Robust beam width estimation with sub-pixel resolution in uncontrolled imaging conditions.

Estimations of laser beam widths can yield vastly different results depending on the used beam width measurement method and the measurement conditions. We expand upon an imaging analysis method, proposed in the field of laser eye safety, to determine a laser's beam width based on the ratio between encircled energy and diameter. We show this method to be highly valuable when determining beam widths in noisy imaging conditions and in the presence of background illumination.

Meta-regression Analysis of Study Heterogeneity for Systemic Outcomes after Periodontal Therapy.

Introduction: The contribution of periodontal disease to adverse systemic consequences remains controversial. This analysis examined 2 well-investigated conditions independently and combined-adverse pregnancy outcomes and glycemic control for patients with diabetes-based on shared pathogenic mechanisms of periodontal infection and inflammation. It was proposed that inconsistencies in study design significantly contribute to outcome discrepancies found between periodontal intervention studies undergoing meta-analysis.

Prognostic Factors Influencing Survival Rate of Patients Operated for Prostate-Related Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC).

Prostate-related metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) accounts for 50% of all MSCC cases and constitute an oncological emergency. Metastatic spread has a detrimental impact on patient quality of life and the whole management strategy. We sought to identify the prognostic factors influencing the survival rate of patients operated for prostate-related MSCC.

Genetic Discrimination Between LADA and Childhood-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Within the MHC.

Objective: The MHC region harbors the strongest loci for latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA); however, the strength of association is likely attenuated compared with that for childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. In this study, we recapitulate independent effects in the MHC class I region in a population with type 1 diabetes and then determine whether such conditioning in LADA yields potential genetic discriminators between the two subtypes within this region.

Research Design And Methods: Chromosome 6 was imputed using SNP2HLA, with conditional analysis performed in type 1 diabetes case subjects ( = 1,985) and control subjects ( = 2,219).

Exploration of gray matter correlates of cognitive training benefit in adolescents with chronic traumatic brain injury.

Sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during adolescence has a profound effect on brain development and can result in persistent executive functioning deficits in daily life. Cognitive recovery from pediatric-TBI relies on the potential of neuroplasticity, which can be fostered by restorative training-programs. However the structural mechanisms underlying cognitive recovery in the immature brain are poorly understood.