APPLYING METAMORPHOSIS PHILOSOPHY TO REVIVE THE ABANDONED BUILDINGS

The metamorphosis philosophy is related to architecture, for instance this translation is showcased in the transformation of spaces in buildings that is either done by the destruction or modification of the architectural product. Unfortunately, many buildings, structures and spaces are left abandoned because of changing situations, war, or natural causes. These abandoned buildings can increase the crime rate and leave lands covered in leftover spaces which can have drastic consequences on the environment. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to propose a set of design approaches that can apply the philosophy of metamorphosis in the revival of abandoned buildings with the goal of discovering adaptive solutions for abandoned buildings through their transformation. Hence, to accomplish this aim, this paper will cover accordingly a literature review, desk research case studies and previous readings about the relation of metamorphosis to abandoned buildings. Through the analysis, the research will detect ways of applying space transformation to abandoned buildings and will test the role of metamorphosis in reviving a place. That being the case, the paper will highlight on the reuse of abandoned buildings in Mar Mikhael, Lebanon as a case study

A Novel 3D Evaluation of the Correlation Between the Condylar Position and Angle Classification in a Lebanese Population: A Pilot Study

Résumé Introduction : L’articulation temporo-mandibulaire (ATM) est l’une des articulations les plus complexes. Sa morphologie varie selon les individus, et même entre les côtés gauche et droit. Plusieurs études ont démontré une relation significative entre certaines caractéristiques occlusales et la morphologie articulaire. La tomodensitométrie à faisceau conique (CBCT) est actuellement la modalité la plus largement adoptée pour l’examen de l’ATM. Objectif : Cette étude vise à comparer, dans une cohorte Libanaise, l’espace interarticulaire avec les différentes classes d’Angle en utilisant le CBCT. Méthodologie : Une analyse rétrospective a été menée sur des images CBCT réalisées à l’Université Saint Joseph de Beyrouth sur une période de 1 an, entre 2021 et 2022. Quatre valeurs de clairance ont été sélectionnées, représentant la distance minimale entre l’os temporal et le condyle mandibulaire qui définit l’espace interarticulaire : 0,5 mm, 1 mm, 1,5 mm et 2 mm. Pour chaque valeur choisie, nous avons recherché la présence ou non d’une surface visible. Cette surface correspond à la zone du condyle ayant une distance du condyle à l’os temporal inférieure ou égale à la valeur choisie. Résultats : Vingt-neuf patients âgés de 12 à 60 ans ont été inclus ; 12 (41 %) étaient des hommes et 17 (59 %) des femmes. Les 48 images CBCT (23 du côté droit et 25 du côté gauche) ont été réparties en trois groupes selon la classification d’Angle : classe I (n = 14), classe II (n = 29) et classe III (n = 5). Pour une distance de [0 mm ;0,5 mm ;1mm et 1,5mm] correspondent des surfaces de valeurs nulles. Pour un intervalle compris entre [1,5 – 2mm] correspond une surface de 18,8 mm2 pour les sujets de classe I, 16,6 mm2 pour les sujets de classe II, et 30,5 mm2 pour les sujets de classe III. Les résultats n’ont pas montré de corrélation statistiquement significative entre l’espace interarticulaire et les différentes classes d’Angle. Conclusion : L’évaluation tridimensionnelle de la position condylienne par CBCT a montré qu’il n’existe pas de corrélation entre les espaces interarticulaires et les différentes classes d’Angle. Mots clés : position condylienne ; classification d’Angle ; occlusion ; CBCT ; tomodensitométrie. Abstract Introduction: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints. Its morphology varies between individuals, and even between the left and right sides. Several studies have found a significant relation between certain occlusal features and joint morphology. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is currently the most widely adopted modality for the examination of the TMJ. Objective: This study aimed to compare the joint space in a Lebanese cohort with different Angle classification using CBCT. Methodology: We retrospectively analyzed CBCT images performed at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut in Lebanon, over a period of 1 year, between 2021 and 2022. Four clearance values were selected, representing the minimum distance between the temporal bone and the mandibular condyle that defines the joint space: 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm. For each value chosen, we looked for the presence or not of a visible surface. This surface corresponds to the area of the condyle with a distance from the condyle to the temporal bone less than or equal to the chosen value. Results: Twenty-nine patients aged between 12 and 60 years old were included; 12 (41%) were males and 17 (59%) females. We classified 48 CBCT images (23 on the right side and 25 on the left side) into three groups according to Angle’s classification: class I (n=14), class II (n=29), and class III (n=5). For a distance of [0-1.5 mm] corresponded a surface of 0 mm2. For the interval between [1.5-2 mm] corresponded a surface of 18,8 mm2 for class I subjects, 16,6 mm2 for class II, and 30,5 mm2 for class III. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the articular spaces and the different types of occlusion. Conclusion: The three-dimensional evaluation of the condylar position by CBCT showed that there are no significant differences between the joint spaces and the different types of occlusion according to Angle’s classification. Keywords: condylar position; Angle classification; occlusion; CBCT

Contrast media volume is significantly related to patient lung volume during CT pulmonary angiography when employing a patient-specific contrast protocol

Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between contrast media volume and patient lung volume when employing a patient-specific contrast media formula during pulmonary computed tomography angiography (CTA). Materials and methods: IRB approved this retrospective study. CTA of the pulmonary arteries was performed on 200 patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). The contrast media volume (CMV) was calculted by employing a patient-specific contrast formula. Lung volume was quantified employing semi-automated lung software that calculated lung volumes (intellispace -Philips). The mean cross-sectional opacification profile of central and peripheral pulmonary arteries and veins were measured for each patient and arteriovenous contrast ratio (AVCR) calculated for each lung segment.  Mean body mass index (BMI) and lung volume were quantified. Receiver operating (ROC) and visual grading characteristics (VGC) measured reader confidence in emboli detection and image quality respectively. Inter and intra-observer variations were investigated employing Cohen’s kappa methodology. Results: Results showed that the mean pulmonary arterial opacification of the main pulmonary circulation (343.88±73HU), right lung; upper (316.51±23HU), middle (312.5±39HU) and lower (315.23±65HU) lobes and left; upper (318.76±83HU), and lower (321.91±12HU) lobes. The mean venous opacification of all pulmonary veins was below 182±72HU. AVCR was observed at all anatomic locations (p<0.0002) where this ratio was calculated. Moreover, larger volumes of contrast significantly correlated with larger lung volumes (r=0.89, p<0.03) and radiation dose (p<0.03). VGC and ROC analysis demonstrated increased area under the curve: 0.831 and 0.99 respectively (p<0.02). Inter-observer variation was observed as excellent (κ = 0.71). Conclusion: We conclude that increased CMV is significantly correlated to increased patient lung volume and radiation dose when employing a patient-specific contrast formula. The effects patient habitus is highlighted

Lung density in the trajectory path — a strong indicator of patients sustaining a pneumothorax during CT-guided lung biopsy

Introduction: The purpose is to evaluate the prognostic significance of lung parenchymal density during percutaneous coaxial cutting needle lung biopsy (PNLB). Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of 179 consecutive patients (106 males, 73 females; mean age 59.16 ± 16.34 years) undergoing PNLB was included. Mean lobar parenchymal lung density, mean densities anterior to the lesion and posterior to the chest wall in the needle trajectory path were measured in HU. Lesion location and needle trajectory were also measured. Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square test were conducted to analyze the categorical variables. ANOVA test was done to examine continuous and normally distributed variables. Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05. Results: Mean lobar parenchymal lung density (p < 0.05) and mean parenchymal lung density relative to the needle trajectory path were below -800 HU in patients who sustained a pneumothorax. Increase in the number of pleural passes was significantly associated with the risk of patients having pneumothorax (p < 0.05). The mean distance from the skin to the lesion and needle trajectory angle were not statistically different among patients with and without pneumothorax (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Lobar parenchymal density and lung parenchymal density anterior to the lesion and posterior to the chest wall in the needle trajectory path could be used as predicting parameters in patients undergoing PNLB who sustained a pneumothorax. These findings can help interventional radiologist further assess risk of pneumothorax when preforming such procedure

Maronite Church and Youth Identity in Australia: At the Crossroads

The Maronite Church, situated in the See of Antioch, had its origins in Syria, soon followed by its expansion to Lebanon. The Maronite Synod (2003-2006) distinguished aspects of the Maronite Catholic Church as: firstly, an Antiochene Syriac Church, with a special liturgical heritage; secondly, a Chalcedonian Church; thirdly, a Patriarchal Church with an ascetic and a monastic aspect; fourthly, a Church in full union with the Apostolic Roman See; fifthly, a Church incarnated in her Lebanese and Eastern environment, and the Countries of Expansion

Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Conventional and Two Premixed Root Canal Filling Materials in Primary Teeth

International audienceIn this study, some physicochemical and antibacterial properties of three root canal filling materials for primary teeth, Calplus "CP" (Prevest DenPro, Lewes, DE, USA), Bio-C Pulpecto "Bio-CP" (Angelus, Basil, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil), and Zinc Oxide and Eugenol "ZOE" (Prevest DenPro, Lewes, DE, USA) were compared. For each material, the pH, solubility, contact angle, and crystalline microstructure under SEM were evaluated. Their antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis was determined through direct tests. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the results using a one-way analysis of variance on ranks. All the materials had an alkaline pH at 3, 24, and 72 h, with CalPlus having the highest (p < 0.05). Bio-CP was more soluble during the evaluation period (24 h) than ZOE and CalPlus (p < 0.05). Bio-CP and ZOE demonstrated the creation of crystallite structures on their surfaces after immersion in PBS at 37 • C, whereas CalPlus showed none. The lowest contact angle was observed for Bio-CP (53 ± 1.5 •); contact angles of (86 ± 4 •) and (96 ± 1 •), respectively, were observed after 10 s of the deposition of the water drop for CalPlus and ZOE. In conclusion, according to this study, there is still a need to develop new filling materials for primary teeth. ZOE, CalPlus and Bio-CP demonstrated different physicochemical and antibacterial properties, but none of the materials had optimal properties and could be considered the most suitable filling material for primary teeth pulpectomy. Bioceramics in their current state are not an alternative. The physicochemical and antibacterial properties still need improvement to fit the intricate anatomy of primary teeth

Lung Density in the Trajectory Path—A Strong Indicator of Patients Sustaining a Pneumothorax during CT-Guided Lung Biopsy

Introduction: The purpose is to evaluate the prognostic significance of lung parenchymal density during percutaneous coaxial cutting needle lung biopsy (PNLB). Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of 179 consecutive patients (106 males, 73 females; mean age 59.16 ± 16.34 years) undergoing PNLB was included. Mean lobar parenchymal lung density, mean densities anterior to the lesion and posterior to the chest wall in the needle trajectory path were measured in HU. Lesion location and needle trajectory were also measured. Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square test were conducted to analyze the categorical variables. ANOVA test was done to examine continuous and normally distributed variables. Statistical significance was considered when p &lt; 0.05. Results: Mean lobar parenchymal lung density (p &lt; 0.05) and mean parenchymal lung density relative to the needle trajectory path were below -800 HU in patients who sustained a pneumothorax. Increase in the number of pleural passes was significantly associated with the risk of patients having pneumothorax (p &lt; 0.05). The mean distance from the skin to the lesion and needle trajectory angle were not statistically different among patients with and without pneumothorax (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Lobar parenchymal density and lung parenchymal density anterior to the lesion and posterior to the chest wall in the needle trajectory path could be used as predicting parameters in patients undergoing PNLB who sustained a pneumothorax. These findings can help interventional radiologist further assess risk of pneumothorax when preforming such procedure

The Contribution of Various In Vitro Methodologies to Comprehending the Filling Ability of Root Canal Pastes in Primary Teeth

A void-free obturation during root canal treatment on primary teeth is currently very difficult to attain. In this study, the pulpectomy filling abilities of Bio-C Pulpecto (Angelus, Basil, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil) and of zinc oxide eugenol, or "ZOE" (DenPro, Prevest, New York, NY, USA), were compared using several in vitro techniques. Therefore, 30 primary anterior teeth were used in the present in vitro study. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), including a multiple comparison procedure (Holm-Sidak method, Dunn's Method, or Tukey test), was used. On micro-CT, Bio-C Pulpecto exhibited higher void percentages than did ZOE (10.3 ± 3.8%, and 3.5 ± 1.3%), respectively (p < 0.05). With digital microscopy, higher total void percentages were found in the BC (13.2 ± 26.7%) group compared to the ZOE (2.7 ± 2.8%) group (p < 0.05). With the CLSM, mean tubular penetration depths were higher for Bio-C Pulpecto than for ZOE in all canal thirds (p < 0.05). SEM images demonstrated no tags into dentinal tubules in either group throughout the three thirds. Moreover, higher statistically significant flowability was found for Bio-C (2.657 ± 0.06 mm) compared to ZOE (1.8 ± 0.13 mm) (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that neither ZOE nor Bio-C Pulpecto appears to meet the criteria for an ideal root canal filling paste for primary teeth. This study laid the groundwork for future research by determining how micro-CT, digital microscopy, SEM, and CLSM contribute to our understanding of the filling process of primary teeth. More thorough research on the mechanism of root canal obturation on primary teeth is required to achieve a long-term successful root canal therapy in young children