Anterior Portion Research Articles

Functional characterization of macaque insula using task-based and resting-state fMRI

Neurophysiological investigations over the past decades have demonstrated the involvement of the primate insula in a wide array of sensory, cognitive, affective and regulatory functions, yet the complex functional organization of the insula remains unclear. Here we examined to what extent non-invasive task-based and resting-state fMRI provides support for functional specialization and integration of sensory and motor information in the macaque insula. Task-based fMRI experiments suggested a functional specialization related to processing of ingestive/taste/distaste information in anterior insula, grasping-related sensorimotor responses in middle insula and vestibular information in posterior insula. Visual stimuli depicting social information involving conspecific`s lip-smacking gestures yielded responses in middle and anterior portions of dorsal and ventral insula, overlapping partially with the sensorimotor and ingestive/taste/distaste fields. Functional specialization/integration of the insula was further corroborated by seed-based whole brain resting-state analyses, showing distinct functional connectivity gradients across the anterio-posterior extent of both dorsal and ventral insula. Posterior insula showed functional correlations in particular with vestibular/optic flow network regions, mid-dorsal insula with vestibular/optic flow as well as parieto-frontal regions of the sensorimotor grasping network, mid-ventral insula with social/affiliative network regions in temporal, cingulate and prefrontal cortices and anterior insula with taste and mouth motor networks including premotor and frontal opercular regions.

Semantic variant Primary Progressive Aphasia: Additional semantic features in Chinese language users

AbstractBackgroundTo date, most literature on Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) has been based on English language users. Yet, there are more than 7,000 living languages worldwide with vast heterogeneities in their linguistic features. Contrary to English language, Chinese language is a classifier language in which it is grammatically mandatory to have classifiers present between numerals and nouns. In addition, Chinese characters typically have an abundance of homophones (i.e., words with same pronunciation but vary in orthography and meaning) and heteronyms (i.e., words with same orthography but vary in meaning and pronunciation). Chinese language users rely on semantic knowledge to identify the accurate classifiers, homophones, and heteronym pronunciations. Thus, we hypothesize that Chinese‐speaking semantic variant (sv) PPA patients have difficulties producing classifiers, homophones, and heteronyms.MethodTo assess classifier production, participants are presented with pictures of nouns. Participants are first tasked with producing noun‐specific classifiers spontaneously. If failed, they are presented with four classifiers to select. To evaluate homophone selection skills, participants are shown short sentences with one character/word removed. They are then tasked to complete the sentences by choosing one of the four homophones presented. For heteronym reading, participants are asked to read out loud Chinese compound words with heteronyms (e.g., “windmill” and “wind up”).ResultWe recruited 22 controls and 47 PPA individuals (12 svPPA, 10 nonfluent variant (nfv) PPA and 25 logopenic variant (lv) PPA). In classifier production test, svPPA and lvPPA patients produce fewer accurate classifiers (p<0.0001, p = 0.001), with svPPA showing least improvement when presented with multiple choices (p = 0.003). In homophone selection test, svPPA and lvPPA scored lower than controls (p<0.0001 and p = 0.007). For heteronym reading test, svPPA showed the lowest performance when tasked with reading heteronym characters (p = 0.001). Using voxel‐based morphometry, we noted that the ability to produce classifiers, read heteronyms and identify heteronyms are correlated with grey matter volumetric changes over the anterior portion of the left temporal lobe and fusiform gyri, brain regions associated with language semantic functions.ConclusionPPA symptomatology may vary across languages. Thus, studying PPA symptoms via a linguistically diverse approach potentially provides a more comprehensive understanding to the syndrome.

Variants of the Anterior Subtemporal Approach to the Gasserian Ganglion and Related Structures: An Anatomical Study With Relevant Implications for Keyhole Surgery

The advantages and limitations of different craniotomy positions and approach trajectories to the gasserian ganglion (GG) and related structures using an anterior subtemporal approach have not been studied systematically. Knowledge of these features is of importance when planning keyhole anterior subtemporal (kAST) approaches to the GG to optimize access and minimize risks. Eight formalin-fixed heads were used bilaterally to assess temporal lobe retraction (TLR), trigeminal exposure, and relevant anatomical aspects of extra- and transdural classic anterior subtemporal (CLAST) approaches compared with slightly dorsally and ventrally allocated corridors. TLR to the GG and foramen ovale was found to be lower via the CLAST approach (P < 0.001). Using the ventral variant, TLR to access the foramen rotundum was minimized (P < 0.001). The overall TLR was maximal using the dorsal variant (P < 0.001) owing to interposition of the arcuate eminence. An extradural CLAST approach required wide exposure of the greater petrosal nerve (GPN) and middle meningeal artery (MMA) sacrifice. Both maneuvers were spared using a transdural approach. Using CLAST, medial dissection >39 mm can enter the Parkinson triangle, jeopardizing the intracavernous internal carotid artery. The ventral variant enabled access to the anterior portion of the GG and foramen ovale without the need for MMA sacrifice or GPN dissection. The CLAST approach provides high versatility to approach the trigeminal plexus, minimizing TLR. However, an extradural approach jeopardizes the GPN and requires MMA sacrifice. The risk of cavernous sinus violation exists when progressing medially beyond 4 cm. The ventral variant has some advantages to access the ventral structures and avoid MMA and GPN manipulation. In contrast, the usefulness of the dorsal variant is rather limited owing to the greater TLR required.

Digestive system of the marine blood fluke, Aporocotyle simplex (Odhner, 1900) (Digenea: Aporocotylidae) with consideration of the digenean digestive morphology

This is the first study describing the ultrastructure of the digestive system of a member of the marine teleost-infecting aporocotylid lineage, Aporocotyle simplex (Odhner, 1900), a blood parasite of the long rough dab Hippoglossoides platessoides (Fabricus, 1780) from the Norwegian Sea, Norway. The presence of particular morphological characters of the extensive A. simplex foregut and the four caecal ramifications are described. These show a syncytiality of the digestive epithelial lining with sunken perikarya in the foregut region and intraepithelial nuclei in the caecal region. Based on characteristic features of the pharyngeal muscle patterns in the Digenea, our results support the occurrence of a rudimentary pharynx in A. simplex. The short anterior esophageal portion retains tegumental cytoplasmic inclusions, but the middle-posterior esophageal portion shows considerable morphological modifications of the esophageal cytoplasm and sunken bodies modified into well-developed esophageal glands. These consist of undifferentiated cells, cells in different stages of differentiation and disintegrated cells, showing their renovation and apoptosis, controlled by the nervous system. Our data provide morphological evidence on the digestion of host erythrocytes within the lumen of the middle-posterior esophageal region. Morphological data indicated also the existence of the gastrodermal pathway, completing the digestive process. The revealed differences in the pharyngeal foregut region and in the caecal cytomorphology in marine A. simplex and the previously studied freshwater Sanguinicola inermis may support molecular data on the existence of divergent evolutionary lineages of marine and freshwater teleost-infecting species, or new data assigning Sanguinicola and Aporocotyle as separate families.

1002 Bilateral Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) in a Patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Abstract Introduction Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) is an ischemic insult to the anterior portion of the optic nerve with unclear etiology. Several small sized studies and case reports have demonstrated association between OSA and NAION. In this case, we present a patient with bilateral NAION who was later diagnosed with OSA which may signify this important clinical association. Report of case(s) A 57-year-old man with history of hypertension, presented to the ophthalmology clinic for sudden painless decreased visual acuity of the right eye for one-month duration. He had no history of head trauma or other neurological deficits on his initial presentation. He reported having “bad vision” in his left eye for the entire of his life. Funduscopic evaluation revealed bilateral optic disc edema more in the left eye. Laboratory workup including CBC, CMP and HbA1C were within normal limits. Brain MRI showed only mild nonspecific scattered subcortical and deep periventricular hyperintensities suggestive of chronic small vessel ischemic disease and no acute infarct or masses. MRI of the orbits was normal. A diagnosis of bilateral Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) was highly suggested based on the clinical history and examination findings. A referral to a sleep clinic was made to evaluate for possible sleep apnea. A polysomnogram confirmed obstructive sleep apnea with AHI of 7.2/h, REM AHI of 7.7/h and supine AHI 14.9/h. Nocturnal hypoxemia associated with the respiratory events with time of O2 saturation &amp;lt; 88% for 29 minutes. Patient was referred for a titration study to determine the appropriate PAP pressure to treat his sleep disordered breathing. Conclusion This case adds to the current evolving evidence of the link between OSA with NAION. It signifies the importance of having an index of suspicion, among both sleep specialists and ophthalmologists, to recognize patients who may have one of the conditions and consider screening for the other, which may lead to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes. Support (if any)

Modulating Phonological Working Memory With Anodal High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to the Anterior Portion of the Supplementary Motor Area.

Phonological working memory is key to vocabulary acquisition, spoken word recognition, real-time language processing, and reading. Transcranial direct current stimulation, when coupled with behavioral training, has been shown to facilitate speech motor output processes, a key component of nonword repetition, the primary task used to assess phonological working memory. In this study, we examined the efficacy of combining overt nonword repetition training with anodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD tDCS) to the presupplementary motor area (preSMA) to enhance nonword repetition. This study investigated whether 20 min of active or sham anodal HD tDCS targeting preSMA concurrently with a nonword repetition task differentially impacted nonword repetition ability. Twenty-eight neurotypical college-age adults (18-25 years; 19 females, eight males, one nonbinary) completed a 20-min nonword repetition training task where they received either active or sham 1-mA anodal HD tDCS to the preSMA while overtly repeating a list of four-, five-, six-, and seven-syllable English-like nonwords presented in a random order. Whole nonword accuracy and error patterns (phoneme and syllable) were measured prior to and following training. Following training, both groups showed a decrease in nonword repetition accuracy. The drop in performance was significantly greater for the active stimulation group compared to the sham stimulation group at the four-syllable nonword length. The findings suggest that targeting the speech motor component of nonword repetition through overt training and HD tDCS to the preSMA does not enhance phonological working memory ability.

Function and form of the shoulder in congenital and untreated growth hormone deficiency.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the entire human body. During arm elevation, it requires the integrity of a set of muscles, bones, and tendons. Individuals with short stature often need to raise their arms above the shoulder girdle and may have functional restriction or shoulder injuries. The impact of isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) on joints remains not well defined. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the function and structure of the shoulder in short-statured adult individuals with untreated IGHD due to the same homozygous mutation in the GHRH receptor gene. A cross-sectional study (evidence 3) was carried out in 20 GH-naive IGHD subjects and 20 age-matched controls. They completed the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire and shoulder ultrasound (US). Thickness of the anterior, medial, and posterior portions of the supraspinatus tendon and of subacromial space was measured, and the number of individuals with tendinosis or tearing of the supraspinatus tendon was registered. DASH score was similar between IGHD and controls, but IGHD subjects complained less of symptoms (p = 0.002). The number of individual with tears was higher in the controls (p = 0.02). As expected, the absolute US measurements were lower in IGHD, but the magnitude of the reduction was most pronounced in the thickness of the anterior portion of the supraspinatus tendon. Adults with lifetime IGHD do not have functional shoulder restrictions, complain less of problems in performing upper extremity activities, and have fewer tendinous injuries than controls.

Double Opposing U Suture For Septal Multiple Axis Deviations: A Multi-Vectoral Approach.

Septal cartilage deviations comprise the majority of deformities related to revision rhinoplasty operations. Therefore, the primary operation should be as eventless and durable as possible. Many techniques have been suggested, but most present with a monoplanar correction and fixation of the septum. This study aims to demonstrate a suture method that fixates and broadens the deviated septum. This method employs a single-stranded suture passing below the spinal periosteum, pulling the posterior and anterior portions of the septal base separately. It was utilized in 1578 patients, of which only 36 necessitated a revision of septoplasty in the past 11 years (2010-2021). With a revision rate of 2.29%, this method should be considered a preferable choice over many techniques described in the literature.

The effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the prognosis of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with osteoporotic fracture classification after vertebroplasty

BackgroundTo analyze the clinical and radiological effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the prognosis of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty, and explore the prognostic value of osteoporotic fracture classification.MethodsOsteoporotic vertebral compression fracture patients who received vertebroplasty from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021 were divided into type 2 diabetes mellitus group and control group in this retrospective cohort study. Visual analogue scale, Oswestry Disability Index, bone cement leakage, new compression fracture, anterior, middle, and posterior portion heights of vertebral body and local Cobb angle on X-ray before surgery, 2 days after surgery, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery were recorded, and the osteoporotic fracture classification was performed. P < 0.05 was set as statistical significance.ResultsA total of 261 vertebral bodies were included, containing 68 in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group and 193 in the control group. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. At 6 months after vertebroplasty, the local Cobb angle of the type 2 diabetes mellitus group was 8.29 ± 4.90° greater than that of the control group 6.05 ± 5.18° (P = 0.002). At 12 months, compared with pre-operation, the anterior portion height recovered 8.13 ± 12.90%, which was less than 12.51 ± 14.92% of the control group (P = 0.032), and 19.07 ± 16.47% of the middle portion height recovery was less than the control group’s 24.63 ± 17.67% (P = 0.024). Compared with the control group, osteoporotic fracture 2 vertebral bodies of the type 2 diabetes mellitus group at 12 months postoperatively in middle portion height (14.82 ± 14.71% vs 24.78 ± 18.16%, P = 0.023) and local Cobb angle (5.65 ± 4.06° vs 3.26 ± 4.86°, P = 0.043) restored significantly worse. Besides, osteoporotic fracture 3 with type 2 diabetes mellitus restored worse in anterior portion height (5.40 ± 11.02% vs 13.57 ± 12.79%, P = 0.008), middle portion height (11.22 ± 15.53% vs 17.84 ± 12.36%, P = 0.041) and local Cobb angle (10.85 ± 3.79 vs 7.97 ± 3.83°, P = 0.002) at 12 months postoperatively. There was no difference in radiological outcomes of osteoporotic fracture 4 between the two groups.ConclusionsThe degree of fractured vertebral compression, the recovery of the height and angle obtained immediately after surgery and the clinical symptoms in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were not different from those in the control. However, vertebral body morphology of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was worse since the sixth month after surgery. Osteoporotic fracture classification has a good prognostic reference value for both the control and the type 2 diabetes mellitus population.

Abstract #1412022: A Rare Case of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) Presenting with Recurrent Abdominal Pain

MEN1 is a rare genetic disorder characterized by combined occurrence of two or more tumors involving parathyroid, anterior pituitary and the neuroendocrine tissue of gastro-entero-pancreatic organ system. We present a case of a young male with recurrent abdominal pain who was later diagnosed with MEN1 syndrome. 27-year-old male with past medical history of chronic abdominal pain presented for an episode of acute upper abdominal pain which was constant and worsened with any movement or palpation. His family history was significant for father having parathyroid disorder and skin lesions. On examination, he was ill appearing with tachycardia, multiple skin lesions and tenderness in upper abdomen. Labs were significant for leukocytosis and hypercalcemia (corrected level 10.5 mg/dl). Rest of the electrolytes, kidney function, liver enzymes and lipase were normal. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen showed inflammatory changes and thickening along the distal stomach/proximal duodenum with scattered free air, concerning for a perforated ulcer. Indeterminate bilateral adrenal nodules were also noted. Patient underwent emergent exploratory laparotomy and was noted to have small perforation in the anterior proximal portion of the duodenum which was repaired. Post-operatively, work up for persistent hypercalcemia revealed parathyroid hormone levels of 152 pg/ml and 25-hydroxy vitamin D of 13.7 ng/ml. He was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism and upon stabilization, discharged with plan for outpatient follow-up. After few months, he had another admission due to worsening epigastric pain. Repeat CT abdomen showed multiple pancreatic lesions involving head, tail and uncinate process and stable adrenal nodules. Presence of pancreatic lesions, gastric ulcers, hyperparathyroidism, adrenal nodules, and multiple skin lesions raised concern of MEN1. Further evaluation showed elevated gastrin level (633 pg/ml), chromogranin level (2464 ng/mL) and mildly elevated prolactin. Rest of pituitary and adrenal axis hormone levels were normal. MEN1 gene testing was positive. No pituitary lesion was identified on magnetic resonance imaging brain. He underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy and cervical thymectomy. He was continued on twice daily pantoprazole and was discharged home in stable condition. MEN1 tumor types and age of tumor onset can differ significantly, and tumors become evident either by hormonal overproduction or by tumor growth. There are no genotype phenotype correlations, even within the same family. Pharmacological therapies to suppress hypersecretion are often first line and can be successful in up to 50% patients. Surgery is an option for patients with hypersecretion unresponsive to medical therapy, compression of the optic nerves and/or chiasma endangering vision or when there is uncertainty of diagnosis requiring biopsy. MEN1 is linked with higher mortality. Approximately 70% of the MEN1 deaths are due to thymic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and duodenopancreatic-NETs. Early diagnosis of tumors with appropriate interventions can significantly improve patient survival.

Abstract #1373163: A Rare Case of Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma in the Left Axillary Region

A parathyroid adenoma is a benign neoplasm that arises from parathyroid parenchymal cells. Parathyroid adenomas are the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Ectopic parathyroid adenomas arise within the parathyroid glands located at the four poles of the thyroid [2]. Ectopic parathyroid adenomas result from aberrant migration of the gland during the early stages of development and can be identified in up to 16% of cases of PHPT [3]. They are commonly found in the mediastinum, within the thyroid, and along the path of the vagus or recurrent laryngeal nerves [4]. 45% of ectopic parathyroid adenomas are found in the paraesophageal region, 25% in the cervical thymus, 20% in the cervical mediastinum, 5% in the anterior portion of the mediastinum, and 5% at the level of the thymus [5]. A 64-year-old man with a past medical history of over 20-year history of recurrent nephrolithiasis, type II diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and pancreatic cancer presented to our outpatient endocrine clinic for evaluation of hyperparathyroidism. Further investigation of his history revealed that he had struggled with several bouts of urinary calculi throughout his life. These episodes required multiple surgical interventions to treat, including left nephrectomy and ureteral stenting. He had been evaluated for high serum calcium in the past and was diagnosed with PHPT by his urologist, who referred him to our clinic. Also complicating his health was a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer for which, he was undergoing radiation treatment. He had a family history of thyroid disorder in his mother but no family history of parathyroid disorders. Physical examination was unremarkable. Laboratory investigations revealed high serum calcium and high serum parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid scintigraphy with 99mTc-sestamibi revealed a subtle persistent focal region of increased uptake in the left axilla with no other areas of increased uptake, raising the suspicion for parathyroid adenoma in the left axilla. As discussed earlier, ectopic parathyroid adenomas result from aberrant migration of parathyroid tissue during embryological development. Additionally, ectopic parathyroid adenomas are a cause of failed surgery for hyperparathyroidism as well as persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism [3, 7-9]. Ectopic parathyroid tissue has a prevalence of 2-43% in anatomic series and has been detected in up to 16% of patients undergoing evaluation for hyperparathyroidism [3, 7, 10]. Ectopic parathyroid adenomas arising within the axilla may present with hypercalcemia and associated skeletal and renal involvement [11, 12]. The case that has been reported had a presentation of PHPT with recurrent nephrolithiasis. As mentioned earlier, 45% of ectopic parathyroid lesions are found in the paraesophageal region with 38% arising within the thymus [7, 10]. However, in this case, the patient presented with a possible ectopic parathyroid adenoma localized to the left axilla and no other areas of increased uptake on tc99m-sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy.

Gluteus Maximus Transfer for Hip Abductor Deficiency

Hip abductor deficiency resulting from gluteus medius and minimus pathology is increasingly recognized as a generator of lateral-sided hip pain. In the setting of a failed gluteus medius repair or in patients with irreparable tears, transfer of the anterior portion of the gluteus maximus muscle can be performed to treat gluteal abductor deficiency. The classic description of the gluteus maximus transfer technique relies solely on bone tunnel fixation. This article describes a reproducible technique that incorporates the addition of a distal row to the tendon transfer, which may improve fixation by both compressing the tendon transfer to the greater trochanter and providing improved biomechanical strength to the transfer.

Evolution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lesions at the Sacroiliac Joints During and After Pregnancy by Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging From Gestational Week Twenty to Twelve Months Postpartum.

Sacroiliac (SI) joint magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings simulating sacroiliitis related to axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) may occur in women before and after birth. This study was undertaken to explore the prevalence, evolution, and topography of SI joint MRI lesions in pregnant and postpartum women. A prospective cohort study included 103 first-time mothers who underwent up to 5 serial SI joint MRI between gestational week 20 and 12 months postpartum. After calibration, 3 assessors independently evaluated bone marrow edema (BME), including sacroiliitis according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS), as well as structural lesions, using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) and a novel 2-plane assessment method. BME was frequent both during pregnancy and the postpartum period, peaking at 3 months postpartum with a prevalence of 69% (SPARCC) and 80% (2-plane method), but still present in 54% (SPARCC) and 58% (2-plane method) of subjects at 12 months postpartum. At 12 months postpartum, sacroiliitis according to the current ASAS definition was met in 41%, while 21% and 14% of women fulfilled the newly proposed ASAS MRI thresholds for active and structural SI joint lesions, respectively. BME clustered in the anterior middle joint portions at all time points, and ligamentous BME was rare. At 12 months postpartum, SPARCC erosion scores ≥3 (ASAS threshold) were observed in only 2.8% of women. At 12 months postpartum, 41% of women met the current ASAS sacroiliitis definition, which may result in false-positive assignments of axial SpA diagnosis in postpartum women with back pain. The topographical BME distribution and virtually absent erosions (ASAS threshold) at 12 months postpartum may help discriminate postpartum strain-related conditions from axial SpA-related sacroiliitis.

Prognostic value of bone resorption pattern in the anterior portion of the femoral head in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

To examine whether differences in bone resorption patterns in the anterior portion of the femoral head correlate with the prognosis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Seventy-eight patients with unilateral Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, who were diagnosed after 6.0 years of age, underwent the Salter innominate osteotomy from 1987 to 2013, and were followed up to skeletal maturity. The anterior bone resorption pattern of the femoral head was evaluated from a frog-leg lateral hip radiograph made in the middle of the fragmentation period, and classified into two types, an epiphysis-preserved type (P) and a physis-disrupted type (D). The correlation between the type of bone resorption and the Stulberg outcome was analyzed. The Stulberg outcomes were grade I for 9 patients, grade II for 31, grade III for 35, and grade IV for 3, with a mean follow-up period of 8.3 ± 2.7 years. Fifty-one patients demonstrated the type P hips and 27 did the type D hip. In a subset analysis of patients with the modified lateral pillar group-B hips in the younger group (6.0-8.9 years of age at diagnosis), the percentages of the favorable and unfavorable outcomes significantly differed between the two types (p = 0.013). Anteroposterior enlargement of the affected femoral head was significantly greater in the type D hips than the type P hips (p = 0.014). Unfavorable hip morphology at skeletal maturity can be predicted in patients with the lateral pillar group-B hips by focusing on bone resorption patterns of the anterior portion of the femoral head. Level III, prognostic study.

MP80-07 MICROSCOPICAL ANALYSIS OF FRESH PROSTATE SPECIMENS: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS ABOUT NERVE DISTRIBUTION ON PROSTATE APEX

MP80-07 MICROSCOPICAL ANALYSIS OF FRESH PROSTATE SPECIMENS: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS ABOUT NERVE DISTRIBUTION ON PROSTATE APEX

Association of Talar Neck Fractures With Body Extension and Risk of Avascular Necrosis.

The objective of this study was to determine whether talar neck fractures with proximal extension (TNPE) into the talar body are associated with higher rates of avascular necrosis (AVN) compared to isolated talar neck (TN) fractures. A retrospective review of patients sustaining talar neck fractures at a level I trauma center from 2008 to 2016 was performed. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record. Fractures were characterized as TN or TNPE based on initial radiographs. TNPE was defined as a fracture that originates on the talar neck and extends proximal to a line subtended from the junction of the neck and the articular cartilage dorsal to the anterior portion of the lateral process of the talus. Fractures were classified according to the modified Hawkins classification for analysis. The primary outcome was the development of AVN. Secondary outcomes included nonunion and collapse. These were measured on postoperative radiographs. There were 137 fractures in 130 patients, with 80 (58%) fractures in the TN group and 57 (42%) in the TNPE group. Median follow-up was 10 months (interquartile range, 6-18 months). The TNPE group was more likely to develop AVN as compared to the TN group (49% vs 19%, P < .001). Similarly, the TNPE group had a higher rate of collapse (14% vs 4%, P = .03) and nonunion (26% vs 9%, P = .01). Even after adjusting for open fracture, Hawkins fracture type, smoking, and diabetes, AVN still remained significant for the TNPE group as compared to the TN group with an odds ratio of 3.47 (95% CI, 1.51-7.99). We found a higher rate of AVN, subsequent collapse, and nonunion in patients with TNPE compared to isolated TN fractures. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

The slingshot phosphatase 2 is required for acrosome biogenesis during spermatogenesis in mice.

The acrosome is a membranous organelle positioned in the anterior portion of the sperm head and is essential for male fertility. Acrosome biogenesis requires the dynamic cytoskeletal shuttling of vesicles towards nascent acrosome which is regulated by a series of accessory proteins. However, much remains unknown about the molecular basis underlying this process. Here, we generated Ssh2 knock-out (KO) mice and HA-tagged Ssh2 knock-in (KI) mice to define the functions of Slingshot phosphatase 2 (SSH2) in spermatogenesis and demonstrated that as a regulator of actin remodeling, SSH2 is essential for acrosome biogenesis and male fertility. In Ssh2 KO males, spermatogenesis was arrested at the early spermatid stage with increased apoptotic index and the impaired acrosome biogenesis was characterized by defective transport/fusion of proacrosomal vesicles. Moreover, disorganized F-actin structures accompanied by excessive phosphorylation of COFILIN were observed in the testes of Ssh2 KO mice. Collectively, our data reveal a modulatory role for SSH2 in acrosome biogenesis through COFILIN-mediated actin remodeling and the indispensability of this phosphatase in male fertility in mice.

Semantic cognition in healthy ageing: Neural signatures of representation and control mechanisms in naming typical and atypical objects

Effective use of conceptual knowledge engages semantic representation and control processes to access information in a goal-driven manner. Neuropsychological findings of patients presenting either degraded knowledge (e.g., semantic dementia) or disrupted control (e.g., semantic aphasia) converge with neuroimaging evidence from young adults, and delineate the neural segregation of representation and control mechanisms. However, there is still scarce research on the neurofunctional underpinnings of such mechanisms in healthy ageing. To address this, we conducted an fMRI study, wherein young and older adults performed a covert naming task of typical and atypical objects. Three main age-related differences were found. As shown by age group and typicality interactions, older adults exhibited overactivation during naming of atypical (e.g., avocado) relative to typical concepts in brain regions associated to semantic representation, including anterior and medial portions of left temporal lobe (respectively, ATL and MTG). This provides evidence for the reorganization of neural activity in these brain regions contingent to the enrichment of semantic repositories in older ages. The medial orbitofrontal gyrus was also overactivated, indicating that the processing of atypical concepts (relative to typical items) taxes additional control resources in the elderly. Increased activation in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) was observed in naming typical items (relative to atypical ones), but only for young adults. This suggests that naming typical items (e.g., strawberry) taxes more on control processes in younger ages, presumably due to the semantic competition set by other items that share multiple features with the target (e.g., raspberry, blackberry, cherry). Together, these results reveal the dynamic nature of semantic control interplaying with conceptual representations as people grow older, by indicating that distinct neural bases uphold semantic performance from young to older ages. These findings may be explained by neural compensation mechanisms coming into play to support neurocognitive changes in healthy ageing.

First record of two urotsylid ciliates (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Spirotrichea) from Japan expanding the circumscription of species

ABSTRACT Two urostylid ciliates, Trichototaxis marina Lu et al., 2014 and Uncinata bradburyae (Gong et al., 2001) Luo et al., 2015, new to Japan, were collected from coastal water in Nagasaki. Both were identified based on live and protargol-stained specimens. Morphologically, two new populations of T. marina correspond well with the type population in the live morphology and ciliature, especially a very flexible body having a long elliptical shape, and reddish cell colour caused by irregularly shaped pigments, multiple left marginal rows and marine habitat. A few morphological features were supplemented for the species. The Japanese population of Uncinata bradburyae presents the diagnostic features, especially the presence of an anterior snout-like procession and the elongated membranelles in the proximal portion of adoral zone, orientation of the anterior portion of the left marginal row, highly developed transverse cirri, and high number of dorsal kineties derived from two unique, de novo formed anlagen. Additionally, greenish pigments were first documented for the species. The new record suggests U. bradburyae might be a eurythermal species. The overall pattern of the divisional events resembles that of the Qingdao population described previously. Part of the reorganisation was also first revealed for U. bradburyae, which corresponds to the divisional processes in the opisthe. The present study corroborates the wide distribution of both species, and contributes to circumscribe the species by expanding the range of some morphometric data.

Aerial photogrammetry techniques using drones to estimate morphometric measurements and body condition in South American small cetaceans

AbstractAerial photogrammetry protocols using drones have proved efficient in monitoring free‐living cetaceans. In this work an aerial photogrammetry protocol using a drone was applied to estimate morphometric measurements and body condition variation in two endangered cetacean species, franciscanas (Pontoporia blainvillei, n = 122) and Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis, n = 41). Sampling occurred in winter and summer in Babitonga Bay, southern Brazil. A 115 cm length object was used to calibrate the scale of measurements at different altitudes. A scale calibration model based on eGSD regression by flight altitude was developed (RMSE = 0.039, r2 = 0.9902, ΔAICc = 0.00) and used to convert measurements from pixels to centimeters. Five morphometric measurements (body length ‐ BL, widths at anterior pectoral fin ‐ AP, axilla ‐ AX, anterior dorsal fin ‐ AD, and posterior dorsal fin ‐ PD) were taken from each animal to infer body condition, in which, the widths in the anterior portions of the body as % BL, can be an auxiliary tool in the evaluation of variation in the body condition of the small cetaceans studied. The aerial photogrammetry protocol allowed for estimating morphometric measurements and monitoring seasonal changes in the body condition of the small cetaceans.