3rd Segment Research Articles

Infestation of the spider crab Menaethius monoceros (Epialtidae: Brachyura) from the Egyptian Red Sea coasts by Parasacculina pilosella (Polyascidae: Rhizocephala: Cirripedia

The results of this study showed that out of 287 individuals (135 males and 152 females) of the spider crab Menaethius monoceros collected from the Red Sea and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, 15 individuals (6 males and 9 females) were infected with Parasacculina pilosella (Van Kampen & Boschma, 1925) (Polyascidae: Rhizocephala: Cirripedia: Crustacea). A total of 20 externae were recorded, including 11 singles, three doubles, and only one triple on the infected crab abdomens. The overall infection rate was 5.23% for the combined sexes at all sites, declined to 4.44% in males, but increased to 5.92% in females, reaching a higher rate of 16.07% in the populations of Marsa Alam and Shalateen sectors during summer. The examined externae have variable colors, sizes, and shapes based on their sexual maturity, which has been classified into four stages: immature or virgin, early mature, maturing, and late (spent externae). The largest number of externae was eight extruded on the 3rd abdominal segment, while it decreased to six, two, and one on the 4th, 2nd and 5th segments, respectively. The size of externae varied from 1.3 × 1.0 × 1.0 to 6.3 × 4.5 × 2.5 mm (Breadth × Height × Thickness). These results showed changes in the external secondary sexual characters of the infected males, represented by the remarkable broadness of the abdomen fringed with marginal setae and invagination of the sternum, but were limited in infected females.

Culicoides jiangchengensis, a new species of the subgenus Sinocoides (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) based on integrative taxonomy from China.

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides are important in both medicine and veterinary medicine because their blood-feeding regime enable them to transmit a variety of pathogens. In this study, the morphological characteristics of the new species of Culicoides (Sinocoides) jiangchengensis Wang et Liu sp. nov are described and compared with the other species of female Culicoides in the subgenus Sinocoides. Three morphological characteristics of C. jiangchengensis, such as without sensory pit in 3rd palpus segment, sensilla coeloconica on flagellomeres 1,9-13, and m1 and m2 cell of the wings with pale spots, were different from the other nine species of culicoides in subgenus Sinocoides. Genetically, C. jiangchengensis are most closely related to C. malipoensis, but they were located in different branches and the minimum interspecific distance between them was 12.6%. In addition, a checklist of 10 species in the subgenus Sinocoides Chu, 1983 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) in China, including the new species C. jiangchengensis Wang et Liu sp. nov., is provided, and an updated key to species of the subgenus Sinocoides Chu, 1983 was presented.

A new, widespread genus of Baetidae from South Asia (Insecta, Ephemeroptera).

Material collected on different islands across South Asia revealed a new genus of Baetidae with a widespread distribution, Arcobaetisgen. nov. The larvae present important similarities with Nigrobaetis, but have paraglossae dorsally with an arc of long, spine-like setae in distal area; long, slightly feathered setae between prostheca and mola of both mandibles; and very slender legs with row of short setae at dorsal margin of femur. The male imago has an extraordinarily small 3rd (apical) segment of gonostylus, which is much narrower than the apex of the 2nd segment. The new genus includes five species: A.sumbawensissp. nov. is described from Sumbawa (Indonesia) based on larvae, A.sumatrensissp. nov. from Sumatra (Indonesia) based on larvae, A.bornensissp. nov. from Borneo (Brunei) based on larvae, and A.sripadaisp. nov. (type species) is described from Sri Lanka based on a reared male imago with its larval and subimaginal exuviae; A.gracilentus (Chang & Yang, 1994), comb. nov. from Taiwan, formerly described in Margobaetis Kang & Yang, 1994, a subgenus of Baetis Leach, 1815, and subsequently transferred to the genus Nigrobaetis Kazlauskas (in Novikova & Kluge), 1987, is transferred to the new genus. A key to the larvae of all species is provided. Morphological similarities and the relationship of the new genus to other genera of Baetidae are discussed.

Structure and distribution of sensilla on the mouthpart palps in the caddisfl ies of the family Hydropsychidae (Trichoptera)

A comparative morphological study of the structure and distribution of sensilla on the maxillary and labial palps in representatives of the family Hydropsychidae was performed. Morphology of palpal sensilla was studied in 17 species from 12 genera by scanning electron microscopy. Four types of sensilla were found on the palps of the studied species: long trichoid sensilla, chaetoid sensilla, campaniform sensilla, and petaloid sensilla; basiconic and pseudoplacoid sensilla were not found on palps. All studied species lack apical sensory complexes at the tips of both pairs of palps, where only long chaetoid sensilla are present. Petaloid sensilla form sensory elds on the 4th (in Arctopsychinae) or on the 3rd and 4th segments (in Diplectroninae, Hydropsychinae, Macronematinae) of the maxillary palps. These sensilla are never present on the labial palps. Sensory elds include from 5-10 sensilla in Hydropsychinae to 40 in Arctopsychinae.

A radioanatomical study of 3rd segment terminal branches of the maxillary artery in the pterygopalatine fossa

This study describes the clinical anatomical topography and relationship of the terminal branches of the maxillary artery to the bony wall of the maxillary sinus in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) to estimate the bleeding risk during surgical interventions. Using contrasted computer tomography records, (i) the route of the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa, (ii) the number of the arteries in the critical PPF surgery plane, (iii) the diameter of the largest artery in the area and (iv) its relation to the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus were examined. Furthermore, measurements were extended with (v) the minerality of the bony posterior wall of the maxillary sinus on bone-window images. For statistical analyses Student’s t- and Fisher-test were applied. 50 patients (n = 50, 100 cases including both sides) were examined in this study. The maxillary artery reached the pterygomaxillary fissure on the lateral side of the lateral pterygoid muscle in 56% of the cases (n = 32), in 37% (n = 23) on its medial side and in 7% (n = 4) on both sides. The number of arteries at the level of the Vidian canal in the PPF varied between 1 and 4 with a median of 2. The diameter of the biggest branch was 1.2–4.7 mm, the median diameter was 1.90 mm. In 41% (n = 30) of the cases the biggest artery directly contacted the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus, and the mineral density of the posterior wall was decreased in 14.3% (n = 12) of all investigated cases. The present description and statistical analysis of the vasculature of the PPF optimizes operative planning—like clip size or the type and direction of the surgical approach—in this hidden and deep head/neck region.

Hemodynamics in the right gastroepiploic artery and its practical application

To study functional anatomy of the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA), its gastric and omental branches and practical significance of these anatomical features. We analyzed 20 cadaveric organ complexes (11 men and 9 women, aged 49-85 years) between 2018 and 2019. The organ complexes consisted of the stomach, proximal duodenum and large omentum. RGEA catheterization at the level of pylorus was followed by selective real time angiography. We assessed the following parameters of RGEA: total length, diameter at the level of pylorus, number and diameter of gastric and omental branches. To objectify the study, we visually divided RGEA into 5 equal segments between pylorus and the last branch arising from this artery. The RGEA looks like a gradually and evenly narrowing tube. Mean diameter of the artery at the level of pylorus was 2.2±0.68 mm, mean length - 23.6±3.7 cm. Mean number of gastric and omental branches was 16.2±4.8 and 8.6±2.6, respectively. The number of gastric branches in the distal part of the RGEA increased, while the diameters of the gastric branches did not significantly differ. The number of gastric branches in distal RGEA increased, while diameters of gastric branches were similar. The greatest number of omental branches with the largest diameter was observed in the 2nd and 3rd segments of the artery. Considering these data, we formulated the equation for RGEA hemodynamics and developed the technique for optimal blood supply to proximal part of the gastric transplant during esophagogastroplasty. Anatomical features of the right gastroepiploic artery can be used in reconstructive surgery of abdominal cavity and chest.

Cytologic diagnostic approach of pleuropulmonary blastoma: a case report

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a very rare pediatric lung tumor that arises in the pulmonary parenchyma, mediastinum, and pleura. The tumor has rapid disease progression and therefore the prognosis is remarkably poor. We reported a 4-year-old girl who complained of high fever and shortness of breath for the past 8 weeks. The patient was referred from the previous hospital with a pulmonary mass. CT scan of the chest with contrast showed a solid cystic mass with necrotic areas in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd segments of the left lung with sized 4.8 x 8.1 x 6.6 cm3. As the tumor mass was inoperable, an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was conducted to diagnose the pulmonary lesion. We concluded that the lung tumor was a PPB based on FNAB cytology and immunocytochemistry staining. The histopathology feature of PPB appeared similar to fetal lung tissue. Cytologic features obtained from fine-needle aspiration cytology smears and cell blocks followed by immunocytochemistry assay could provide a proper and accurate diagnosis in an inoperable surgical pathology case.

A case of successful multi-stage surgical treatment of liver echinococcosis

A clinical case of successful radical multi-stage surgical treatment of a patient with bilobar parasitic lesion of the liver with echinococcosis complicated by infection of one of the cysts is presented. The patient was admitted to the clinic with volumetric lesions in both lobes of the liver. At the stage of differential diagnosis, on the basis of process verification by puncture biopsy under ultrasound control, the ethiology of mass lesions was reliably established. At the primary stationary stage, infection of one of the echinococcal cysts was diagnosed, for which the cyst was drained under ultrasound control. After that, the patient was discharged to the outpatient care for compensation, correction of the general level of health and nutritional status. At the next stage of the inpatient examination, the patient was determined to have an insufficient level of functional reserves of the liver to perform a radical operation. For this reason, laparoscopic ligation of the right branch of the portal vein was performed in order to develop vicarious hypertrophy of the contralateral lobe. After 30 days, the increased level of functional reserves of the liver made it possible to plan radical surgical treatment with an acceptable risk for the patient. The operation was performed in the amount of right-sided extended hemihepatectomy with marginal resection of the 3rd segment of the liver. The symptoms of liver failure in the postoperative period according to the ISGLS scale were regarded as Grade A. The patient was discharged from the hospital in a satisfactory condition on day 10 after the operation. In the postoperative period, courses of therapy with albendazole were prescribed according to the standard scheme. The patient is under observation for more than a year after treatment. The condition is satisfactory. No recurrence of the disease was noted.

Total Pelvic Exenteration Combined With Sacral Resection for Rectal Cancer.

This retrospective study aimed to demonstrate surgical operative approach of total pelvic exenteration combined with sacral resection with rectal cancer and elucidate the relationships between the level of sacral resection and short-term outcomes. Twenty cases were selected. Data regarding sex, age, body mass index, neoadjuvant therapy, location of sacral resection ("Upper" or "Lower" relative to the level between the 3rd and 4th sacral segment), operative time, bleeding, and curability (R0/R1) were collected and compared to determine their association with complications exhibiting a Clavien-Dindo grade III. The complication rate was significantly higher for recurrent cancers (n = 10, 76.9%) than for primary cancers (n = 1, 14.3%) (P = .007), and for "Upper" resection (n = 8, 72.7%) than for "Lower" resection (n = 3, 33.3%) (P = .078). Significant differences were observed when complication rates for "Lower" and primary cancer resection (n = 3, .0%) were compared between "Upper" and recurrent cancers (n = 8, 100.0%) (P = .007). In patients with recurrent rectal cancer, "Upper" sacral resection during total pelvic exenteration is associated with a high complication rate, highlighting the need for careful monitoring.

Pengaruh Komposisi Pupuk NPK terhadap Pertumbuhan Fase Generatif Labu Madu Asal Perbanyakan Vegetatif

Honey gourd is one of the short-lived plant commodities thathasthe potential to withstand land conversion. The use of seed origin from vegetative propagation of honey gourd can help farmers obtain pumpkin seeds easily and at affordable price. Giving the right composition of NPK fertilizer ratio will help the honey pumpkin plant growth process properly. This study used a randomized block design (RAK) with a factorial pattern, the first factor being 3 treatment from seed (B) and the second factor 3 treatments from fertilizer composition (K), repeated 3 times. So the total experiment was 27 plants. The treatments used were B1 from the seeds of the 3rd segment, B2 from the seeds of the 4th segment, B3 from the seeds of the 5th segment, K1 from the composition of NPK 1:1:1, K2 from the composition of NPK 1:2:2, K3 composition of NPK 1:2:3. The test iscarried out by F-test with analysis of variance (ANOVA), if there is a significant difference (F-count > F-table) the proceed with the DMRT 5%/2.

On a New Species of Pseudocypretta Klie, 1932 (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from the Neotropical Region, with a Discussion on the Position of the Genus.

Pseudocypretta amor sp. nov. (named after the carapace spots resembling the word "Love") is here described from all-female populations from the four major floodplains in Brazil. The new species is compared to the other two known species in the genus, P. maculata Klie (1932), the type species, and P. lineata Ma and Yu (2020). As the latter two species are thus far found exclusively in South East Asia and China, respectively, the present extension of the area of the genus to South America is considerable. Several morphological characters in this genus and species are discussed, especially the presence of marginal septa in the valves, the candonid type T3 with 3rd and 4th segment separated (candonid type) and the caudal ramus which is reduced to a flagellum (cypridopsine type) or is fully absent. Based on the combination of these and other characters, the genus Pseudocypretta is here transferred from the Cyprettinae to the tribe Cyprettadopsini in the Cypridopsinae, as it is closely related to the genus Cyprettadopsis Savatenalinton, 2020. The presence of the candonid type T3 in Cyprididae and Notodromadidae, where the T3 generally has a pincer-shaped tip by the fusion of the 3rd and the 4th segment, is further discussed.

Measurement of the length of coronary arteries in aborted human fetal hearts and its correlation with the gestational age

Background: Human heart is supplied by the right coronary artery (RCA) and left coronary artery (LCA). Both these arteries vary in their origin, number, area of distribution, diameter, as well as in their length. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to measure the segmental as well as total lengths of LCA and RCA in the aborted human fetal hearts to find any correlation between the advancement of the gestational age (GA) and change in the length of coronary arteries and to find any statistically significant difference among various parameters between the male and female fetus. Materials and Methods: Fetal hearts were dissected out from 30 formalin-fixed aborted human fetuses after obtaining due permission from the Institutional Ethical Committee. In each heart, both the coronary arteries were cleared from its commencement from the corresponding coronary sinus to its termination at the crux of heart. Each coronary artery was divided into three segments using 4 points over their course and length of each segment was measured. Results: Mean lengths of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd segment of RCA were 3.58 mm, 11.73 mm, and 15.54 mm, respectively. Mean total length of RCA was 30.85 mm. Mean lengths of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd segment of LCA were 14.56 mm, 16.9 mm, and 23.2 mm, respectively. Mean total length of LCA was 54.66 mm. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between fetal GA and length of 3rd segment of RCA in male fetus, total length of RCA in male fetus, length of 1st segment of LCA in male fetus, total length of LCA in male fetus, as well as length of 1st segment of LCA in female fetus. Statistically significant association was found between male and female fetus in regard to length of 2nd segment of RCA as well as total length of RCA. Conclusion: Statistically significant positive correlation between fetal GA and various segments of RCA and LCA is suggestive of continuous growth of coronary vasculature as the fetal GA advances.

S2498 Lemmel Syndrome: An Unusual Presentation with Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Introduction: Lemmel syndrome is a rare clinical entity characterized by a periampullary duodenal diverticulum causing compression and dilatation of the pancreatic and common bile ducts, classically accompanied by obstructive jaundice. Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is not a known complication of this syndrome, nor are there standardized approaches to its treatment. We present the first documented case of Lemmel syndrome presenting as GOO and its successful treatment with endoscopic diverticular lavage. Case Description/Methods: An 82-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and non-bloody non-bilious emesis. On arrival, she was hemodynamically stable and anicteric. Computed tomography (CT) with contrast revealed a 2.7x3.7x5.2 cm complex pancreatic head mass containing air and debris, contiguous with the duodenum at the junction of the 2nd and 3rd segments with dilatation of the common bile (1 cm) and main pancreatic duct (0.6 cm), concerning for a pancreatic neoplasm. There was also GOO manifested as a markedly distended stomach with distal gastric and proximal duodenal wall thickening and hyperenhancement. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) showed no signs of significant abnormalities within the pancreas. However, a large non-bleeding periampullary diverticulum in the second portion of the duodenum containing a large amount of food debris was visualized and was found to be obstructing the common bile and main pancreatic ducts causing ductal dilatation. Endoscopic diverticular lavage with removal of food debris was performed. Her diet was quickly escalated, her symptoms resolved, and she was discharged the following afternoon. Repeat CT 11 days post-procedure showed resolution of GOO and reduced biliary ductal dilation and diverticular size. At 1-month follow-up, she remained asymptomatic and was tolerating high-fiber diet without clinical signs of gastric outlet or biliary obstruction. Discussion: Lemmel syndrome is a rare cause of GOO in the setting of pancreatic and common bile duct compression and dilatation with or without the presence of jaundice. Until now, there have been no reported cases of GOO secondary to Lemmel syndrome, nor its successful treatment with a simple diverticular lavage. It is important that physicians consider this diagnosis and treatment strategy in order to deliver cost-effective and appropriate care to patients presenting with GOO in the setting of a periampullary diverticulum with evidence of dilated biliary and pancreatic ducts.Figure 1.: CT abdomen pelvis demonstrating a 2.7 x 3.7 x 5.2 cm complex pancreatic head mass containing air and debris (A), contiguous with the duodenum at the junction of the second and third segments (B) with moderate 1.0 cm dilatation of the common bile duct (C) and 0.6 cm dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (D, E). CT abdomen pelvis demonstrating gastric outlet obstruction manifested as markedly distended stomach with distal gastric and proximal duodenal wall thickening and hyperenhancement (F).Figure 2.: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) of the head (A), neck (B), and body (C) of the pancreas without signs of significant endosonographic abnormalities.Figure 3.: Large non-bleeding periampullary diverticulum in the second portion of the duodenum containing a large amount of food debris visualized and found to be obstructing the common bile and main pancreatic ducts causing ductal dilatation.Figure 4.: CT abdomen pelvis demonstrating improvement in common bile duct dilation (A) and diverticular size with resolution of radiographic evidence of gastric outlet obstruction (B, C) 10 days after endoscopic diverticular lavage. Bile duct measuring 0.7 cm, previously 1.0 cm. Diverticular dimensions measuring 1.9 x 3.6 x 3.7 cm (AP by transverse by craniocaudal), previously 2.7 x 3.7 x 5.2 cm. Pancreatic duct was poorly visualized, and comparison could not be made.

V11-07 TECHNIQUES OF ROBOTIC ASSISTED PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY WITH RENAL VEIN TUMOR THROMBECTOMY AND RECONSTRUCTION: UCSD EXPERIENCE

You have accessJournal of UrologyRenal Oncology II (V11)1 Sep 2021V11-07 TECHNIQUES OF ROBOTIC ASSISTED PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY WITH RENAL VEIN TUMOR THROMBECTOMY AND RECONSTRUCTION: UCSD EXPERIENCE Devin Patel, Daniel Holdst, Garrick Greear, Fady Ghali, Juan Javier-DesLoges, Sunil Patel, and Ithaar Derweesh Devin PatelDevin Patel More articles by this author , Daniel HoldstDaniel Holdst More articles by this author , Garrick GreearGarrick Greear More articles by this author , Fady GhaliFady Ghali More articles by this author , Juan Javier-DesLogesJuan Javier-DesLoges More articles by this author , Sunil PatelSunil Patel More articles by this author , and Ithaar DerweeshIthaar Derweesh More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002073.07AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Use of partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma with clinical extracortical invasion represents the frontier of the utilization of nephron sparing technique. Herein we describe our results and techniques in selected cases of robotic partial nephrectomy with renal vein tumor thrombectomy. METHODS: Robotic ports are placed in a linear configuration angled towards the kidney in a cranial to caudal direction. The case is started with bowel mobilization. In cases of left sided tumors, complete spleen, pancreatic tail and adrenal mobilization. For right sided tumors, kocherization of the 3rd segment of the duodenum to fully expose the inferior vena cava followed by adrenal mobilization. In all instances, the renal artery and main renal vein are clamped. In cases of medially located tumors and with thrombi terminating in a segmental branch, the renal vein is dissected medially to identify segmental branches. The segmental branch with tumor thrombus is isolated and clipped or stapled. In cases of more posteriorly located tumors or with tumor within the main renal vein, the tumor is resected towards the tumor thrombus. The thrombus is then identified at the point of inception and dissected proximally until complete resection. The renorrhaphy is completed in a two-layer fashion, with early hilar unclamping. RESULTS: Total operative time in three cases ranged from 264-322 minutes with an estimated blood loss in the range of 200 cc to 500 cc. The warm ischemia time ranged from 28 minutes to 37 minutes. Two patients were discharged home on post-operative day two and the third patient discharged on post-operative day three. No patients sustained an immediate post-operative complication or 30-day readmission for complication. All three patients maintained renal function >90% of baseline. Final pathology on all three specimens confirmed pT3a disease with negative margins in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic partial nephrectomy is feasible and safe for select clinical T3a renal masses, with acceptable quality outcomes. Further investigation is required to help clarify the role of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy in these advanced stage localized tumors. Source of Funding: Stephen Weissman Kidney Cancer Research Fund © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e859-e860 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Devin Patel More articles by this author Daniel Holdst More articles by this author Garrick Greear More articles by this author Fady Ghali More articles by this author Juan Javier-DesLoges More articles by this author Sunil Patel More articles by this author Ithaar Derweesh More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Simulation of superselective catheterization for cerebrovascular lesions using a virtual injection software

BackgroundThis report addresses the feasibility of virtual injection software based on contrast-enhanced cone-beam CTs (CBCTs) in the context of cerebrovascular lesion embolization. Intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM), dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and mycotic aneurysm embolization cases with CBCTs performed between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Cerebrovascular lesions were reviewed by 2 neurointerventionalists using a dedicated virtual injection software (EmboASSIST, GE Healthcare; Chicago, IL). Points of Interest (POIs) surrounding the vascular lesions were first identified. The software then automatically displayed POI-associated vascular traces from vessel roots to selected POIs. Vascular segments and reason for POI identification were recorded. Using 2D multiplanar reconstructions from CBCTs, the accuracy of vascular traces was assessed. Clinical utility metrics were recorded on a 3-point Likert scale from 1 (no benefit) to 3 (very beneficial).ResultsNine cases (7 AVM, 1 AVF, 1 mycotic aneurysm) were reviewed, with 26 POIs selected. Three POIs were in 2nd order segments, 8 POIs in 3rd order segments and 15 POIs in 4th order segments of their respective arteries. The reviewers rated all 26 POI traces – involving a total of 90 vascular segments – as accurate. The average utility score across the 8 questions were 2.7 and 2.8 respectively from each reviewer, acknowledging the software’s potential benefit in cerebrovascular embolization procedural planning.ConclusionThe operators considered CBCT-based virtual injection software clinically useful and accurate in guiding and planning cerebrovascular lesion embolization in this retrospective review. Future prospective studies in larger cohorts are warranted for validation of this modality.

Impaired cardiac function following experimental spinal cord injury occurs due to the loss of descending sympathetic control and precedes structural remodeling

Introduction Chronic high-level spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs cardiac function and cardiomyocyte morphology. However, the temporal progression of these changes post-SCI remain undetermined as do the contributing pathways. Aims To (1) characterize the temporal effects of SCI on the heart and (2) to determine the contribution of descending sympathetic control to cardiac function in rodents with SCI. Hypotheses We hypothesize that a reduction in cardiac function will precede structural changes, and that a disruption in sympathetic control will be the primary cause of cardiac functional decline after SCI. Aim 1 - Methods & Results Cardiac functional and structural outcomes were characterized using in vivo echocardiography, invasive in vivo left-ventricular (LV) catheterization and ex vivo histology. Male Wistar rats were assessed at multiple time-points along the acute-to-chronic continuum following complete transection SCI at the 3rd thoracic segment (T3) and were compared to controls (SHAM) (n=6-10 per group). End-systolic elastance (contractility) and maximal rate of pressure generation (dP/dtmax) were reduced within 1 day post-SCI (both P<0.001 versus SHAM), which preceded a reduction in both end-diastolic volume and cardiomyocyte size. Aim 2 - Methods & Results LV function was assessed using invasive in vivo LV catheterization in male rats with various lesions on the brainstem-sympathetic axis. First, we compared rats with complete transection SCI at T3 versus at the 2nd lumbar segment (L2) (reduced versus intact sympathetic control; n=6-7 per group). Second, we compared T3 severely contused rats treated with neuroprotective agent minocycline versus vehicle (n=5-6 per group). Lastly, we compared rats which either underwent a T3 complete transection SCI or a ganglionic blockade with hexamethonium (HEX; n=4-5 per group). Contractility was lower in vehicle-treated rats versus those treated with minocycline (P=0.022), and tended to be lower in rats with T3-SCI versus those with L2-SCI (P=0.059). dP/dtmax was lower in rats with T3-SCI versus those with L2-SCI (P<0.001), and was equally reduced by both SCI or HEX (main effect for time, P<0.001). Conclusion Our findings suggest that a rapid reduction in LV function occurs prior to changes in LV volumes or cardiomyocyte dimensions after SCI, and that this functional decline is primarily caused by the loss of descending sympathetic control over the cardiovascular system.

Homeodomain proteins POU-M2, antennapedia and abdominal-B are involved in regulation of the segment-specific expression of the clip-domain serine protease gene CLIP13 in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Clip-domain serine proteases (CLIPs) play important roles in insect innate immunity and development. Our previous studies indicated that CLIP13, an epidermis-specific gene, was involved in cuticle remodeling during molting and metamorphosis in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanism and regulatory pathways of CLIP13 remained unclear. In the present study, we investigated CLIP13 expression and the regulation pathway controlled by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in the silkworm. At the transcriptional level, expression of CLIP13 exhibited pronounced spatial and temporal specificity in different regions of the epidermis; homeodomain transcription factors POU-M2, antennapedia (Antp), and abdominal-B (Abd-B) showed similar expression change trends as CLIP13 in the head capsule, thorax, and abdomen, respectively. Furthermore, results of cell transfection assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that POU-M2, Antp, and Abd-B were involved in the transcriptional regulation of CLIP13 by directly binding to their cis-response elements in CLIP13 promoter. RNA interference-mediated silencing of POU-M2, Antp, and Abd-B led to a decrease of CLIP13 expression in the head capsule, the epidermis of the 1st to 3rd thoracic segments and the 7th to 10th abdominal segments, respectively. Consistent with CLIP13, 20E treatment significantly upregulated expression of POU-M2, Antp, and Abd-B in the silkworm epidermis. Taken together, these data suggest that 20E positively regulates transcription of CLIP13 via homeodomain proteins POU-M2, Antp, and Abd-B in different regions of the silkworm epidermis during metamorphosis, thus affecting the molting process. Our findings provide new insight into the functions of homeodomain transcription factors in insect molting.

Prolonged acute intermittent hypoxia improves forelimb reach-to-grasp function in a rat model of chronic cervical spinal cord injury

Repetitive acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH – brief, episodes of low inspired oxygen) elicits spinal motor plasticity, resulting in sustained improvements of respiratory and non-respiratory motor function in both animal models and humans with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). We previously demonstrated that 7 days of AIH combined with task-specific training improves performance on a skilled locomotor task for at least 3 weeks post-treatment in rats with incomplete SCI. Here we investigated the effect of repetitive AIH administered for 12 wks on a forelimb reach-to-grasp task in a rat model of chronic, incomplete cervical SCI. In a replicated, sham-controlled, randomized and blinded study, male Spraque-Dawley rats were subject to partial hemisection at the 3rd cervical spinal segment, and exposed to daily AIH (10, 5 min episodes of 11% inspired O2; 5 min intervals of 21% O2) or sham normoxia (continuous 21% O2) for 7 days beginning 8 weeks post-injury. Treatments were then reduced to 4 daily treatments per week, and continued for 11 weeks. Performance on 2 pre-conditioned motor tasks, single pellet reaching and horizontal ladder walking, was recorded each week for up to 12 weeks after initiating treatment; performance on spontaneous adhesive removal was also tested. SCI significantly impaired reach-to-grasp task performance 8 weeks post-injury (pre-treatment). Daily AIH improved reaching success by the first week of treatment versus sham controls, and this difference was maintained at 12 weeks (p < 0.0001). Daily AIH did not affect step asymmetry or stride length during ladder walking or adhesive removal time. Thus, prolonged AIH combined with task-specific training improved forelimb reach-to-grasp function in rats with a chronic cervical hemisection, but not off-target motor tasks. This study further supports the idea that daily AIH improves limb function when combined with task-specific training.

A rare and overlooked cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding: Distal duodenal GIST

Introduction. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are tumors of mesenchymal origin which originate from the walls of gastrointestinal system (GIS) organs. Aim. In this case report we aim to discuss the clinical, labaratory and radiological presentation of distal duodenal GIST as a rare and overlooked cause of life-threatining GIS bleeding. Description of the case. A 76-year-old male patient was presented to the emergency department with massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Computerized tomography revealed a mass soft tissue density of 4x4cm at the level of the 3-4th segment of the duodenum. At the endoscopy, there was a deep ulcer in the proximal part of the 3rd segment of the duodenum with a diameter of 2 cm with a bleeding vessel protruding into the lumen. After endoscopic treatments, biopsies were taken from the edges of the ulcer. Histopathological examination revealed a sheet-like infiltration composed of mildly pleomorphic cells with oval-spindle nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm in the duodenal lamina propria, as the patient was diagnosed of GIST. Conclusion. GIST and its clinical, labaratory and radiological presentation should be kept in mind in the approach to massive duodenal GIS bleeding.

Characterization of Antennal Sensilla and Immunolocalization of Odorant-Binding Proteins on Spotted Alfalfa Aphid, Therioaphis trifolii (Monell).

The spotted alfalfa aphid [Therioaphis trifolii (Monell), Homoptera, Drepanosiphidae] is a well-known destructive pest that can significantly reduce alfalfa yields. Herein, the morphology of antennal sensilla of T. trifolii has been examined by using scanning electron microscopy and the ultrastructure of sensilla stellate and placoidea was described by transmission electron microscopy. Stellate sensilla, placoid sensilla, and coeloconic sensilla were found on the 6th segment, and a single sensillum placoidea was located on the 5th segment. Placoid sensilla were also present on the 3rd antennal segment of alate and apterous aphids, and the number was similar between two morphs. Two types of trichoid sensilla and coeloconic sensilla were found on the antennae, respectively. The results of ultrastructure showed that stellate sensilla are innervated by three neurons, while placoid sensilla present three groups of neurons, equipped with 2–3 dendrites in each neuron group. Immunocytochemical localization of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) was performed on ultrathin sections of sensilla stellate and placoidea, and we observed that the antiserum against OBP6 intensively labeled all placoid sensilla from both primary and secondary rhinaria. OBP7 and OBP8 could also be detected in placoid sensilla, but less strongly than OBP6. In addition, OBP6, OBP7, and OBP8 were densely labeled in stellate sensilla, suggesting OBP6, OBP7, and OBP8 may sense alarm pheromone germacrene A in T. trifolii.