Differences In Distribution Patterns Research Articles

An examination of the differential susceptibility pattern of the dentition to linear enamel hypoplasia

Enamel hypoplasia is a dental pathology that forms when an individual is exposed to physiological stress in early life while tooth crowns are developing. Biological anthropologists utilize these enamel defects as indicators of growth interruption and interpret them as reflective of factors pertaining to health status and cultural practices that influence health. Over decades of research, numerous studies have noted a pattern in the distribution of linear enamel hypoplasia across the dentition. It is suggested that the anterior dentition presents the highest frequency of defects, followed by the premolars, with molars most rarely exhibiting hypoplasia. This apparent differential susceptibility pattern has resulted in the preferential study of the anterior dentition in anthropology, however little research has been conducted into the validity or cause of this developmental phenomenon. Through examination of the literature, the observed higher frequency of enam2el hypoplasia in the anterior dentition substantiates the existence of this differential distribution pattern. Further investigation reveals that the cause of this varying susceptibility has not been sufficiently explored, leading to a number of inconclusive explanations. Examination of these theories – ranging from the chronology of tooth development, specifics of crown morphology, and variations in genetic control – indicate that there is no single causal variable, but that a multitude of factors are responsible. From this research it is apparent that further study is necessary to fully understand why the anterior teeth appear to be more susceptible to hypoplastic defects than their posterior counterparts.

An innovative approach for traffic crash estimation and prediction on accommodating unobserved heterogeneities

Since traffic crashes involve complex interactions among drivers, vehicles, roadway, traffic, and environmental elements and not all of the factors that could potentially determine the occurrences of traffic crashes can be observed and measured, new methods are needed to better perform traffic crash estimations and predictions and address the unobserved heterogeneity issues in crash data. Unlike the conventional methods, which generally are the statistical models with the observed crash counts as the dependent variables and the factors affecting the likelihood of a traffic crash as the independent variables, a dynamic state-space model with deep learning is proposed to analyze the traffic crashes. The proposed model includes three modules, an unsupervised feature learning module to identify functional network between the explanatory variables and the feature representations, a supervised fine tuning module to perform crash occurrence likelihood estimations, and a dynamic state-space module to perform crash count predictions. A multivariate Tobit model is incorporated in the supervised fine tuning module as the regression layer to account for the heterogeneity issues in correlated crash data. The results of deep learning are fed to the dynamic state-space model that contains a dynamic equation governing the state dynamics to improve the performances of estimation and prediction. The proposed model was applied to the dataset that was obtained from Knox County in Tennessee to validate the model effectiveness and efficiency. The results show that the proposed model has superior performances in terms of estimation and prediction power compared to the SVM and Random Forest (RF) models. The overall performances of the proposed model for all crashes show an 50.559% RMSD improvement over the SVM models and an 57.867% RMSD improvement over the RF models. The findings indicate that the feature learning module identifies relational information between the explanatory variables and feature representations, which reduces the dimensionality of the input and preserves the original information. The proposed model that includes a multivariate Tobit regression layer in the supervised fine tuning module can better account for differential distribution patterns in traffic crashes across injury severities and provides superior crash occurrence likelihood estimation results. The findings suggest that the proposed model can better address the heterogeneity issues in correlated crash data and is a superior alternative for traffic crash estimations and predictions.

Two-dimensional profiles of microvoids on hardness of bulk HTPB-based polyurethane

Voids analysis is useful to develop further composition and mixing technique so that the hardness of materials can be improved. In HTPB-based polyurethane, this topic is more crucial, giving impact on the propellant and the performance of rocket. Thus, the aim of this paper is to uncover the profile of voids, such as shape, size, distribution and its consequences on the hardness of bulk polyurethane. The perimeter, area, circularity and the nearest distance between voids of fifty five voids were identified by using microscope and image measurement software. Statistic methods were used to get a detailed analysis. It is concluded that polyurethane with the lower hardness, PU B, has lower standard deviation in all profiles, shorter mean distance between voids, significant difference in distribution pattern of void area data and linear correlation between area and distance. All of them suggest that void cluster can reduce the hardness of polyurethane.

Immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-beta1, connective tissue growth factor, phosphorylated-SMAD2/3, and phosphorylated-ERK1/2 during mouse incisor development

ABSTRACTBackground/aims: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a downstream mediator of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and TGF-β1-induced CTGF expression is regulated through SMAD and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. However, little is known about the localization of CTGF and TGF-β1 signaling cascades during incisor development. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the distribution pattern of TGF-β1, CTGF, phosphorylated-SMAD2/3 (p-SMAD2/3), and phosphorylated-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in the developing mouse incisors.Materials and methods: ICR mice heads of embryonic (E) day 16.5, postnatal (PN) day 0.5 and PN3.5 were processed for immunohistochemistry.Results: From E16.5 to PN3.5, moderate to strong staining for TGF-β1 and CTGF was localized in stellate reticulum (SR), transit amplifying (TA) cells, outer enamel epithelium (OEE), preameloblasts (PA), preodontoblasts (PO), and dental papilla (DP). p-SMAD2/3 was weakly positive in SR and OEE at E16.5 and PN0.5 but was strongly positive in SR and OEE at PN3.5. Particularly, in the stem cell niche, p-SMAD2/3 was only localized in SR cells adjacent to OEE. There was no staining for p-SMAD2/3 in TA cells, PA and PO, although weak to moderate staining for p-SMAD2/3 was seen in DP. From E16.5 to PN3.5, p-ERK1/2 was negative in TA cells, OEE, PA and PO, whereas weak to moderate staining for p-ERK1/2 was observed in SR. DP was moderately stained for p-ERK1/2.Conclusions: TGF-β1 and CTGF show a similar expression, while p-SMAD2/3 and p-ERK1/2 exhibit differential distribution pattern, which indicates that CTGF and TGF-β1 signaling cascades might play a regulatory role in incisor development.

Drivers of regional and local diversity of Amazonian stream Odonata

Abstract Large Amazonian rivers may act as dispersal barriers for animals with low dispersal abilities, limiting their distribution to certain interfluves. Consequently, the distribution of these taxa would be less affected by macroclimatic gradients. Conversely, high‐dispersal taxa would be less constrained by large rivers and may track suitable climates. We evaluate whether Zygoptera and Anisoptera, two Odonata suborders with different dispersal abilities, show differences in distribution patterns across Amazonian interfluves. We further assess the relative importance of macroclimatic and habitat factors in their community assembly. We used network modularity analyses to identify biogeographic species pools and spatial buffers to define metacommunity species pools. Then, we used structural equation models to estimate the relative importance of multi‐scale factors on species richness patterns. Zygoptera communities are more similar in species composition within than between interfluves, suggesting that large Amazonian rivers indeed limit the distribution of Zygoptera species. Conversely, the distribution of Anisoptera extends across Amazonian interfluves. Seasonality has a strong positive effect on Zygoptera and Anisoptera richness across scales. In addition, habitat integrity is negatively correlated with the regional species richness and abundance of Anisoptera and positively correlated with Zygoptera local richness. The contrasting effects of habitat integrity on Anisoptera and Zygoptera suggest that the former is favored in open habitats, whereas the latter is so in forests. Despite these differences, both suborders appear to follow similar community assembly mechanisms in Amazonia, with a strong climatic control across scales and an effect of habitat filters on local communities.

Alternate stair descent strategies for reducing joint moment demands in older individuals

Descending stairs requires elevated joint moment-generating capability in the lower limbs, making it a challenging daily activity, particularly for older individuals. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of three different strategies for descending standard and increased height stairs: step-over-step (SoS), step-by-step (SbS) and side-step (SS) on lower limb kinetics in older people. Eleven participants (mean ± SD age: 74.8 ± 3.1 years, height: 1.63 ± 0.07 m, mass: 67.7 ± 9.5 kg) descended a four-step custom built instrumented staircase at a self-selected speed, adopting each of the three strategies, at two configurations: a step-rise height of 170 mm (standard; STD) and a step-rise height of 255 mm (increased; INC). 3D motion capture, synchronised with embedded force plates enabled the calculation of joint kinetics of lead and trail limbs. Data were analysed using a Linear Mixed Model with gait speed selected as a covariate during weight acceptance (WA) and controlled lowering (CL) phases. A large increase in hip extensor moment in both WA and CL in the lead limb was evident during both SoS and SbS at INC step height compared to STD (P < .015 for all), with no such increase in hip flexor moment evident in SS strategy (P = .519). Lead limb knee extensor moment decreased and plantarflexor moment increased in INC SoS compared to STD SoS during CL (P < .001 for both). In the trail limb, increased hip extensor and plantarflexor moments were seen in INC SS compared to STD SS (P < .001 for both). The alternate strategies result in the overall task demand being split between the lead limb (weight acceptance) and trail limb (controlled lowering). Differential demand distribution patterns exist between strategies that imply targeted interventions and/or advice could be provided to older individuals in order to promote safe descent of stairs, particularly for those with specific muscle weaknesses or at high risk of falls.

Spectrum of Haematological malignancies managed at tertiary centre: A one-year retrospective review

Introduction: Hematological malignancies are not uncommon and all ages and genders are affected. Hematological malignancies are a group of cancers that arise from a malignant transformation of cells of the bone marrow or lymphatic system. There are several classification systems for Hematological Malignancies. The WHO classification was the first worldwide consensus classification on hematological tumors.&#x0D; Methods: We retrospectively collected data from the Department of Pathology and Hematology Unit of Internal medicine from 2015 to 2016. Hematological malignancies were analyzed clinically and with laboratory parameters. They were initially analyzed with complete blood counts and peripheral smear and diagnosed on the basis of Bone marrow morphological assessment, Immunophenotyping and cytogenetic and molecular markers and histopathology and Immunohistochemistry of Excised lymph node when applicable. Plasma cell dyscrasias were assessed clinically for features of CRAB (hypercalcemia, renal impairment, anemia and lytic lesion) and evaluation was done by hemogram, biochemical parameters and skeletal survey. Later plasma cell dyscrasias was diagnosed on the basis of bone marrow study, Immunofixation electrophoresis, serum free light chain assay, serum protein electrophoresis and myeloma defining events.&#x0D; Results: There were 110 cases of hematological neoplasm from Feb 2015 till Jan 2016. Lymphoid neoplasm was the commonest hematological malignancies with 60.9% followed by myeloid neoplasm of 37.3% then histiocytic neoplasm of 1.5%. Median age at diagnosis for all Hematological malignancies was 55 years of age. In patients under 20 years of age, T ALL and LCH accounted each with o.9%. In young adult Patient, NHL was the most common HM whereas; MPN was the most common HM in adults. In older patients, PCN was the most common HM. Male were more prevalent than female in Hematological malignancies. Male accounted for 73.6% and female were 26.4% with male female ratio 2.7:1. In both male and female, Lymphoid Neoplasm was most frequent HM. In male PCN was the most frequent HM. In female, NHL, PCN and MPN was the most frequent HM. Lymphoid neoplasm included Mature B cell Neoplasm (MBCN) 43.6%, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) 7.3%, Hodgkins Lymphoma (HL) 5.5% and Mature T cell Neoplasm (MTCN) 3.6%. Plasma cell Neoplasm (PCN) (29%) was the commonest lymphoid neoplasm. Among the myeloid neoplasm (MN), Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) accounted 19.1% followed by acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with 14.5% then Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) 4.5%. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is the commonest HM among different subtypes of MPN.&#x0D; Conclusion: HM can occur at any age group with median age at diagnosis of 55 years. Overall men are more affected with HM than women. In both male and female Lymphoid malignancies are frequent HM. There is difference in distribution pattern and subtypes of Hematological malignancies at different age group.

Neuroinflammation is increased in the parietal cortex of atypical Alzheimer\u2019s disease

BackgroundWhile most patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) present with memory complaints, 30% of patients with early disease onset present with non-amnestic symptoms. This atypical presentation is thought to be caused by a different spreading of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) than originally proposed by Braak and Braak. Recent studies suggest a prominent role for neuroinflammation in the spreading of tau pathology.MethodsWe aimed to explore whether an atypical spreading of pathology in AD is associated with an atypical distribution of neuroinflammation. Typical and atypical AD cases were selected based on both NFT distribution and amnestic or non-amnestic clinical presentation. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the temporal pole and superior parietal lobe of 10 typical and 9 atypical AD cases. The presence of amyloid-beta (N-terminal; IC16), pTau (AT8), reactive astrocytes (GFAP), microglia (Iba1, CD68, and HLA-DP/DQ/DR), and complement factors (C1q, C3d, C4b, and C5b-9) was quantified by image analysis. Differences in lobar distribution patterns of immunoreactivity were statistically assessed using a linear mixed model.ResultsWe found a temporal dominant distribution for amyloid-beta, GFAP, and Iba1 in both typical and atypical AD. Distribution of pTau, CD68, HLA-DP/DQ/DR, C3d, and C4b differed between AD variants. Typical AD cases showed a temporal dominant distribution of these markers, whereas atypical AD cases showed a parietal dominant distribution. Interestingly, when quantifying for the number of amyloid-beta plaques instead of stained surface area, atypical AD cases differed in distribution pattern from typical AD cases. Remarkably, plaque morphology and localization of neuroinflammation within the plaques was different between the two phenotypes.ConclusionsOur data show a different localization of neuroinflammatory markers and amyloid-beta plaques between AD phenotypes. In addition, these markers reflect the atypical distribution of tau pathology in atypical AD, suggesting that neuroinflammation might be a crucial link between amyloid-beta deposits, tau pathology, and clinical symptoms.

Characterization of LAMP1-labeled nondegradative lysosomal and endocytic compartments in neurons.

Despite widespread distribution of LAMP1 and the heterogeneous nature of LAMP1-labeled compartments, LAMP1 is routinely used as a lysosomal marker, and LAMP1-positive organelles are often referred to as lysosomes. In this study, we use immunoelectron microscopy and confocal imaging to provide quantitative analysis of LAMP1 distribution in various autophagic and endolysosomal organelles in neurons. Our study demonstrates that a significant portion of LAMP1-labeled organelles do not contain detectable lysosomal hydrolases including cathepsins D and B and glucocerebrosidase. A bovine serum albumin-gold pulse-chase assay followed by ultrastructural analysis suggests a heterogeneity of degradative capacity in LAMP1-labeled endolysosomal organelles. Gradient fractionation displays differential distribution patterns of LAMP1/2 and cathepsins D/B in neurons. We further reveal that LAMP1 intensity in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked motor neurons does not necessarily reflect lysosomal deficits in vivo. Our study suggests that labeling a set of lysosomal hydrolases combined with various endolysosomal markers would be more accurate than simply relying on LAMP1/2 staining to assess neuronal lysosome distribution, trafficking, and functionality under physiological and pathological conditions.

Molecular composition of the human primary visual cortex profiled by multimodal mass spectrometry imaging

The primary visual cortex (area V1) is an extensively studied part of the cerebral cortex with well-characterized connectivity, cellular and molecular architecture and functions (for recent reviews see Amunts and Zilles, Neuron 88:1086–1107, 2015; Casagrande and Xu, Parallel visual pathways: a comparative perspective. The visual neurosciences, MIT Press, Cambridge, pp 494–506, 2004). In humans, V1 is defined by heavily myelinated fibers arriving from the radiatio optica that form the Gennari stripe in cortical layer IV, which is further subdivided into laminae IVa, IVb, IVcα and IVcβ. Due to this unique laminar pattern, V1 represents an excellent region to test whether multimodal mass spectrometric imaging could reveal novel biomolecular markers for a functionally relevant parcellation of the human cerebral cortex. Here we analyzed histological sections of three post-mortem brains with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry imaging to investigate the distribution of lipids, proteins and metals in human V1. We identified 71 peptides of 13 different proteins by in situ tandem mass spectrometry, of which 5 proteins show a differential laminar distribution pattern revealing the border between V1 and V2. High-accuracy mass measurements identified 123 lipid species, including glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids, of which at least 20 showed differential distribution within V1 and V2. Specific lipids labeled not only myelinated layer IVb, but also IVa and especially IVc in a layer-specific manner, but also and clearly separated V1 from V2. Elemental imaging further showed a specific accumulation of copper in layer IV. In conclusion, multimodal mass spectrometry imaging identified novel biomolecular and elemental markers with specific laminar and inter-areal differences. We conclude that mass spectrometry imaging provides a promising new approach toward multimodal, molecule-based cortical parcellation.

Cytogenetic characterization and DNA content of Zygopetalum species (Orchidaceae) from Ibitipoca State Park, MG.

Orchidaceae is one of the most representative family of flowering plants. Brazil is considered the diversity center of the genus with more than 2,350 species. The association of phenotypic diversity, wide area of occurrence and unresolved taxonomic issues, makes the family an excellent model to study the dynamic of plant populations. The genus Zygopetalum was used as a model for investigating the evolutionary processes and the origin of diversity in tropical plants. The karyotype, DNA content and meiotic behavior of Z. mackayi and Z. triste from the Ibitipoca State Park (PEI), Minas Gerais, Brazil, were investigated. Apparently, the geographical distribution of different patterns of flower shapes and colors follow the species distribution within the Park, suggesting the occurrence of a particular flower pigmentation for each species. The main question involve the genetic base of individuals with intermediate flower characters. For DNA content estimation, fresh leaves of each sample and the reference standard (Vicia faba) were macerated in LB01 buffer and stained with propidium iodide. The analysis was carried out in a FACSCanto™II flow cytometer and the histograms were analyzed using Flowing Software 2.0. Root tips were pretreated with 8-hydroxyquinoline (2mM) for 24h at 4°C and then fixed in Carnoy. The slides were prepared by cell dissociation after enzymatic maceration. Some slides were assigned to the FISH technique using 5S and 45S rDNA probes. For meiotic analysis, the slides were prepared by squash technique using flower buds. The mean of DNA content revealed only one ploidy level in the population, with14.05 pg of DNA, and only one chromosome number (2n = 96). FISH technique showed no difference in the distribution pattern of rDNA sites among the individuals. Four 5S and 45S sites were observed at subterminal and terminal position, respectively. All individuals showed meiotic alterations. The most frequent abnormalities observed were delayed or lost chromosomes, unequal chromosome segregation and chromosome bridge. Taking all data in account, it seems that Zygopetalum individuals from PEI belongs to the same population, hinder the association between the phenotypic plasticity and the genetic variation at the chromosome level and DNA content. APOIO FINANCEIRO: Fapemig, Capes, CNPq

Differential distribution patterns in cerebellar irrigation. A study with autopsy material

Aim: The aim of this investigation was characterize morphologically the cerebellar artery and its branches in a specimen of autopsy material.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the anatomical characteristics of the cerebellar arteries and their branches in 93 brain stem and cerebellum blocks obtained from fresh cadavers. The specimens were perfused bilaterally channeling the proximal segments of the internal carotid and vertebral arteries with a semi-synthetic resin (Palatal GP40L 85%; styrene 15%) impregnated with mineral red dye. We evaluated the distribution patterns of the cerebellar artery and its branches.&#x0D; Results: The calibers of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA), anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) were 1.46 ± 0.2 mm, 1.02 ± 0.35 mm and 1.45 ± 0.37 mm, respectively. Agenesis of the SCA was observed in six specimens (3.2%), AICA in 30 (16.1%), and PICA in 14 (7.5%) specimens. Usual irrigation was observed in 44 (47.3%) cerebellar blocks, whereas 49 (52.7%) specimens showed irrigation variants, 23 (46.9%) of which appeared bilaterally. The dominant distribution of the cerebellar arteries corresponded to SCA in 9 (12.5%) cases, AICA in 46 (63.9%) and PICA in 7 (9.7%) specimens; shared dominance was found in 10 (13.9%) specimens.&#x0D; Conclusion: The high variability of the cerebellar arteries observed in the present study is consistent with previous reports. The diverse anatomic expressions of the cerebellar arteries were typified in relation to their dominance and territories irrigated, useful for the diagnosis and clinical-surgical management of the cerebellum blood supply.

Pathogenic variability of Ascochyta rabiei causing blight of chickpea in India

Ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr. is one of the major disease of chickpea worldwide. Since there is report of variable number of races an attempt was made to investigate the pathogenic variability and identify the existing race(s) of A. rabiei, which will be helpful in improving/breeding resistant variety of chickpea. The virulence of 25 isolates of A. rabiei from different parts of India were analysed on 10 differential genotypes showing different levels of resistant and susceptible reactions under artificial inoculation in controlled environment. Based on the reactions, the population of A. rabiei were grouped into seven races using 1–9 rating scale. The genotype ICC 4991 showed susceptible reaction against all the isolates of the pathogen. Five genotypes, ICC 11879, ICC 3996, ICC 15978, GL 26054 and H00 108 exhibited resistant to moderately resistant reactions against the isolates of A. rabiei. Distribution of races was mapped. Race 1 is widely prevalent in 5 states namely, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir whereas, the most virulent is race 7 found in Uttar Pradesh. This study standardized a set of differential genotypes of chickpea for race identification and established 7 races of Ascochyta rabiei. The race determination of A. rabiei would be helpful in improving/breeding resistant chickpea variety. The information is entirely new in respect of differential genotypes and distribution pattern of races of A. rabiei in India.

Distribution patterns of microcalcifications in suspected thyroid carcinoma: a classification method helpful for diagnosis.

The aim of this study was to compare the distribution patterns of microcalcifications in thyroid cancers with benign cases. In total, 358 patients having microcalcifications on ultrasonography were analysed. Microcalcifications were categorised according to the distribution patterns: (I) microcalcifications inside one (a) or more (b) suspected nodules, (II) microcalcifications not only inside but also surrounding a suspected single (a) or multiple (b) nodules, and (III) focal (a) or diffuse (b) microcalcifications in the absence of any suspected nodule. Differences in distribution patterns of microcalcifications in benign and malignant thyroid lesions were compared. We found that the distribution patterns of microcalcifications differed between malignant (n = 325) and benign lesions (n = 117) (X 2 = 9.926, p < 0.01). Benign lesions were classified as type Ia (66.7%), type Ib (29.1%) or type IIIa (4.3%). The specificity of type II and type IIIb in diagnosing malignant cases was 100%. Among malignant lesions, 172 locations were classified as type Ia, 106 as type Ib, 12 as type IIa, 7 as IIb, 7 as type IIIa and 19 as type IIIb. Accompanying Hashimoto thyroiditis was most frequent in type III (51.6%). Types II and IIIb are highly specific for cancer detection. Microcalcifications outside a nodule and those detected in the absence of any nodule should therefore be reviewed carefully in clinical practice. • A method to classify distribution patterns of thyroid microcalcifications is presented. • Distribution features of microcalcifications are useful for diagnosing thyroid cancers. • Microcalcifications outside a suspicious nodule are highly specific for thyroid cancers. • Microcalcifications without suspicious nodules should also alert the physician to thyroid cancers.

Distribution of anisakid nematodes parasitizing rajiform skates under commercial exploitation in the Southwestern Atlantic

In order to evaluate the infestation by anisakids present in elasmobranchs and their distribution in the Argentine Sea, this study was carried at a regional scale with the following aims: 1) to identify those anisakid species present in skates under exploitation; 2) to characterize quantitatively these infestations and 3) to determine those factors driving the variability in parasite burdens across skate species. A total of 351 skates, belonging to 3 species (218 Sympterygia bonapartii, 86 Zearaja chilensis and 47 Atlantoraja castelnaui) and from different localities of the Argentine Sea were examined for anisakids. Parasites were found in the stomach wall at high prevalence in some samples. Based on morphology and mtDNA cox2 sequences analyses (from 24 larval worms), specimens were identified as Anisakis berlandi, A. pegreffii and Pseudoterranova cattani; the last two known as potentially pathogenic for humans. Differential distribution patterns were observed across parasite and hosts species. In general, fish caught in southern and deeper waters exhibited higher loads of Anisakis spp., whereas infestation levels by P. cattani increase in larger skates. Taking into account that the mere presence of worms or their antigens in fish meat can provoke allergic responses, information on distribution of parasites and their variability is essential for the implementation of food safety practices.

Differential distribution patterns of Fonsecaea agents of chromoblastomycosis, exemplified by the first case due to F. monophora from Argentina

Chromoblastomycosis is a mutilating infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by melanized fungi belonging to the order Chaetothyriales. Proven cases of the main agent, Fonsecaea pedrosoi are mainly limited to (sub)tropical, humid climates of Latin and Central America and the Caribbean. Fonsecaea monophora has a global distribution along the equator. Cases outside the (sub)tropics have thus far mostly been considered to have been imported, but here we report the first endemic case by F. monophora from Argentina. Patient was a 82-year-old rural female worker from Corrientes, a province with a dry continental climate.

Neuronal activity patterns in the ventral thalamus: Comparison between Parkinson’s disease and cervical dystonia

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to distinguish neuronal activity patterns in the human ventral thalamus and reveal common and disease-specific features in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and cervical dystonia (CD). MethodsSingle unit activity of neurons was recorded during microelectrode-guided thalamotomies. We classified neurons of surgical target and surrounding area into patterns and compared their characteristics and responsiveness to voluntary movement between PD and CD patients. ResultsWe distinguished five patterns of neuronal activity: single, LTS burst, mixed, non-LTS burst and longburst patterns. The burst and mixed patterns showed significant differences in several basic and burst characteristics. We showed that there were no disease-specific patterns or significant differences in pattern distribution between studied patients. However, burst patterns had an unbalanced distribution between disease conditions. In addition, we found difference in LTS burst characteristics between surgical targets and surrounding nuclei. All identified patterns, except the long burst pattern, were reactive to the motor tasks and to contraction of the pathological muscles. ConclusionsThe ventral thalamus was characterised by common neuronal activity patterns which differed in characteristics between PD and CD. SignificanceOur findings highlight patterns of neuronal activity of the human ventral thalamus and specific pathological features.

Combined petrographic and chemical analysis of water containers and glazed wares in the Early Islamic Vega of Granada (southeast Spain, 6th to 12th centuries CE)

In this paper petrographic and NAA analyses of two categories of ceramic wares of the early medieval Vega of Granada (southeast Spain) are presented. The vessels analysed include Water Containers and Glazed Wares and were manufactured between the sixth and the twelfth centuries CE. This is the period of the Islamization of Iberia and the emergence of al-Andalus. The studies in this paper offer an opportunity to understand technological, social and economic changes that were part of the pattern of Islamization. The results of this work show that there is a differential pattern of distribution for the samples studied in the eastern and western areas of the Vega and that there is a chronological change in technological variability of the production of the wares under investigation. An earlier period in which this variability is high gave way to a period where the variability is much less and potentially more standardised technological procedures were followed.

High prevalence of HBV infection, detection of subgenotypes F1b, A2, and D4, and differential risk factors among Mexican risk populations with low socioeconomic status.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may be underestimated among high-risk individuals in regions of low HBs antigenemia. This study aimed to assess HBV serological markers, genotypes, and risk factors in Mexican patients with risk of HBV infection and low socioeconomic status. Demographics, clinical, and risk factor data were collected in patients with HIV (n = 289), HCV (n = 243), deferred blood donors (D-BD) (n = 83), and two native populations, Mixtecos (n = 57) and Purepechas (n = 44). HBV infection was assessed by HBsAg, anti-HBc, and HBV-DNA testing. Overall, patients had low education and very-low income. Totally, HBsAg prevalence was 16.5% (113/684) ranging from 0.7% (HCV) to 37.3% (D-BD), while anti-HBc was 30.2% (207/684). Among 52 sequences, genotypes H (n = 34, 65.4%), G (n = 4, 7.7%), subgenotypes F1b (n = 7, 13.5%), A2 (n = 6, 11.5%), and D4 (n = 1, 1.9%) were detected. Surgeries, sexual promiscuity, and blood transfusions had a differential pattern of distribution. In HCV patients, single (OR = 5.84, 95%Cl 1.91-17.80, P = 0.002), MSM (OR = 4.80, 95%Cl 0.75-30.56, P = 0.097), and IDU (OR = 2.93, 95%CI 1.058-8.09, P = 0.039) were predictors for HBV infection. While IDU (OR = 2.68, 95%CI 1.08-6.61, P = 0.033) and MSM (OR = 2.64, 95%CI 1.39-5.04, P = 0.003) were predictors in HIV patients. In this group, MSM was associated with HBsAg positivity (OR = 3.45, 95%CI 1.48-8.07, P = 0.004) and IDU with anti-HBc positivity (OR = 5.12, 95%CI 2.05-12.77, P < 0.001). In conclusion, testing with a combined approach of three different HBV markers, a high prevalence of HBV infection, a differential distribution of HBV genotypes, including subgenotypes F1b, A2, and D4, as well as risk factors in low-income Mexican risk groups were detected.

POTENTIAL OF MULTI-TEMPORAL UAV-BORNE LIDAR IN ASSESSING EFFECTIVENESS OF SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS

Abstract. Silvicultural treatments are practiced to control resource competition and direct forest stand development to meet management objectives. Effective tracking of thinning and partial cutting treatments help in timely mitigation and ensuring future stand productivity. Based on a study conducted in autumn 2015, our findings in a white pine dominant forest stand in Petawawa (Ontario, Canada) showed that almost all individual trees were detectable, structure of individual trees and undergrowth was well pronounced and underlying terrain below dense undisturbed canopy was well captured with UAS based Riegl Vux-1 lidar even at a range of 150 m. Thereafter, the site was re-scanned the following summer with the same system. Besides understanding the difference in distribution patterns due to foliage conditions, co-registering the two datasets, in the current study, we tested the potential of quantifying effectiveness of a partial cutting silvicultural system especially in terms of filling of 3D spaces through vertical or lateral growth and mortality in a very short period of time.