel diameter. RESULTS Mean ± SD age was 58.9 ± 11.1 years (range 38-79 years) in the NPDR group and 61.7 ± 11.3 years (range 39-87 years) in the control group (P > 0.05 for all the comparisons). Compared with controls, NPDR eyes displayed a lower "normalized" reflectivity (0.96 ± 0.25 in controls and 0.73 ± 0.19 in the NPDR group, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the NPDR group was characterized by an impaired perfusion in both the retinal and choroidal vasculature. In multiple regression analysis, ellipsoid zone "normalized" reflectivity displayed a significant direct association with CC perfusion density in patients with NPDR (P = 0.025 and P = 0.476, in NPDR and controls, respectively). CONCLUSION Eyes with NPDR are affected by macular hypoperfusion and photoreceptor damage, the latter investigated as ellipsoid zone "normalized" reflectivity. The diabetic choroidopathy seems to be strongly associated with photoreceptor damage.

For a commutative cancellative monoid M, we introduce the notion of the length density of both a nonunit x ∈ M {x\in M} , denoted LD ⁡ ( x ) {\operatorname{LD}(x)} , and the entire monoid M, denoted LD ⁡ ( M ) {\operatorname{LD}(M)} . This invariant is related to three widely studied invariants in the theory of nonunit factorizations, L ⁢ ( x ) {L(x)} , ℓ ⁢ ( x ) {\ell(x)} , and ρ ⁢ ( x ) {\rho(x)} . We consider some general properties of LD ⁡ ( x ) {\operatorname{LD}(x)} and LD ⁡ ( M ) {\operatorname{LD}(M)} and give a wide variety of examples using numerical semigroups, Puiseux monoids, and Krull monoids. While we give an example of a monoid M with irrational length density, we show that if M is finitely generated, then LD ⁡ ( M ) {\operatorname{LD}(M)} is rational and there is a nonunit element x ∈ M {x\in M} with LD ⁡ ( M ) = LD ⁡ ( x ) {\operatorname{LD}(M)=\operatorname{LD}(x)} (such a monoid is said to have accepted length density). While it is well known that the much studied asymptotic versions of L ⁢ ( x ) {L(x)} , ℓ ⁢ ( x ) {\ell(x)} , and ρ ⁢ ( x ) {\rho(x)} (denoted L ¯ ⁢ ( x ) {\overline{L}(x)} , ℓ ¯ ⁢ ( x ) {\overline{\ell}(x)} , and ρ ¯ ⁢ ( x ) {\overline{\rho}(x)} ) always exist, we show the somewhat surprising result that LD ¯ ⁢ ( x ) = lim n → ∞ ⁡ LD ⁡ ( x n ) {\overline{\operatorname{LD}}(x)=\lim_{n\rightarrow\infty}\operatorname{LD}(x^% {n})} may not exist. We also give some finiteness conditions on M that force the existence of LD ¯ ⁢ ( x ) {\overline{\operatorname{LD}}(x)} .

Purpose To assess the different impact of two enface OCTA image simultaneously acquired by means of a new prototype of Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (SD-OCTA) on quantitative retinal vascular metrics. Methods In this prospective observational cross-sectional study 28 healthy subjects were enrolled. Macular (3x3 mm) OCTA images were acquired for all participants using Solix Fullrange OCT (Optovue Inc, Freemont CA, USA). The main outcome measurements were: Perfusion density (PD), vessel length density (VLD), and vessel diameter index (VDI) of both superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC) total flow-deficits area. Quantitative retinal vascular metrics were measured on binarized and skeletonized OCTA images by comparing not averaged and fast automated multiple averaged en face OCTA images. Results In both SCP and DCP, PD significantly increased (p = 0,005 and p = 0,030, respectively), and VLD significantly decreased (p Conclusions In this study, we found a significant difference of quantitative retinal metrics by comparing two different image acquisition modes using a novel and fully automated averaging OCTA system in young healthy subjects.

PURPOSE: In this pilot study we reported variation of superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses flow in macular and near/mid periphery regions in healthy subjects using widefield swept source-optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, enroled subjects were imaged with an SS-OCTA system (PLEX Elite 9000, Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA, USA). OCTA scans were taken in primary and extremes of gaze and a montage was automatically created. Quantitative analysis was performed in the macular and peripheral regions. In addition, SCP and DCP variables were further investigated in distinct fields within these three different regions. RESULTS: Fifty-five young healthy subjects (55 eyes) were enroled. The retinal periphery displayed a higher SCP perfusion density (39.6 ± 1.7% and 40.7 ± 1.4%, P

Purpose:To evaluate the diagnostic abilities of macular vessel length and perfusion densities measured with optical microangiography (OMAG) over a 3x3mm and a 6x6mm region, and to compare these with macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods:In a cross-sectional study, 96 eyes of 57 control subjects and 88 eyes of 57 POAG patients underwent macular imaging with optical coherence tomography. Area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and sensitivities at 90% specificity of OMAG and GCIPL parameters were evaluated.Results:Most OMAG parameters of the 3x3mm macular scan and all inner sector parameters of the 6x6mm scan were similar (P>0.05) in the POAG and control eyes. All outer sector OMAG parameters of the 6x6mm scan were significantly less (P0.05) to that of the 6x6mm scan (outer inferior vessel length density; 0.72% and 30%, respectively). AUC and sensitivity of the best GCIPL thickness parameter (inferotemporal GCIPL thickness, 0.84% and 67%) were significantly better (P

In this paper, 2-D spatial variation of the frequency and length density and frequency–length relation of large-scale faults in the Zagros region (Iran), as a typical fold-and-thrust belt, were examined. Moreover, the directional analysis of these faults as well as the scale dependence of the orientations was studied. For this purpose, a number of about 8000 faults with L ≥ 1.0 km were extracted from the geological maps covering the region, and then, the data sets were analyzed. The overall pattern of the frequency/length distribution of the total faults of the region acceptably fits with a power-law relation with exponent 1.40, with an obvious change in the gradient in L = 12.0 km. In addition, maps showing the spatial variation of fault densities over the region indicate that the maximum values of the frequency and length density of the faults are attributed to the northeastern part of the region and parallel to the suture zone, respectively, and the fault density increases towards the central parts of the belt. Moreover, the directional analysis of the fault trends gives a dominant preferred orientation trend of 300°–330° and the assessment of the scale dependence of the fault directions demonstrates that larger faults show higher degrees of preferred orientations. As a result, it is concluded that the evolutionary path of the faulting process in this region can be explained by increasing the number of faults rather than the growth in the fault lengths and also it seems that the regional-scale faults in this region are generated by a nearly steady-state tectonic stress regime.

The present study investigates the feasibility of micro perfusion of femoral head specimens from femoral neck fracture patients by the inferior retinacular arteries and performing intraosseous artery quantitative analysis of the femoral head. Twelve femoral neck fracture patients who had undergone conventional hip replacement surgery were included in this study. Femoral head specimen arteries were first dissected and exposed and then perfused by the inferior retinacular arteries and all the femoral heads underwent micro-CT scanning. After micro-CT scanning, a digital 3-D model was reconstructed to quantify the femoral head intraosseous arteries for comparison with a normal femoral head. The artery length density, artery volume density, and artery length/volume ratio were calculated separately and compared with normal femoral head parameters. Micro-CT scanning displayed the epiphyseal arterial network structure and their fine vascular branches in all 12 femoral neck fractures. Blood was supplied from the inferior retinacular artery to the epiphyseal arterial network then to all the fine blood vessels within the femoral head. No statistical differences were observed in femoral heads' intraosseous artery length densities or volume densities between the normal and femoral neck fracture specimens, while the artery length/volume ratio showed a statistical difference, and the ratio increased from 19 to 46. Micro perfusion of the femoral head by the inferior retinacular arteries is possible and can present the epiphyseal network and their fine arterial branches in pathologic conditions to provide a morphological basis for the study of femoral head disease.

Purpose To identify the impact of hypertension (HTN) on macular microvasculature in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients without clinical diabetic retinopathy. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, subjects were divided into three groups: controls (control group), patients with T2DM (DM group), and patients with both T2DM and HTN (DM + HTN group). The vessel length density (VD) was compared among the groups. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with VD. Results The VD in the control, DM, and DM + HTN groups was 20.43 ± 1.16, 19.50 ± 1.45, and 18.19 ± 2.06 mm−1, respectively (P < 0.001). The best-corrected visual acuity (B = −9.30; P = 0.002), duration of T2DM (B = −0.04; P = 0.020), HTN (B = −0.51; P = 0.016), signal strength (B = 1.12; P < 0.001), and ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness (B = 0.06; P < 0.001) were significant factors affecting VD in patients with T2DM. Additionally, the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (B = −0.49; P = 0.016) was significantly associated with VD in patients with both T2DM and HTN. Conclusions Patients with T2DM had impaired macular microvasculature, and patients with T2DM with HTN exhibited greater impairment of the microvasculature than did patients with T2DM only. Additionally, physicians should be aware that the macular microvasculature would be more vulnerable to hyperglycemic damage under ischemic conditions by HTN.

We evaluated the influence of plant species and life forms on soil aggregate distribution among size-classes, total macroaggregate mass and aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD), and examined how specific root traits were related to these aggregation variables. We analyzed the soil attached to the roots (i.e., rhizospheric soil) under 13 Mediterranean species grown in monocultures in a common garden experiment for four years, and compared it to a bare soil. The mass distribution of aggregates in six size-classes and aggregate MWD were calculated, both on a rhizospheric soil and root biomass basis. Compared to bare soil, macroaggregate mass increased by an average of 13% in the presence of plants, with a strong effect of species and life forms (both P

Summary Introduction: Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a noninvasive clinical method to analyse and quantify corneal nerve fibres in vivo. Although the CCM technique is in constant progress, there are methodological limitations in terms of sampling of images and objectivity of the nerve quantification. The aim of this study was to present a randomized sampling method of the CCM images and to develop an adjusted area-dependent image analysis. Furthermore, a manual nerve fibre analysis method was compared to a fully automated method. Methods: 23 idiopathic small-fibre neuropathy patients were investigated using CCM. Corneal nerve fibre length density (CNFL) and corneal nerve fibre branch density (CNBD) were determined in both a manual and automatic manner. Differences in CNFL and CNBD between (1) the randomized and the most common sampling method, (2) the adjusted and the unadjusted area and (3) the manual and automated quantification method were investigated. Results: The CNFL values were significantly lower when using the randomized sampling method compared to the most common method (p = 0.01). There was not a statistical significant difference in the CNBD values between the randomized and the most common sampling method (p = 0.85). CNFL and CNBD values were increased when using the adjusted area compared to the standard area. Additionally, the study found a significant increase in the CNFL and CNBD values when using the manual method compared to the automatic method (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The study demonstrated a significant difference in the CNFL values between the randomized and common sampling method indicating the importance of clear guidelines for the image sampling. The increase in CNFL and CNBD values when using the adjusted cornea area is not surprising. The observed increases in both CNFL and CNBD values when using the manual method of nerve quantification compared to the automatic method are consistent with earlier findings. This study underlines the importance of improving the analysis of the CCM images in order to obtain more objective corneal nerve fibre measurements.

The rope endurance is a fundamental requirement of the operator. To carry out non-destructive tests of ropes (NDT) is a way how to detect the real condition of ropes during their operation. In addition to the NDT monitoring, it is possible to observe the rope load parameters. These data can be used to express the specific tractive rope work. This parameter gives the amount of performed work related to the rope length density. Thus it is possible to evaluate the accumulated tractive rope work absorption after particular monitored intervals. Also the comparison of this parameter with the values estimated for the particular rope categories enables monitoring of the remaining lifetime of the deployed rope. Combining the qualified NDT inspection and the estimation of the accumulated specific tractive rope work we are able to achieve maximum and safe utilization of the rope properties at the same time. This expression of tractive rope work supported by qualified NDT is pointing indirectly to the close dependency of the rope construction quality, the rope core and its lifetime.