Lateral Wings Research Articles

Tahnaichthys magnuserrata gen. and sp. nov., a double-hump pycnodontid (Actinopterygii, Pycnodontiformes) fish from the Albian limestones of the Tlayúa Quarry, Puebla, Mexico

Tahnaichthys magnuserrata gen. and sp. nov. is described here based on three well-preserved Albian specimens recovered in the lagoon-coastal deposits of the Tlayúa Quarry, Puebla, Mexico. This species belongs to the order Pycnodontiformes and shows the diagnostic features of the family Pycnodontidae, including the presence of a posterior parietal process distally branched, toothless reniform maxilla, anterior thin wings at the base of the haemal and neural spines, and slender dentary with two teeth. In addition, this species shows unique features never observed before in other pycnodontids as the presence of two unequal predorsal humps or prominences, including a slight hump just behind the occiput and a large hump rising in front of the dorsal fin. The predorsal scutes are thick, have a longitudinal row of unequal spines, and show thin lateral wings projected ventrally, covering a large part of the predorsal trunk region. In the new species, the modified bar-like scales of the predorsal region have tiny posterior wings ornamented with tubercles scattered or arranged in dorsoventral short ridges. In addition, the premaxilla of this new species is ventrally broad and has a large single incisiform tooth opposing two small, oval dentary teeth. This new species exhibits a peculiar mixture of osteological features that, for the moment, complicate its taxonomic designation at the suprageneric level (subfamily or tribe). Although this is the second pycnodontiform species from Tlayúa formally described, the present discovery increases the taxonomic diversity of the pycnodontids in North America and the Paleogulf of Mexico domain.

The effect of single pigtail bile duct stents without lateral wings bile duct drainage after removal of common bile duct stones in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Objective: To analyze the effect of single pigtail bile duct stents without lateral wings bile duct drainage after removal of common bile duct stones in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Methods: Patients who underwent ERCP and implantation of a single pigtail bile duct stent for choledocholithiasis in Cholelithic Center of East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University from January 2019 to September 2023 were retrospectively selected and divided into lateral wingless group (without the lateral wing) and lateral wing group(with the lateral wing) according to whether the lateral wings of the single pigtail bile plastic stents were preserved. The patients were followed up for 1 to 3 months. The stent detachment rate at 2 days, 1 week and 1 month, as well as the incidence of postoperative complications at 1 week and 1 month after ERCP were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 402 patients were included, including 177 males and 225 females, aged 32-83 (58±12) years. There were 215 cases in the lateral wingless group and 187 cases in the lateral wing group. The stent detachment rate in the lateral wingless group was higher than that in the lateral wing group at 2 days after ERCP [12.6% (27/215) vs 5.9% (11/187), P=0.022]. The stent detachment rate in the lateral wingless was higher than that in the lateral wing group at 1 week after ERCP [87.0% (187/215) vs 25.1% (47/187), P<0.001]. The stent detachment rate in the lateral wing group was higher than that in the lateral wing group at 1 month after ERCP [97.2% (206/215) vs 67.3% (126/187), P<0.001]. The incidence of postoperative complications at 1 week after ERCP revealed no statistical significance between the two groups[(10.7% (23/215) vs 8.6% (16/187), P>0.05]. The incidence of postoperative complications at 1 month after ERCP in the lateral wingless group was lower than that in the lateral wing group [0.9% (2/215) vs 9.6% (18/187), P=0.001]. Conclusion: After the removal of choledocholithiasis with ERCP, bile is drained by a single pigtail bile duct stent with lateral removal, which has a high rate of natural shedding and a low incidence of complications.

First fossil record of Aspidopterys (Malpighiaceae) from the Early Pliocene of southwestern China and its palaeobiogeographic implications

ABSTRACT Aspidopterys A. Juss. ex Endl. is a genus of Malpighiaceae endemic to Asia and currently comprises 24 species. Up to now, no fossil record of this genus has been accurately reported. Here, a well-preserved fossil winged mericarp of Aspidopterys was discovered from the Early Pliocene in Tengchong City, Yunnan Province, southwestern China. The fossil winged mericarp is elliptical with well-developed lateral wings, featuring an obtuse apex and a rounded base, and the nut is long and straight. The lateral wings are continuous at the apex and base and are widest in the middle, with the upper part narrowing to the apex. The margin is notched and undulate, and a dorsal wing is absent. After detailed comparisons with the extant Malpighiaceae, the fossil winged mericarp is assigned a new fossil species, and named Aspidopterys mangbangensis R. Lou and S. Ding sp. nov. This discovery indicates that Aspidopterys grew in the Tengchong area in the Early Pliocene, which enhances the in-depth study on the biogeological evolution of Aspidopterys.

First record of Ozolaimus cirratus (Oxyuroidea: Pharyngodonidae) infecting the casque-headed tree frog Corythomantis greeningi (Anura: Hylidae) from Northeast Brazil

ABSTRACT The genus Ozolaimus is characterised by presenting a dorsoventrally elongated mouth with two lateral lips, a very long oesophagus consisting of anterior portion strong and short, with a fusiform fold, and a thin posterior portion ending in a distinct bulb, an anteriorly dilated intestine, and absent lateral wings. Between February 2014 and September 2016, 11 specimens of the anuran Corythomantis greeningi were collected manually at the Ecological Station of Aiuaba, Ceará State, Brazil. After analysis, nine specimens of Ozolaimus cirratus infecting the large intestine of the referred specimen were recorded. Knowledge is still scarce about the ecological dynamics of pharyngodonid parasites and their parasitehost relationships; thus, this work is the first to record members of the genus Ozolaimus infecting the casqueheaded tree frog Corythomantis greeningi from the Caatinga biome. Previously, the only registered hosts of Ozalaimus parasites were iguanid lizards.

Angiographic Features of Meningiomas Predicting Extent of Preoperative Embolization.

Preoperative embolization is used as an endovascular adjunct to surgical resection of meningiomas. However, there is no standardized system to assess the efficacy or extent of embolization during the embolization procedure. We sought to establish a purely angiographic grading system to facilitate consistent reporting of the outcome of meningioma embolization and to characterize the anatomic and other features of meningiomas that predict the degree of devascularization achieved through preoperative embolization. We identified patients with meningiomas who underwent preoperative cerebral angiography and subsequent resection between 2015 and 2021. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were collected in a research registry. We defined an angiographic devascularization grading scale as follows: grade 0 for no embolization, 1 for partial embolization, 2 for majority embolization, 3 for complete external carotid artery embolization, and 4 for complete embolization. Eighty consecutive patients were included, 60 of whom underwent preoperative tumor embolization (20 underwent angiography with an intention to treat but ultimately not embolization). Embolized tumors were larger (59.0 vs 35.9 cc; P = .03). Gross total resection, length of stay, and complication rates did not differ among groups. The distribution of arterial feeders differed significantly across tumors in a location-specific manner. Both the tumor location and the identity of arterial feeders were predictive of the extent of embolization. Anterior midline meningiomas were associated with internal carotid (ophthalmic, ethmoidal) supply and lower devascularization grades (P = .03). Tumors fed by meningeal feeders (convexity, falcine, lateral sphenoid wing) were associated with higher devascularization grades (P < .01). The procedural complication rate for tumor embolization was 2.5%. Angiographic outcomes can be graded to indicate the extent of tumor embolization. This system may facilitate consistency of reported angiographic results. In addition, arterial feeders vary in a manner predicted by tumor location, and these patterns correlate with typical degrees of devascularization achieved in those tumor locations.

Hiptage yangshuoensis (Malpighiaceae), a new species on karst hills close to Lijiang River, Guangxi, China, based on molecular and morphological data.

Hiptage yangshuoensis K.Tan & K.S.Nguyen, a new species of Hiptage collected from a karst cliff close to the Lijiang River, Northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, is described and illustrated based on molecular and morphological data. Hiptage yangshuoensis shares some morphological similarities with the H. multiflora F.N.Wei, but easily distinguished by its long pedicels with articulate at top, one large calyx gland, oblanceolate middle wing and lanceolate lateral wings of samara, and young branch covered rusty sericeous. The new species status is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), which showed distinct systematic distinctiveness from the most morphologically similar species, H. multiflora.

Anterolateral keyhole transorbital routes to the skull base: a comparative anatomical study.

Although keyhole transorbital approaches are gaining traction, their indications have not been adequately studied comparatively. In this study the authors have defined them also as transwing approaches-meaning that they use the different facies of the sphenoid wing for cranial entry-and sought to compare the four major ones: 1) lateral orbitocraniotomy through a lateral canthal incision (LatOrb); 2) modified orbitozygomatic approach through a palpebral incision (ModOzPalp); 3) modified orbitozygomatic approach through an eyebrow incision (ModOzEyB); and 4) supraorbital craniotomy through an eyebrow incision (SupraOrb), coupled with its expanded version (SupraTransOrb). Cadaveric dissections were performed at the neuroanatomy lab. To delineate the skull base exposure, four formalin-fixed heads were used, with two sides dedicated to each approach. The outer limits were assessed via image guidance and were mapped and illustrated accordingly. A fifth head was dissected purely endoscopically, just to facilitate an overview of the transwing concept. Qualitative features were also rigorously examined. The LatOrb proves to be more versatile in the middle cranial fossa (MCF), whereas the anterior cranial fossa (ACF) exposure is limited to a small area above the sphenoid ridge. An anterior clinoidectomy is possible; however, the exposure of the roof of the optic canal is suboptimal. The ModOzPalp adequately exposes both the ACF and MCF. Its lateral trajectory allows the inferior to superior view, yet there is restricted access to the medial anterior skull base (olfactory groove). The ModOzEyB also provides extensive exposure of the ACF and MCF, but has a more superior to inferior trajectory compared to the ModOzPalp, making it more appropriate for pathology reaching the medial anterior skull base or even the contralateral side. The anterior clinoidectomy is performed with improved visualization of the optic canal. The SupraOrb provides mainly anterior cranial base exposure, with minimal middle fossa. An anterior clinoidectomy can be performed, but without any direct observation of the superior orbital fissure. Some MCF access can be accomplished if the lateral sphenoid wing is drilled inferiorly, leading to its highly versatile variant, the SupraTransOrb. All the aforementioned approaches use the sphenoid wing as skull base corridor from a specific orientation point; hence these are designated as transwing approaches. Their peculiarities mandate careful case selection for the effective and safe completion of the surgical goals.

Generalized fear after acute stress is caused by change in neuronal cotransmitter identity.

Overgeneralization of fear to harmless situations is a core feature of anxiety disorders resulting from acute stress, yet the mechanisms by which fear becomes generalized are poorly understood. In this study, we show that generalized fear in mice results from a transmitter switch from glutamate to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in serotonergic neurons of the lateral wings of the dorsal raphe. Similar change in transmitter identity was found in the postmortem brains of individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Overriding the transmitter switch in mice prevented the acquisition of generalized fear. Corticosterone release and activation of glucocorticoid receptors mediated the switch, and prompt antidepressant treatment blocked the cotransmitter switch and generalized fear. Our results provide important insight into the mechanisms involved in fear generalization.

A new centrohelid heliozoan, Pterocystis polycristalepis sp. nov., and taxonomic and phylogenetic concerns within Pterista (Haptista: Centroplasthelida)

A new species of centrohelid heliozoans, Pterocystis polycristalepis sp. nov. (Pterocystidae), was examined using light and electron microscopy. The novel centrohelid is characterized by the presence of leaf-like spine-scales with a broad pedicel-like structure on the proximal part and many subparallel ribs on the lateral wing surface. The plate-scales are ovoid with medial tubular thickening and many subparallel ribs on the very extensive marginal rim. The closely related species Pterocystis striata has also been studied in detail using light and electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA gene sequences placed both species into a separate clade within Pterista. The closest morphologically characterized species to the new clade is Triangulopteris lacunata. The 18S rRNA sequence of Pseudoraphidiophrys veliformis was grouped within Pterista and found to be closely related to Pterocystis polycristalepis, Pterocystis striata, and Triangulopteris lacunata. Cyst-scales of various shapes, cell and cyst aggregations, syncytia, and a cell with a stalk were revealed in a clonal culture of P. veliformis. Analysis of the morphology and phylogenetic position of the studied species and other centrohelids revealed a large number of taxonomic and phylogenetic problems in Pterista.

Identification of a novel perifornical-hypothalamic-area-projecting serotonergic system that inhibits innate panic and conditioned fear responses

The serotonin (5-HT) system is heavily implicated in the regulation of anxiety and trauma-related disorders such as panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively. However, the neural mechanisms of how serotonergic neurotransmission regulates innate panic and fear brain networks are poorly understood. Our earlier studies have identified that orexin (OX)/glutamate neurons within the perifornical hypothalamic area (PFA) play a critical role in adaptive and pathological panic and fear. While site-specific and electrophysiological studies have shown that intracranial injection and bath application of 5-HT inhibits PFA neurons via 5-HT1a receptors, they largely ignore circuit-specific neurotransmission and its physiological properties that occur in vivo. Here, we investigate the role of raphe nuclei 5-HT inputs into the PFA in panic and fear behaviors. We initially confirmed that photostimulation of glutamatergic neurons in the PFA of rats produces robust cardioexcitation and flight/aversive behaviors resembling panic-like responses. Using the retrograde tracer cholera toxin B, we determined that the PFA receives discrete innervation of serotonergic neurons clustered in the lateral wings of the dorsal (lwDRN) and in the median (MRN) raphe nuclei. Selective lesions of these serotonergic projections with saporin toxin resulted in similar panic-like responses during the suffocation-related CO2 challenge and increased freezing to fear-conditioning paradigm. Conversely, selective stimulation of serotonergic fibers in the PFA attenuated both flight/escape behaviors and cardioexcitation responses elicited by the CO2 challenge and induced conditioned place preference. The data here support the hypothesis that PFA projecting 5-HT neurons in the lwDRN/MRN represents a panic/fear-off circuit and may also play a role in reward behavior.

Ferula dseghica (Apiaceae) — новый вид из Армении

A new species Ferula dseghica Nersesian is described from Armenia. The species has stems up to 2.5 m tall and a large rootstock. It is remarkable by not inflated, wide open leaf sheaths, by rather long peduncles of central umbels and by oblong or linear-oblong mericarps almost without lateral wings. The species occurs in Ijevan and Yerevan floristic regions of Armenia.

Thoracic and abdominal outgrowths in early pterygotes: a clue to the common ancestor of winged insects?

One of the fundamental questions in insect evolution is the origin of their wings and primary function of ancestral wing precursors. Recent phylogenomic and comparative morphological studies broadly support a terrestrial ancestor of pterygotes, but an aquatic or semiaquatic ancestor cannot be ruled out. Here new features of the branchial system of palaeodictyopteran larvae of several different instars of Katosaxoniapteron brauneri gen. et sp. nov. (Eugereonoidea) from the late Carboniferous collected at Piesberg (Germany) are described, which consist of delicate dorsolateral and lamellate caudal abdominal gills that support an aquatic or at least semiaquatic lifestyle for these insects. Moreover, the similar form and surface microstructures on the lateral abdominal outgrowths and thoracic wing pads indicate that paired serial outgrowths on segments of both tagmata presumably functioned as ancestral type of gills resembling a protopterygote model. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the wing sheaths of later stage damselfly larvae in hypoxic conditions have a respiratory role similar to abdominal tracheal gills. Hence, the primary function and driving force for the evolution of the precursors of wing pads and their abdominal homologues could be respiration.

A new species of Hiptage (Malpighiaceae) from northwest Yunnan (China) based on molecular and morphological data.

Hiptagestenopterum K.Tan & M.X.Ren, a new species of Hiptage collected from a deep valley close to the Nujiang Gorge, northwest of Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on molecular and morphological data. The new species was found isolated in an entrenched valley of the Laowo River, a tributary of the Nujiang River, at the northern edge of the distribution range of the genus. H.stenopterum shares some morphological similarities with the narrowly endemic H.incurvatum and H.lushuiensis. However, H.stenopterum is easily distinguished by its oblanceolate lateral wing of winged mericarp, 10 to 12 calyx glands, and branchlets densely rusty tomentose. The new species status is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), which showed distinct systematic boundaries from the most morphologically similar species, H.incurvatum and their morphological relatives, H.lushuiensis.

The devolution of a mature plasma cell dyscrasia into a fatal plasmablastic lymphoma

Introduction: Plasmablastic lymphoma is a rare, aggressive, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with an untreated prognosis as poor as three months. There exists scant literature describing transformation of plasmablastic lymphoma from a more benign dyscrasia, the mature plasmacytoma. This case report describes the transformation of plasmablastic lymphoma from a mature plasma cell neoplasm/plasma cell myeloma in an atypical combination of patient characteristics. Case Report: A 66-year-old man presented with acute onset right lower extremity pain and rapidly progressive mobility loss. He was found to have a lytic lesion in the lateral right iliac wing. Biopsy revealed the lesion to be plasmablastic lymphoma with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positivity by in situ hybridization with a Ki-67 proliferation index &gt;99%, and strongly staining CD138 and MUM-1. CD20 and PAX-5 were negative. A bone marrow biopsy from the right iliac crest showed mature plasma cells without evidence of plasmablastic lymphoma cytology found in the initial specimen. These specimens showed CD138 positivity with 15–20% plasma cells with Kappa positive clonality by in situ hybridization, and diffusely Epstein–Barr virus negative by in situ hybridization. Further plasma cell fluorescence in situ hybridization study showed a clone with a TP53 deletion and an immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement that did not translocate to one of the common plasma cell dyscrasia translocation partners (FGFR3, CCND1, MAF, or MAFB). Additionally, a near-tetraploid subclone was observed in approximately 60% of nuclei. Also, there was gain of BCL2 gene or chromosome 18/18q, gain of BCL6 gene or chromosome 3/3q and MYC amplification. There was no MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements. Our patient was neither HIV-positive nor immunocompromised, rather Epstein–Barr virus positive with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction level greater than 67,000. He was started on Daratumumab combined with etoposide, vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone. Conclusion: This case exhibits a unique presentation of plasmablastic lymphoma in terms of disease presentation, unique risk factors, including HIV-negativity and male-assigned sex, and the creativity of treatment utilized.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint: An integrative approach

BACKGROUND: According to various data, orofacial diseases occur in the population in 20%85% of cases. The most common cause of maxillofacial pain unrelated to the dental system is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which is defined as a disruption of the anatomical relationship during natural movements. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice for diagnosing joint pathology.&#x0D; AIM: MRI with static, pseudodynamic, and dynamic protocols were optimized for targeted diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction.&#x0D; METHODS: Classical examination of the TMJ is performed in a closed and open mouth position. However, the images obtained do not reflect the location of the intra-articular disc at all stages of mandibular motion.&#x0D; RESULTS: After a static examination in two oral positions, pseudodynamic sagittal T1 weighted imaging (WI) scans were obtained. The patient was asked to divide the movements from full closure to full mouth opening into five steps. The examination was conducted with the MRI operator and the patient acting together. The scans assessed the position and shape of the meniscus at five stages of mandibular movements. The performed program is leading in the assessment of the disc shape changes at each stage of the mouth opening. Wide coverage of the studied area allows to visualize both articular relations of internal structures and surrounding soft tissues, including contraction of the lateral wing muscle and superficial and deep parts of the masseter muscle. The final stage was a dynamic T2 WI scan performed by the patient individually. The obtained series of images represents sequential movements of the condyle, maximally approximating the natural mouth opening. The pulse sequence helps to assess the amplitude of motion of the mandibular condyle and hypermobility, which can be difficult when performing static images with standard mouth expanders.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: An optimized dynamic and pseudodynamic TMJ study protocol is an essential part of the precise diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction and allows for differential diagnosis between muscle spasm and intra-articular disc adhesion and reliable visualization of intra-articular relationships during mouth opening.

Deep brain stimulation of the dorsal raphe induces anxiolytic and panicolytic-like effects and alters serotonin immunoreactivity

Previously we showed that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of the dorsal region (DRD) and of the lateral wings of the dorsal raphe (lwDR) respectively decreases anxiety and panic-like responses in the elevated T-maze (ETM). This study investigates neurobiological alterations which might respond for these behavioral effects. Male Wistar rats were submitted to high-frequency stimulation (100 µA, 100 Hz) of the DRD or of the lwDR for 1 h, and subsequently tested in the avoidance or escape tasks of the ETM. Since serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors are first line pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders, we also tested the effects of chronic fluoxetine administration (10 mg/kg, IP, 21 days) on a separate group of rats. An open field was used for locomotor activity assessment. Additionally, we evaluated c-Fos immunoreactivity (Fos-ir) in serotonergic cells of the dorsal raphe (DR). Results showed that DBS of the DRD decreases avoidance reactions, an anxiolytic-like effect, without altering escape or locomotor activity. Both fluoxetine and DBS of the lwDR decreased escape responses in the ETM, a panicolytic-like effect, without altering avoidance measurements or locomotor activity. While DBS of the DRD decreased double immunostaining in the DRD, DBS of the lwDR increased Fos-ir and double immunostaining in the DRD and lwDR. Fluoxetine also increased double immunostaining in the lwDR and in the DRV but decreased it in the DRD. These results suggest that both the anxiolytic and panicolytic-like effects of DBS and fluoxetine are related to 5-HT modulation in different subnuclei of the DR.

On stars and spikes: Resolving the skeletal morphology of planktonic Acantharia using synchrotron X-ray nanotomography and deep learning image segmentation.

Acantharia (Acantharea) are wide-spread marine protozoa, presenting one of the rare examples of strontium sulfate mineralization in the biosphere. Their endoskeletons consist of 20 spicules arranged according to a unique geometric pattern named Müller's principle. Given the diverse mineral architecture of the Acantharia class, we set out to examine the complex three-dimensional skeletal morphology at the nanometer scale using synchrotron X-ray nanotomography, followed by image segmentation based on deep learning methods. The present study focuses on how the spicules emanate from the robust central junction in the orders Symphyacanthida and Arthracanthida, the geometry of lateral spicule wings as well as pockets of interspicular space, which may be involved in cell compartmentalization. Through these morphometric studies, we observed subtle deviations from the previously described spatial arrangement of the spicules. According to our data, spicule shapes are adjusted in opposite spicules as to accommodate the overall spicule arrangement. In all types examined, previously unknown interspicular interstices were found in areas where radial spicules meet, which could have implications for the crystal growth mechanism and overall endoskeletal integrity. A deeper understanding of the spiculogenesis in Acantharia can provide biomimetic routes towards complex inorganic shapes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Morphogenesis, the origin and control of shape, provides an avenue towards tailored inorganic materials. In this work, we explored the intricate skeletal organization of planktonic Acantharia, which are amongst the few strontium sulfate biomineralizing organisms in nature. By using nanoscale X-ray imaging and deep learning image segmentation, we found deviations from previously described geometric patterns and undiscovered skeletal features. The bio-inspired synthesis of inorganic materials with complex shape has important ramifications for solid-state chemistry and nanotechnology.

Gastrodiabawanglingensis (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae), a new species from Hainan Island, China.

Gastrodiabawanglingensis, a new species of Orchidaceae from Hainan Island, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to G.theana, G.albidoides and G.albida with dwarf habits, scarcely opening flowers, elongated fruit stems, curved and fleshy perianth tubes and similar columns and lips, but can be easily distinguished from them by having a pair of lateral wings bent outwards at the apex of the column and lateral wings with acuminate tips lower than the anther. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the new species is assessed as Endangered (EN). The plastome of G.bawanglingensis is greatly reduced and reconfigured with approximately 30876 bp in size and 25.36% in GC content. Morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic results based on chloroplast gene sequences support the recognition of G.bawanglingensis as a new species within Gastrodia.

Hemiparkinsonism caused by a lateral sphenoid wing meningioma, with tractography analysis: illustrative case.

The etiologies of parkinsonism are diverse. A possible and rare cause of hemiparkinsonism is mechanical compression of the basal ganglia and its connecting white matter tracts. The authors present a case of hemiparkinsonism caused by a lateral sphenoid wing meningioma, discuss the underlying pathophysiology based on tractography, and systematically review the existing literature. A 59-year-old female was referred for a left-sided tremor of the hand, accompanied by a cogwheel rigidity of the left arm. Symptomatology appeared 1 year earlier and worsened in the previous 6 months, finally also showing involvement of the left leg. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a space-occupying suspected meningioma originating from the right lateral sphenoid wing and compressing the ipsilateral striatum. Tractography studies contributed to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology. Resection of the meningioma could be performed without complications. At the 4-month follow-up, the patient's hemiparkinsonism had completely recovered. An intracranial space-occupying lesion may be a rare cause of hemiparkinsonism. In new-onset parkinsonism, especially if a secondary form is suspected, brain MRI should be performed promptly to avoid misdiagnosis and treatment. Tractography studies help understand the underlying pathophysiology. After surgical decompression of the affected structures, symptoms can recover completely.

Assessment of infraorbital foramen position using computed tomography-scan in a cohort of Cameroonian adults: landmarks in facial surgery and anesthesiology.

the infraorbital foramen (IOF) is a hole located in the maxillary bone and delivering passage to the infra orbital vascular-nervous bundle. It is an essential structure in the management of orofacial pathologies. Its precise location allows optimal anesthesia of the infraorbital nerve during cleft lip and palate surgery or alcoholization during the management of essential V2 neuralgia. The aim of our research was to determine the morphology and morphometry of the infraorbital foramen in a sample of the Cameroonian population. we included 208 CT-scans of patients meeting our search criteria. We determined the shape of the IOF and evaluated the transverse and vertical diameters of the IOF. We assessed the distance of the IOF from the maxillary alveolar crest and the infraorbital margin. The Student test was used to determine the association between different variables. The P-value of 0.05 was considered significant and the confidence interval was 95%. male subjects represented 52.4% (n=109) of our participants and the mean age of our population was 26 years ± 7.3. The mean transverse diameter of the left IOF was 1.97 mm ± 0.51 while 1.78 mm ± 0.53. The IOF was more often medial to the lateral palpebral commissure-nasal wing line on the left and right (78.8% and 72.6%, respectively). Our sample showed that in 54.6% (n=113) of subjects, the IOF was oval on the left side, whereas on the right side, the IOF was oval in 52.3% (n=109) of patients. our study showed that to locate the IOF in a Cameroonian individual, one must palpate the vestibular mucosa opposite the maxillary first molar. Then, one must follow the line passing over this tooth, the IOF is located at about 7 mm from the infra-orbital border and 16 mm from the lateral nasal wall. We have shown that the IOF is located medial to the line connecting the nasal wing to the external palpebral commissure.