Irregular Wall Research Articles

Imaging diagnosis and clinical outcomes of eight horses with sinus gas expansion

SummaryBackgroundSinus gas expansion is a rare condition in equine patients, resulting in progressive deformity of the facial bones. The condition is sparsely documented in veterinary literature. Similar lesions are categorised as sinus pneumocele or pneumosinus dilatans in human patients, based on the presence or absence of sinus wall erosion.ObjectivesTo describe imaging findings in horses with gas expansion of the paranasal sinuses.Study designMulticentric retrospective descriptive case series.MethodsHorses with a computed tomographic (CT) description of sinus gas expansion were included. Computed tomography changes were described, and lesions were categorised as sinus pneumocele or pneumosinus dilatans. Signalment, history and clinical signs were recorded, as well as radiological signs, histology and follow‐up information, when available.ResultsEight horses met the inclusion criteria, including seven diagnosed with sinus pneumocele and one with pneumosinus dilatans. Clinical signs were variable, depending on the affected bones and sinuses. The conchofrontal sinus was the most frequently affected. Irregular sinus wall erosion, marginal separation of the bone diploe and abnormal septation were consistent imaging findings in horses with sinus pneumocele. Active bone remodelling was confirmed by histology in one patient. Based on CT, the sinus mucosa was thickened adjacent to the sinus wall erosion in 5/7 patients, with hazy dystrophic mineralisation in three horses. One horse had a follow‐up CT at 26 months, showing progression of the lesion. The horse with pneumosinus dilatans had minor facial bone deformity and severe gas expansion of all left‐sided paranasal sinuses, largely encroaching on the right paranasal sinuses, without bone erosion.ConclusionDiagnostic imaging and more particularly CT is valuable for identifying and characterising abnormal gas expansion of the paranasal sinuses in horses. Based on this small case series, the condition is slowly progressive and inconsistently associated with clinical signs. Its pathophysiology remains unclear, warranting further exploration.

Seismic design coefficients verification of regular and vertically irregular high-rise shear wall buildings using bidirectional horizontal ground motions and 3D modeling

Seismic design coefficients verification of regular and vertically irregular high-rise shear wall buildings using bidirectional horizontal ground motions and 3D modeling

Serous endometrial carcinoma metastatic to the sigmoid colon masquerading as a primary colon cancer detected by bowel obstruction

BackgroundThe majority of colorectal malignancies are primary tumors. Secondary tumors are rare, and colorectal metastasis from endometrial carcinoma is exceptionally uncommon. We report a case of serous endometrial carcinoma that metastasized to the sigmoid colon, initially presenting as a primary colon carcinoma due to bowel obstruction.Case presentationA 79-year-old woman presented with abdominal distention and constipation. Five years earlier, she had undergone an open total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for endometrial serous carcinoma. A colonoscopy revealed stenosis encircling the entire sigmoid colon. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated irregular wall thickening in the sigmoid colon with enhanced regional lymph node enlargement and upstream bowel dilatation. Peritoneal dissemination in the pelvis was also noted. To relieve the obstruction, two self-expanding metal stents were inserted. Subsequently, due to the presumed diagnosis of sigmoid colon carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination, an open left hemicolectomy with resection of the peritoneal dissemination was performed. Histopathological examination identified the colon tumor and peritoneal dissemination as metastatic serous endometrial carcinoma. Immunohistochemical studies showed the tumor cells were negative for CK7, CK20, and CDX2. No chemotherapy was administered, and 6 months post-operation, no recurrence was observed.ConclusionsMetastasis of endometrial carcinoma to the colon is extremely rare. Diagnosing a colon tumor as a metastasis from endometrial carcinoma is challenging during preoperative examinations. Therefore, in patients with a history of endometrial carcinoma, the possibility that the primary site might be the uterus should be considered.

Study on the Shock-Absorption Performance of Isolation Systems in High-Rise Vertically Irregular Double-Story Structures

(1) Research background: The aim of this study was to explore the seismic response of vertically irregular high-rise buildings using a double-layer isolation system. (2) Methods: A 24-story vertically irregular high-rise frame-shear wall structure was designed, and the finite element model of the double-layer isolation structure was established, as well as the models of the seismic structure, the foundation isolation structure, and the story-separated seismic structure. A dynamic time–history analysis of these models under rare ground motion was carried out. (3) Results: The double-layer isolation system has the best isolation effect, followed by the foundation isolation structure, and finally the interlayer structure. The double-layer isolation system can increase the natural vibration period of the structure by 1.25 times, reduce the displacement angle of the layer by about 74.3%, reduce the acceleration of the top layer by about 82.3%, reduce the base shear force by about 59.68%, reduce the overturning moment of the bottom layer by about 68.89%, and reduce the torsion angle of the top layer by about 89.68%. (4) Conclusions: The double-layer isolation system can effectively reduce the overall seismic response of the structure and effectively control the torsional response of the structure, which makes it feasible for application.

Towards a new roughness parametrization through the effective distribution function

Turbulent flows over rough surfaces can be encountered in a wide range of engineering applications. Despite the progress made after several decades of studies, the prediction of drag and roughness function from the surface geometrical parameters remains an open question. Several methods have shown encouraging results. However, they lack generality and present some scatter in the data. In this paper we propose a new parameter, the effective distribution ( $ED$ ), which lays foundation on the effective slope with some changes to take into account the sheltering effect of large roughness elements and the drag induced by pinnacles higher than the average roughness elements. To develop this new correlation between geometrical features of the wall and the drag, we performed a set of simulations of the turbulent flow over a rough surface made of triangular elements varying their height and spatial distribution. The $ED$ correlates quite well both with the drag and the roughness function for a wide range of cases having different mean roughness height, skewness and kurtosis. To further validate the $ED$ , and assessing how it can be generalized to real rough wall, an irregular wall made from the superposition of random sinusoidal function was considered. Results were consistent with the correlation here presented.

Coronary Artery Vasculitis and Encasement: Multimodality Imaging Findings and Mimics.

Coronary artery vasculitis (CAV) and coronary artery encasement are rarely diagnosed conditions that are important diagnostic considerations, particularly in patients with acute coronary syndrome without traditional cardiovascular risk factors or systemic illness. Vasculitis refers to inflammation of the blood vessel walls, which can be primary or secondary. This process should be distinguished from neoplastic involvement of the coronary arteries, termed coronary artery encasement. Prospective diagnosis of these diseases is challenging, often requiring multidisciplinary workup with careful attention to clinical presentation and multiorgan findings. While CAV and coronary artery encasement can be indistinguishable at coronary CT angiography, certain imaging features help order the differential diagnosis. CAV should be considered when there is smooth wall thickening that is circumferential and/or continuous. A diagnosis of coronary artery encasement is favored when there is irregular or nodular wall thickening that is eccentric to the vessel lumen. Epicardial fat stranding may also appear more extensive compared with CAV. Potential mimics of CAV include atherosclerosis, acute plaque rupture, coronary artery aneurysm, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection. Detection and diagnosis of CAV may help avoid complications related to accelerated atherosclerosis and infarction. Radiologists should be familiar with the range of pathologic conditions that can affect the coronary arteries beyond atherosclerosis as they may be the first to raise such diagnostic possibilities, guiding next steps in patient workup and management. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Evaluation of vascular invasion in pancreatic head tumors and its impact on radical surgical treatment

Objective. To evaluate the informativeness and sensitivity of radiological criteria for vascular invasion in pancreatic head tumors in comparison with intraoperative data and results of routine pathological examination. Materials and methods. The study included 98 patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head with suspected venous invasion and spread of tumor growth along the vessels of the portomesenteric axis, who were operated on at the Department of Pancreatic and Bile Duct Surgery of the National Research Center of Surgery and Transplantation named after O. A. Shalimov in the period from 2019 to 2023. Group 1 included 51 (52.0%) patients who underwent radical surgery with resection of the superior mesenteric/hepatic portal vein and extended lymph and neurodissection, and group 2 included 47 (48.0%) patients who had positive vascular margins of pancreatic resection according to routine pathological examination. Diagnostic criteria for vascular alterations were developed. A comparative analysis of the informativeness of the developed criteria and the results of a routine pathological examination was performed. The edges of the pancreatic resection were evaluated, including the neck of the gland, common bile duct, duodenum/gastric duct, and the bed of the superior mesenteric/hepatic portal vein and superior mesenteric artery separately. R1 status was defined as the presence of tumor cells at a distance of less than 1 mm to the resection margin. Results. According to the criteria of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 2023.2, 61 (62.2%) patients had a marginally resectable stage of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head and tumor contact with the superior mesenteric/hepatic veins according to multislice computed tomography of the abdominal cavity. In group 1, there were 36 (70.6%) such patients, in group 2 – 25 (53.2%). According to the proposed radiologic criteria for vascular invasion, tumor contact with the superior mesenteric/hepatic portal veins was suspected in 76 (77.6%) patients, which is higher than in the standard approach. Determination of vascular alterations according to the results of our study is a more reliable method for diagnosing invasion of the superior mesenteric/hepatic portal vein (χ2 = 5.46, p = 0.019) and predicting the performance of radical surgery, including vascular resection. Conclusions. The proposed criteria for the radiological diagnosis of vascular invasion at the preoperative stage increased the sensitivity of this method from 62.2 to 77.6%. The most frequent radiological signs of vascular alteration are vascular wall irregularity (47.7%) and parapancreatic tissue density (62.5%). In the presence of any of the radiological signs of vascular alteration, resection of the affected area of the superior mesenteric/hepatic portal vein with extended lymph and neurodissection is indicated, which allows a statistically significant increase in the number of R0 resections.

Angioinvasive Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Complex and Lethal Cause of Stroke

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive and often fatal fungal infection caused by molds of the order Mucorales, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals. This infection is notorious for its angioinvasive properties, enabling the fungi to invade blood vessels and leading to tissue necrosis. We report the clinical course of a 59-year-old Caucasian man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 16.8%) who presented with unilateral headache, left-sided facial numbness, and incomplete left ocular motor paresis. Initial presentation raised suspicion of orbital phlegmon, leading to antibiotic and later corticosteroid pulse therapy, which worsened the patient’s condition. Subsequent imaging demonstrated extensive inflammatory changes, including wall irregularities of the left intracranial internal carotid artery, accompanied by ocular protrusion and periorbital enhancement. New palatal lesions indicated mucormycosis, which was confirmed by molecular analysis of a palatal biopsy, leading to Amphotericin B treatment. Pre-surgery imaging revealed a malignant middle cerebral artery infarction, and the patient died 16 days after symptom onset and 12 days after initial presentation under palliative care due to a poor prognosis. This case of angioinvasive mucormycosis underscores the severe and often fatal course of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in an immunocompromised individual. The rapid progression from initially vague and unspecific symptoms to extensive vascular involvement and stroke highlights the critical need for early and accurate diagnosis, as well as prompt intervention to prevent further disease progression. Additionally, this case also illustrates the potential risks associated with corticosteroid therapy in the presence of undiagnosed fungal infections, which can exacerbate the condition and lead to serious complications. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for mucormycosis in similar clinical scenarios, prioritizing adequate antifungal treatment and careful monitoring to improve patient outcomes. Early interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for the effective management of such complex cases.

Incidence of Carotid Wall Irregularities in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Descriptive Analysis.

Background Carotid wall abnormalities are significant predictors of cardiovascular events, including ischemic stroke. Identifying the clinical and biochemical risk factors associated with these abnormalities can aid in early intervention and prevention strategies. This study aimed to assess the association between lipid profiles, age, gender, smoking habits, hypertension, and carotid wall abnormalities in patients. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 patients, evaluating their clinical and biochemical profiles, including lipid levels, age, gender, smoking status, and the presence of hypertension. Carotid intima-media thickness was measured using ultrasound to identify carotid wall abnormalities. The data were analyzed to determine the associations between these factors and the presence of carotid wall abnormalities. Results Carotid wall abnormalities were present in 78.3% (n = 47) of the patients. Individuals with carotid wall irregularities exhibited markedly elevated total cholesterol concentrations (175 ± 35.0 mg/dl) compared to those without abnormalities (150 ± 31.0 mg/dl) (p = 0.007). The mean age was 64.0 ± 8.0 years in the abnormality group versus 56.0 ± 5.0 years in the non-abnormality group (p = 0.008). Males constituted 80.0% of the abnormality group, compared to 46.7% in the non-abnormality group (p = 0.03). This higher prevalence of carotid wall abnormalities in males could be related to gender-specific risk factors, such as higher rates of smoking and hypertension, both of which were more common in the abnormality group and are known contributors to vascular changes. Smoking (70% vs. 20%, p = 0.0005) and hypertension (85% vs. 40%, p = 0.0005) were significantly more prevalent in individuals with carotid wall abnormalities. Conclusions This study highlights the significant association between elevated total cholesterol, older age, male gender, smoking, and hypertension with carotid wall abnormalities. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection and management of these risk factors to prevent the progression of carotid atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of ischemic stroke and other cardiovascular events.

Impact of Age on Ultrastructural Changes in Internal Thoracic Artery in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

AIM: Age is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and plays a role in the atherosclerotic process. The purpose of this study was to look at the impact of aging and associated risk factors on the ultrastructure of internal thoracic arteries in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. MATERIALS&METHODS: We enrolled 27 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting at our institute between August-October 2018. Age groups were classified into three: 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 years. A 2-mm distal portion of the vessel was excised when the ITA was surgically harvested. Transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the ultrastructural changes. Cell structure, tissue edema, and endothelial mitochondria were all assessed and rated by using semiquantitative analysis. RESULTS: The ultrastructure of the vessel wall exhibited no significant changes in Group-I. Endothelial wall irregularity with endothelial cells of varying thickness was seen in Group-II. Group-III showed subendothelial edema and localized endothelial wall discontinuity. These changes were particularly severe in the elderly and patients with comorbidities. The greatest permanent cell alterations, such as massive vacuoles and organelle loss, were identified in two patients with kidney failure and hypertension. The average scores assessing the severity of changes in endotohelial cell structure (P  .001), tissue edema (P  .001), and mitochondria (P  .001) were significantly different between groups showing more severe changes with aging. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients with comorbidities, the ITA endothelium may exhibit severe ultrastructural alterations, with the most permanent abnormalities reported in those with hypertension and kidney failure. However, The ITA remains the gold standard in CABG with its native resistance to atherosclerosis.

A case of chronic contained rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm mimicking a retroperitoneal tumor.

Chronic contained rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (CCR-AAA) is a rare subtype of abdominal aortic rupturethat can mimic other retroperitoneal lesions. We report a case of CCR-AAA in a man in his sixties who presented witha 10-month history of right low back pain and weight loss. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed alobulated retroperitoneal mass around the abdominal aorta, initially misdiagnosed as a possible hemorrhagicretroperitoneal tumor. Despite multiple imaging studies including CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucosepositron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/CT, as well as a CT-guided biopsy, the correct diagnosisremained elusive for 34 months. Key findings included subtle aortic wall irregularity on CT, high signal intensity onT1-weighted MRI suggesting hematoma, peripheral FDG uptake on PET/CT, and histological findings of biopsy tissueconsistent with organizing hematoma. Surgery confirmed the diagnosis, revealing an organized hematoma with adefect in the right wall of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. This case demonstrates that CCR-AAA can present withatypical radiological features, potentially leading to misdiagnosis. When encountering a para-aortic mass with ahemorrhagic component, careful observation of the AAA morphology and aortic wall contour is crucial for anaccurate diagnosis of CCR-AAA.

Spontaneous asymptomatic common carotid artery dissection resembling a carotid web: illustrative case.

Carotid artery dissection is a common cause of ischemic stroke, predominantly affecting the internal carotid artery, with rare involvement of the common carotid artery (CCA). The limited literature makes diagnosis and management challenging, particularly in asymptomatic patients. In this report, the authors present a unique case of spontaneous, asymptomatic CCA dissection that resembled a carotid web, shedding light on its clinical spectrum and management. A 70-year-old man was diagnosed with an intimal flap in the left CCA. Although the findings resembled those of a carotid web, cerebral angiography confirmed the presence of an intimal flap and arterial wall irregularities indicative of vascular dissection. Endarterectomy successfully prevented the stroke, and the postoperative recovery was uneventful. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of CCA dissection. Spontaneous CCA dissection, though rare, presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Because of morphological similarities, differentiating the diagnosis from a carotid web can be difficult. Available treatment strategies include antiplatelet therapy and surgical intervention. In this case, endarterectomy was chosen to avoid antithrombic treatment in anticipation of further invasive treatments for other conditions. The successful outcome highlights the potential as a treatment option, emphasizing the need for an individualized approach to each patient. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24344.

MRI Evaluation and Characterization of Ovarian Lesions Based on Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System MRI.

Background Managing ovarian lesions requires differentiating between benign and malignant cases. The development of a multiparametric MRI approach combining anatomical and functional criteria has led to the creation of the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) MRI scoring system, which enhances diagnostic accuracy. Objectives To study ovarian lesions and their characteristics, along with their risk stratification based on MRI O-RADS. Methods A prospective study used the O-RADS MRI criteria to categorize ovarian lesions. Clinical findings and MRI results were compared with histopathological outcomes to assess diagnostic accuracy. Results We identifiedabdominal pain as the most prevalent clinical finding among our cases (64, 91.43%), followed by a lump in the abdomen (33, 47.5%), dysmenorrhea (33, 47.5%), bleeding per vaginal (15, 21.43%), and weight loss (11, 15.71%). A total of 80 ovarian lesions were examined and characterized on the basis of the O-RADSMRI risk stratification system.Among the 80 ovarian lesions, 54 were histopathologically confirmed ovarian lesions (39 (72.22%) were benign, and 15 (27.77%) were malignant). The most common benign lesions were ovarian serous cystadenoma (28.20%) and ovarian mucinous cystadenoma (20.51%), while the most common malignant lesions were serous carcinoma (33.33%) and mucinous carcinoma (20%). Using the O-RADS MRI scoring system, we categorized six lesions (7.5%) as O-RADS 1 (all benign), 34 lesions (42.50%) as O-RADS 2 (32 benign and 2 malignant), 24 lesions (30%) as O-RADS 3 (23 benign and 1 malignant), seven lesions (8.75%) as O-RADS 4 (four benign and three malignant), and nine lesions (11.25%) as O-RADS 5 (all malignant). Our findings revealed significant differences in the size of lesions, the presence of thick septa, high T2-weighted signal intensity within solid tissue, and patterns of solid component enhancement and wall irregularity between malignant and benign lesions. The MRI cut-off score of ≥4 for malignancy demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.59%, a specificity of 97.5%, an accuracy of 97.62%, a positive predictive value of 94.5%, and a negative predictive value of 97.5%. The positive likelihood ratio was 32.7, while the negative likelihood ratio was 0.025. These results affirm the high diagnostic accuracy of the O-RADS MRI scoring system in distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian lesions. Conclusion The O-RADS MRI score is a highly accurate tool for differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian lesions. Its application can significantly enhance the management and treatment outcomes for patients with adnexal masses. The study confirms the scoring system's high sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy.

A visible light positioning system for coal mine personnel based on convolutional recurrent neural network

Visible Light Positioning (VLP) technology exhibits promising potential for underground coal mine positioning. While numerous studies have explored VLP in indoor environments, attention to VLP systems for underground mines still needs to be improved. In this paper, based on the traditional indoor visible light communication channel model, the effects of unique features on VLP, such as irregular walls, inclined and rotating receiving ends, and coal dust particles in underground mines, are considered and modeled in detail. In order to improve the accuracy and reliability of personnel VLP in complex mine environments, this paper proposes a deep-learning-based VLP system for underground personnel in coal mines, which consists of two LEDs and four photodetectors (PDs), where the four PDs are mounted on miners' helmets, in conjunction with the actual mine environment. Due to environmental factors and noise, there are apparent spatio-temporal characteristics in the received signal strength of the PDs. Therefore, the system adopts a convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN) for feature extraction. In the experimental phase, the method's average localization error was 11.24 cm, with 90% of the localization errors within 20.4 cm. The experimental results show that the system has high positioning accuracy and meets the requirements of personnel positioning in underground mines.

Ultrasonographic findings in the bladder of cattle at different stages of evolution of bovine enzootic hematuria in Brazil

Despite the diagnostic capacity of ultrasonography (US) in cases of bovine enzootic hematuria (BEH), it has been underused in the medical clinic for ruminants. Studies comparing ultrasound findings in healthy animals (HA) with subclinical (SCH) and clinical (CH) BEH are scarce in the literature. As a result, the present work aims to describe the US findings of cattle at different stages of BEH evolution, evaluating the diagnostic capacity and precocity of the technique. The study was carried out on five rural properties in the municipalities of Rio Preto and Bom Jardim de Minas – MG, Brazil, using 46 dairy cattle, females over 18 months of age, evaluated and classified as G1/CH, G2/SCH and G3/HA, according to history, clinical examination and urinalysis, with subsequent ultrasound analysis of the bladder. The mean bladder wall thickness was 36.50 mm in G1/CH, 33.53 mm in G2/SCH and 37.93 mm in G3/HA. Irregular walls were observed in 53.33 % (8/15) of G1/CH, 27 0.78 % (5/18) of G2/SCH and 38.46 % (5/13) of G3/HA. Loss of the architecture of the urothelium layers was observed in 53.33 % (8/15) of G1/CH, 33.33 % (6/18) of G2/SCH and 38.46 % (5/13) of G3/HA. Multifocal and Grade I lesion were the most common. Ultrasonography allowed the identification of lesions in 38.46 % of animals that did not present hematuria and in 33.33 % of animals that presented occult blood and proved to be an efficient technique for detecting pre-clinical cases of BEH, allowing easy identification. and early onset of BEH cases.

A Electron micrograph of the leaf epidermal structure of legumes

Our goal was to find morphological features that can help us identify or describe the stomata ontogeny and epidermal structures. Our team got seeds of two types of leguminous plants—Arachis hypogaea L. groundnuts and Vigna subterranean L. bambaranuts—from the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority and the Yankaba market in Nassarawa, which is in Kano State. The study specifically evaluated the leaf epidermal studies, stomata development (ontogeny), types of stomata, stomata size, pore length, pore width, and stomata index in both the surfaces of the leaves. We conducted ontogenetic studies using safety razor blades on the epidermal layers. We determined the stomata index by studying the type of stomata, the number of stomata, and the number of epidermal cells. We subjected the obtained data to a one-way analysis of variance. All the studied varieties/species exhibited amphistomatic stomata on both surfaces, with a higher density on the lower surface. In SAMNUT 23, we found the paracytic type of stomata, which is perigynous and has an irregular anticlinal cell wall. In Dandakar, we found the tetracyclic type, which is mesogynous and has a pentagonal epidermal cell shape and a slightly straight anticlinal cell wall. Finally, in Bambara nuts, we found the endocytic type, which is polygonal with a curved anticlinal wall and a mesoperigynous ontogeny.

Overexpression of sesame O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase induces male sterility by delaying tapetum programmed cell death

Male sterile lines are key resources for hybrid seed production and for ensuring high varietal purity. However, the genes and mechanisms underlying sesame male sterility remain largely unknown. Hence, this study identified an O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase gene SiOASTL1 and functionally characterized its roles in inducing defective anther development. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that SiOASTL1 is significantly (2.7 fold) up-regulated in sterile sesame anthers at the microspore stage compared with fertile ones. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that SiOASTL1 is homologous to Arabidopsis OAS-TL plastid isoforms. We thus overexpressed SiOASTL1 in Arabidopsis to unravel its regulatory roles. Cytological observation revealed that SiOASTL1 overexpression transformed transgenic plants into male sterile lines arising at the microspore development stage. SiOASTL1 overexpression decreased cysteine biosynthesis and down-regulated the expression of the sporopollenin synthesis-related genes, including AtTKPR1, AtTKPR2, AtPKSA, and AtPKSB in transgenic Arabidopsis. Consequently, the tapetum programmed cell death (PCD) was delayed, resulting in the formation of defective pollen grains with irregular walls and empty cytoplasm. Our findings prove that the induction of SiOASTL1 expression disrupts pollen development and contributes to sesame male sterility. Moreover, these results suggest that genetic manipulation of SiOASTL1 expression may facilitate the development of new hybrid varieties in sesame and other crops.

Impact of irregular masonry infill walls on the seismic response of reinforced concrete frame buildings using linear dynamic analysis

This paper aimed to investigate the seismic response of reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings using linear dynamic analysis. The study focused on the effects of irregular distributions of masonry infill walls both in elevation (soft story at different levels) and in horizontal (plan) distribution on seismic behavior. Seventeen models were analyzed, including infill frame models with soft stories, models with infill panels only in certain bays, and bare frame models. All models were analyzed using the linear response spectrum (RS) dynamic analysis method. Structural design typically focuses on peak response values, and response spectrum analysis examines the structure's behavior and performance through these peak values. The analysis results indicate that masonry infill walls significantly affect the building's fundamental time period, base shear, story shear, and inter-story drift.

Computed Tomography Finding of Crusty Thrombosed Arteries: An Appearance of Lower Extremity Vascular Pythiosis.

Vascular pythiosis is a dreadful vascular infection that presents as a chronic leg ulcer. To distinguish this infectious disease from atherosclerotic occlusion of the lower limb, we investigated the imaging appearance and presence of thick and irregular arterial wall enhancement, named crusty thrombosed arterial sign, on computed tomography images in cases with vascular pythiosis infection of lower extremities. In this study, 13 cases of vascular pythiosis of lower extremities with available images from 2016 to 2022 were reviewed and the presence of crusty thrombosed arterial signs, segments of vascular involvement, and radiological findings of hematologic disease, including hepatosplenomegaly and bone changes were recorded. Crusty arterial sign with long segmental arterial involvement was found in all cases. All cases had hepatomegaly and abnormal spleen, either splenomegaly or splenectomy, found in 12 cases (92.3%). Six cases (46.1%) had thalassemic bone changes. We proposed the pathognomonic radiologic sign of vascular pythiosis: the crusty thrombosed arterial sign, which manifested as diffusely thick and irregular arterial wall enhancement along long arterial thrombosis without skip lesions. Other associated findings included splenomegaly, splenectomy, and thalassemic bone changes. These radiologic findings facilitated the diagnosis of vascular pythiosis, particularly in cases of atypical presentation or unreliable clinical context.

997 Ascending Aorta Pseudoaneurysm 40 Years Following Surgical Atrial Septal Defect Repair

Abstract Background Ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm is a rare postoperative complication of cardiac surgery. It is often attributed to infection and dehiscence at sites of aortotomy, cannulation, cross-clamp placement, and proximal coronary anastomoses. Mortality risk is 29-46% and this requires prompt surgical intervention. Case summary A 48-year-old woman who underwent atrial septal defect repair at 8 years of age, presented with chest pain radiating to the right shoulder and dyspnoea. Cardiac-gated CT angiography demonstrated a 21mm pseudoaneurysm arising anteriorly from the proximal ascending aorta, 6mm above the right coronary artery ostium, likely the site of previous cardioplegia cannula. There was active blood flow from the aorta into the pseudoaneurysm sac. It was heavily calcified, apart from a thinned irregular wall inferiorly, from which rupture was imminent. She underwent emergency surgery. Using femoro-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass, the chest was safely re-entered. Under mild hypothermia and distal ascending aorta cross-clamping, the pseudoaneurysm was resected and aorta repaired using a Gelweave patch. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged home after one week. Discussion Accurate imaging, primarily via cardiac-gated CT angiography, is crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning in patients presenting with aortic pseudoaneurysm, particularly those close to the aortic valve and coronary arteries. Operative strategy, including need for deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and/or graft replacement of aorta, depends on pseudoaneurysm anatomy. It is recommended that preventative measures are taken during the primary operation, inserting the cardioplegia cannula tip through full-thickness purse-strings and/or addition of separate oversewing sutures after decannulation. Alternative techniques of pseudoaneurysm repair are also discussed.