Eccentric Growth Research Articles

Abstract 13911: Regulation of STAT3 Phosphorylation Through β IV -Spectrin Interaction and Its Role in Concentric versus Eccentric Hypertrophy

Hypertrophic growth is a critical determinant of cardiac function in the development of heart failure. In pressure overload, hypertrophy is divided by early adaptive remodeling defined by concentric growth, while chronic hypertrophy associates with eccentric growth and loss in cardiac output. The mechanisms regulating this transition and the impact each profile has in influencing heart function are largely unknown. Importantly, previous work identified a role for the structural protein β IV -spectrin and its interaction with the transcription factor, STAT3, in coordinating hypertrophic profiles. Specifically, mice expressing truncated β IV -spectrin lacking interaction with the hypertrophic signaling molecule CaMKII ( qv 3J mice) were resistant to β IV -spectrin degradation and presented with sustained concentric hypertrophy and ejection fraction (EF) compared to WT following 6 weeks transaortic constriction (TAC). Alternatively, mutant β IV -spectrin mice ( qv 4J ) lacking the STAT3/β IV -spectrin binding domain had reduced EF and LV dilation, consistent with eccentric remodeling, suggesting STAT3/β IV -spectrin is a key regulator of hypertrophic profiles. To evaluate how STAT3 function was altered, we used the STAT3 activator, lipopolysaccharide, on isolated cardiomyocytes, which identified impaired STAT3 Ser727 phosphorylation in qv 4J myocytes compared to WT. The significance of this phosphorylation site was investigated using STAT3 Ser727 phospho-ablated mice (STAT3-S727A), which resulted in accelerated eccentric hypertrophy and HF in response to TAC. Furthermore, we identified elevated Ser727 phosphorylation in the qv 3J TAC mice, which present with sustained concentric growth, compared to WT mice which transition to eccentric growth. The relationship of STAT3/β IV -spectrin and hypertrophic orientation was further examined by adenoviral overexpression of the hypertrophic driver, MEK1/2, on isolated myocytes. While MEK increased the width of WT myocytes, STAT3-S727A and qv 4J myocytes increased in length. Together, these data identify a novel role for β IV -spectrin in coordinating STAT3 Ser727 phosphorylation to tune specific hypertrophic profiles in response to chronic stress and influencing cardiac function.

Reconstruction of gully erosion based on exposed tree roots in a recent landform of Paricutin Volcano, Mexico

AbstractGullies in volcanic deposits are among the first signs of erosion that can be observed during or immediately after the volcanic activity and reflective of unstable conditions of newly formed deposits. Gully formation and erosion pulses may well continue to occur long after the initial landform was created, mostly as a result of torrential rainfall and/or land‐use changes. Yet, proper understanding of erosion dynamics and its relations with environmental drivers remains challenging as long‐term observations are, especially in volcanic terrain. Here we applied dendrogeomorphic approaches to (i) analyse both microscopic and macroscopic disturbances in tree roots exposed by gully erosion in a young volcanic landform of central Mexico and to (ii) quantify the evolution of erosion in the volcanic deposits of Paricutin Volcano. To this end we analysed 154 cross‐sections of 30 living, exposed roots of Pinus pseudoestrobus Lindl., of which 25 were used for anatomical and 129 for macroscopic analysis. Wood anatomical – or microscopic – disturbances were mostly in the form of strong growth reductions (~50%) in lumen area of earlywood tracheids, substantial increases in ring widths (mostly stemming from eccentric growth) and the increased formation of latewood cells. We observe major erosion pulses in 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, triggered primarily by torrential rainfall (with >100 mm 24 h−1 for the maximum intensity event: standard precipitation index values ≥ 2). Along the gully, the lower sector formed between 2009 and 2017, whereas the central sector exhibited important phases of exposure from 2012 to 2018. In the upper, most recent sector of the gully, erosion started only in 2017. Erosion rates in the lower and upper sectors are smaller with a channel widening rate of 6 to 16 cm yr−1. Around the main knickpoint found in the central part of the gully, retreat rates are up to 60 cm yr−1 and gully incision is 30 cm yr−1. The methods applied in this research are novel and can be applied to other volcanic environments with intense gully erosion, so as to provide baseline data for land‐use and environmental management plans.

Influence of a static torque on plasticity and asperity-induced closure effects during fatigue crack growth in bainitic steel cylinders loaded in push-pull

Mode I fatigue crack growth with a superimposed static torque was investigated in bainitic steel. The torque had little effect on crack growth kinetics and path. However, the non-singular stress parallel to the crack front, and bending stresses due to eccentric crack growth triggered crack twisting, even in mode I. A progressive increase in crack sliding displacement was due to a rise in elastic torsional compliance, but also to plastic ratchetting at the crack tip, and to a progressive shearing of crack face asperities, which reduced the enhancement of roughness-induced closure by the torque, however shown to enhance plasticity-induced closure.

Correcting Eccentric Growth Rings Using Basal Area Increment: A Case Study for a Desert Shrub in Northwestern China

Because of the eccentric radial growth for shrubs, climatic signals recorded by their ring-width series tend to be distorted. We hypothesized that measured Basal Area Increment (BAI) can overcome such a weakness. We used the desert shrub Zygophyllum xanthoxylum, with eccentric radial growth to test this hypothesis. RWI (mRWI) and BAI standard chronologies were established based on the ring-width data. Then, we converted BAI into RWI and created a transformed RWI (tRWI) standard chronology. Both BAI and tRWI showed higher correlation with climate records than mRWI, although their correlation coefficients were not significantly different from each other. Based on the comparison between tRWI and mRWI chronologies, mRWI overestimates the radial growth of Z. xanthoxylum caused by eccentric form. BAI can be applied to increase accuracy in dendrochronological studies for shrubs with eccentric growth.

Synthesis of morphology controlled PtAu@Ag nanorings through concentric and eccentric growth pathways.

We report the synthetic methodology for silver nanorings with controlled nanoscale morphology. The morphology of Ag nanorings was kinetically controlled by electrochemical potential tuning of Ag deposition using halide counter-ions, which resulted in concentric PtAu@Ag nanorings (i.e., Ag homogeneously wrapped around the Pt nanorings) and eccentric PtAu@Ag nanorings (i.e., Ag selectively deposited at the inner boundary of the Pt nanorings). The resulting high quality of each Ag nanoring allowed us to systematically investigate their corresponding localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) profiles as a function of their geometrical parameters. Additionally, we evaluated the application of the samples as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates composed of 2D monolayers of varied compositions of Ag and Au nanorings, which showed a different extent of enhancement depending on the adsorption characteristics of the analytes.

Anatomy and cell wall chemistry of tension wood in Hibiscus cannabinus

Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) is well known as a source for textile fibers and as an alternate source for cellulosic fibers for paper and pulp industry. Formation of reaction xylem alters the chemical properties of fibers, which may affect its uses. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on the occurrence of reaction xylem in kenaf. The present study examines reaction xylem (i.e. tension wood and its opposite side) formed in response to bending of stems in Kenaf by anatomical, histochemical and biochemical methods. The reaction xylem found on the upper side of leaning stems showed an eccentric growth pattern, thin walls, shorter and wider fibers without gelatinous layer, decrease of vessel or ray density as compared to wood formed on opposite sides. Histochemical localization of lignin using Weisner reaction and Maule’s test indicated presence of more syringyl units in the fiber wall of tension wood. Gravimetric quantification of cell wall polymers showed relatively more amount of holocellulose and hemicellulose in tension wood (69 and 46 %, respectively) compared to those of opposite wood (63 and 42 %, respectively). There was no significant difference noticed in the klason lignin content between opposite (17.4 %) and tension wood (16.7 %). Lignin characterization by the thioacidolysis method revealed that the tension wood lignin in kenaf was composed of more amount of syringyl and p-hydroxyphenyl monomers compared to that of opposite side wood. This analysis also suggests that the tension wood lignin is rich in β-aryl ether linkages in syringyl units resulting in high S/G ratio.

Au nanolenses for near-field focusing.

We report a novel strategy for the synthesis of Pt@Au nanorings possessing near-field focusing capabilities at the center through which single-particle surface enhanced Raman scattering could be readily observed. We utilized Pt@Au nanorings as a light-absorber; the absorbed light could be focused at the center with the aid of a Au nanoporous structure. We synthesized the Au nanolens structure through a Galvanic exchange process between Au ions and Ag block at the inner domain of the Pt@Au nanoring. For this step, Ag was selectively pre-deposited at the inner domain of the Pt@Au nanorings through electrochemical potential-tuned growth control and different surface energies with regard to the inner and outer boundaries of the nanoring. Then, the central nanoporous architecture was fabricated through the Galvanic exchange of sacrificial Ag with Au ions leading to the resulting Au nanoring with a Au nanoporous structure at the center. We monitored the shape-transformation by observing their corresponding localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) profiles. By varying the rim thickness of the starting Pt@Au nanorings, the inner diameter of the nanolens was accordingly tuned to maximize near-field focusing, which enabled us to obtain the reproducible and light-polarization independent measurements of single-particle SERS. Through theoretical simulation, the near-field electromagnetic field focusing capability was visualized and confirmed through single-particle SERS measurement showing an enhancement factor of 1.9 × 108 to 1.0 × 109.

Roots of Purshia tridentata show eccentric growth

Many publications have described eccentric growth (non-uniform growth of secondary xylem) caused by the death of the vascular cambium. The purpose of the present research was to determine if roots of Purshia tridentata (Pursh) DC exhibited eccentric growth. Eccentric growth in roots of P. tridentata was studied with three sequential segments 8 mm apart for 5 roots. Data of the three sequential segments provided a method to determine changes in eccentric growth along roots. Each wood segment was subdivided into ten sectors of 36° each. The areas of xylem rings within each sector from year to year within each segment were used to determine vascular cambium activity. For more than 95% of all rings, areas of at least one sector were significantly different from areas of other sectors for all roots. Except for one first- and second year xylem rings, all other xylem sectors were eccentric. Among sequential 8 mm root segments more than one-half of segment pairs were statistically different. The above results demonstrate that root eccentricities were very localized both within individual segments (sectors within each segment) and along roots (from one segment to the next segment). In summary, the five root samples were eccentric and showed very similar ring patterns, growth rates and eccentricity patterns. To our knowledge this is the first publication to show eccentric growth of roots similar to eccentric growth of stems.

Radial growth anisotropy and temporality in fast-growing temperate conifers

Radial growth in a group of Pinus radiata D. Don. trees varies in magnitude around the circumference and follows synchronous but arrhythmic dynamics. Eccentric and irregular girth growth is typically associated to specific growth responses, but it is generally assumed to be small or absent during normal development. The dynamics by which excess growth is formed are unclear. The objective of this study is to determine if growth anisotropy is a commonly occurring phenomenon without apparent mechanical imbalance of the tree and to document the temporality of differential radial growth. Six mature P. radiata trees were equipped with point dendrometers at different circumferential positions. Growth rates and periods of activity were monitored over 4 months. The highest growth differential on a single tree exceeded a factor of two. The direction of the highest growth varied between trees. In one case, that direction switched over time. The amount of anisotropy was explained by differences in the number of growing days and growth rate entropy. Tree stem formation in fast-growing softwoods is a biological process characterized by high spatial heterogeneity and intermittent temporal activity.

CaMKIIδC Drives Early Adaptive Ca2+ Change and Late Eccentric Cardiac Hypertrophy.

CaMKII (Ca2+-Calmodulin dependent protein kinase) δC activation is implicated in pathological progression of heart failure (HF) and CaMKIIδC transgenic mice rapidly develop HF and arrhythmias. However, little is known about early spatio-temporal Ca2+ handling and CaMKII activation in hypertrophy and HF. To measure time- and location-dependent activation of CaMKIIδC signaling in adult ventricular cardiomyocytes, during transaortic constriction (TAC) and in CaMKIIδC transgenic mice. We used human tissue from nonfailing and HF hearts, 4 mouse lines: wild-type, KO (CaMKIIδ-knockout), CaMKIIδC transgenic in wild-type (TG), or KO background, and wild-type mice exposed to TAC. Confocal imaging and biochemistry revealed disproportional CaMKIIδC activation and accumulation in nuclear and perinuclear versus cytosolic regions at 5 days post-TAC. This CaMKIIδ activation caused a compensatory increase in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content, Ca2+ transient amplitude, and [Ca2+] decline rates, with reduced phospholamban expression, all of which were most prominent near and in the nucleus. These early adaptive effects in TAC were entirely mimicked in young CaMKIIδ TG mice (6-8 weeks) where no overt cardiac dysfunction was present. The (peri)nuclear CaMKII accumulation also correlated with enhanced HDAC4 (histone deacetylase) nuclear export, creating a microdomain for transcriptional regulation. At longer times both TAC and TG mice progressed to overt HF (at 45 days and 11-13 weeks, respectively), during which time the compensatory Ca2+ transient effects reversed, but further increases in nuclear and time-averaged [Ca2+] and CaMKII activation occurred. CaMKIIδ TG mice lacking δB exhibited more severe HF, eccentric myocyte growth, and nuclear changes. Patient HF samples also showed greatly increased CaMKIIδ expression, especially for CaMKIIδC in nuclear fractions. We conclude that in early TAC perinuclear CaMKIIδC activation promotes adaptive increases in myocyte Ca2+ transients and nuclear transcriptional responses but that chronic progression of this nuclear Ca2+-CaMKIIδC axis contributes to eccentric hypertrophy and HF.

Silver Double Nanorings with Circular Hot Zone.

Silver double nanorings with circular intra-nanogaps between two nanorings of different diameters were synthesized without a linker molecule to confine an incident electromagnetic field in a single entity. We used on-demand, rational, and systematic multi-stepwise reactions consisting of (1) selective etching of gold, (2) rim-on deposition of platinum, (3) eccentric growth of gold, and (4) concentric growth of silver. The resulting silver double nanorings exhibited a high degree of homogeneity in both shape and size, with strongly coupled circular hot zones (or "hot halos", referring to the circular intra-nanogaps capable of focusing the near electromagnetic field) resulting from strong surface plasmon coupling between the inner and outer nanorings. Remarkably, these silver double nanorings exhibited strong, stable, and reproducible single-particle surface-enhanced Raman scattering signals without blinking. The signals appeared independently of polarization directions, which is a unique feature of a circular hot halo. The estimated enhancement factor was between 2 × 108 and 7 × 108. The measured limit of detection was 10-7 M in bulk concentration, and the signal appeared 570 s after sample exposure.

Using dendrogeomorphology to estimate soil erosion in mixed native species and pine forests on Ultisols in Piracicaba, Brazil

This work aims to study and date the erosion process in a gully located at the Experimental Station of Tupi (Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil) using dendrogeomorphology. Dendrogeomorphology is a relatively new science that relates the growth of tree-rings with geomorphological processes allowing chronological reconstruction and occurrence of events. The relevance of this study is to know the potential of this science in tropical areas because currently this type of study is lacking in these areas. This technique was applied using exposed roots of species of Pinus ssp. The dating of the erosion process was based on the changes in the pattern of root growth, such as the width of the ring, eccentric growth, percentage of latewood and density of the wood that occur after exposure by erosion. Through the study of these changes the first year of root exposure was determined, and the annual rate of erosion was estimated. Erosion rates of 0.65 and 2.39 m/year were found, characterizing the longitudinal advancement of the gully. Finally, dendrogeomorphology demonstrates great potential as a tool in tropical areas. The data and information obtained can be translated into a dendrogeomorphological database and contribute to the expansion of this science in Brazil and areas of tropical environments.

Anatomy of Balkan Amphoricarpos Vis. (Cardueae, Asteraceae) taxa

Anatomical analysis of root, rhizome, leaf, peduncle and inflorescences has been conducted on Balkan Amphoricarpos taxa, A. neumayerianus (Vis.) Greuter subsp. neumayerianus, A. neumayerianus subsp. murbeckii Bosnjak, A. autariatus Blecic & Mayer subsp. autariatus and A. autariatus subsp. bertisceus Blecic & Mayer using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in order to examine the anatomical traits of this genus for the first time. All taxa show similar features. Young adventitious roots share a typical structure. Sclerenchyma fibers are present in the center of older root. On the rhizome cross sections, secondary tissues are noticed with wide parenchyma rays which interrupt a-well developed xylem. Rhizomes show eccentric growth. The leaf blade is amphistomatous, with dorsiventral structure. Crystal druses are found in leaf epidermal and mesophyll cells. The peduncle cross sections is characterized by more or less polygonal shape with medullary collateral vascular bundles arranged in a circle, and a few of them outside of the circle, toward to cortex region. Secretory canals are absent. Involucral bracts and paleae are characterised by the presence of multilayer sclerenchyma in the mesophyll. Inflorescence anatomy shows structures commonly described for Asteraceae members. Densely distributed vermiform (lanate) and glandular biseriate trichomes are present on the peduncle and on both leaf sides, but much more on the abaxial. Anatomical uniformity indicates very close relationships between examined taxa regarding conserve nature of the genome of the genus. Obtained characters contribute to the knowledge of the genus Amphoricarpos anatomy.

Adenocarcinoma of oesophagus involving gastro-oesophageal junction following mini-gastric bypass/one anastomosis gastric bypass.

Mini-gastric bypass/one anastomosis gastric bypass (MGB/OAGB) is an emerging weight loss surgical procedure. There are serious concerns not only regarding the symptomatic biliary reflux into the stomach and the oesophagus but also the increased risk of malignancy after MGB/OAGB. A 54-year-old male, with a body mass index (BMI) of 46.1 kg/m2, underwent Robotic MGB at another centre on 22nd June 2016. His pre-operative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was not done. He lost 58 kg within 18 months after the surgery and attained a BMI of 25.1 kg/m2. However, 2-year post-MGB, the patient had rapid weight loss of 19 kg with a decrease in BMI to 18.3 kg/m2 within a span of 2 months. He also developed progressive dysphagia and had recurrent episodes of non-bilious vomiting. His endoscopy showed eccentric ulcerated growth in lower oesophagus extending up to the gastro-oesophageal junction and biopsy reported adenocarcinoma of oesophagus. MGB/OAGB has a potential for bile reflux with increased chances of malignancy. Surveillance by endoscopy at regular intervals for all patients who have undergone MGB/OAGB might help in early detection of Barrett's oesophagus or carcinoma of oesophagus or stomach.

Quantification of Eccentricity in Stems of Artemisia tridentata Nutt.

Previous research has shown that stems of Artemisia tridentata species exhibit extensive lobe formation. Twenty-two stem samples of Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis (ARTRW) and 24 samples of A. t. ssp. tridentata (ARTRT) were investigated to quantify lobe formation characteristics. For samples of both subspecies, lobe formation values were constant for 8.3-cm-diameter stems. For the above samples, ARTRW had 14 xylem rings, while ARTRT had only 5 rings. Three stem samples (33 to 50 cm long) of ARTRW were cut into a series of 8-mm segments. For the 3 stems, the smallest ends had 8 xylem rings (10 mm² area), while the largest ends had 38 xylem rings (700-mm² area). Lobes were present in all samples with more than 10 xylem rings. Each stem segment was subdivided into 10 sectors. A difference of more than 10 rings was observed in 13% of all sectors from segment to segment, suggesting that eccentric growth and lobe formation was localized along stems. This is the first publication to quantify lobe formation characteristics in successive stem segments of A. tridentata.

Assessment of landslide hazard from tree-ring eccentricity and from compression wood – a comparison

We have compared maps of landslide activity and hazard, developed with the use of two different dendrochronological indicators: tree-ring eccentricity and reaction (compression) wood. The maps were prepared based on 125 Norway spruce ( Picea abies L. Karst.) trees growing at 44 sampling points, distributed over an area of 3.75 km 2 . In general, the two maps show similar patterns of landslide activity. However, tree-ring eccentricity yielded a greater number of dated events (246) compared to compression wood (129). Besides the differences in the absolute values of dating results, the general landslide activity and hazard zonation based on both disturbances are similar. Both growth disturbances develop as a result of stem tilting. Eccentricity develops after slight tilting, while compression wood is developed when tilting is more significant. Because of the differences in the strength of disturbing factors, which cause the development of compression wood and growth eccentricity, the best approach would be to combine the results of dating obtained from the two methods. The dendrochronological analysis of tree growth disturbances (eccentric growth and compression wood) is a promising approach for determining landslide hazards in forested mountain areas and can be applied in spatial management.

MR imaging features of spinal pilocytic astrocytoma

BackgroundThe purpose of this retrospective review is to determine the MR imaging features of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) in the spinal cord to help neuroradiologists preoperatively differentiate PA from other intramedullary tumors.MethodsNeuro-oncology database review revealed 13 consecutive patients with a pathological spinal PA diagnosis and availability of preoperative MR imaging. Three patients had preoperative diffusion-weighted MR imaging. Demographics and conventional and diffusion MR imaging records were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsAmong 13 cases of spinal PA, six PAs were located in the cervical region, 4 in the cervical-thoracic region, and 3 in the thoracic region. The average length of vertebral segments involved for the tumors were 4.7 ± 4.6 segments. Six tumors had associated syringomyelia. Eight PAs were located eccentrically in the spinal cord, and eleven had well-defined margins. Eight tumors (61.5%) were intermixed cystic and solid. All were contrast-enhanced, and 53.8% of all PAs showed focal nodule enhancement of the solid components. Two PAs showed intratumoral hemorrhages, and only one demonstrated cap sign. The ADC values (n = 3) of the tumors were 1.40 ± 0.28 × 10− 3 mm2/s (min–max: 1.17–1.71 × 10− 3 mm2/s).ConclusionsPA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary tumors that occur in the cervical and thoracic regions. Eccentric growth pattern, well-defined margin, intermixed cystic and solid appearance, focal nodular enhancement of solid components and syringomyelia are relatively frequent features. Relatively high ADC values compared with normal-appearing spinal cord parenchyma are common in spinal PA.

Value of 68Ga-DOTA-TATE Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in the Localization of Culprit Tumors Causing Osteomalacia with Negative 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC Single Photo Emission Computed Tomography

Objective To analyze 68Ga-DOTA-TATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging features of tumor-indud osteomalacia (TIO) patients with negative 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC single photo emission computed tomography (SPECT) findings and to investigate the value of 68Ga-DOTA-TATE PET/CT in accurate localization of culprit tumors.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 68Ga-DOTA-TATE PET/CT imaging features including location,size,density,the maximum and mean standardized uptake value in 37 TIO patients with negative 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC SPECT findings.Results Totally 37 solitary TIO tumors,including 35 phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors and 2 spindle cell tumors confirmed by pathological examinations,were detected via 68Ga-DOTA-TATE PET/CT scans in the included 37 cases. These 37 TIO tumors showed obviously increased activities,with an maximum standardized uptake value of 7.2±4.3 and mean standardized uptake value of 4.3±2.4. The average maximum diameter was (1.9±0.7) cm. The majority of the tumors occurred in the lower extremities (19/37),followed by the trunk (11/37),maxillary/mandibular bone (5/37),and upper extremities (2/37). In addition,24 bone lesions were located in long bones of lower extremities (13/24),most of which demonstrated eccentric growth (8/13). Osteolytic changes (14/24) were observed mainly in the lesions via the corresponding CT imaging;meanwhile,sclerotic changes presented in nine cases. Of the 13 soft-tissue lesions,the majority (10/13) showed well-circumscribed isodense or hypodense nodules on the CT images,with spot calcification in one lesion located in the pleura.Conclusions 68Ga-DOTA-TATE PET/CT scans can detect the TIO culprit tumors miss-diagnosed by 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC SPECT. Somatostatin-receptors highly expressed lesions with focal osteolytic or osteosclerotic change in bone and isodense or hypodense nodules in soft tissue will favor the diagnosis of TIO tumors.

Evaluating inner retinal dimples after inner limiting membrane removal using multimodal imaging of optical coherence tomography

BackgroundTo evaluate inner retinal dimples after peeling of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) for macular holes (lamellar macular hole [LMH] and full-thickness macular hole [FTMH]) via multiple imaging modes of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to assess their relationship with preoperative vitreoretinal interface conditions.MethodsThe data of 38 eyes in 35 patients who underwent surgery for LMH, and FTMH were retrospectively studied. The presence of postoperative inner retinal dimples was judged by a combination of en face OCT layer images and cross-sectional images. The demographic and clinical characteristics of eyes with and without inner retinal defects were compared to identify factors involved in the formation of the defects.ResultsInner retinal defects were found in 26 eyes (68%) after surgery. They appeared on the en face OCT ILM layer images as multiple dark spots limited to the ILM peeling area, and corresponded to dimples or pitting of inner retinal layers on cross-sectional OCT images. In 5 cases (19%), apparent progression of inner retinal defects was observed on the en face OCT images as increasing numbers and sizes of the dark spots, which seemed to follow an eccentric growth pattern starting from the central macula. In addition, highly myopic eyes were found to be associated with the formation of more severe inner retinal defects.ConclusionsMultiple imaging modes of en face spectral-domain OCT provide comprehensive information about the appearance of inner retinal dimples. High myopic eyes seem to develop more severe inner retinal defects after ILM peeling.

Quantification of concavities in roots of Artemisia tridentata

Many publications have described the eccentric growth (non-uniform growth of secondary xylem) of stems of Artemisia tridentata that results from the death of the vascular cambium. The purpose of the present research was to determine if roots of species of Artemisia also exhibit eccentric growth. Eccentric growth in roots of Artemisia species was manifested as concavities (concave depressions that show a lack of secondary xylem). A total of 324 serial tissue sections from six, two-mm long eight-year-old root segments of Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata were analyzed. Roots had between 3.9 and 6.6 concavities per tissue section caused by death of the vascular cambium. Forty-three percent and 59% of all concavities occurred within the first and second year of root growth, respectively. For three roots, one concavity occurred along the entire 2-mm long segment. Concavities in roots occur naturally in roots of species of Artemisia. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe and quantify concavities in roots of Artemisia.