Branches Off Research Articles

Apolipoprotein A-I anti-tumor activity targets cancer cell metabolism.

Previously, we reported apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the major protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), has potent anti-melanoma activity. We used DNA microarray and bioinformatics to interrogate gene expression profiles of tumors from apoA-I expressing (A-I Tg+/–) versus apoA-I-null (A-I KO) animals to gain insights into mechanisms of apoA-I tumor protection. Differential expression analyses of 11 distinct tumors per group with > 1.2-fold cut-off and a false discovery rate adjusted p < 0.05, identified 176 significant transcripts (71 upregulated and 105 downregulated in A-I Tg+/– versus A-I KO group). Bioinformatic analyses identified the mevalonate and de novo serine/glycine synthesis pathways as potential targets for apoA-I anti-tumor activity. Relative to A-I KO, day 7 B16F10L melanoma tumor homografts from A-I Tg+/– exhibited reduced expression of mevalonate-5-pyrophosphate decarboxylase (Mvd), a key enzyme targeted in cancer therapy, along with a number of key genes in the sterol synthesis arm of the mevalonate pathway. Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (Phgdh), the first enzyme branching off glycolysis into the de novo serine synthesis pathway, was the most repressed transcript in tumors from A-I Tg+/–. We validated our mouse tumor studies by comparing the significant transcripts with adverse tumor markers previously identified in human melanoma and found 45% concordance. Our findings suggest apoA-I targets the mevalonate and serine synthesis pathways in melanoma cells in vivo, thus providing anti-tumor metabolic effects by inhibiting the flux of biomolecular building blocks for macromolecule synthesis that drive rapid tumor growth.

Teaching Resistance Training Principles to Children Using an Implement: The Deadlift

Developing students who are physically literate is one of the most important aspects of physical education (PE). As teachers, we introduce students to the concepts of health and fundamental movement skills like throwing, catching and using implements to allow them the skill proficiency to pursue an active lifestyle. However, if our goal as physical educators is to instill a desire to be physically active in our students, and impart skills, why aren’t we teaching fundamental barbell movements? Learning fundamental barbell movements, just like learning fundamental motor skills, creates the roots of fitness. This allows the student to branch off into resistance training with proficiency in the skill, and also be physically fit enough to tackle other, more intense training programs. This article focuses on the classic hip-hinge move: the deadlift. It not only validates the methods but acts as a guide for physical educators to incorporate fundamental movement concepts using an implement into their curriculum.

Application of Anatomical Landmarks: Enhancing Vascular Approaches to the Sphenopalatine Artery

The nasoseptal flap is a well‐recognized “work‐horse” flap for anterior skull base reconstruction. The sphenopalatine artery (SPA), which accounts for a large portion of the arterial supply in the nasal cavity, forms a basis for the flap pedicle. In addition, the identification of the SPA as it emerges from the pterygopalatine fossa into the nasal cavity via the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) is useful during the transpterygoidal approach to the infratemporal fossa. This identification is also useful for treatment of epistaxis in the nasal cavity, and aids in the prevention of vascular complications in a surgical setting. Previous studies have shown the relationship of the sphenopalatine foramen to the floor of the nasal cavity, choanal arch, and maxillary line. To enhance endoscopic visualization this study set out to identify the relationship of the anteroinferior bony border of the sphenoid sinus, the superior nasal concha, and the middle nasal concha as anatomical landmarks to the SPF.A total of n = 33 cadaveric hemisections were studied. In addition, the SPF was identified in coronal computerized tomography (CT) scans of the dissected cadavers acquired from the Anatomical Bequest Program at the Mayo Clinic (IRB approval #19‐010471), n = 8. Nasal mucosa was reflected from the lateral nasal wall where the SPF was located. The exit of the SPA’s main arterial trunk at the SPF was measured in relation to the sphenoid sinus, superior nasal concha, and middle nasal concha and the number of branches was recorded. Measurements on CT imaging were taken posterior to the ostiomeatal unit and maxillary sinus at initial visualization of the sphenoid sinus. Measurements of the SPF in relation to the inferior bony boundary of the sphenoid sinus were recorded (mm). All radiologic images were collected, and measurements were taken using Association for Quality Imaging (AQI) software. Images were analyzed and processed using Fiji ImageJ software.Results of this study showed the immediate surgical relationship of the sphenoid sinus, superior nasal concha, and middle nasal concha to the SPA as it traverses the SPF into the nasal cavity. Average distance from the SPF to the anterior‐inferior bony boundary of the sphenoid sinus was 2.5mm, the superior nasal concha was 4.12mm, and the middle nasal concha was 2.86mm. Radiological measurements taken in coronal CT images from the inferior bony boundary of the SPF to the inferior bony boundary of the sphenoid sinus was on average 4.94mm. Number of primary branches off of the SPA arterial trunk, and branching patterns varied between 2–3 with instances of a single long SPA arterial trunk traveling more than 3 mm followed by two small branches inferiorly. These relationships can be used to safely identify the SPA as it exits the SPF during surgery to prevent vascular complications due to occluded visualization of the region.Support or Funding InformationAmerican Association of Anatomists Short‐Term Visiting Scholarship Award

Genes and Eating Preferences, Their Roles in Personalized Nutrition.

At present, personalized diets, which take into account consumer genetic characteristics, are growing popular. Nutrigenetics studies the effect of gene variations on metabolism and nutrigenomics, which branches off further and investigates how nutrients and food compounds affect genes. This work deals with the mutations affecting the assimilation of metabolites, contributing to nutrigenetic studies. We searched for the genes responsible for eating preferences which allow for the tailoring of personalized diets. Presently, genetic nutrition is growing in demand, as it contributes to the prevention and/or rehabilitation of non-communicable diseases, both monogenic and polygenic. In this work, we showed single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes—missense mutations that change the functions of coded proteins, resulting in a particular eating preferences or a disease. We studied the genes influencing food preferences—particularly those responsible for fats and carbohydrates absorption, food intolerance, metabolism of vitamins, taste sensations, oxidation of xenobiotics, eating preferences and food addiction. As a result, 34 genes were identified that affect eating preferences. Significant shortcomings were found in the methods/programs for developing personalized diets that are used today, and the weaknesses were revealed in the development of nutrigenetics (inconsistency of data on SNP genes, ignoring population genetics data, difficult information to understand consumer, etc.). Taking into account all the shortcomings, an approximate model was proposed in the review for selecting an appropriate personalized diet. In the future, it is planned to develop the proposed model for the compilation of individual diets.

Abstract P4-05-20: Case report - 16 year life history and genomic evolution of an ER+ HER2- breast cancer

Abstract Introduction Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related death, with genomic evolution between primary and metastatic breast cancer only recently being studied in smaller numbers. We reconstructed the tumor evolution of a female patient originally diagnosed with localized ER+ HER2- disease to investigate the molecular changes that triggered relapse after long term aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy and tracked them during subsequent treatments. The patient was diagnosed in 2002, relapsed in 2012 (regional lymph node), progressed in 2015 (liver metastasis), and passed away in 2018. We performed DNA- and RNA-sequencing on FFPE tumor samples and multiple liquid biopsies. The patient underwent eight lines of therapy including genome guided targeted therapy. Materials and Methods Whole exome and transcriptome sequencing was performed on the patient's primary tumor site at diagnosis (T1) and a metastatic lymph node (M1). Targeted DNA sequencing was performed on a metastatic liver sample (M2, 315 genes) and on liquid biopsies (n=11, 70 genes) every 2-3 months from 2015-2018. Results The mutational landscape between timepoints T1, M1 and M2 revealed low mutational burden at diagnosis which ultimately doubled at progression with active mutational processes (APOBEC, POLE) showing concordance between timepoints. DNA-based analysis revealed multiple mutations in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Two mutations were shared between the samples: a clonal PIK3CA Q546R and a TP53 E180K mutation detected as clonal in M1/M2 and subclonal in T1. Individual samples carried private driver mutations, ranging from n=4 in T1, n=7 in M1 to n=16 in M2. While T1 harbored a single clonal driver mutation, with additional driver mutations being subclonal, M1 and M2 harbored multiple clonal driver mutations and a smaller percentage of subclonal driver mutations. A phylogenetic tree showed branching off between T1 and M1/M2. Liquid biopsies, while initially negative, started to detect mutations found among T1, M1 and M2, with increasing allele frequency (AF) throughout time. By the end of 2016, an ESR1 E380Q mutation not previously detected was found at a low AF that had rapidly increased by the end of 2017. RNA-Seq analysis revealed 908 (209 up, 699 down) genes to be differentially expressed between T1 and M1. Most significantly downregulated genes in M1 were TFF1 and PGR indicating loss-of-sensitivity / resistance to AI therapy. Most upregulated genes in M1 included PTHLH, S100P, and SOX2 which have been implicated in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Pathway analysis between T1 and M1 showed enrichment for the hallmark gene sets ‘Estrogen Response early and late’ and ‘Epithelial mesenchymal transition’. Conclusions This phylogenetic reconstruction of the life history of a single patient's cancer revealed an increased mutational rate over time between the patient's primary tumor at diagnosis and samples taken at relapse; and a high level of heterogeneity with metastatic sites sharing only one driver mutation with the primary tumor at diagnosis and having acquired multiple de-novo driver mutations. Transcriptome profiling aided in uncovering the mechanisms that lead to the patient's initial relapse, indicating expression profile changes that promote tumor progression and metastasis as well as reduced sensitivity / resistance to the patients AI based therapy. Monitoring tumor progression through frequent liquid biopsies allowed for the detection of mutations from multiple metastatic sites, in addition to the detection and growth of an AI resistant clone harboring an ESR1 E380Q mutation that was not present in any of the solid tissue samples. Citation Format: Bing Xu, Anu Amallraja, Padmapriya Swaminathan, Rachel Elsey, Christel Davis, Stephanie Theel, Sarah Viet, Jason Petersen, Amy Krie, Gareth E Davies, Casey B Williams, Erik Ehli, Tobias Meissner. Case report - 16 year life history and genomic evolution of an ER+ HER2- breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-05-20.

Symmetry breaking of spatial Kerr solitons in fractional dimension

We study symmetry breaking of solitons in the framework of a nonlinear fractional Schr\"{o}dinger equation (NLFSE), characterized by its L\'{e}vy index, with cubic nonlinearity and a symmetric double-well potential. Asymmetric, symmetric, and antisymmetric soliton solutions are found, with stable asymmetric soliton solutions emerging from unstable symmetric and antisymmetric ones by way of symmetry-breaking bifurcations. Two different bifurcation scenarios are possible. First, symmetric soliton solutions undergo a symmetry-breaking bifurcation of the pitchfork type, which gives rise to a branch of asymmetric solitons, under the action of the self-focusing nonlinearity. Second, a family of asymmetric solutions branches off from antisymmetric states in the case of self-defocusing nonlinearity through a bifurcation of an inverted-pitchfork type. Systematic numerical analysis demonstrates that increase of the L\'{e}vy index leads to shrinkage or expansion of the symmetry-breaking region, depending on parameters of the double-well potential. Stability of the soliton solutions is explored following the variation of the L\'{e}vy index, and the results are confirmed by direct numerical simulations.

Abstract C10: Glutamine deprivation triggers hexosamine salvage in pancreatic cancer cells

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) remains one of the most difficult cancers to effectively treat. Over 90% of PDA are driven by oncogenic KRAS, which leads to metabolic rewiring in the cell, including increased glucose uptake and increased flux through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP). The HBP, which branches off from glycolysis at fructose-6-phosphate and also requires glutamine, acetyl-CoA, and uridine triphosphate, is responsible for synthesizing uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), a major substrate for glycosylation in the cell. UDP-GlcNAc can also be generated through recycling of GlcNAc via N-acetylglucosamine kinase (NAGK). Glycans are important for maintaining protein homeostasis and cell signaling. However, while there is increased HBP flux in PDA and glycosylation is elevated in a range of cancers, how this is regulated and the functional significance of increased glycosylation in cancer are not well understood. Because of the multiple metabolic inputs required for UDP-GlcNAc synthesis, the HBP has been proposed as a nutrient sensing pathway. Surprisingly, however, we found that PDA cells robustly maintain both O-GlcNAc and N-glycosylation when exposed to nutrient deprivation. The enzyme N-acetylglucosamine kinase (NAGK) is upregulated under low glutamine conditions, and through stable isotope tracing studies, we demonstrate that PDA cells are able to switch to use of the salvage pathway over the HBP for generation and maintenance of the UDP-GlcNAc pool via NAGK. Together, this work points to a mechanism of metabolic flexibility in generating UDP-GlcNAC that allows PDA cells to grow in a nutrient-poor environment. Citation Format: Sydney L. Campbell, Clementina A. Mesaros, Tiffany Tsang, Michael Noji, Salisa Kruijning, Sophie Trefely, Luke Izzo, Ian A. Blair, Kathryn E. Wellen. Glutamine deprivation triggers hexosamine salvage in pancreatic cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2019 Sept 6-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(24 Suppl):Abstract nr C10.

Shale Producers Adopt Geochemistry Fingerprinting to Quantify Cross-Well Production

Obtain a sample of reservoir rock, heat it up, add pressure, and then take a real close look at the drop of oil that comes out to find its unique “fingerprint.” At a high level, this is the emerging extraction and geochemistry process that more than two dozen tight-oil producers have recently adopted to solve one of the shale sector’s biggest mysteries: how does oil flow through the rock matrix and into a hydraulically fractured horizontal well? In a stacked formation, that question branches off into a few more: how much do neighboring horizontal wells communicate, which zones are co-producing the most, and how do these factors change over time? “The ground truth comes when you collect rock, and know exactly what depth that rock comes from, and then extract hydrocarbons from that rock to know the fingerprint of that depth,” said Faye Liu, the founder and chief executive of geochemistry startup RevoChem. Founded last year, the Houston-based firm has so far identified a geochemical fingerprint in more than 5,000 reservoir rocks and produced oil samples from more than 300 wells in nine different shale plays in North America and the Vaca Muerta Shale in Argentina. Every new sample sheds a bit more light on the complex flow patterns of unconventional reservoirs. Among RevoChem’s findings is that pad wells placed in different benches of a tight reservoir stand a high chance of experiencing some level of cross-well communication (Fig. 1). “All of your oil is a mixture coming from multiple zones,” explained Liu who was formerly a geochemist with Conoco Phillips. She noted that despite how they appear in modeling software, the evidence from geochemical fingerprinting shows that hydraulic fractures often extend out of their target zone and into other oil-rich layers of rock. “Essentially, every operator is experiencing the same•process.” A primary goal for adopters of the technology is to describe that vertical drainage in detail—and how the profile changes over time. “In a stacked development, every subsurface professional must be engaged with that understanding,” said Toby Deen, a senior engineer with private Permian oil and gas company Felix Energy, which started conducting time-lapse fingerprinting earlier this year. In addition to vertical production allocation, operators are using geochemical fingerprinting to overcome the difficulty that other diagnostics have had in assessing the related parameter of fracture height. If wells are believed to have a fracture height somewhere in the range of 400–600 ft, then using wider distances between vertically separated wells to avoid interference is justified. However, if the geochemistry shows that only 5–10% of the cross-well production is from the extreme tips of such a fracture network, then wider spacing may not be optimal (Fig. 2). What would make future spacing decisions easier is if an operator could prove that a majority of production is coming from an area just 200–300 ft away from the wellbore. “That means there is a lot of infill potential,” said Liu.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAIN MORPHOMETRIC INDICATORS OF THE SHAPE AND ANGIOARCHITECTURE OF THE HUMAN GREATER OMENTUM

The review examines the age characteristics of the greater omentum, its metric and topographic parameters. It has been revealed that the shape of the greater omentum can be single-, two- and multi-lobular, which is determined by its loose part. The linear dimensions of the greater omentum are consistent with the stature type and age range. The length of the loose portion of the greater omentum varies widely and ranges from 20 to 43 cm (average 31.58 ± 0.8 cm); the area of the surface of the greater omentum in adults reaches an average of 0.81 m2, which is almost half the entire surface of the peritoneum and is on average 0.40 m2. The range of individual variability in the size of the greater omentum varies at different ages of the child's development. It is especially large at the end of the first year of life. In the next 2-4 years of life, the range of variability of the greater omentum narrows slightly, the largest growth of linear sizes of the greater omentum is observed during the first year of life of the child and they increase by 2 times, and the area – by 3 times. The asymmetry of the longitudinal dimensions of the greater omentum on the right and left also increases. The boundaries of the greater omentum are: liver, spleen, parietal peritoneum of anterior abdominal wall, small intestine, ascending and descending part of the colon. It has been revealed that the main source of blood supply of the human greater omentum is the abdominal and upper mesenteric arteries, the anterior duplication of the greater omentum receives nutrition from the short and long omental arteries, and numerous small arterial vessels are involved in the blood supply of the upper left part of the omentum; they are located in the thickness of the gastro-splenic ligament. Usually 5-13 branches ramify from the right gastrointestinal artery, and one branches off from the left one. The left gastrointestinal artery has a length of 7 to 21 cm and the right gastrointestinal artery – from 10 to 38 cm.

Anatomy of the Distal End of Flexor Digitorum Longus Tendon and Percutaneous Release Technique: A Cadaveric Study.

Background:The transfer of flexor-to-extensor is widely used to correct lesser toe deformity and joint instability. The flexor digitorum longus tendon (FDLT) is percutaneously transected at the distal end and then routed dorsally to the proximal phalanx. The transected tendon must have enough mobility and length for the transfer. The purpose of this study was to dissect the distal end of FDLT and identify the optimal technique to percutaneously release FDLT.Methods:Eight fresh adult forefoot specimens were dissected to describe the relationship between the tendon and the neurovascular bundle and measure the width and length of the distal end of FDLT. Another 7 specimens were used to create the percutaneous release model and test the strength required to pull out FDLT proximally. The tendons were randomly released at the base of the distal phalanx (BDP), the space of the distal interphalangeal joint (SDIP), and the neck of the middle phalanx (NMP).Results:At the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, the neurovascular bundle begins to migrate toward the center of the toe and branches off toward the center of the toe belly. The distal end of FDLT can be divided into 3 parts: the distal phalanx part (DPP), the capsule part (CP), and the middle phalanx part (MPP). There was a significant difference in width and length among the 3 parts. The strength required to pull out FDLT proximally was about 168, 96, and 20 N, respectively, for BDP, SDIP, and NMP.Conclusion:The distal end of FDLT can be anatomically described at 3 locations: DPP, CP, and MPP. The tight vinculum brevis and the distal capsule are strong enough to resist proximal retraction. Percutaneous release at NMP can be performed safely and effectively.Clinical Relevance:Percutaneous release at NMP can be performed safely and effectively during flexor-to-extensor transfer.

Flow and Suspended Sediment Division at Two Highly Asymmetric Bifurcations in a River Delta: Implications for Channel Stability

AbstractThe division of sediment at river bifurcations results from the complex interaction between three‐dimensional flow, planform, and channel bed morphology, as well as the heterogeneity of the bed material. Sediment division processes cannot be incorporated in their full complexity in scale experiments and are difficult to reproduce with numerical models. Field measurements are thus necessary to advance our understanding of those processes in river deltas. However, such measurements are rare. We present measurements of the flow and sediment division at two tidally influenced bifurcations of the Kapuas River, a large sand‐bedded suspended load‐dominated river in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. At both bifurcations, a smaller channel branches off from the side of the main river, which makes the planform strongly asymmetric. The planform of both bifurcations has been stable at least since the end of the nineteenth century when the region was mapped for the first time. Based on our measurements, we explore possible factors that stabilize the bifurcations. We measure the flow velocities with a boat‐mounted acoustic velocity profiler and determine the sediment concentration from acoustic backscatter, calibrated against water samples. The side branch of the first bifurcation receives a proportionally lower fraction of sediment than water. In contrast, the side branch at the second bifurcation receives a proportionally higher fraction of sediment than water. A comparison of flow velocity and suspended sand concentration indicates that the bed material sorting strongly influences the division of sediment, in particular at one of the bifurcations, which is situated in a meander bend.

Homothallism, morphology and phylogenetic position of a new species of Sellaphora (Bacillariophyta), S. pausariae

Background and aims – The eutrophic Blackford Pond in Edinburgh has already provided the holotypes of six other Sellaphora species. A further undescribed species is present and requires description and characterization.&#x0D; Methods – Clones of the new species are characterized by light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular phylogenetics (from a concatenated five-gene alignment of 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, 23S rDNA, cox1 and rbcL, and a two-gene alignment of cox1 and rbcL).&#x0D; Key results – Sellaphora pausariae sp. nov. is named in honour of Dr Eileen Cox (‘pausaria’ = a lady coxswain). In molecular phylogenies, small-celled Sellaphora species (‘minima’ and ‘seminulum’ morphologies) branch off at the base of Sellaphora, though nodes are not well supported. Species and demes previously classified in either “Navicula pupula” or “Navicula bacillum” group into three very well supported clades (numbered 1–3). Although appearing in LM and SEM like a smaller, more delicate version of S. obesa, S. pausariae (clade 1) is not closely related to S. obesa (clade 2). Features of Sellaphora pausariae not confirmed previously in any Sellaphora but possibly widespread are: (a) hymenes with pores arranged in a regular scatter; (b) a stepped mantle near the poles; and (c) a ‘primodominant’ girdle comprising a wide band 1, a segmental band 2, and two extremely thin bands at the abvalvar end of the girdle. Sellaphora pausariae is homothallic; a deficiency of interclonal pairings in two-clone mixtures is interpreted as reflecting the tendency of cells to mate with their immediate neighbours.&#x0D; Conclusions – Morphologically, the new species can be differentiated from existing described species, though only problematically from some informally named demes. Molecularly, it is clearly characterized by the five genes sequenced. Girdle terminology needs expansion (e.g. to distinguish primodominant girdles from ‘graded’ ones, in which the bands gradually decrease in width and structural complexity from the valve outwards).

Prevalence and Utilization of Obturator Artery Anatomic Variant in Stacked DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to quantify the prevalence of a vascular anatomic variant in which the obturator artery (OA) branches off of the proximal deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) in autologous breast reconstruction candidates. Preserving this branch in stacked flap or dual-pedicle reconstructions allows for flow-through anastomosis and gives antegrade flow to both flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre-operatively obtained abdomen/pelvis CTA images of 120 breast reconstruction patients were retrospectively assessed for the presence of the OA arising from the proximal DIEA. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed that 60 of the 120 (50.0%) breast reconstruction candidates possessed the OA arising from a common trunk with the DIEA. The variant presented bilaterally in 27 (22.5%) patients and unilaterally in 33 (27.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The OA arises from the DIEA in half of our breast reconstruction cohort. This OA variant provides an improved size match with the DIEA compared to the lateral/medial row and allows for antegrade flow to both flaps, potentially optimizing perfusion. This anatomic variant has been utilized in 3 cases of stacked DIEP flap breast reconstruction with flap survival in all cases.

Истоки и эволюция эпизоотологии

The tutorial is considering the initial prerequisites for the formation and development of modern epidemiological thinking which became successful research in the mid XX century. In 1930 the independence of epidemiology and epizootology in the structure of professional medical and veterinary education, science and practice is finally grounded and realized. Initially in the USSR, these disciplines were formed as a traditionally infectious branching off from classical hygiene, bacteriology and immunology as the study of the epidemic/epizootic process based on the mechanism of transmission of infection. The epizootology actually developed today in home veterinary medicine is a scientific discipline and professional field designed to study the causes, conditions, patterns of occurrence, spread, extinction of animal diseases, develop on this basis organizational principles and methods for the prevention and control of them and implement them. In the most rational and modern formulation, the subject of its study is morbidity as an peculiar phenomenon of animal pathology and the epizootic process as a mechanism for its formation. Not a disease, a illness of separate individuals (animals) as a category of an individual, organism, clinical level, but a mass character of its manifestation an emerging morbidity transfer the pathology to a higher, population based statistical level. Abroad epidemiology and epizootology are represented by a peculiar variant, the basic concept of which is a narrower and more pragmatic field of knowledge based on statistical analytics - the distribution and causes of the health status of specific groups of the population for the purpose of managing health problems. Current trends are based on the need the convergence of home and western science and the preservation of mutual achievements with the vector of development from the infectious era to the post-infective era with a focus on the mass character of socially significant phenomena of human and animal pathology.&#x0D; Key words: epizootology, history of origins, formation, development prospects.

Peripheral Nerve Anatomy Revisited: Modern Requirements for Neuroimaging and Microsurgery.

Detailed anatomic investigation of peripheral nerve topography underlies the correct application of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) and ultrasonography, both well-established methods to prevent nerve palsy during surgical operations and to elucidate pathomechanisms in disease. In this study, we analyzed the anatomy of selected peripheral nerves in the head and neck regions to improve the outcome of endocrine and migraine surgeries. Anatomic dissections of 204 hemilarynges were performed to study the topography of the inferior laryngeal nerve (ILN). Measurements were taken from the lower rim of the cricoid and from the Zuckerkandl tubercle to the beginning of the furcation of the ILN. For the analysis of peripheral nerves contributing to migraine pathogenesis, 22 hemifaces were investigated by dissection and ultrasonography. The supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves and their relationship to the corrugator supercilii muscle are described. For identification of the ILN, the cricoid offers a suitable intraoperative landmark. A single branch existed in 5% of specimens on the left side and in 3% on the right side. Bifurcation was present in 72.5% and 62% and trifurcation in 18% and 29% of cases, respectively. IONM signals from the vagus nerve were positive if derived proximal to and negative if derived distal to the branching off of a nonrecurrent ILN (nrILN). By ultrasonographic identification of a brachiocephalic trunk, an nrILN could be excluded. For migraine surgery, possible compression points of the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves were identified, and a workflow algorithm for ultrasound visualization of these nerves is provided. Anat Rec, 302:1325-1332, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Diameters of Arteries Supplying Horseshoe Kidneys and the Level They Branch off Their Parental Vessels: A CT-Angiographic Study.

Background: The most common renal fusion anomaly is horseshoe kidney (HSK), a condition associated with variable arterial blood supply. The aim of this study was to determine whether the height of origin of the renal artery determines its diameter and whether it differs from the mean diameter of the renal arteries of normal kidneys (NK). Methods: Computer tomography angiography (CTA) studies of 336 patients (88 HSK and 248 NK) were obtained in a search of renal arteries; these were than classified into four groups according to height of its origin: Group I, branching from the aorta superior to the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA); Group II, branching from the aorta below the IMA; Group III, branching from the iliac artery; and Group IV, originating from the internal and external iliac artery. Results: The HSK group included 398 arteries (mean diameter 4.30 mm) and the NK group 598 (5.52 mm) (p < 0.0001). In the HSK group, the mean diameters according to groups were: Group I, 4.54 mm; Group II, 4.28 mm; Group III, 3.41 mm; and Group IV, 3.43 mm. Statistically significant differences were found between arteries originating from the aorta and arteries branching from the iliac arteries (p < 0.0001). In the NK group, the corresponding values were: Group I, 5.53 mm; and Group II, 4.45 mm. The number of arteries supplying the HSK wider than 3.0 mm were: Group I, 83.0%; Group II, 82.4%; Group III, 68.4%; and Group IV, 66.6%. Conclusions: The renal arteries of the HSK branch from their parental vessels at lower levels and have smaller diameters than those of NK.

Caring Practices May Save a Life.

Caring Practices May Save a Life.

Charting Angiosperm Chemistry: Evolutionary Perspective on Specialized Metabolites Reflected in Chemical Property Space.

Plants possess an outstanding chemical diversity of specialized metabolites developed to adapt to environmental niches and increase fitness. The observed diversity is hypothesized to result from various evolutionary mechanisms, such as the continuous branching off and extension of existing biosynthetic pathways or enhanced levels of catalytic promiscuity in certain enzymes. In this study, ChemGPS-NP has been employed to chart the distribution and diversity of physicochemical properties for selected types of specialized metabolites from the angiosperms. Utilizing these charts, it is analyzed how different properties of various types of specialized metabolites change in different plant groups, and the chemical diversity from the volume they occupy in chemical property space is evaluated. In this context, possible underlying evolutionary mechanisms are discussed, which could explain the observed distribution and behavior in chemical property space. Based on these studies, it is demonstrated that evolutionary processes in plant specialized metabolism and the resultant metabolic diversification are reflected in chemical property space.

The fatty acid elongase gene family in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

The cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) biosynthetic pathways branches off from the synthesis of fatty acids. Fatty acid elongases (ELOs) are enzymes catalyzing the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids and thereby contribute to the diversification of CHCs. Based on bioinformatics analyses we identified 20 ELO genes in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. RNA interference against these genes demonstrated that 9 NlELO genes were essential for the survival of N. lugens nymphs and adults. Indeed, knockdown of NlELOs 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 18 caused lethal phenotypes with a thin and wizened body and reduced lipids in the fat body. Surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy and CHC quantification indicated that knockdown of NlELOs 2, 3, 8 and 16 additionally resulted in a smooth body surface and a decrease in CHC amounts. Therefore, we speculate that long-chain CHCs are needed for CHC attachment to the cuticle surface. CHC deficiency, in turn, resulted in increased adhesion of water droplets and secreted honeydew to the animal surface and the inability of N. lugens to survive in paddy fields with varying humidity. Our present study provides an initial comprehensive analysis of ELO gene functions in an insect, and may serve to better understand the biology of CHCs.

Szakszerűség, tudományosság, kritikusság – a politikai aktivitás kezdetei az egyetemi ifjúság körében kétszáz éve

Comp etence, Erudition and Critical Thinking. The Beginnings of Political Act ivity among University Students in the Early 19th Century. The first decade of the 19th century was a period of significant change in terms of the political activity of European university students. They had come forward before in hope of achieving interest- or value-based goals, and in such cases, they exhibited a considerable ability to promote their own interests. However, their involvement and political role was entirely different in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Times. From the 1810s on, the opinion and activity of university student as political actors independent from both the university and the professors were taken into account – and often even feared – by the political elite in power. The transformation of university students’ political role was the result of several, almost simultaneous changes accumulating. Due to the branching off of professional degrees and the increasing expertise of their scientific base, expectations of civic engagement based on critical thinking, and a new kind of uncertainty deriving from various sources made university students especially responsive to problems of their times. Several factors played a vital role in this growing responsiveness: the (cameralist) teachings of the Enlightenment; the strengthening of academies of science, which were the primary competitors of universities; as well as a concomitant separation of disciplines and the disappearance of the shared theological-philosophical-philological language used before. These factors were intensified by career starter graduates’ recurring fears of unemployment – triggered by processes of professionalization – which further increased university students’ interest in public affairs and their political activity.