Peat properties of a tropical forest reserve adjacent to a fire-break canal

Tropical peat comprises decomposed dead plant material and acts like a sponge to absorb water,making it fully saturated.However,drought periods dry it readily and increases its vulnerability to fire.Peat fires emit greenhouse gases and particles contributing to haze,and prevention by constructing fire-break canals to reduce fire spread into forest reserves is crucial.This paper aims to determine peat physical and chemical properties near a fire-break canal at different fire frequency areas.Peat sampling was conducted at two forest reserves in Malaysia which represent low fire frequency and high fire frequency areas.The results show that peat properties were not affected by the construction of a fire-break canal,however lignin and cellulose content increased significantly from the distance of the canal in both areas.The study concluded that fire frequency did not significantly influence peat properties except for porosity.The higher fibre content in the high frequency area did not influence moisture content nor the ability to regain moisture.Thus,fire frequency might contribute differently to changes in physical and chemical properties,hence management efforts to construct fire-break canals and restoration efforts should protect peatlands from further degradation.These findings will benefit future management and planning for forest reserves.

Steel bar penetrating cervical spinal canal without neurological injury:A case report

BACKGROUND We report a rare case of cervical spinal canal penetrating trauma and review the relevant literatures.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with a steel bar penetrating the neck,without signs of neurological deficit.Computed tomography(CT)demonstrated that the steel bar had penetrated the cervical spinal canal at the C6–7 level,causing C6 and C7 vertebral body fracture,C6 left lamina fracture,left facet joint fracture,and penetration of the cervical spinal cord.The steel bar was successfully removed through an open surgical procedure by a multidisciplinary team.During the surgery,we found that the cervical vertebra,cervical spinal canal and cervical spinal cord were all severely injured.Postoperative CT demonstrated severe penetration of the cervical spinal canal but the patient returned to a fully functional level without any neurological deficits.CONCLUSION Even with a serious cervical spinal canal penetrating trauma,the patient could resume normal work and life after appropriate treatment.

Investigation of serum calcium and vitamin D levels in superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome: A case control study

Objective: It remains unknown whether calcium metabolism has any effect on the clinical presentation of superior semicircular canal dehiscence(SSCD). Our aim was to analyse the adjusted calcium and vitamin D levels in SSCD patients compared to a control group.Methods: This was a prospective case-control study performed in a tertiary referral center, university teaching hospital in the UK. It included all new patients with SSCD seen in a dedicated skull base clinic over a 5-year period(2015-2019) compared to a gender and age matched control group. The main outcome of the study was adjusted calcium and Vitamin D levels between the two groups.Results: A total of 31 SSCD patients were recruited with a matched number of control patients. The mean Vitamin D level on the SSCD group was 44.8 nmoL/l(SD: 20.8) compared to 47.5 nmoL/l(SD: 27.4) on the control group(p = 0.702). Mean Adjusted calcium level was 2.34 mmoL/l(SD: 0.7) for SSCD compared to2.41 mmoL/l(SD: 0.11) for controls(p = 0.01), being within normal limits for both the SSCD and the control group.Conclusion: Our study did not identify a link between Vitamin D levels and presence of SSCD. Normal adjusted calcium values were found in both groups. Despite that a statistically significant lower calcium level was found in the SSCD group which could indicate that suboptimal levels of calcium may affect the micro-environment of the otic capsule at the SSC region.

Root Canal System Variation in Mandibular Second Molar: Middle-Mesial Canal

Middle-mesial canals in mandibular molars are present in the population depending on age, sex and ethnicity. However, limited literature alludes to its prevalence. Troughing procedures may enhance identification, cleaning and shaping. This case report expresses the recognition and management of middle-mesial canal in a mandibular second molar of 24 years old Hispanic-Latino male.

Nodular fasciitis of the external auditory canal: Clinical case report and review of the literature

Nodular fasciitis is a benign reactive soft tissue tumor arising from fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.Its incidence is low and misdiagnosis is frequent especially for malignant lesions.This can lead to inappropriate and unnecessary invasive treatment.Nodular fasciitis of the external auditory canal is extremely rare.So far,around fifteen cases have been reported.We present here the case of a 90-year-old patient with nodular fasciitis of the right external auditory canal.The lesion extends anteriorly for 6.5 cm and reaches the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus.To our knowledge,this is the first case in the literature of an external auditory canal nodular fasciitis presenting as an inflammatory ear polyp with such a wide extension.

An evidenced-based diagnostic tool for superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome

Purpose:To construct a symptoms-based prediction tool to assess the likelihood of superior canal dehiscence(SSCD)on high-resolution CT.Materials and methods:Mathematical modeling was employed to predict radiologic evidence of SSCD at a tertiary neurotology referral center.Results:A total of 168 patients were included,of which 118 had imaging-confirmed SSCD.On univariate analysis significant predictors of SSCD presence were:sound/pressure-induced vertigo(p?0.006),disequilibrium(p?0.008),hyperacusis(p?0.008),and autophony(p?0.034).Multivariate analysis enabled a 14-point symptom-weighted tool to be developed,wherein a score of6 raised the suspicion of SSCD(70%likelihood of being present),R2?0.853.Conclusions:The likelihood of SSCD on CT scan can be determined with a high degree of certainty based on symptoms recorded at presentation.Using the evidenced-based diagnostic tool validated herein,a score6 with any symptom combination justifies ordering a CT scan.

Root Canal Treatment Outcome and Restorative Condition of Teeth Treated by Undergraduates—A Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation

Background: The aim was to evaluate the nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment (nRCT) outcome, the restorative condition and the relationship between the coronal restoration quality and the outcome of teeth endodontic treated by undergraduates at the University of Caxias do Sul School of Dentistry (UCS-SD), Brazil, between 2019 and 2021. Materials and Methods: Data from the endodontically treated cases were retrieved, and the patients were recalled for a follow-up appointment at the university. The endodontic diagnosis, radiographs, and the presence of definitive restorations were analyzed in the clinical records. During the follow-up appointment, endodontically treated teeth were classified as present or absent. The nRCT was classified as successful (complete or incomplete healing) or failure (uncertain or unsatisfactory healing). Coronal restoration was classified as absent or present. When it was present, it was classified as permanent or temporary, and its quality as adequate or inadequate restoration. The results were presented as percentages. Results: A total of 257 teeth were endodontically treated. The most prevalent diagnosis was Chronic Apical Periodontitis (33.33%) and the most commonly treated teeth were premolars (46.15%). A total of 52 (21%) treated teeth were clinically and radiographically reexamined. The success rate for the nRCT was 98.08%. About 61.54% of this sample had a definitive composite resin restoration. Conclusion: The nRCT success rate was high. Special attention should be given to the presence and quality of the definitive restoration. Clinical Implications: There was no statistically significant impact between the coronal restoration and the nRCT success (P > 0.05).

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor of the lower uterine segment and cervical canal:A case report

BACKGROUND Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor(ETT) is the rarest type of gestational trophoblastic tumor(GTT). It has been reported that more than 50% of ETTs arise in the uterine cervix or the lower uterine segment. Here, we report a case of ETT within the lower uterine segment and cervical canal and discuss its manifestations,possible causes, and related influencing factors.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old woman(gravida 7, miscarriage 3, induction 2 with 1 being twins,para 2 of cesarean section, live 2), who had amenorrhea for 9 mo after breastfeeding for 22 mo after the last cesarean section, was diagnosed with ETT. The lesion was present in the lower uterine segment and endocervical canal with severe involvement of the anterior wall of the lower uterine segment and the front wall of the lower uterine segment where the cesarean incisions were made.Laboratory tests showed slight elevation of serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. Intraoperative exploration showed the presence of a normal-sized uterus body with an enlarged tumor in the lower uterine segment. The surface of the lower uterine segment was light blue, the entire lesion was approximately about 8cm × 8 cm × 9 cm, with compression and displacement of the surrounding tissue.Histological examination diagnosed ETT. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive expression of p63, with a Ki-67 proliferation index of 40%.CONCLUSION A search of the PubMed database using the search terms "cesarean section" and "epithelioid trophoblastic tumor" retrieved nine articles, including 13 cases of ETT and ETT-related lesions, all 13 cases had a history of cesarean section, and the lesions were all located at the cesarean section incision on the anterior wall of the lower uterine segment. The present case is the 14th reported case of ETT after cesarean section. Therefore, we deduced that cesarean section trauma had an important effect on the occurrence of ETT at this site.

Prevotella oris-caused meningitis and spinal canal infection:A case report

BACKGROUND Prevotella oris-induced meningitis and Prevotella oris-induced meningitis concomitant with spinal canal infection are extremely rare.To the best of our knowledge,only 1 case of Prevotella oris-induced central system infection has been reported.This is the second report on meningitis combined with spinal canal infection due to Prevotella oris.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 9-year-old boy suffering from meningitis and spinal canal infection.The patient presented to the neurosurgery department with lumbosacral pain for 1 mo and headache and vomiting for 1 d.He had been treated with cephalosporin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for fever,otalgia and pharyngalgia in a local hospital 2 mo prior to this admission.During hospitalization,magnetic resonance imaging suggested meningitis and L3-S1 lumbosacral dural sac infection.The cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures were negative,but the cerebrospinal fluid specimen indicated the presence of Prevotella oris by metagenomic next-generation sequencing.Previous cases of Prevotella oris infection were retrieved from PubMed to characterize the clinicopathological features and identify the prognostic factors and related antimicrobial treatment of infection due to Prevotella oris.CONCLUSION This report shed light on the characteristics of Prevotella oris infection and highlighted the role of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in pathogen detection.

Correlation study between the changes of motor evoked potential and the improvement of spinal canal volume in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Objective:To analyze the correlation between the amplitude changes of motor evoked potential(MEP),the 3D volume changes of spinal canal measuring by postoperative CT and the improvement rate of clinical symptoms after the spinal canal decompression in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(MIS-TLIF),and to explore the predictive value of the changes of both MEP amplitude and spinal canal volume in the assessment of long-term clinical prognosis in MIS-TLIF.Methods:A retrospective study of 68 patients with L4/5 spinal stenosis treated with MIS-TLIF was performed.The changes of both intraoperative MEP amplitude and 3D spinal canal volume during the spinal canal decompression,as well as the visual analogue scale(VAS)and Oswestry dysfunction index(ODI)scores in the long-term follow-up were all recorded.Results:The values of intraoperative MEP amplitude was 159.04%higher in 68 patients with MIS-TLIF after spinal canal decompression(P<0.01).The 3 postoperative 3D spinal canal volume(4.89±1.27)cm increased by 31.22%in comparison 3 with preoperative date(3.78±1.08)cm(P<0.01).The VAS and ODI scores were improved to 78.55%and 80.60%,respectively at the last follow-up(P<0.01).The improvement rate of MEP amplitude on the decompression side was positively correlated with the improvement rate of postoperative spinal canal volume(r=0.272,P=0.025).The improvement rate of postoperative spinal canal volume was positively correlated with the improvement rate of VAS and ODI at the last follow-up(r=0.656,r=0.490,P<0.01).Moreover,the improvement rate of MEP amplitude on the decompression side was also positively correlated with the improvement rate of VAS and ODI at the last follow-up(r=0.322 and 0.235,respectively,P<0.05).Conclusion:The increase of MEP amplitude after spinal canal decompression in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated by MIS-TLIF was closely correlated with both of the increase of spinal canal volume and the improvement of clinical symptoms.Therefore,MEP amplitude monitoring was not only the one of the important monitoring methods for predicting the prognosis of MIS-TLIF but also the reliably predictive value in the long-term clinical prognosis in MIS-TLIF.

Gout: A Possible Cause of Lumbal Canal Stenosis. Cases Report in Sub-Saharan Area and Literature Review

Introduction: Gout is defined as an arthritic condition resulting from the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in and/or around joints, following long-standing hyperuricemia. This may cause gouty arthritis in joints and tophi in soft tissues. Spinal gout is rare and never mentioned in our context. It can appear as acute back pain, radiculopathy, spinal cord compression, spondylodiscitis or neoplasic/infectious epiduritis. Our aim was to share our surgical experience and proceed of a Literature review. Cases Presentation: Between January and August 2022, two patients male were surgically cared, aged of 42 and 60 years old. The gout was unknown in the youngest and poorly followed in the eldest. There was no past medical history of tuberculosis or immunodeficiency in both. The early diagnosis retained was unspecific lumbar spondylodiscitis due to clinical features: Patients complained both of lower back pain with initial fever. It was of a progressive left L5S1 deficit with erectile defect and dysuria in the first case and a progressive paraplegia without sphincter disorders in the second case. We proceeded with a lumbar laminectomy with a biopsy on both patients. The spinal tophus was ligamentous in one case and arthro-ligamentous in the other. There was a progressive motor recovery from postoperative Day-2 till postoperative Month-1. A probabilistic antituberculosis treatment was promptly initiated postoperatively based on radioclinic features while waiting for histologic proof. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was negative and the histology was of a chronic calcified osteitis with dense fibrosis in both. The anti-gout treatment was implemented after 15 days with blood test evidence. A rheumatologic follow-up was also initiated and adjuvant physio-therapy. The results were very satisfactory from 4 - 6 months with independent walking. Discussion Conclusion: Spinal Gout may be suggested in 40-male-old faced with any acute rachialgia with neuro deficit with dubious neuro-imaging.

Review and Analysis: Fate of Arsenic Applied to Canal Shipping Lane Vegetation and United States Military Base Grounds in the Panama Canal Zone

The opening of the Panama Canal in 1913 increased the availability of internationally traded goods and transformed ocean-shipping by shortening travel time between the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. The canal sparked the growth of port authorities and increased ship tonnage on both coasts of Panama. Since the construction of the Panama Canal, in the 1910s, pesticides, herbicides and chemicals, including arsenic, have been essential for controlling wetland vegetation, including hyacinth, which blocked rivers, lakes, and the canal as well as managing mosquitoes. Pesticides and chemicals flowed into Lake Gatun (reservoir) either attached to sediment or in solution during the monsoon season. Lake Gatun was the drinking water source for most of the people living in the Panama Canal Zone. The United States military base commanders had the ability to order and use cacodylic acid (arsenic based) from the Naval Depot Supply Federal and Stock Catalog and the later Federal Supply Catalog on the military base grounds in the Panama Canal Zone. Cacodylic acid was shipped to Panama Canal Zone ports, including Balboa and Cristobal, and distributed to the military bases by rail or truck. The objective of this study is to determine the fate of arsenic: 1) applied between 1914 and 1935 to Panama Canal shipping lane hyacinth and other wetland vegetation and 2) cacodylic acid (arsenic) sprayed from 1948 to 1999 on the US military base grounds in the Panama Canal Zone.

Solitary Neurofibroma of External Aural Canal

Neurofibroma is a benign tumor of the connective tissue of the peripheral nerves, developed mainly at the endoneurium. The most common localizations are the extremities of the limbs and the head and neck region. Neurofibromas are often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. An isolated localization in the auditory canal is exceptional. We report the case of a 45-year-old female patient presenting with a neurofibroma of the auditory canal which had previously caused hearing loss. Examination revealed a tissue mass firm, painless and covered with normal skin obstructing the external auditory canal. The patient’s skin examination revealed no café-au-lait spots. A CT scan of the ear showed a hypodense tissue mass. Surgical removal via the ear canal gave good results. In conclusion, an isolated neurofibroma of the external auditory canal is a rare benign tumor with a good prognosis. The surgical approach depends on the exact location of the mass and the surgeon’s experience.

Minimally Invasive 360 Degrees Decompression for Ligamentous, Bony and Discogenic Lumbar Canal Stenosis

Background: For decades, traditional open surgical techniques were used to treat lumbar disc herniation and lumbar canal stenosis (LCS). However, seeking for better outcomes for patients and avoiding extensive bony loss with its sequences had raised minimally invasive technique for treating these disorders as an alternative surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective study in which 54 patients of LCS were operated upon via unilateral minimally invasive technique to decompress the canal in a 360 degrees fashion through laminotomy, deroofing of opposite laminar side, sublaminar ligamintectomy, bilateral foraminotomies and discectomy. We used VAS scores and ODI to assess clinical outcomes with a period of one year follow-up. Results: Our results demonstrated that minimally invasive techniques for treating these disorders are effective procedures. Minimally invasive 360 degrees decompression for treating LCS had better outcomes regarding postoperative back pain, smaller incisions, less bony loss and early ambulation. Conclusion: Minimally invasive techniques for treating lumbar canal stenosis of different causes could be considered a better option instead of traditional full laminectomy with better outcomes as regards respecting the anatomical layers such as posterior spinal integrity and musculature, postoperative pain, accompanied with less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and shorter recovery periods.

Review and Analysis: Did the United States Transport, Off-Load and Use Commercial 2,4,5-T Herbicides with Unknown Amounts of Dioxin TCDD on Military Base Grounds in Panama Canal Zone between 1948 and 1999?

The 84 km Panama Canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans has historically been a strategic waterway for shipping and the location of United States (US) military bases. Since the construction of Lake Gatun reservoir, canal locks and navigation channel through the Isthmus of Panama tropical forests in the 1910s, chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides have been essential for controlling upland and wetland vegetation as well as managing mosquito-borne diseases. Chemicals and pesticides flowed into Lake Gatun via land surface runoff and subsurface drainage either attached to the sediment or in solution during the rainy season. Lake Gatun and the Panama Canal was the drinking water source for most of the civilian and military population living in the Panama Canal Zone. Between 1948 and 1999, US military base commanders had the ability to order, from the Federal Supply Catalog, commercially available herbicide 2,4,5-T with unknown amounts of dioxin TCDD for use on the military base grounds in the Panama Canal Zone. The herbicide 2,4,5-T was transported to Panama Canal Zone ports, including the ports Cristobal on the Caribbean and Balboa on the Pacific, and distributed to the US military bases in Panama by rail or truck. The US National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for the Research on Cancer listed dioxin and TCDD as known human carcinogens. Dioxins are endocrine disrupters and can cause certain chloracne, cancers, developmental and reproductive effects. In 1985, the United States government banned the manufacture of the herbicide 2,4,5-T, with unknown amounts of dioxin TCDD, after it was shown to cause cancer in animals. The objectives of this study are to determine: 1) the fate of dioxin TCDD, a contaminant in the herbicide 2,4,5-T, sprayed on the US military base vegetation in the Panama Canal Zone from 1948 to 1999, 2) the transport of dioxin TCDD rich sediment via soil erosion and overland flow into Lake Gatun and Panama Canal waterways and 3) the human health impacts of dioxin TCDD, a known carcinogen, on US military and Panamanian civilians exposed to dioxin TCDD in the Panama Canal Zone.

Resolving the“Matteo Ricci Puzzle”:Top-Level Design of the Grand Canal of China Based on the Ternary Leadership Theory

Guided by the ternary leadership theory from the perspective of social psychology,this paper explores the impacts of authoritarian,benevolent,and moral leadership on the top design of the Grand Canal of China in terms of its water management practice,while providing reference for resolving the“Matteo Ricci Puzzle”.The research findings are threefold:first,authoritarian as it is,the central government of China formulates relevant laws and regulations to provide legal system insurance for the construction of the Grand Canal Cultural Belt,thus providing the blueprint for constructing the“bright cultural belt,green ecological belt and colorful tourism belt of the Grand Canal”.Second,led by the Central Government,sticking to benevolent and moral leadership,China advocates scientific water management concepts and methods,and gives long-term and comprehensive care to the well-being of the people along the banks of the Grand Canal.Finally,the top-level design of the Grand Canal of China is based on the ternary leadership theory rooted in social psychology and has formulated a set of properly-scheduled,reasonably-coordinated,and flexibly-operated management system for the fundamental interests of the people and long-term goals of the country.

复杂根管上颌磨牙的根管治疗3例

根管的清创与消毒是影响根管治疗成功率的关键因素[1],根管系统内的感染成分即残留的牙髓组织和细菌是根管治疗失败的主要原因[2],而遗漏根管则会造成感染清除不全,并可能导致患牙症状的开始或持续存在[3],因此熟悉和了解患牙根管解剖是去除根管系统感染、取得根管治疗成功的必要条件。上颌第一磨牙和第二磨牙多为三牙根,其中近中颊根的根管变异较多.

根管治疗中光动力疗法作用于粪肠球菌的优化根管预备程度的研究

目的:筛选出应用亚甲基蓝光动力疗法辅助根管消毒效果最优的根管预备程度。方法:体外孔板内构建粪肠球菌生物膜,以证实亚甲基蓝光动力疗法对粪肠球菌有杀菌作用。在离体牙根管中构建粪肠球菌生物膜,比较光动力疗法对于不同预备程度根管内粪肠球菌的清理效果。结果:体外建模证实光动力疗法可杀灭粪肠球菌。根管预备0.04锥度下,20号和25号根管组杀菌效果不如30号根管组;在25号根管组中,0.04锥度组杀菌结果不如0.06锥度组和0.08锥度组。结论:光动力疗法对根管中的粪肠球菌有明显杀菌作用,配合亚甲基蓝光动力疗法对根管内粪肠球菌进行清理的相对优化预备程度为0.04锥度30号和0.06锥度25号。

基于遥感监测的沿运洼地内涝特征与影响因素研究

【目的】探究沿运邳苍郯新平原洼地内涝特征及影响因素。【方法】以沿运洼地为重点研究区域,在内涝影响范围内开展勘测、遥感解译等,分析洪涝前后归一化差异水体指数(NDWI)及归一化植被指数(NDVI)特征,研究沿运邳苍郯新平原涝洼地内涝影响范围变化及其对农作物长势影响,探索水利设施建设等对灾害范围的影响。【结果】(1)受灾作物2004年与2005年NDVI的差值为0.5,未受灾区域2004年与2005年NDVI差值为0.25,受灾作物NDVI显著降低,受灾区域内2005年整年作物生长情况弱于2004年。(2)台儿庄节制闸建成后可降低洪涝对附近农田的影响,有效减少洪涝灾害造成的经济损失。【结论】洪涝灾害对洼地内作物长势影响大于洼地外作物,水利设施建设可以有效减少洪涝灾害造成的经济损失;遥感监测技术是防治洪涝灾害的有效手段。

大运河名称溯源与中国大运河国际话语体系

近年来流行一种说法,“大运河”之名源于1958年淮阴生产的“大运河”牌香烟。这是没有根据的,大运河名称由来已久,多指元代以来形成的京杭大运河。最早称呼“大运河”的是欧美人,几百年来西方人用伟大、雄伟壮丽称呼长城和大运河。我国多称“运河”,晚清民国也开始称呼“大运河”,同时继续称“运河”,也偶尔称“中国大运河”。2013年,国家文物局将“中国大运河”作为遗产名称写入申遗文本,赋予其新的含义。万里长城或长城是中国古代文献的名称,西方话语强调了伟大防御功能,翻译则入乡随俗,沿用了中国传统的名称,体现其线形长度特征。运河是中国古代文献通称,受西方影响,近代以后“大运河”名称渐为中国学术界和社会接受并采用,现在已经成为最常用的名称。直译“大运河”凸显了大运河的博大精深:国家工程、庞大的水运体系和举世无双的体量。