Distal Part Research Articles

Participation of ventricular trabeculae in neonatal cardiac regeneration leads to ectopic recruitment of Purkinje-like cells.

Unlike adult mammals, newborn mice can regenerate a functional heart after myocardial infarction; however, the precise origin of the newly formed cardiomyocytes and whether the distal part of the conduction system (the Purkinje fiber (PF) network) is properly formed in regenerated hearts remains unclear. PFs, as well as subendocardial contractile cardiomyocytes, are derived from trabeculae, transient myocardial ridges on the inner ventricular surface. Here, using connexin 40-driven genetic tracing, we uncover a substantial participation of the trabecular lineage in myocardial regeneration through dedifferentiation and proliferation. Concomitantly, regeneration disrupted PF network maturation, resulting in permanent PF hyperplasia and impaired ventricular conduction. Proliferation assays, genetic impairment of PF recruitment, lineage tracing and clonal analysis revealed that PF network hyperplasia results from excessive recruitment of PFs due to increased trabecular fate plasticity. These data indicate that PF network hyperplasia is a consequence of trabeculae participation in myocardial regeneration.

Ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus gates the spread of trigeminal neuropathic pain

BackgroundWidespread neuropathic pain usually affects a wide range of body areas and inflicts huge suffering on patients. However, little is known about how it happens and effective therapeutic interventions are lacking.MethodsWidespread neuropathic pain was induced by partial infraorbital nerve transection (p-IONX) and evaluated by measuring nociceptive thresholds. In vivo/vitro electrophysiology were used to evaluate neuronal activity. Virus tracing strategies, combined with optogenetics and chemogenetics, were used to clarify the role of remodeling circuit in widespread neuropathic pain.ResultsWe found that in mice receiving p-IONX, along with pain sensitization spreading from the orofacial area to distal body parts, glutamatergic neurons in the ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus (VPMGlu) were hyperactive and more responsive to stimulations applied to the hind paw or tail. Tracing experiments revealed that a remodeling was induced by p-IONX in the afferent circuitry of VPMGlu, notably evidenced by more projections from glutamatergic neurons in the dorsal column nuclei (DCNGlu). Moreover, VPMGlu receiving afferents from the DCN extended projections further to glutamatergic neurons in the posterior insular cortex (pIC). Selective inhibition of the terminals of DCNGlu in the VPM, the soma of VPMGlu or the terminals of VPMGlu in the pIC all alleviated trigeminal and widespread neuropathic pain.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that hyperactive VPMGlu recruit new afferents from the DCN and relay the extra-cephalic input to the pIC after p-IONX, thus hold a key position in trigeminal neuropathic pain and its spreading. This study provides novel insights into the circuit mechanism and preclinical evidence for potential therapeutic targets of widespread neuropathic pain.

Early Radiological Outcome of Hallux Valgus Corrective Surgery With an Intramedullary Plate: A Single-Center Case Series.

Hallux valgus is a common foot deformity that can lead to significant pain and functional limitations. Minimally invasive corrective surgery isbecoming increasingly popular. The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiological outcome ofmini-open hallux valgus surgery using an intramedullary plate in Asian patients. Aseries of seven patients (six females, one male) and 10 feet underwent hallux valguscorrectionsurgery. Three of the patients had bilateral surgery. Age ranged from 31 to 54 years old.All patients had severe pain and functional limitations. Thecases are mild to moderate in severity, of which the radiological parameters are the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). A Bosch osteotomy (distal metatarsal osteotomy) is performed, and a locking plate was inserted into themedullary canalwith the distal part of the plate displacing the metatarsal head laterally. The rotational deformity was corrected. The plate isfixed to the metatarsal head.Akin's osteotomy was performed in all cases. Patients were allowed to bear weight immediately after surgery and were followed up at regular intervalswith serialradiographs. Result: The follow-up period was three months. All patients were full weightbearing with minimal or no pain at three months. Wounds were well healed. Osteotomy sites were united, with significant radiological improvement (mean HVA: 24.1° to 7.2°; mean IMA: 17° to 7.8°; mean DMAA: 13.7° to 4.2°). Mini-open hallux valgus surgery using an intramedullaryplate is a safe and effective technique that can lead to significant improvement in pain and function for mild to moderate hallux valgus. The modifiedplacement of the plate into the medullary canal allows for a smaller incision while providing correction of the hallux valgus deformity.

ANALYSIS OF OSSIFICATION CENTRES OF THE RADIAL DIAPHYSIS IN FETUSES OF 20-32 WEEKS OF GESTATION

The aim of the study – to investigate the characteristics of ossification of the right andleft radial diaphysis in fetuses of 20-32 weeks’ gestation.Materials and methods. Computed tomography scans of 52 human fetuses at 20-32 weeksof gestation were analyzed to study the characteristics of ossification of the radial bones inhuman fetuses. The results of the study were statistically analyzed in Excel. Student’s t-testfor independent variables and univariate analysis of variance were used to compare means.Results. In human fetuses of 20-32 weeks of gestation, the mean length of ossificationof the right radius increases from 19.63±0.19 mm to 40.87±0.09 mm, and the left radiusincreases from 20.43±0.18 mm to 41.62±0.28 mm, according to the quadratic equation: y= 1.7152 x age – 13.152 (R2 = 0.9825). When analyzing the proximal transverse diameterof the diaphysis of the radius, its increase occurs according to the following quadraticequation: y = 0.2354 x age-1.6858 (R² = 0.9797). In the analysis, the transverse diameterof the middle part of the radius diaphysis increases according to the following quadraticequation: y = 0.1388 x age – 1.0613 (R² = 0.9832). When analyzed, the transversediameter of the distal part of the radial diaphysis increases according to the followingquadratic equation: y = 0.1491 x age – 1.1459 (R² = 0.9847).Conclusion. The obtained morphometric data on ossification of the radial diaphysis can beconsidered normal for the studied 20-32 weeks of gestation and can be used for assessmentof fetal age and for ultrasound diagnosis of congenital pathologies of the upper extremity.

The effect of a 5-week therapeutic massage on erector spinae and upper trapezius muscle stiffness as determined by shear-wave elastography: a randomized controlled trial.

Massage is an effective treatment for reducing pain, swelling, stiffness, and improving muscle mobility. Although self-reported benefits on muscle stiffness and pain are well-known, studies measuring muscle stiffness objectively are scarce. A randomized controlled trial involving 30 recreationally active young women (22.3 ± 0.4 years) was conducted. The participants were randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group which received a series of five 30-min whole back therapeutic massage sessions over 5 weeks. Shear wave elastography was used to assess muscle stiffness (erector spinae (ESp) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles) before and after the intervention and at 3-week follow-up. For ESp, there was no statistically significant time × group interaction (F = 2.908; p = 0.063). However, there was a statistically significant and large time × group interaction for UT (F = 13.533; p = 0.006; η 2 = 0.19). Post-hoc testing for time indicated that the shear modulus in the intervention group was reduced at follow-up (p = 0.005; d = 1.02), while the difference between baseline and post-intervention measurements were not statistically significant (p = 0.053; d = 0.75). In conclusion, massage significantly reduced proximal UT stiffness both 3 days and 3 weeks after the intervention. However, it had no significant effect on the distal part of UT or the ESp muscle.

Floral structure and nectary anatomy of Bertholletia excelsa (Lecythidaceae)

ABSTRACT The floral nectary of Bertholletia excelsa was studied through permanent, histological cross-sections. The flower showed two rings of androecial vascular bundles, the inner for the fertile stamens and the outer for the androecial hood. The androecial hood, originating from the abaxial side of the androecium, is a well-developed, curved, and highly unilateral structure that covers the fertile stamens and stigma. At the apex and on the inner surface of this structure, several finger-like appendages. Histological cross-sections of the androecial hood, from the distal part towards the centre of the flower, reveal that the secretory parenchyma originates in the medium of the inner-distal part of the hood. The secretory tissue is surrounded by vascular bundles that more distally supply the finger-like appendages of the androecial hood. The nectariferous parenchyma lacks internal vascular bundles and consists of small cells, starch-rich, with large vacuoles and a prominent nucleus. The nectariferous epidermis is striated. No stomata or glandular hairs were observed associated with the nectariferous epidermis. The nectary is located within the distal part of the androecial hood and can be classified as a structured, non-vascularized, androecial type. This specialization in the location of the nectar secreting tissue is linked with a complex pollination mechanism, allowing access to the reward only for large bees with long proboscis.

Age-dependence of semitendinosus tendon properties used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction differs in males and females

BackgroundThe semitendinosus tendon is one of the most used autografts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Although recent evidence indicates that young patients, especially in females, may experience high rates of revision and residual instability, the reasons for the inferior outcomes in these patients remain unclear. To address this issue, we aimed to compare the mechanical properties of the semitendinosus tendon used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in male and female patients of various ages. MethodsThe semitendinosus tendons harvested from 31 male and 29 female patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery using the semitendinosus tendon autografts were used in this study. Using the distal part of the harvested semitendinosus tendon, the extent of cyclic loading-induced elongation (i.e., the extent of the increase in slack length) and the Young's modulus were measured during cyclic tensile testing. FindingsSpearman correlation analyses revealed that the Young's modulus (|ρ| = 0.725, P < 0.001), but not elongation (|ρ| ≤ 0.036, P ≥ 0.351) positively correlated with the patient age in male tendon samples. In contrast, for female tendon samples, the elongation (|ρ| ≥ 0.415, P ≤ 0.025), but not the Young's modulus (|ρ| = 0.087, P = 0.655) negatively correlated with the patient age. InterpretationThese results indicate that the semitendinosus tendon used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in young male patients is compliant, whereas that in young female patients is susceptible to elongation induced by cyclic loading.

Sex differences in body temperature and thermal perception under stable and transient thermal environments: A comparative study

Sex difference stands as a crucial factor necessitating consideration in personalized thermal environment control, with the mechanisms of its emergence potentially differing across different thermal environments. However, a comparative analysis of sex differences regarding body temperature (skin and core body temperature) and thermal perception across different environments is lacking. A stable environmental experiment (comprising three conditions: 16 °C, 20 °C, and 24 °C) and a transient environmental experiment (involving a whole-body step-change from 19 °C to 35 °C and back to 19 °C) were conducted, with participation from 20 young males and 20 young females. Skin temperature and core body temperature were continuously recorded during the experiments, and three types of thermal perceptions were regularly collected. The results showed that: (1) The impact of thermal environment on females' skin temperature surpassed that on males, in stable environment, with every 1 °C rise in ambient temperature, the mean skin temperature increased by 0.28 °C for males and 0.35 °C for females respectively; in transient environment, females' mean skin temperature raise and fell at a faster rate. (2) Males exhibited stronger thermal regulation abilities than females, particularly evident during sudden increase in ambient temperature (from 19 °C to 35 °C), where the reduction magnitude of males' core body temperature was notably larger. (3) Whether in stable or transient environments, significant sex differences often occurred in skin temperature and thermal sensation at distal parts, particularly at the hand. (4) Males typically fed back higher levels of thermal comfort and thermal acceptability than females, suggesting that in addition to physiological sex differences, psychological sex distinctions also play a role. In summary, personalized design for stable thermal environment can focus on sex differences in skin temperature, while transient thermal environment requires consideration of both skin temperature and core body temperature. A comprehensive consideration of physiological and psychological sex differences aids in creating personalized thermal environments with greater precision.

Comprehensive review of pulmonary vein stenosis post-atrial fibrillation ablation: diagnosis, management, and prognosis.

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) can occasionally occur in the follow-up after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF). During PVI, ablation is performed at the PV ostium or distal part, leading to tissue damage. This damage can result in fibrosis of the necrotic myocardium, proliferation, and thickening of the vascular intima, as well as thrombus formation, further advancing PVS. Mild-to-moderate PVS often remains asymptomatic, but severe PVS can cause symptoms, such as dyspnea, cough, fatigue, decreased exercise tolerance, chest pain, and hemoptysis. These symptoms are due to pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary infarction. Imaging evaluations such as contrast-enhanced computed tomography are essential for diagnosing PVS. Early suspicion and detection are necessary, as underdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, disease progression, and poor outcomes. The long-term prognosis of PVS remains unclear, particularly regarding the impact of mild-to-moderate PVS over time. PVS treatment focuses on symptom management, with no established definitive solutions. For severe PVS, transcatheter PV angioplasty is performed, though the risk of restenosis remains high. Restenosis and reintervention rates have improved with stent implantation compared with balloon angioplasty. The role of subsequent antiplatelet therapy remains uncertain. Dedicated evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management to avoid significant long-term impacts on patient outcomes.

A description of a new species of Mongolodiaptomus Kiefer, 1937 (Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae) from Thailand with an up-to-date key to the genus.

The genus Mongolodiaptomus is widely distributed in stagnant water bodies in Southeast Asia. During a comprehensive collection of freshwater copepods from different areas in Thailand, a previously unknown species of calanoid copepod, Mongolodiaptomusphutakaensis sp. nov., was recorded. Representatives were found in a natural swamp located in the Kok Phutaka community forest in Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand. The new species belongs to the "M.loeiensis species group" and most closely resembles M.loeiensis and M.mekongensis by having a distinct shape of the second exopodal segment of the male right P5, with enlarged proximal and distal parts of the outer margin as well as a bent and twisted principal lateral spine. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by various characters in the males. The ventral surface of the right caudal ramus has two chitinous teeth and two knobs. The intercoxal plate is slightly produced distally and without any spine. The right P5 basis lacks a hyaline membrane on the inner margin but has a distinct spur-like chitinous process at the mid-distal margin on the posterior surface. The left P5 basis has a thin, longer hyaline lamella on the inner margin. The new species is rare, having been observed in only one out of approximately 5,000 surveyed locations in Thailand. A detailed morphological comparison and an up-to-date key to the Mongolodiaptomus species are presented. Their taxonomic characters, interspecies relationships, and biogeography are discussed.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on the Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Case Report

Background and Objective: Chronic Achilles tendinopathy is among the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders, especially among athletes. Despite numerous non-surgical procedures performed for this disorder, the treatment of these patients is still challenging. Given that electroacupuncture is a novel technique for the treatment of tendinopathy, a few studies have addressed it. This case report aimed to present the electroacupuncture technique for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Case Presentation: A 53-year-old male patient with a 6-month history of left Achilles tendon pain and limited daily activities was referred to Mobasher Physiotherapy Clinic in January 2024. For this purpose, 3-mm needles were inserted into the distal part of Achilles tendon at points BL 60, BL 61, KI 3, and KI 4. The patient received ten 20-min sessions of electroacupuncture treatment (three times per week at the frequency of 5 Hz and current intensity of 5 mA). Pain intensity and ankle range of motion were evaluated at first and last sessions. Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this study, applying electroacupuncture for Achilles tendinopathy, especially chronic tendinitis that has not been treated with other conservative procedures, could improve the patient’s symptoms and ankle function, enhancing the patient’s functional activities and life quality.

Formation and Long-Term Culture of hiPSC-Derived Sensory Nerve Organoids Using Microfluidic Devices.

Although methods for generating human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived motor nerve organoids are well established, those for sensory nerve organoids are not. Therefore, this study investigated the feasibility of generating sensory nerve organoids composed of hiPSC-derived sensory neurons using a microfluidic approach. Notably, sensory neuronal axons from neurospheres containing 100,000 cells were unidirectionally elongated to form sensory nerve organoids over 6 mm long axon bundles within 14 days using I-shaped microchannels in microfluidic devices composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips and glass substrates. Additionally, the organoids were successfully cultured for more than 60 days by exchanging the culture medium. The percentage of nuclei located in the distal part of the axon bundles (the region 3-6 mm from the entrance of the microchannel) compared to the total number of cells in the neurosphere was 0.005% for live cells and 0.008% for dead cells. Molecular characterization confirmed the presence of the sensory neuron marker ISL LIM homeobox 1 (ISL1) and the capsaicin receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Moreover, capsaicin stimulation activated TRPV1 in organoids, as evidenced by significant calcium ion influx. Conclusively, this study demonstrated the feasibility of long-term organoid culture and the potential applications of sensory nerve organoids in bioengineered nociceptive sensors.

Protein-extending ACTN2 frameshift variants cause variable myopathy phenotypes by protein aggregation.

The objective of the study is to characterize the pathomechanisms underlying actininopathies. Distal myopathies are a group of rare, inherited muscular disorders characterized by progressive loss of muscle fibers that begin in the distal parts of arms and legs. Recently, variants in a new disease gene, ACTN2, have been shown to cause distal myopathy. ACTN2, a gene previously only associated with cardiomyopathies, encodes alpha-actinin-2, a protein expressed in both cardiac and skeletal sarcomeres. The primary function of alpha-actinin-2 is to link actin and titin to the sarcomere Z-disk. New ACTN2 variants are continuously discovered; however, the clinical significance of many variants remains unknown. Thus, lack of clear genotype-phenotype correlations in ACTN2-related diseases, actininopathies, persists. Functional characterization in C2C12 cell model of several ACTN2 variants is conducted, including frameshift and missense variants associated with dominant and recessive actininopathies. We assess the genotype-phenotype correlations of actininopathies using clinical data from several patients carrying these variants. The results show that the missense variants associated with a recessive form of actininopathy do not cause detectable alpha-actinin-2 aggregates in the cell model. Conversely, dominant frameshift variants causing a protein extension do form alpha-actinin-2 aggregates. The results suggest that alpha-actinin-2 aggregation is the disease mechanism underlying some dominant actininopathies, and thus, we recommend that protein-extending frameshift variants in ACTN2 should be classified as pathogenic. However, this mechanism is likely elicited by only a limited number of variants. Alternative functional characterization methods should be explored to further investigate other molecular mechanisms underlying actininopathies.

Evaluation of Patellar Dysplasia and Postoperative Pain After Mini-Open, Thin-Flap Trochleoplasty: A Retrospective Analysis of 75 Consecutive Cases.

The association between inherent patellar anatomy and postoperative pain after trochleoplasty in patients with patellar instability is poorly understood. The study purpose was to evaluate outcomes after mini-open, thin-flap trochleoplasty. The hypothesis was that more severe patellar dysplasia would be correlated with increased postoperative pain after trochleoplasty. Case series; Level of evidence 4. Patients with patellar instability who underwent mini-open, thin-flap trochleoplasty in combination with other individualized procedures between 2013 and 2022 were included. Patellar dysplasia was evaluated by calculating the Wiberg index at the widest and most distal cartilaginous parts of the patella on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. At the postoperative follow-up, participants completed the visual analog scale for usual pain (VAS-U), Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII), global rating of change scale, and an evaluation of their current symptom state. Redislocations and complications were recorded. The correlation between the Wiberg index and the VAS-U was calculated with the Spearman rho. Between-group analyses based on demographic and pathoanatomic features were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test, independent-samples t test, and chi-square test. Included were 75 knees in 63 patients (median age at surgery, 19.1 years; IQR, 16-22 years) with a median follow-up of 44 months (IQR, 23.8-83.2 months). The median BPII score was 78.2 (IQR, 54.8-92.5), with 88% reporting an improvement in knee function relative to before surgery, but 21.1% remained dissatisfied with their current knee symptom state. New episodes of patellar dislocation were seen in 3 knees (4%), and 14 knees (18.7%) underwent reoperation with either revision surgery (n = 7; 9.3%) or arthroscopic synovectomy (n = 7; 9.3%). A weak positive, nonsignificant correlation was found between increased postoperative pain and a higher Wiberg index, both at the widest (r S = 0.16; P = .23) and most distal (r S = 0.02; P = .89) parts of the patella. Significantly worse VAS-U scores were seen in female versus male patients (P = .013). Good patient-reported results with a low risk of redislocation were seen in the study cohort, but reoperation rates were high, and 21% of the patients remained dissatisfied with their current symptom state. More pronounced patellar dysplasia (increased Wiberg index) had only a poor association with more severe postoperative pain in the current study.

On the unsteady aerodynamics of flapping wings under dynamic hovering kinematics

Hummingbirds and insects achieve outstanding flight performance by adapting their flapping motion to the flight requirements. Their wing kinematics can change from smooth flapping to highly dynamic waveforms, generating unsteady aerodynamic phenomena such as leading-edge vortices (LEV), rotational circulation, wing wake capture, and added mass. This article uncovers the interactions of these mechanisms in the case of a rigid semi-elliptical wing undergoing aggressive kinematics in the hovering regime at Re∼O(103). The flapping kinematics were parametrized using smoothed steps and triangular functions and the flow dynamics were simulated by combining the overset method with large eddy simulations. The analysis of the results identifies an initial acceleration phase and a cruising phase. During the former, the flow is mostly irrotational and governed by the added mass effect. The added mass was shown to be responsible for a lift first peak due to the strong flapping acceleration. The dynamic pitching and the wing wake interaction generate a second lift peak due to a downwash flow and a vortex system on the proximal and distal parts of the wing's pressure side. Conversely, aerodynamic forces in the cruising phase are mainly governed by the growth and the establishment of the LEV. Finally, the leading flow structures in each phase and their impact on the aerodynamic forces were isolated using the extended proper orthogonal decomposition.

A 72-year-old Woman with Dyspnea and Thrombocytosis

&lt;p&gt;原發性血小板增多症的臨床表徵並不典型且早期診斷不易，往往多數病人於診斷前已發生動靜脈血栓形成及出血併發症。本個案一位72歲女性，有高血壓及胃食道逆流病史並按時門診追蹤服藥，五天前注射新冠疫苗後，呼吸喘、乾咳併胸悶至診所就醫未改善，於急診初步診斷急性支氣管炎。入院後感心悸且胸悶，藉由病史詢問、檢驗及理學檢查，顯示心肌酵素正常但心電圖呈現陣發性心室上心搏過速，安排冠狀動脈血管攝影攝影後排除急性心肌梗塞，但呼吸急促未見好轉呈現低血氧，經胸腔電腦斷層為肺栓塞。疑似新冠疫苗後引起的免疫併發症，直到右手食指及中指末梢腫、痛且發紺症狀出現，筆者再次重新檢視病史資料，發現血小板異常，透過骨髓穿刺切片是發現巨核細胞（megakaryocyte）增生，病理報告判斷為骨髓增生性腫瘤，基因檢測結果為JAK2V617F 突變，最後確診是原發性血小板增多症併發肺栓塞，接受Hydroxyurea合併口服抗凝血劑治療，症狀改善且血小板數值趨於穩定。藉此案例分享提醒當發現病人有不明血栓產生時須考慮將相關血液疾病列入鑑別診斷，期能及早發現疾病，掌握治療時機。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The clinical symptoms of essential thrombocythemia are not typical and early diagnosis is difficult.Most patients have arteriovenous thrombosis and bleeding complications before diagnosis. In this case, a 72-year-old woman had a history of hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux and was taking medication regularly at the outpatient clinic. After being injected with the COVID-19 vaccine five days ago, her breathing, dry cough, and chest tightness did not improve when she went to the clinic. She was initially diagnosed with acute bronchitis in the emergency department. After being admitted to the hospital, she felt palpitations and chest tightness. The medical history, examination and physical examination showed that myocardial enzymes were normal, but the electrocardiogram showed Parox-ysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Coronary angiography was arranged to rule out acute myocardial infarction, but the shortness of breath persisted with hypoxemia, and the computed tomography of the chest showed pulmonary embolism. Immune complications caused by the COVID-19 vaccine were suspected, symptoms of swelling, pain and cyanosis appeared in the distal part of the right index fin-ger and middle finger appeared. The author re-examined the medical history data and found abnormal platelets. Through bone marrow aspiration and sectioning, megakaryocyte hyperplasia was found. Pa-thology report determined that the patient suffered from myeloproliferative neoplasm, and the genetic test result was the JAK2V617F mutation. The patient was finally diagnosed with essential thrombocythe-mia complicated by pulmonary embolism. She was treated with Hydroxyurea combined with oral an-ticoagulants. The symptoms improved and the platelet level stabilized. This case serves as a reminder that when a patient is found to have unknown thrombosis, related blood diseases must be considered in the differential diagnosis, so that the disease can be detected early and proper treatments can be pro-vided.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

LEAFY and WAPO1 jointly regulate spikelet number per spike and floret development in wheat.

In wheat, the transition of the inflorescence meristem to a terminal spikelet (IM→TS) determines the spikelet number per spike (SNS), an important yield component. In this study, we demonstrate that the plant-specific transcription factor LEAFY (LFY) physically and genetically interacts with WHEAT ORTHOLOG OF APO1 (WAPO1) to regulate SNS and floret development. Loss-of-function mutations in either or both genes result in significant and similar reductions in SNS, as a result of a reduction in the rate of spikelet meristem formation per day. SNS is also modulated by significant genetic interactions between LFY and the SQUAMOSA MADS-box genes VRN1 and FUL2, which promote the IM→TS transition. Single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed a downregulation of LFY and upregulation of the SQUAMOSA MADS-box genes in the distal part of the developing spike during the IM→TS transition, supporting their opposite roles in the regulation of SNS in wheat. Concurrently, the overlap of LFY and WAPO1 transcription domains in the developing spikelets contributes to normal floret development. Understanding the genetic network regulating SNS is a necessary first step to engineer this important agronomic trait.

Comparative anatomical characteristics of the distal parts of bear and human limbs

BACKGROUND: The comparative morphology of the human and animal skeletons has been incompletely described in the forensic medical and anthropological literature. Moreover, bones of the distal parts of bear limbs are anatomically similar to those of humans. Together with some features of the bear’s skeleton, poor preservation, absence of claws, and incomplete remains, difficulties and errors may occur during identification. AIM: To create an illustrative material describing morphological features important for the identification of each element of the distal parts of bear limbs in comparison with humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preparations of the distal parts of the right thoracic and right pelvic extremities of the bear were made using osteological materials. The missing talon phalanges of a bear and bones of a human hand and foot were taken from the institute collections. The International Veterinary Anatomical Nomenclature was used to describe the anatomical features of bear bones, and the latest recommendations of International Anatomical Terminology were considered for human bones. RESULTS: Each bone of the bear’s hand and foot was described in comparison with a similar human bone. For greater versatility, descriptions were made in terms of the international zoological nomenclature. For all bones, except for distal sesamoid bones, high-quality photos are provided for aspects that are important for identification. Comparative anatomical analysis showed that the bones of the wrist differ to a greater extent, whereas all tarsal bones, which are part of the human foot, had analogs in the bear foot and had closer measurements. The articular surfaces of the heads of the metacarpals and metatarsals showed specific ridges articulating with the cutouts at the bases of the proximal phalanges of the fingers. In addition, the bear’s hand and foot contained numerous inset sesamoid bones and claw-like processes on the distal phalanges of the fingers. CONCLUSION: Comparative anatomical analysis showed similarities in the structures of the bones of the hand and foot of a brown bear and a human caused by foot walking. Owing to the morphological similarity, bone identification can be difficult. The set of features described in the article, which are specific to bear bones, in combination with illustrative material will help in identifying bones more accurately, even for individual bones.

The predominant insertion of the ischiofemoral ligament is a merging to the iliofemoral ligament as demonstrated on magnetic resonance arthrogram studies.

The capsular ligaments at the hip joint work in synchrony with the acetabulum and femoral head for articular stability. There is a lack of understanding about ischiofemoral ligament (ISFL) anatomy and function. To assess the insertion of the ISFL in non-arthritic adult hips. A retrospective analysis was performed in 72 patients who underwent magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) for the assessment of hip pain. The distribution of the ISFL components, the thickness, and the insertion site were assessed by concomitantly using the axial oblique, coronal, and sagittal MRA images. Two insertions of the ISFL anterior to the center of the femoral head were identified in 71 (99%) hips: (i) predominant anterior merging with the iliofemoral ligament as continuation of zona orbicularis, observed in all hips; and (ii) anterolateral junction of femoral neck and greater trochanter. Two ISFL parts (proximal and distal) were identified in 70 (97%) of the 72 studied hips. The proximal part was always thinner (mean 2.6 ± 0.7 mm) and originated from the ischium at the acetabular rim. The distal part was a continuation of the zona orbicularis, and the mean thickness was 6.7 ± 1.6 mm. Both parts merged as they coursed over the superior portion of the femoral head. The predominant insertion of the ischiofemoral ligament is a merging to the iliofemoral ligament anteriorly. Surgical procedures such as hip arthroscopy involving the ISFL will affect the function of the iliofemoral ligament, and vice versa.

A Look Inside-Histopathological Examinations of Different Tail Tip Lesions in Dairy Cows.

Feedlot cattle are frequently affected by inflammation and necrosis of the tail tips, resulting in impeded animal welfare and economic losses. In a recent study, it was demonstrated that dairy cows are also affected by different lesions of the tail tip, including alopecia, annular constrictions, crusting, scaling and swelling. Despite the frequent occurrence of these lesions, the underlying etiology and pathomechanisms are unclear to date. To gain insight into this malady, we histopathologically examined 16 tail tips of slaughtered dairy cows, representing the entire range of different lesions. While macroscopically alopecic areas were characterized by the formation of granulation tissue in the dermis with an inconspicuous epidermis, we found not only dermal granulation tissue but also purulent-necrotizing inflammation with the breakdown of the basement membrane in encrusted lesions. Interestingly, in some cases, we found areas of coagulation necrosis of the epidermal and dermal layers in the crusts. Tails with macroscopical scaling were affected by ortho- and/or parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, and, in tails with macroscopical swelling, we observed a low-protein edema of the central longitudinal connective tissue of the tail. We conclude that the observed lesions might be caused by ischemia of the skin in the distal parts of the tail.