Homogeneous Parenchyma Research Articles

Do anatomical traits converge on epiphytic plants?

Abstract Epiphytes represent approximately 10% of vascular plants, or 25,000 species distributed across 84 families. Water deficit is the greatest challenge faced by epiphytes, resulting in anatomical strategies aimed at maximizing water usage and minimizing water loss. This study aimed to characterize the leaf blade anatomy of 40 species of vascular epiphytes occurring in a cloud forest of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and assess how leaf anatomy is related to the epiphytic life form. Samples were collected, fixed, dehydrated with ethanol, and embedded in paraffin for sectioning using a microtome or freehand technique. Some samples were dissociated for epidermal observation. A clustering analysis (using UPGMA) was conducted using a presence/absence matrix of 16 anatomical characters. The results showed that species within this functional group exhibit different leaf blade anatomical characteristics, which may or may not be adaptive to epiphytism. However, despite the occurrence of some characteristics such as stomata at the same level as other epidermal cells, thick cuticle, fibers, hypodermis, and homogeneous chlorophyllous parenchyma in 50% or more of the species, there is no set of anatomical characteristics that can be used to define an epiphyte.

Long-term Outcome of Laparoscopic Surgery for Nonpalpable Undescended Testis.

The aim of this study was to objectively assess the long-term results of laparoscopic orchidopexy in patients who were diagnosed clinically to have nonpalpable undescended testis (UDT). All operated cases of nonpalpable UDT from January, 2000, to January, 2014, were reviewed. After informed consent, all patients were subjected to a color Doppler ultrasound examination to assess the location of the testis, its size, blood supply, and consistency. The size of the testis, operated and nonoperated, was noted down in volume using the formula of 0.71 × length × breath × height. A total of 114 patients could be identified, who had undergone laparoscopy for nonpalpable UDT in the study period. Of these, 44 patients (54 units) underwent a color Doppler study to assess the testes. All the testes were found to lie in the scrotum with preserved blood supply. The volume of the operated unilateral testes (mean = 1.605 cm3) was smaller than the normal nonoperated side (mean = 2.524 cm3). The smaller testicular volume was observed in spite of maintained blood supply to the testes. In cases of bilateral UDT, both the testes were smaller in size (mean = 2.2 cm3), but were comparable to each other. In addition, the ultrasound examination revealed the presence of normal homogenous parenchyma of all the testes similar to the nonoperated side. Laparoscopic orchidopexy is a safe and effective option in the treatment of nonpalpable UDT. On a long-term basis, it is possible to achieve scrotal position along with preserved blood flow following laparoscopic orchidopexy in all patients suffering from nonpalpable UDT.

Tomographic evaluation of the glands and lymph nodes of the cervical region in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).

The present study aimed to determine references of normality of computed tomographic (CT) images of mandibular and parotid salivary glands (PSGs), medial retropharyngeal and mandibular lymph nodes and thyroid gland of 10 clinically healthy crab-eating foxes, Cerdocyon thous. The location, shape, homogeneity of the parenchyma, and length, height, width and pre- and post-contrast attenuation values were evaluated. The anatomical structures in the crab-eating foxes studied here presented anatomical landmarks similar to those described for domestic dogs, and showed a regular shape and homogenous parenchyma, except for the PSGs, that showed predominantly heterogeneous parenchyma. The thyroid gland topography in the crab-eating fox, though very similar, is not identical to the domestic dog and the presence of isthmus between the lobes was not detected. The values obtained from crab-eating foxes are within the normal range, although in the upper limits of dogs. There was a significant difference in the attenuation values between the right and left lobes of the thyroid gland, being greater in the left thyroid lobe. CT attenuation values ranges for this neotropical canid can be incorporated into routine staging procedures in the veterinary care of the crab-eating foxes. Furthermore, the CT images obtained were similar to those of healthy dogs, and the information obtained can be considered as initial tomographic references of normality in the cervical structures of the crab-eating fox, in order to aid in the diagnosis of future diseases that can affect this neotropical canid.

1-MCP application in ‘Xuxiang’ kiwifruit at appropriate firmness avoids hard-core and prolongs the shelf life

The lack of synchrony in softening among the tissue zones and the increase in the production of autocatalytic ethylene lead to the hard-core and a short eating window in ready-to-eat kiwifruit. The present study analyzed the differences between the outer pericarp and the core during ripening to identify the cause of hard-core in ‘Xuxiang’ kiwifruit and aimed to maintain a soft texture and extend the eating window of ready-to-eat kiwifruit using 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). Initial analysis showed that the outer pericarp had a few small spherical cells and many elongated cells, while the core had large homogeneous parenchyma cells. The core maintained higher firmness and cell wall polysaccharide content than the outer pericarp. During ripening, the pericarp followed a sigmoidal trend in softening, while the core followed a linear trend. We also found that the outer pericarp preceded the core in expressing the cell wall degradation-related and ethylene biosynthesis-related genes (AcXET1, AcEXP1, AcPG, AcPL2, AcACS1, and AcACO2). Moreover, the increase in ethylene production was highly correlated with the decrease in core firmness. These differences between the outer pericarp and the core probably led to the hard-core in kiwifruit. Subsequent texture analysis and sensory evaluation revealed 75–100 N as the acceptable core firmness limit for ‘Xuxiang’ kiwifruit. The fruit treatment experiments based on these observations showed that applying 1-MCP on ready-to-eat ‘Xuxiang’ kiwifruit at ∼12 N firmness resulted in best preservation, with an extra 15 d of shelf life and an acceptable core firmness. In conclusion, these findings suggest that treating ‘Xuxiang’ kiwifruit at ∼12 N firmness after harvest with 1-MCP will help avoid hard-core and prolong the eating window, improving consumer acceptance.

Proteinaceous plug and urethral ectasia in Artibeus lituratus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Artibeus lituratus (great fruit-eating bat; Phyllostomidae, Stenodermatinae) is a bat predominantly frugivorous species, with an important role in seed dispersal. The scarce literature on the morphology and pathology of bats is a challenge for professionals who study the species. This report presents the case of a free-living adult male of A. lituratus, captured during ecology and health studies in an Atlantic Forest remnant in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The macroscopic examination of the structures showed a prostate, with about 0.5 cm in diameter, attached to the base of the urinary bladder, embracing part of the initial portion of the urethra and being composed of two well-defined regions: dorsal region and ventral region (involving the ventral part of the urethra) with the presence of homogeneous and whitish parenchyma. The urinary bladder was quite rigid and very thick with a lot of a whitish, friable and caseous material inside. On microscopic examination, this material was strongly eosinophilic and densely marked by PAS staining with the presence of sperm. The histology of prostatic region was preserved; however, the marked ectasia of the prostatic urethra was observed, with a large amount of refluxed material in its interior and flattening of the lining epithelium in part of the sample. This is the first report of this pathological process in A. lituratus and important to draw attention of veterinarians and other professionals about the presence of this pathology in bats.

Proteinaceous plug and urethral ectasia in Artibeus lituratus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

Artibeus lituratus (great fruit-eating bat; Phyllostomidae, Stenodermatinae) is a bat predominantly frugivorous species, with an important role in seed dispersal. The scarce literature on the morphology and pathology of bats is a challenge for professionals who study the species. This report presents the case of a free-living adult male of A. lituratus, captured during ecology and health studies in an Atlantic Forest remnant in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The macroscopic examination of the structures showed a prostate, with about 0.5 cm in diameter, attached to the base of the urinary bladder, embracing part of the initial portion of the urethra and being composed of two well-defined regions: dorsal region and ventral region (involving the ventral part of the urethra) with the presence of homogeneous and whitish parenchyma. The urinary bladder was quite rigid and very thick with a lot of a whitish, friable and caseous material inside. On microscopic examination, this material was strongly eosinophilic and densely marked by PAS staining with the presence of sperm. The histology of prostatic region was preserved; however, the marked ectasia of the prostatic urethra was observed, with a large amount of refluxed material in its interior and flattening of the lining epithelium in part of the sample. This is the first report of this pathological process in A. lituratus and important to draw attention of veterinarians and other professionals about the presence of this pathology in bats.

Morpho-Anatomical Features of Artemisia szowitziana (Besser) Grossh., 1934

The performed anatomical studies were conducted in accordance with the generally accepted methodology. The research materials (leaf, stem, root) were taken in all morpho-physiological development phases. As a result of the conducted morpho-anatomical research, a number of secret characteristics of A. szowitziana species were determined. A. szowitziana is a perennial, 50-60 cm or more tall, with oblong leaves. Fruiting pods are numerous, erect and branching slightly above the middle. The leaves of the lower stem are stalked, 2.5-3.5 cm long. Middle stem leaves are sessile. The mesophyll leaves are amphistomatic, isolateral-palisade type, the upper and lower epidermis contains small-celled palisade tissue. The thickened epidermal cells of the stem have 2-3 layers of collenchyma, homogeneous, polygonal and thin-walled bark parenchyma. The rhizodermis roots are covered with a single layer rhizodermis, 35-45 μm thick. Underneath the rhizodermis is a single-layered exoderm, 5-6 layered bark parenchyma, endoderm and pericycle. Since there is little humidity in summer and autumn in arid zones, the root develops very intensively in the humid period. As a result of the conducted research, it was determined that the species A. szovitsiana has the nature of adaptation to the environment, which is one of the structural characteristics of the general genus.

Incorporation of Testicular Ultrasonography and Hair Steroid Concentrations in Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation.

Testicular ultrasonography and steroid concentrations (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), cortisol/DHEA-S ratio, testosterone) in hair were examined for their utility in the bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE). Beef and dairy bulls (n = 16; 2.7 ± 0.4 years old; body condition score 3.2 ± 0.1) of five breeds were maintained under the same conditions at an accredited semen collection center. Bulls underwent routine semen collection twice weekly for 12 weeks and semen was processed and cryopreserved. Ultrasonography and hair sampling were undertaken at the last semen collection. Bulls with homogeneous testicular parenchyma (n = 8) had a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of motile sperm post-thawing compared with bulls with heterogeneous parenchyma (n = 8). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in the hair concentrations of cortisol, DHEA-S, and testosterone between bulls with homogeneous and heterogeneous parenchyma. In bulls with homogeneous parenchyma, hair DHEA-S concentration was positively correlated with percentage motile sperm (R2 = 0.76), progressively motile sperm (R2 = 0.70), and motility yield (R2 = 0.71). The findings indicate that the integration of testicular ultrasonography and hair DHEA-S status in the BBSE could provide a more comprehensive assessment of indicative fertility in bulls. Additionally, ultrasonography can be used in the BBSE when the evaluation of semen parameters is not available.

Leaf anatomy of Urochloa brizantha and Urochloa ruziziensis (Poaceae) plants subjected to different fertilization management practices

Brazilian agribusiness is heavily influenced by beef export. Thus, it is important to evaluate the quality and growth rate of forage species used as cattle food. Given that the structural organization of leaf cells and tissues is directly related to forage-plant growth, we aimed to analyze the foliar anatomy of Urochloa brizantha and U. ruziziensis subjected to different fertilization management practices. Experimental design was completely randomized split-split-plots. Plots were allocated to fertilization strategies, namely single and split fertilizer application. Subplots were allocated to two fertilizer doses for the carrying capacities of 7 and 10 head of cattle per hectare (AU ha-1). Sub-subplots were distributed to the forage plant species U. brizantha and U. ruziziensis. Three leaves were collected from each treatment for the anatomical processing of cross-sections, epidermal imprints and diaphanizations. Based on a parsimonious model, U. brizantha showed thicker leaf tissues than U. ruziziensis. Split fertilizer application increased thickness of the adaxial and abaxial cuticle and of bulliform cells. Fertilizer dose of the higher carrying capacity determined increased thickness of the leaf blade, bulliform cells, and regular homogeneous parenchyma on both studied species. We concluded that increased fertilizer dose and split application interfere with the leaf anatomy of U. brizantha and U. ruziziensis, providing both species with enhanced growth and yield.

NEOBUXBAMIA TETETZO AS A CAUSE OF DRUG-INDUCED LIVER INJURY

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare clinical condition, the incidence is estimated from 14 to 19 cases per 100,000 population per year, it is responsible of 3 to 5% of jaundice hospitalizations, and it is the most frequent cause of acute liver failure in many of the western countries. Neobuxbaumia tetetzo is a species of flowering plant of the Cactaceae family, endemic to Mexico, distributed in Puebla and Oaxaca, and has been used within Mexican cuisine, without studies that establish the safety of its consumption, which predisposes to undocumented adverse effects, including probable liver injury. The patient is a 19-year-old male, high school student and employee of a private company, single, originally from Tehuacán, Puebla, resident of Mexico City. Non-relevant family hereditary background. He denied experiencing any chronic degenerative diseases, allergies or traumas, but reported complications during an appendectomy in May of 2019. Has positive alcoholism, consuming it occasionally in social events; last consumption was seven months prior to the onset of symptoms. He denied the use of drugs, food supplements and herbalism. He began in June 30th of 2020 with asthenia, hyporexia, adinamia, nausea and unquantified fever, pain in epigastrium of moderate intensity, generalized pruritus, conjunctival jaundice and coluria were added, progressed to generalized jaundice, required hospitalization in August 2020. The laboratory results are Total Bilirubin 38.5 mg/dL, Direct bilirubin 26 mg/dL, ALT 60, AST 63, AP 329, GGT 33, General urine test that evidenced bilirubins 6 and urobilinogen 8. An ultrasonography and an abdominal tomography were performed, both reporting vesicular lithiasis, without obstruction or dilation of the bile duct. Subsequently, cholangioresonance was carried out on September 9, 2020, reporting liver gland with homogeneous parenchyma, bile duct without intra and extrahepatic dilation, gallbladder with the presence of lithic of 6.5 mm. Cholecystectomy and liver biopsy were performed, with histopathological result of gallbladder with chronic cholecystitis. Liver biopsy reporting: Hepatic parenchyma with preserved architecture, with few plasmatic and eosinophilic cells, and presence of severe intracanalicular and intracytoplasmic cholestasis corresponding to regenerative changes of grade 0 fibrosis on the Metavir scale and focal microvesicular steatosis, without regeneration nodules. Within its approach, serology Anti-Sm, IgM vs. CMV, IgM vs. Rubella, IgM vs. Toxoplasma, ANAs, anti Ro, SCL70 antibodies, HBV, HCV were negative. The only finding observed in the clinical case of our patient that we can appreciate is the elevation of bilirubin. After ruling out the main and possible causes that affected the health of our patient, it was decided to re-interrogate him and it was found that the patient had an antecedent of consumption of N. tetetzo, this highlights the importance of the clinical history in the approach of DILI and the need for of a clinician to contemplate this possibility. Although in this case, a RUCAM score of 6 points was calculated which makes the diagnosis possible, the score was created in order to avoid biopsy given that it is invasive; and before an anatomopathological finding compatible with DILI it is doubtful whether it is worth rechallenging the patient to the consumption of N. tetetzo to objectify the condition of bilirubins before exposure, there is a risk of acute liver failure, which creates an ethical dilemma and violates the principle of non-maleficence. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Ultrasound in the diagnosis of parotid duct obstruction not caused by sialolithiasis: diagnostic value in reference to direct visualization with sialendoscopy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound in the obstructive pathology of the parotic gland not caused by sialolithiasis using sialendoscopy as reference standard. Retrospective analysis of all patients who presented with suspected diagnosis of obstructive ductal pathology of the parotid gland other than sialolithiasis between January 2011 and December 2017. 538 patients, for a total of 691 parotid glands were included in the study. Ultrasound was performed, followed by sialendoscopy in all cases. Duct diameter and parenchyma echogenicity were assessed. Direct sialendoscopic examination of the parotid duct was regarded as the reference standard. Parotid glands with normal sialendoscopic findings (21.6%, n = 149) had a duct diameter of 0.3 mm (0-2.7 mm) and homogeneous hyperechoic parenchyma on ultrasound in 98.7%. Ductal inflammation/sialodochitis (32.9%, n = 227) on sialendoscopy had significantly larger ductal diameter of 0.7 mm (0-4.3 mm, p = 0.001) and hypoechoic parenchyma in 78.0% (p < 0.001). Parotid glands with stenosis (45.6%, n = 315) had hypoechoic parenchyma in 52.6% and a ductal diameter of 4.1 mm (0-19.0 mm; p = 0.001). The ductal diameter was ≥2.7 mm in 95.6% of the stenosis (AUC 0.886, p = 0.001). Using 5.1 mm as benchmark ductal diameter, stenosis with ductal anomaly (68/315) were identifiable with a sensitivity of 92.6% and a specificity of 96.8% (AUC 0.986, p = 0.001). Ultrasound parameters can be used to distinguish different types of obstructive ductal pathology of the parotid gland, supporting the use of this imaging modality as diagnostic tool of first choice.

Shoot organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis from leaf and root explants of Scaevolasericea

An efficient regeneration system via shoot organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis from in vitro leaf and root explants was established for Scaevola sericea for the first time. The highest axillary shoot proliferation coefficient (4.8) was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 0.1 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) every 45 days. Young in vitro leaves and roots, which were used as explants, were cultured onto medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators. Our results showed that only cytokinins BA and thidiazuron (TDZ), could induce adventitious shoots and somatic embryos from leaf and root explants. The optimal medium to achieve this was MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/L BA and which induced most adventitious shoots (2.7) and somatic embryos (17.3) from leaf explants within 30 days. From root explants, 1.1 adventitious shoots and 7.6 somatic embryos could be induced on MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/L TDZ. Histological observation showed that both somatic embryos and adventitious shoots were originated from homogeneous parenchyma and the development of somatic embryos was visible. Maximum rooting percentage (99.0%) was achieved on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/L NAA. Well-rooted plantlets, which were transplanted into a substrate of pure river sand, displayed a high survival percentage of 91.7% after transplanting for 45 days while the best substrate for plantlet growth was river sand: coral sand (1:1).

Floral Studies inOctomeriaR. BR. (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae)

Octomeriais a well‐represented basal genus in the subtribe Pleurothallidinae, the main myophile group of the Orchidaceae. The systematics of the genus is based in leaf shape and degree of connation of sepals. In this study, we analyse comparatively the flower micromorphology of 15 species through light microscopy, histochemical tests and scanning electron microscopy, including most of the infrageneric groups proposed for the genus. The epidermal structures of sepals and petals are very similar, with oblong or isodiametric cells, stomata and trichome‐like structures adaxially. The lip presents a uniseriate epidermis with ovate to irregular cells and mesophyll with homogeneous parenchyma and idioblasts with raphides. Calluses and grooves in the lip were shown to be secretory regions. Histochemical tests in fresh flowers were positive for starch in the sepals, petals and lip and positive for osmophores in the lip. Three types of waxes were observed; one of them is described for the first time. Our study shows that despite similarities in the perianth, floral micromorphology indicated differences in the lip and column surfaces. Thus, this approach can be an important source of phylogenetic information for the genus.

CT characteristics of primary splenic torsion in eight dogs.

Splenic torsion is a rare potentially life-threatening condition characterized by rotation of the spleen around the gastrosplenic and phrenosplenic ligaments leading to occlusion of venous drainage and arterial supply. This retrospective study describes the CT characteristics for dogs with surgically confirmed splenic torsion from 2013 to 2018 using the submissions to a large multinational teleradiology database. Eight dogs had the splenic torsion confirmed with surgery. Seven of eight cases had histology confirming congestion, hemorrhage, and necrosis, and one had concurrent myelolipoma infiltration. The CT characteristics included an enlarged (8/8), rounded (7/8), folded C-shaped spleen (8/8) with a difference of median parenchymal attenuation between pre- and postcontrast of +1.15 HU (Hounsfield units). Other common features included a mainly homogeneous parenchyma on pre- and post-contrast images (6/8), lack of subjective and objective vascular and parenchymal contrast enhancement (6/8) and free peritoneal fluid (6/8). A "whirl sign" was seen in the majority of cases (7/8) alongside a strongly hyperattenuating center (95-416HU) on the precontrast images (5/7), which has not been previously described in the veterinary literature. Gastric position was normal in all cases. More variable CT characteristics of the confirmed torsions were attributable to suspected partial torsion and myelolipomatous infiltration. Overall, primary splenic torsion confirmed with surgery showed consistent characteristics on CT.

Primary Splenic Torsion Associated with Accessory Spleen in a Dog

Background: Primary splenic torsion occurs when there is a splenic vascular pedicle rotation without association of other diseases, as the Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV). Accessory spleen consists in a splenic tissue fraction independent from main organ, caused by a spleen defect in the embryonic development, most remaining asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. They have their own blood supply, which is usually from a branch of the splenic artery. Present report represents a primary splenic torsion with the accessory spleen finding in a dog.Case: A 7-year-old female mongrel was referred to Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, showing pain and firm consistency in the left abdominal region, prostration and inappetence four days before the medical appointment. At the clinical examination, the patient was alert, 7% dehydration, hypocorous mucous membranes, without alteration in lymph nodes, left abdominal pain. Laboratory tests, chest radiographic and abdominal ultrasound was requested. Two images compatible with splenic image were visualized, one with a regular structure without vascularization suggesting splenic torsion and another with homogeneous parenchyma and echogenicity of the normal spleen, with vascularization signal. The animal was referred to the surgical procedure and the anesthetic induction protocol with propofol (6 mg.kg -1) and ketamine hydrochloride (2 mg.kg -1) and maintenance with total intravenous anesthesia with propofol (0.2-0.4 mg.kg -1 / min) and lidocaine (2 mg.kg -1), in a semi-closed loop and spontaneous ventilation. The pre-retro-umbilical incision in the ventral midline was performed, and the exploratory celiotomy was done. During the cavity exploring, a small amount of free fluid and a structure compatible with the spleen were observed. It was noted that the splenic vascular pedicle was twisted around its axis and the gastroesplenic and splenocolic ligaments were also involved. The stomach maintained its position, size and vascularization. Thus, an isolated or primary splenic torsion was characterized. The exploratory laparotomy was recommended, and the total splenectomy was the treatment of choice. The accessory spleen did not demonstrate vascular damage; therefore, was advocated the zeal in handling to preserve your integrity.Discussion: Isolated splenic torsion is a rare occurrence in dogs. A retrospective study was performed with 60 dogs presenting with non-traumatic hemoperitoneum, in which only three cases presented splenic torsion. Usually, twisting occurs in large or giant breed dogs with deep chest conformation. The etiology of splenic torsion is not well established. Primary splenic torsion is considered emergency surgery, and the prognosis is considered favorable. The literature shows no relation between the presence of the accessory spleen and the occurrence of primary splenic torsion, but both occur due to congenital defects, both of which may be correlated in this case. The accessory spleen is characterized by a defect in the embryonic formation of the splenic tissue and may be associated with other congenital malformations. It can be concluded that in the primary splenic torsion, early surgical treatment is the most indicated. Total splenectomy was considered adequate, and preservation of the accessory spleen was important due to the possibility of some organ functionality.

2285 HSV Hepatitis in an Immune-Competent Patient

INTRODUCTION: A rare complication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is hepatitis, especially in an immunocompetent host. It is important to recognize this diagnosis, as HSV hepatitis is potentially fatal if untreated due to the risk of acute liver failure. We present a case of HSV hepatitis in an immunocompetent patient with a benign clinical course. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 58-year-old female with history of diabetes mellitus, breast cancer with distant history of chemotherapy, presented to the emergency department for one week history of right upper quadrant pain and fevers at home. On presentation she was febrile with a temperature of 39.3 degrees Celcius, blood pressure 118/72 mmHg, heart rate 100 bpm. Physical exam findings included tenderness to palpation of upper quadrants, flanks, and suprapubic area. Laboratory findings revealed alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 139 IU/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 172 IU/L, and alkaline phosphatase 73 IU/L. She was negative for Hepatitis A, B, C, HIV, and influenza. A liver ultrasound showed an enlarged liver (19.5cm) with homogeneous parenchyma and increased echogenicity consistent with hepatic steatosis. The liver contour was smooth and there was no duct dilation. Her liver tests worsened with ALT and AST peaking at 822 and 1558, respectively. Due to persistent fevers, the patient was evaluated for HSV, and was found to be HSV-2 IgM positive (titer &gt;1:320) and HSV-2 DNA was detected. The patient was started on intravenous acyclovir. A liver biopsy showed findings of periportal and pericentral necrosis, favoring infection. An immunohistochemical stain for HSV was positive. She completed 2 weeks of acyclovir, achieving improvement in liver tests to normal range. DISCUSSION: HSV is a common infection, but a rare cause of hepatitis, comprising &lt; 2% of cases and &lt; 1% of all causes of acute liver failure. HSV hepatitis is usually described in immunocompromised hosts, pregnant women, and neonates. Presentation is vague, but most commonly with fever, abdominal pain, and only 30% with typical oral or genital lesions. Diagnostic tools are serological testing for HSV and liver biopsy. Treatment with acyclovir is effective in preventing transplant or can be life saving in 51% if initiated promptly, and thus, a high index of suspicion is warranted in patients with appropriate risk factors or with an unclear etiology of severe transaminitis. Given our immunocompetent patient’s relatively benign course, this is a unique presentation of a potentially fatal disease.

Feeding and Other Gall Facets: Patterns and Determinants in Gall Structure

Galls are neoformed structures induced by specific animals, fungi, bacteria, virus or some parasitic plants on their host plant organs. Developmental processes are well known in Agrobacterium tumefasciens galls, but the animal-induced galls have a striking anatomical diversity, concerning several patterns, which were reunited herein. Anatomical traits observed in animal-induced galls involve manipulation of plant morphogenesis in convergent ways. Nematode, mite and insect galls usually contain homogeneous storage parenchyma and develop due to hyperplasia and cell hypertrophy. The development of typical nutritive tissues, giant cells, or hypertrophied vascular bundles may occur. Some other anatomical features may be usually restricted to galls induced by specific taxa, but they may eventually be related to the developmental potentialities of the host plants. The combination of distinct morphogenetic peculiarities in each gall system culminates in extant gall structural diversity. Convergent anatomical traits are observed according to the feeding mode of the gall inducers, representing potentiation or inhibition of similar events of host plant morphogenesis and cell redifferentiation, independent of gall-inducing taxa.

Updated breast CT dose coefficients (DgNCT ) using patient-derived breast shapes and heterogeneous fibroglandular distributions.

The purpose of this work was to generate uncompressed heterogeneous breast phantom models using size-dependent fibroglandular distributions derived from a large cohort of breast CT (bCT) datasets, and to compare differences in normalized glandular dose coefficients for bCT "DgNCT " when the realistic heterogeneous model is considered relative to the simple, homogeneous model used in the past. A cohort of 274 segmented bCT datasets were used to quantify the fibroglandular tissue distribution within the breast parenchyma. Each dataset was interpolated to an isotropic voxel size of 0.25mm and the breast center-of-mass was aligned for all coronal slices. Each aligned dataset was converted into two binarized volumes representing voxels containing only glandular tissue "G(x,y,z)" and voxels containing glandular or adipose tissue "AG(x,y,z)". The datasets were classified by volume in accordance with previously reported size-dependent, breast-shaped phantoms. Within the five groups - each containing on average 55 datasets, all G(x,y,z) and AG(x,y,z) volumes were summed separately representing the cumulative distribution of glandular tissue or breast parenchyma (glandular+adipose), respectively. G(x,y,z) was divided by AG(x,y,z) on a voxel-by-voxel basis resulting in a glandular fraction "GF(x,y,z)" distribution for each phantom size. The GF(x,y,z) distributions were used to construct heterogeneous mathematical phantoms for the small, median, and large breast sizes with a 1.5mm skin thickness - based on previously reported measurements from bCT, and a 5mm skin thickness for comparison with outdated assumptions of skin thickness. A subset of 15 bCT datasets from the cohort (five for each breast size) were used to construct voxelized patient models for validation of the heterogeneous phantom models. Monte Carlo techniques were used to estimate monoenergetic DgN(E)C T values for photon energies from 9 to 70keV (in 1keV intervals) using the mathematical phantoms composed of either heterogeneous or homogeneous breast parenchyma. Polyenergetic (pDgNCT ) coefficients were determined by weighting the DgN(E)C T values by x-ray spectra tuned to the beam characteristic of breast CT. Dose coefficients were compared between the two breast compositions for each volume class, breast density, and skin thickness. For photon energies ≲45keV, the homogeneous model overestimates DgN(E) values relative to the realistic heterogeneous model sorted into five volume classes. The 5mm skin thickness underestimates DgN(E) values relative to the realistic 1.5mm thickness for lower energies and the differences diminish up to 70keV. Averaged across all phantom sizes the homogeneous model overestimates pDgNCT by 5.7% and 23.3% for the 60kV W/Cu and 49kV W/Al spectra, respectively. The heterogeneous model was also found to be in agreement with the voxelized bCT patient models with pDgNCT differences less than 2.3% and 5.2% for the 60kV W/Cu and 49kV W/Al spectra, respectively, across all phantom sizes. Anatomically accurate heterogeneous phantom models were developed using bCT image-derived fibroglandular tissue distributions. These new models improve the accuracy of bCT dosimetry, and in conjunction with previous models for mammography, may help in providing a more universally accepted breast dosimetry model.

Intrahepatic Portosystemic Venous Shunt in a Non-Cirrhotic Adult Female with Encephalopathy

Introduction: Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts (IPSVS) are rare anomalous vascular connections within the liver that are often asymptomatic. However, significant shunting of blood may present as encephalopathy. Cross sectional imaging and Doppler studies are essential to characterize the shunt and determine portosystemic shunt ratios. High flow shunts may be treated using coil embolization or surgery. Result: We present the case of a 57-year-old previously asymptomatic lady who was admitted for confusion and behavioral change. Work-up revealed deranged liver function and hyperammonemia. Triphasic CT scan showed an aneurysmal connection between the right anterior portal vein and the middle hepatic vein measuring 1.9 cm in widest diameter. The left portal vein was small. The liver had homogenous parenchyma and smooth borders. Aside from small hepatic cysts, there were no other lesions detected. Doppler ultrasound showed turbulent flow across the connection with a portovenous shunt ratio of 73%. The size of the shunt precluded safe coil embolization. Surgical treatment was then opted for and she underwent a hepatotomy from the superior border of the liver until the aneurysmal shunt connection was identified and isolated. The connection was then divided between clamps and the stumps sutured close. Blood flow in the left portal vein then increased immediately. Her postoperative course was unremarkable and she was discharged improved. She remains well 8 months after surgical correction of the shunt. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion should prompt the search for IPSVS in patients presenting with encephalopathy in the absence of liver cirrhosis. Imaging studies are essential in assessing the type and severity of the portovenous shunting and in guiding the management. Symptomatic patients with high shunt ratios should be treated promptly using interventional radiologic procedures or surgery.

Structural and histochemical profile of Lopesia sp. Rübsaamen 1908 pinnula galls on Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. in a Caatinga environment

ABSTRACT Gall-inducing insects can change the anatomical pattern of host plant tissues by inducing peculiar gall morphotypes. In this study, the structural changes observed in Lopesia galls on Mimosa tenuiflora resemble those found in other Cecidomyiidae, with two tissue compartments. Nevertheless, the parenchyma layers of the inner compartment, between the mechanical zone and the nutritive tissue, are peculiar. Gall development does not impair the synthesis of any compounds detected by histochemical tests on non-galled tissues of M. tenuiflora. Lignin, polyphenols, alkaloids and terpenoids were detected in the outer compartment, suggesting their involvement in chemical defence of galls. Proteins, reducing sugars and lipids were detected both in outer and inner compartments, whereas nutritive tissue is rich in reducing sugar. This profile is linked with the nutrition of the gall-inducing insect. The Caatinga environment does not seem to constrain the development of galls, but the thick periclinal cell wall and homogeneous parenchyma may contribute to the control of humidity and light radiation, thus favouring the survival of the gall-inducing insect.