Intermediate Segments Research Articles

UT-1 Transporter Expression in the Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias): UT-1 Protein Shows a Different Localization in Comparison to That of Other Sharks.

The original UT-1 transporter gene was initially identified in the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), but localization of the UT-1 protein was not determined. Subsequent UT-1 expression was shown to localize to the collecting tubule (CT) of the shark nephron in other shark species, with expression in a closely related chimaera species also located additionally at a lower level in the intermediate-I segment (IS-I) of the nephron. In spiny dogfish, two UT-1 splice variants are known (UT-1 long and short), and there was also a second UT-1 gene described (here termed Brain UT). In this study, a second splice variant of the second Brain UT gene was discovered. Expression profiles (mRNA) of UT-1 long and short and Brain UT were determined in a number of spiny dogfish tissues. Quantitative PCR in kidney samples showed that the level of the short variant of UT-1 was around 100 times higher than the long variant, which was itself expressed around 10 times higher than Brain UT cDNA/mRNA (in kidney). For the long variant, there was a significantly higher level of mRNA abundance in fish acclimatized to 75% seawater. Ultimately, three UT-1 antibodies were made that could bind to both the UT-1 short and long variant proteins. The first two of these showed bands of appropriate sizes on Western blots of around 52.5 and 46 kDa. The second antibody had some additional lower molecular weight bands. The third antibody was mainly bound to the 46 kDa band with faint 52.5 kDa staining. Both the 52.5 and 46 kDa bands were absent when the antibodies were pre-blocked with the peptide antigens used to make them. Across the three antibodies, there were many similarities in localization but differences in subcellular localization. Predominantly, antibody staining was greatest in the intermediate segment 1 (IS-I) and proximal (PIb) segments of the first sinus zone loop of the nephron, with reasonably strong expression also found at the start and middle of the late distal tubule (LDT; second sinus zone loop). While some expression in the collecting tubule (CT) could not be ruled out, the level of staining seemed to be low or non-existent in convoluted bundle zone nephron segments such as the CT. Hence, this suggests that spiny dogfish have a fundamentally different mode of urea absorption in comparison to that found in other shark species, potentially focused more on the nephron sinus zone loops than the CT.

Outcomes of non-contiguous two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy: a retrospective study.

Non-contiguous two-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) may be a viable option for patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy and imaging-evident spine and radicular compression at two non-contiguous cervical levels. The risk of hastening degeneration and triggering Adjacent Segment Disease at the spine levels located between the fused levels is a putative adverse event, which was assessed in a few studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing non-contiguous two levels ACDF and to assess biomechanical modifications at non-fused segments. We retrospectively reviewed all patients with noncontiguous two-level spine and radicular compression, who underwent simultaneous noncontiguous two-level ACDF at our center. We analyzed clinical and radiological outcomes and investigated the rate of adjacent segment disease. Radiographic parameters were calculated on pre- and postoperative images. Thirty-two patients underwent simultaneous noncontiguous two-level ACDF for cervical myelo-radiculopathy between 2015 and 2021 and were followed up for a mean period of 43.3 months. For all patients, the mJOA score significantly improved from 14.57 ± 2.3 to 16.5 ± 2.1 (p<0.01) and the NDI score significantly decreased from 21.45 ± 4.3 to 12.8 ± 2.3 (p<0.01) postoperatively. Cervical lordosis increased after surgery (from 9.65° ±9.47 to 15.12° ± 6.09); intermediate disc height decreased (5.68 mm ± 0.57 to 5.27 mm ±0.98); the ROMs of intermediate (from 12.45 ± 2.33 to 14.77 ± 1.98), cranial (from 14.63 ± 1.59 to 15.71 ± 1.02), and caudal (from 11.58 ± 2.32 to 13.33 ± 2.67) segments slightly increased. During follow-up assessment, in one patient the myelopathy worsened due to spine compression at the intermediate level. Simultaneous and non-contiguous two-level ACDF is a safe and effective procedure. The occurrence of postoperative adjacent and intermediate segment disease is rare.

Description of Mesophylax isly sp. nov. (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae) from Morocco, and new genus records from the Balkans

The male and female genitalia of Mesophylax isly Ibrahimi, Taybi &amp; Mabrouki sp. nov. (Limnephilidae) are described based on material collected from the Isly River in Morocco. The new species is most similar to Mesophylax aspersus hoggarensis Malicky 1988 known from Algeria, from which it differs in the formation of intermediate appendages, inferior appendages, parameres, and segment IX in males, as well as in the formation of segment X, lateral shoulders of segment IX, supragenital plate and vulvar scale in females. Information is provided on the autecology and habitat of the new species, as well information about other species co-occurring with M. isly sp. nov. We also report new localities for Mesophylax aspersus aspersus Rambur 1842 from Kosovo and Morocco and the first record of Mesophylax impunctatus aduncus Navás 1923 from Albania.

The impact of DOPO‐derived phosphoramides containing triazine moieties on the flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties of waterborne polyurethane

AbstractWaterborne polyurethane (WPU), which is a novel and environmentally friendly variety of polyurethane, replaces organic solvents with water. It has been extensively utilized in diverse fields encompassing coatings, textile finishing, building decoration, adhesives, plastic chemistry, and others. However, WPU is inherently flammable and releases a significant amount of smoke production during the combustion process. This research presents an original fire‐resistant Waterborne Polyurethane (WPU) with a newly‐integrated flame‐retardant component comprising a triazine phosphoramidate segment derived from 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxo‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) within its primary structure. In comparison to pure WPU, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of flame‐retardant WPU (FRWPU) increased from 19.6% to 29.2%. In UL‐94 testing, the FRWPU film achieved a V‐0 rating with only 6% retarding component. Additionally, in cone calorimetry tests, Total Heat Release (THR), peak Heat Release Rate (pHRR), Total Smoke Production (TSP), Smoke Production Rate (SPR), and peak Carbon Monoxide Production Rate (pCOP) are decreased by 27.7%, 16.2%, 64.6%, 61.3%, and 77.8%, respectively. The greater degree of graphitization observed in the residual carbon substantially impeded heat exchange and the emission of smoke during combustion. Flame‐retardant intermediate segments greatly improved the FRWPUs' ability to suppress smoke and remain flame‐retardant. The creation and formulation of aqueous polyurethanes that are flame‐retardant can benefit greatly from the insights and references offered by this research.

Biomechanical Comparison of Different Surgical Strategies for Skip-level Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: A Finite Element Study.

We constructed finite element (FE) models of the cervical spine consisting of C2-C7 and predicted the biomechanical effects of different surgical procedures and instruments on adjacent segments, internal fixation systems, and the overall cervical spine through FE analysis. To compare the biomechanical effects between the zero-profile device and cage-plate device in skip-level multistage anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). ACDF is often considered the standard treatment for degenerative cervical spondylosis. However, the selection of surgical methods and instruments in cases of skip-level cervical degenerative disk disease is still controversial. Three FE models were constructed, which used noncontiguous 2-level Zero-P (NCZP) devices for C3/4 and C5/6, a noncontiguous 2-level cage-plate (NCCP) for C3/4 and C5/6, and a contiguous 3-level cage-plate (CCP) for C3/6. Simulate daily activities in ABAQUS. The range of motion (ROM), von Mises stress distribution of the endplate and internal fixation system, and intervertebral disk pressure (IDP) of each model were recorded and compared. Similar to the stress of the cortical bone, the maximum stress of the Zero-P device was higher than that of the CP device for most activities. The ROM increments of the superior, inferior, and intermediate segments of the NCZP model were lower than those of the NCCP and CCP models in many actions. In terms of the IDP, the increment value of stress for the NCZP model was the smallest, whereas those of the NCCP and CCP models were larger. Similarly, the increment value of stress on the endplate also shows the minimum in the NCZP model. Noncontiguous ACDF with zero profile can reduce the stress on adjacent intervertebral disks and endplates, resulting in a reduced risk of adjacent segment disease development. However, the high cortical bone stress caused by the Zero-P device may influence the risk of fractures.

VASOSPASTIC INFARCTION STARTED WITH PULSELESS ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY CARDIAC ARREST

Abstract We report the case of a 48–year–old female with a special history of ischemic heart disease. It started in 2021 with an acute anterior ST myocardial infarction: the coronary angiography showed subocclusive stenosis at the first tract of the left anterior descending (LAD), without other coronary stenoses. The patient was treated with primary PCI + DES; the echocardiogram showed EF 30% and akinesia of apex, intermediate segments of anterior wall and interventricular septum. During the same hospitalization the patient experienced recurrence of angina with transient ST elevation in the anterior and inferior leads; a control coronary angiography was unchanged. She was started on therapy with nitrates and diltiazem up to the tolerated dose, statin as well as antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy due to apical thrombus. She underwent ICD implantation in primary prevention in January 2022. During 2022, there were several accesses to the ED for vasospastic angina despite medical therapy at the maximum tolerated dose. In October 2023 the patient experienced an acute chest pain followed by cardiac arrest, pulseless electrical activity and acute cardiogenic shock. After resuscitation procedures, she underwent an emergency coronary angiography which showed excellent result of the previous PCI, as well as stenosis of the distal edge of the stent resolving after injection of i.c. nitrates. No arrhythmic events at ICD recording and continuous electrocardiographic monitoring in ICU were observed. Cardiac MRI showed areas of subendocardial LGE involving the apex, anterior, anterolateral and septal segments due to ischemic scar; we also observed areas of edema and LGE with an ischemic pattern at the infero–septal and inferior wall in toto, suggesting recent ischemia; EF was 31%. During hospitalization the patient experienced episodes of typical angina with poor response to medical therapy at the maximum tolerated dose. The current clinical case most likely points to acute myocardial infarction due to vasospasm of the right coronary artery with acute pump failure resulting in cardiac arrest and no specific recommendations exist in recent cardiologic guidelines on the strategy to adopt for this acute clinical setting. In the hypothesis of a vasospastic pathogenesis of the problem, counseling for modulation of the stellate ganglion was requested.

Determination of Laser Attack Risk Zones Under Aircraft Flight Path

This paper introduces a method of determination of zones around and beneath an aircraft’s flight path where it is reasonable to believe that a laser attack would be successful, i.e. from where a laser beam pointed towards an aircraft can reach the eye of the pilot and lead to a potential safety risk. The method is based on the determination of lines of sight led from the ideal pilot eye position as recommended by the aircraft’s manufacturer and a simplified model of aircraft windows derived from aircraft technical drawings published by the manufacturer. The paper demonstrates the change of the shape of these zones and the distance between the aircraft and the emitter as a function of the aircraft’s pitch, allowing the zones to be adjusted according to the targeted area to be protected such as the final approach path or the intermediate approach segment. The use of such a method is demonstrated on a sample application of determination of such zones at 2500 ft above terrain, a height representing the transition from the intermediate approach segment to the final approach descent.

Application of Mass Particle Methods in the Shape Design for Scientific Balloons

This paper proposes a dynamic simulation method for solving balloon shapes. The mass-spring-damping model is used to discretize two-dimensional generatrixes and three-dimensional membrane surfaces, respectively. We solve two-dimensional/three-dimensional ascent shapes at different zero-pressure heights and numerically simulate mushroom cloud shapes that occur during the balloon ground launch. The typical rapid transition feature of the mushroom cloud shape at the waist is depicted. In addition, a preliminary numerical simulation study was conducted for the pumpkin superpressure balloon deployment instability problem. The Calladine instability critical curve for constant angle design lobes is compared and validated for different gore numbers and lobe angles. Further, simulations were carried out on fully inflated shapes of two derived superpressure balloon designs developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency/Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, namely, the Tawara intermediate cylindrical segment balloon and the diamond-shaped tendon balloon. We verify the ISAS conclusion that the diamond-shaped tendon balloon has a cylindrical shape when fully inflated. Finally, a preliminary simulation study was carried out on the deployment shape of four ballonet architectures in the superpressure balloon. The proposed method for solving various types of balloon shapes based on the mass particle method is simple and efficient, and it has been well applied in our actual balloon engineering.

Hybrid kyphoplasty with short-versus intermediate- and long-segment pedicle screw fixations for the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine if the hybrid short-segment (HSS) technique is a good alternative to the intermediate-segment (IS) and long-segment (LS) techniques in pedicle screw fixations for acute thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBFs).MethodsIn this retrospective evaluation, we examined 43 patients who underwent surgical treatments, including one- or two-level suprajacent (U) and infrajacent (L) pedicle screw fixations, for acute single-level TLBFs with neurological deficits between the T11 and L2 levels from July 2013 to December 2019. Among these patients, 15 individuals underwent HSS (U1L1), 12 received IS (U2L1), and 16 underwent LS (U2L2) fixations. Supplemental kyphoplasty of the fractured vertebral bodies was performed exclusively in the HSS group. Our analysis focused on assessing blood loss and surgical duration. Additionally, we compared postoperative thoracolumbar kyphotic degeneration using the data on Cobb angles on lateral radiographic images acquired at three time points (preoperatively, postoperative day 1, and follow-up). The end of follow-up was defined as the most recent postoperative radiographic image or implant complication occurrence.ResultsBlood loss and surgical duration were significantly lower in the HSS group than in the IS and LS groups. Additionally, the HSS group exhibited the lowest implant complication rate (2/15, 13.33%), followed by the LS (6/16, 37.5%) and IS (8/12, 66.7%) group. Implant complications occurred at a mean follow-up of 7.5 (range: 6–9), 9 (range: 5–23), and 7 (range: 1–21) months in the HSS, IS, and LS groups. Among these implant complications, revision surgeries were performed in two patients in the HSS group, two in the IS group, and one in the LS group. One patient treated by HSS with balloon kyphoplasty underwent reoperation because of symptomatic cement leakage.ConclusionsThe HSS technique reduced intraoperative blood loss, surgical duration, and postoperative implant complications, indicating it is a good alternative to the IS and LS techniques for treating acute single-level TLBFs. This technique facilitates immediate kyphosis correction and successful maintenance of the corrected alignment within 1 year. Supplemental kyphoplasty with SpineJack® devices and high-viscosity bone cements for anterior reconstruction can potentially decrease the risk of cement leakage and related issues.

One-pot ligation of multiple peptide segments via N-terminal thiazolidine deprotection chemistry.

Peptide ligation chemistries have revolutionized the synthesis of proteins with site-specific modifications or proteomimetics through assembly of multiple peptide segments. In order to prepare polypeptide chains consisting of 100-150 amino acid residues or larger generally assembled from three or more peptide segments, iterative purification process that decreases the product yield is usually demanded. Accordingly, methodologies for one-pot peptide ligation that omit the purification steps of intermediate peptide segments have been vigorously developed so far to improve the efficiency of chemical protein synthesis. In this chapter, we first outline the concept and recent advances of one-pot peptide ligation strategies. Then, the practical guideline for the preparation of peptide segments for one-pot peptide ligation is described with an emphasis on diketopiperazine thioester synthesis. Finally, we disclose the explicit protocols for one-pot four segment ligation via repetitive deprotection of N-terminal thiazolidine by a 2-aminobenzamide type aldehyde scavenger.

Seismic behavior of self-centering precast segmental bridge piers with external auxetic steel shear panel dampers

Precast self-centering segmental bridge piers have gained significant attention in bridge construction. Among them, development of the energy dissipation devices that are applicable for the self-centering bridge piers has been a major focus over the past three decades. This study develops a novel post-tensioned precast segmental bridge piers (SC-PSBPs), incorporating replaceable external auxetic steel shear panel dampers (ASSPDs) at the bottom and connecting steel plates at the intermediate segments. The seismic behavior of the SC-PSBPs is investigated through experiments and numerical simulations. Auxetic metamaterials are utilized to develop two kinds of perforated steel plates, including elliptical and peanut-shaped perforations, for the ASSPDs. Eight SC-PSBP specimens are tested to study failure patterns, hysteresis response, residual displacement, segment gap opening behavior, and local response of steel components. Test results show that the proposed SC-PSBP, equipped with unbonded post-tensioning (PT) tendons and ASSPDs, exhibits stable hysteresis response and self-centering capacity with minimal concrete damage. Plastic deformation is concentrated in the ASSPDs, while the intermediate connecting steel plates behave elastically throughout the loading history. A numerical model is developed to investigate the influence of design parameters on the hysteresis behavior of SC-PSBPs. Parametric analyses using the validated FE models explore the seismic behavior of SC-PSBPs with different geometries of ASSPDs, connecting steel plates, and initial PT forces. Numerical results show that both the ASSPDs and the connecting steel plates are imperative to achieve the desired rocking and damage concentration mechanisms of SC-PSBPs. The numerical findings also indicate that decreasing the porosity of ASSPDs effectively enhances the bearing and energy dissipation capacity of SC-PSBPs, as well as increases their residual displacement.

The efficacy of different segments fixation for treatment thoracolumbar fractures: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.

We did this network meta-analysis to comprehensively compare the efficacy of different segments [intermediate segment (IS), short segment (SS) and long segment (LS)] in the fixation of thoracolumbar fractures. We searched studies from inception until January 20, 2023 through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. All studies comparing different segments in the fixation of thoracolumbar fractures were included in this meta-analysis. Outcomes were anterior vertebral height ratio (AVHR), sagittal Cobb angle (SCA), visual analogue scale score, and implant failure rate. This network meta-analysis was performed by R software with gemtc package. Finally, a total of 22 studies were finally included in this network meta-analysis. IS (WMD 2.43, 95% CrI 2.04-2.91) was more effective than SS in terms of the AVHR, and the difference was statistically significant. IS was more effective than LS in reducing SCA (WMD -2.87, 95% CrI -3.79 to -1.96) with statistically significant. Compared with SS, IS significantly reduced the SCA with statistically significant (WMD -2.52, 95% CrI -3.31 to -1.72). IS (WMD -2.87, 95% CrI -3.78 to -1.96) was more effective than LS, and the difference was statistically significant. Moreover, IS (WMD -2.52, 95% CrI -3.31 to -1.72) was more effective than SS, and the difference was statistically significant. IS was associated with a significant reduction in SCA, implant failure rate, and visual analogue scale compared to SS and LS, while having the most favorable impact on AVHR among all the treatments assessed.

Cervical Disc Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Noncontiguous Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: Results of Mid- to Long-Term Follow-up.

The long-term results of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) for noncontiguous cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD) are still uncertain. Moreover, it is unclear whether CDA delays or avoids the degeneration of the intermediate segment (IS), leading to controversy in the field. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mid- to long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of CDA in treating noncontiguous CDDD and to explore whether the IS degenerated faster after CDA than other non-surgically treated adjacent segments. We retrospectively analyzed patients with noncontiguous CDDD who underwent CDA in our department between January 2008 and July 2018. The patients were divided into the CDA and hybrid surgery (HS) groups, and clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at routine postoperative intervals. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), neck disability index (NDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS), while radiographic outcomes included cervical lordosis (CL), C2-C7 range of motion (ROM), segmental ROM, and disc angle (DA) at the arthroplasty level. Complications were also evaluated.Pre- and postoperative values were compared using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Independent Student t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests analyzed continuous data between CDA and HS groups, while chi-square or Fisher exact tests assessed categorical data. Sixty-four patients with noncontiguous CDDD, with 31 in the CDA group and 33 in the HS group, were evaluated. The mean follow-up time was over 70 months. The most frequently involved levels were C4/5 and C5/6. Both groups showed significant improvements in JOA, NDI, and VAS values after surgery. Although CL was maintained, the CL in the CDA group was consistently lower than that in the HS group (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in C2-C7 ROM (p < 0.05), but at the last follow-up, the C2-C7 ROM in the CDA group was greater than that in the HS group (p < 0.05). At the last follow-up, 44.3% of arthroplasty levels had developed heterotopic ossification (HO), and 48.45% had developed anterior bone loss (ABL). In addition, adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) was observed in the IS (22.7%), superior adjacent segment (20.6%)and inferior adjacent segment (21.9%). CDA or CDA combined with fusion are viable treatments for noncontiguous CDDD, with satisfactory outcomes after mid-to-long-term follow-up. ASDeg is similar in non-surgical segments after 70 months of follow-up. ROM of the IS issimilar to preoperative levels, indicating CDA does not increase the risk of IS degeneration.

Real-Time Vocal Tract Model for Elongation of Segment Lengths in a Waveguide Model

A vocal tract model based on a digital waveguide is presented in which the vocal tract has been decomposed into uniform cylindrical segments of variable lengths. We present a model for the real-time numerical solution of the digital waveguide equations in a uniform tube with the temporally varying cross section. In the current work, the uniform cylindrical segments of the vocal tract may have their different lengths, the time taken by the sound wave to propagate through a cylindrical segment in an axial direction may not be an integer multiple of each other. In such a case, the delay in an axial direction is necessarily a fractional delay. For the approximation of fractional-delay filters, Lagrange interpolation is used in the current model. Variable length of the individual segment of the vocal tract enables the model to produce realistic results. These results are validated with accurate benchmark model. The proposed model has been devised to elongate or shorten any arbitrary cylindrical segment by a suitable scaling factor. This model has a single algorithm and there is no need to make section of segments for elongation or shortening of the intermediate segments. The proposed model is about 23% more efficient than the previous model.

An Efficient Segmented Random Access Scan Architecture with Test Compression

Integrated circuit (IC) chip designs relying on Random Access Scan (RAS) architecture for post-production structural tests typically provide lower test power dissipation, test data volume, and test application time compared to the classical serial scan-based Design for Test (DFT) methodology. However, previous RAS schemes incur high signal routing and test area overheads relative to the serial scan way. Unlike serial scan schemes, previous RAS schemes have not been effectively combined with test compression to further reduce test application time and test data volume. Authors have already formally documented a locally addressed (segmented) and compressed Segmented RAS (SRAS) architecture with low area overhead and test application time. This paper describes the SRAS architecture in more detail and provides comparative experimental results. Area overhead is reduced using test access hierarchy (segmented), while adding compression to RAS lowers the test application time. Also presented is another enhancement to incorporate a scan channel multiplex block at hierarchy segments which helps drastically decrease the area and routing overhead of the original architecture to practically implementable levels on commercial circuits. The extra Segment Data Multiplexor (SDM) blocks reduce the area overhead of other components by the multiplexing factor, and the reduction in overall area is significant based on experimental data. Test data compression and auto addressing of segments are achieved by transmitting a seed address to select segments with auto-increment or auto-decrement capability followed by either single cell selection or entire leaf cell segment selection. To further reduce the area overhead and test power, this architecture is enhanced to contain multiple channels at a cost of increased overall test application time with no increase in test data volume. Results of applying the enhancements to a large circuit with one level of intermediate segments with each of them having 256 leaf segments are presented in the paper with and without multichannel multiplexing for comparison.

Presence of deep tendon reflexes may not exclude a diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) (P11-8.015)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To identify if there are chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) patients who do not meet clinical criteria but satisfy electrodiagnostic criteria. Our hypothesis is that these patients do not differ from patients who meet criteria for CIDP and possible CIDP. <h3>Background:</h3> The diagnosis of CIDP remains challenging due to lack of a biomarker or a single diagnostic test. The European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society (EAN/PNS) 2021 revision of the diagnostic criteria for CIDP advocate a stepwise approach to the diagnosis of CIDP which requires clinical criteria including absent or reduced deep tendon reflexes before the application of electrodiagnostic criteria. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We applied the 2021 EAN/PNS criteria to our cohort of 39 patients receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for CIDP. We compared clinical and electrodiagnostic criteria between those who fulfilled electrodiagnostic criteria but not clinical criteria and patients with CIDP or possible CIDP <h3>Results:</h3> Of our cohort 39-patients, 21 (53.8%) were classified as CIDP, 6 (15.3%) as possible CIDP and 12 patients didn’t meet criteria. Of the 10 patients who didn’t meet clinical criteria, 6/10 (60%) met electrodiagnostic criteria. These patients did not qualify as CIDP or Possible CIDP due to the presence of reflexes. There were no significant differences in the clinical phenotypes and demographics between these patients and CIDP or possible CIDP patients in our cohort. There was also no significant difference in the electrodiagnostic parameters between these patients and those with CIDP or possible CIDP. However, the patients with preserved reflexes tended to have more frequent conduction velocity slowing (p = 0.08) than patients with CIDP or possible CIDP. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> The presence of reflexes should not exclude the diagnosis of CIDP if the patient meets electrodiagnostic criteria. This could be indicative of a subset of patients with CIDP who have more involvement of the intermediate segments of nerve rather than proximal segments. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Strathdee has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Rodrigues has received research support from Australian Brain Foundation. The institution of Dr. Kapoor has received research support from Bethlehem Griffiths Research Foundation . Dr. Zhang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Faragher has stock in Argo P/L. Dr. Faragher has stock in Australian Foundation P/L. Dr. Faragher has stock in Argo Infrastructure P/L. Bruce Day has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Hutton has received research support from Lundbeck. The institution of Dr. Hutton has received research support from Daewoong Pharmaceuticals . The institution of Dr. Hutton has received research support from Xalud. The institution of Dr. Hutton has received research support from Ipsen. The institution of Dr. Hutton has received research support from Abbvie. The institution of Dr. Hutton has received research support from Cerecin. Dr. Hutton has a non-compensated relationship as a Board Member with Brain Foundation (Vic) that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Hutton has a non-compensated relationship as a President-elect with Australian and New Zealand Headache Society that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Stark has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Lundbeck. Dr. Stark has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Abbvie. Dr. Stark has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Teva. Dr. Stark has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Eli Lilly. Dr. Stark has stock in CSL. Dr. Stark has stock in Multiple ASX listed (non-medical) companies. Dr. Stark has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a TCMC Committee chair with AMA Victoria.

Microseismicity clustering and mechanic properties reveal fault segmentation in southern Italy

We analyze the clustered microseismicity recorded over more than one decade in the Irpinia region, an active seismic area in Southern Italy. We studied the spatiotemporal properties of rate, source parameters and slipping mechanisms of the clustered seismicity in relationship with local medium properties and the deformation signal. Spatial pattern of both medium properties and source parameters indicates a segmentation along strike of the fault network with evidence of a high- and a low-coupling segments separated by a region with diffused microseismicity and high b-value. The high-coupling segment shows high fraction of clustered seismicity, low b-value, high relative coseismic slip, low Vp/Vs (1.7–1.75) and near-repeating earthquakes. We find that the seismicity in this high-coupling segment is triggered by non-tectonic loading, such as the recharge of a karst aquifer, suggesting a system close to critical conditions. The high-coupling segment can be identified as a potential strong motion area for future earthquakes, while the intermediate segment can mark the edges of an extensional transfer zone, which can act as a discontinuity for slip propagation. The low-coupling segment is the same where the Ms. 6.9, 1980 Irpinia earthquake nucleated. This segment shows today both relatively high b-values and high coseismic slip, but above all it shows temporal dependencies in its properties, which leads us to pay attention to it for the future spatiotemporal evolution of microseismicity in this area.

Applying Patient Segmentation Using Primary Care Electronic Medical Records to Develop a Virtual Peer-to-Peer Intervention for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

The aim of this study was to design a virtual peer-to-peer intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) by grouping patients from specific segments using data from primary care electronic medical records (EMRs). Two opposing segments were identified: patients living with diabetes who tend to take several medications (“medication” segment: ~32%) and patients who do not take any diabetes-specific medications (“lifestyle” segment: ~15%). The remaining patients were from two intermediate segments and exhibited medication-taking behavior that placed them midway between the medication and lifestyle segments. Patients were grouped into six workshops (two workshops in each group: medication, lifestyle, and mixed group), including individuals with good and bad control of their disease. Measures of attitudes, learning, and motivation were addressed during and after the workshops. Results showed that patients in the lifestyle segment were more interested in T2D lifestyle control strategies, more satisfied with their in-workshop learning experience, and more motivated to set a goal than those in the medication segment. These results suggest that the proposed intervention may be more viable for patients in the lifestyle segment and that EMR data may be used to tailor behavioral interventions to specific patient groups. Future research is needed to investigate different segmentation approaches (e.g., using data related to smoking, drinking, diet, and physical activity) that could help tailor the intervention more effectively.

Untangling the systematic dilemma behind the roughskin spurdog Cirrhigaleus asper (Merrett, 1973) (Chondrichthyes: Squaliformes), with phylogeny of Squalidae and a key to Cirrhigaleus species.

Cirrhigaleus comprises a small genus of rare barbel-bearing dogfish sharks with distributions in limited regions of all oceans. Generic validity and taxonomic status of some species are upon controversies by morphological and molecular evidence that often suggest reallocation of Cirrhigaleus species into the genus Squalus. Particularly, the roughskin spurdog C. asper exhibits intermediary morphological characteristics within Squalidae that requires clarification. In the present study, a phylogenetic approach was undertaken to test the correct generic placement of C. asper using novel and revised morphological characters. We performed maximum parsimony analysis of 51 morphological characters of the internal (e.g., neurocranium, clasper cartilages, pectoral and pelvic girdles) and external anatomy applied to 13 terminal taxa. Cirrhigaleus represents a valid genus and it is supported by eight synapomorphies: high number of monospondylous vertebrae; medial nasal lobe supported by fleshy core and innervated by the buccopharyngeal branch of the facial nerve; neurocranium with greatest width across nasal capsules; one facet and one condyle in the puboischiadic bar for articulating with the basipterygium; two intermediate segments between the basipterygium of the pelvic fin and the axial cartilage of the claspers; five terminal clasper cartilages; and posterior medial process of the puboischiadic bar absent. Cirrhigaleus asper is sister-species to a small clade comprising C. barbifer and C. australis which is supported by one synapomorphy, presence of conspicuous cusplets in the dermal denticles. Cirrhigaleus barbifer, C. asper and C. australis are redescribed herein and the neotype of C. barbifer is designated. A key to Cirrhigaleus species is also given and the inner relationships within Squalus is tentatively discussed.

Phocomelia: is it time to retrospect, regulate and rescue? a case report

Phocomelia is an extremely rare congenital anomaly which presents as, the proximal part of the limb (humerus or femur, radius or tibia, ulna or fibula) being absent or markedly hypoplastic, with normal or near normal hand or foot. True phocomelia presents as the total absence of the intermediate segments of the limb, with the hand or foot directly attached to the trunk. Presented here is a case of phocomelia in an aborted foetus, with no maternal history of thalidomide exposure in her pregnancy and for whom evaluation of other family members/ siblings failed to reveal any substantial abnormality. The differential diagnosis and the significance of reporting of serious adverse drug reactions are discussed.