Main Diagnostic Feature Research Articles

Correction of Multiapical Deformities of Long Bones of the Lower Extremities: A Review

Background. Multiapical deformities of the long bones of the lower extremities represent a complex and widely prevalent orthopedic pathology. A numerous of publications address its individual aspects: diagnosis, planning, and correction. However, no single study was found that offers a comprehensive assessment of contemporary views on treating patients with multiapical deformities of long bones.
 Aim of the review — to define current concepts and unresolved issues in the analysis, planning, and correction of multiapical deformities of the long bones of the lower limbs based on the scientific literature.
 Methods. Electronic databases were utilized for literature search: PubMed/MEDLINE, SAGE Publishing Journals, Embase, eLIBRARY, Google Scholar. Particular attention was paid to studies that provide information on diagnosis, planning, and correction methods for multiapical deformities. A total of 46 publications were included in the review.
 Results. In the literature, the terms “multiapical deformity” and “multilevel deformity” are used synonymously. At the same time, the term “multilevel deformity” is used to denote uniapical deformities of different limb segments. The main diagnostic feature of a multiapical deformity is the location of the apex outside the bone. Unlike uniapical deformities, the correction planning of multiapical deformities uses the axis of the intermediate fragment(s). Most authors define it as the mid-diaphyseal line. The correction of multiapical deformities is performed either acute or gradually. Acute correction with internal fixation is undoubtedly more comfortable for the patient. If there are contraindications to it, the deformity correction is performed gradually using Ilizarov hinges or orthopedic hexapods.
 Conclusion. The term “multiapical deformity” inherently indicates that the deformed bone has more than one apex, so it should take precedence over the term “multilevel deformity”. The diagnostic feature of the multiapical deformity “localization of the AOD outside the bone” is not absolute and requires clarification. There are challenges in planning the correction using mechanical axes, as well as in determining the axis of the nonlinear (bowing) intermediate fragment(s). The “spring technique” has significant advantages over other variants of using orthopedic hexapods in correcting a multiapical deformity. However, a rationale for the optimal characteristics of springs, their fixation points to supports, and clarification of the computer program’s use method is required. Addressing these issues will enhance the treatment efficiency for patients with multiapical deformities.

Taxonomic Status and Composition of the Genera Caulaster, Porcellanaster and Eremicaster (Asteroidea) Based on Juvenile Morphology and Molecular Phylogenetic Data

The genus Porcellanaster Thomson 1878 has hitherto included two species, the type species P. ceruleus Thomson, 1878 and P. ivanovi Belyaev, 1969. According to WoRMS, the full list of junior synonyms of P. ceruleus consists of 15 specific names, including porcellanasterids of the genera Caulaster Perrier 1882 and Albatrossia Ludwig 1905. In this paper, the morphology of juvenile and adult Porcellanaster and synonymized species from the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans are studied. As a result, the composition of the genus Porcellanaster has been revised. The genus Caulaster is re-established and now includes two species, and two new morphological forms of Caulaster are described. The genera Albatrossia and Damnaster H.E.S Clark & McKnight, 1994 are considered junior synonyms of Caulaster. The number of species of the genus Porcellanaster has increased to five, including the recovered P. caulifer, P. fragilis and P. sladeni. The study of representatives of the closely related genus Eremicaster Fisher, 1905 has not led to a change in its species composition. The main diagnostic feature of Caulaster is the presence of adambulacral and dorsal pedicellariae both in adults and juveniles with a major radius (R) greater than 3.5 mm. Pedicellariae have never been found in Porcellanaster or Eremicaster at any stage of postlarval development. The species of Caulaster and some species of Porcellanaster are the smallest porcellanasterids, with the most simplified morphology and reduced papulae and paxillae responsible for respiration. These genera are located on the phylogenetic tree in different clades, which demonstrates the parallel evolution of these taxa and confirms the validity of the genus Caulaster. One of the reasons for miniaturization is likely the burrowing mode of life with feeding on subsurface sediment of low nutritional value. The simplification of morphology can be traced by many morphological charactercs in many ways, including the reduction in papulae and paxillae.

Auxin-dependent regulation of growth via rolB-induced modulation of the ROS metabolism in the long-term cultivated pRiA4-transformed Rubiacordifolia L. calli

Gene transfer from Agrobacterium to plants is the best studied example of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The rol genes of A. rhizogenes (Rhizobium rhizogenes) provide uncontrolled root growth, or “hairy root” syndrome, the main diagnostic feature. In the present study, we investigated the stable pRiA4-transformed callus culture of Rubia cordifolia L. While untransformed callus cultures need PGRs (plant growth regulators) as an obligatory supplement, pRiA4 calli is able to achieve long-term PGR-free cultivation. For the first time, we described the pRiA4-transformed callus cultures' PGR-dependent ROS status, growth, and specialized metabolism. As we have shown, expression of the rolA and rolB but not the rolC genes is contradictory in a PGR-dependent manner. Moreover, a PGR-free pRiA4 transformed cell line is characterised as more anthraquinone (AQ) productive than an untransformed cell culture. These findings pertain to actual plant biotechnology: it could be the solution to troubles in choosing the best PGR combination for the cultivation of some rare, medicinal, and woody plants; wild-type Ri-plants and tissue cultures may become freed from legal controls on genetically modified organisms in the future. We propose possible PGR-dependent relationships between rolA and rolB as well as ROS signalling targets. The present study highlighted the high importance of the rolA gene in the regulation of combined rol gene effects and the large knowledge gap in rolA action.

Comparative morphological characteristics of helicobacter pylori and autoimmune gastritis

Objective: to conduct a comparative morphological analysis of helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and autoimmune gastritis and to determine the significant morphological criteria for differential diagnosis.Materials and methods. 30 cases of chronic atrophic helicobacter gastritis and 30 cases of chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis were retrospectively selected for the study. In all cases of helicobacter gastritis, the presence of H. pylori was confirmed by morphological diagnostic methods using Giemsa staining or additionally using immunohistochemistry. All cases of autoimmune gastritis were additionally confirmed by clinical and laboratory diagnostic methods, some patients had a long history of follow-up and biopsy material was taken from them repeatedly. A prerequisite was taking at least 5 biopsies according to the Sydney Protocol.Results. The main differential diagnostic feature in our study was the detection of H. pylori, as well as the localization of the lesion in the stomach body characteristic of autoimmune gastritis and in the antrum in helicobacter gastritis. The study groups differed by gender (the predominance of females in the group of autoimmune gastritis), the prevalence and activity of inflammation (all cases of helicobacter gastritis had signs of inflammation activity). When studying the content of neuroendocrine cells in cases of helicobacter gastritis in the stomach body, simple hyperplasia of neuroendocrine cells was noted, in cases of autoimmune gastritis, the appearance of chains and nodules was noted, which corresponded to linear and nodular hyperplasia of neuroendocrine cells.Conclusion. The morphological criteria obtained in the study make it possible to make a differential diagnosis between helicobacter and autoimmune gastritis. This is extremely important because of the differences in treatment approaches and dynamic monitoring tactics in these variants of chronic gastritis.

INFLUENCE OF MIXED FACIAL EXPRESSIONS ON THE APPROACH AND AVOIDANCE BEHAVIOR

The facial expression of perceived people, depending on the modality of emotions, influences the approach and avoidance behavior, providing a quick and evolutionarily appropriate response. The influence of mixed facial expressions on the change in the distance between contacting people remains insufficiently studied. The goal of this study is to determine the defining traits of the behavioral tendency to approach and avoid perceived expressions of mixed emotions. The study was expected to find differences in the moving stimuli with mixed facial expressions compared to the basic one, closer and further. The subjects were presented with a computer version of the visual task of approaching and moving away, in which a delay in the psychomotor reaction was recorded under two conditions: affectively congruent (approaching positive and avoiding negative stimuli) and affectively incongruent (composed in the opposite way). By pressing the corresponding keys, the subjects enlarged or reduced the images, which contributed to the creation of the effect of changing the distance between participants and stimuli. Photographic images of basic emotions (anger, fear, joy) and combined expressions from these were used as stimuli. The sample consisted of 60 people aged from 17 to 24 (Ме=20.5), 50% men. The results indicate that the combined expressions used in the study are approached more slowly than expressions of joy and fear (but not anger), and moved further with the same delay in the psychomotor reaction. Thus, the response to combined expressions depends on clearly visible negative valence signals and is not compensated by a pronounced smile. This indicates the dominance of the main diagnostic feature in the formation of a behavioral tendency to approach and avoid. The results obtained can be used to develop social and emotional competence, providing the possibility of recognition and correction of the approach and avoidance behavior towards perceived people depending on mixed facial expression.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЙ ВЗГЛЯД НА ЭТИОЛОГИЮ И ПАТОГЕНЕЗ ПЛОСКОГО ЛИШАЯ И ЛИХЕНОИДНЫХ ПОРАЖЕНИЙ СЛИЗИСТОЙ ОБОЛОЧКИ РТА

Subject. The review which has been carried out allows us to consider the issues of etiopathogenesis of lichen planus and lichenoid lesions of the oral mucosa adapted to the modern classification. The analysis of clinical features must be carried out with an emphasis on differential diagnosis. The aim is to conduct a systematic analysis of modern native and foreign literature sources to determine some features of the etiology and pathogenesis of lichen planus and lichenoid reactions of the oral mucosa, depending on risk factors. Methodology. The search for research papers on the etiology and pathogenesis of this dermatosis was carried out using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, elibrary.ru, Scopus in the period from 2010 to 2021, and the review includes selected significant publications for the period from 2015 to 2021. The following keywords were used: lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesions, prevalence, clinical symptoms, clinical forms, risk factors. Special attention was paid to articles published in peer-reviewed scientific publications. Research methods used in the analysis process: content and descriptive-analytical analysis. As a result of an electronic search, 74 publications were found. The conducted research has a wide geography: Austria, Australia, Belarus, Great Britain, India, Spain, Italy, Iran, Yemen, China, Korea, Russia, Romania, USA, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand, Tehran, Croatia, Scotland, Philadelphia, Japan. Results. Among all the pathological processes that were diagnosed on the oral mucosa, lichen planus occurs on average from 35 to 70% of cases, while only isolated or oral forms are diagnosed on average from 50 to 75% of cases of examinations, the frequency of simultaneous lesions of the mucous membranes and skin is 23-28.6%. The pathogenesis of the studied pathology has significant differences depending on the diagnosed form of lichen planus, or manifestations of lichenoid lesions. Conclusions. In a comprehensive examination of these patients, it is very important to analyze not only the clinical features of oral forms of lichen planus, but also to evaluate the topographic location of morphological elements, their symmetry, and size. These data together allow for a differentiated approach in making an accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic process of oral forms of lichen planus and lichenoid lesions also includes the identification of general somatic diseases, the assessment of local risk factors, and the identification of the relative frequency and intensity of their clinical forms. The main diagnostic feature that allows you to distinguish lichenoid lesions from lichen planus is the fact that the elimination of the factor that provoked the symptoms leads to the disappearance of the damage.

Planothidium scrobiculatum sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta), a new monoraphid diatom from freshwater Pleistocene deposits of South America

A new monoraphid diatom species appeared successively in paleolimnological records from a Quaternary sediment core (1.5±0.1 Ma) retrieved from ColĂ´nia basin (Brazilian Coastal Plain, Atlantic Forest, São Paulo Metropolitan Region), and is formally described as Planothidium scrobiculatum sp. nov. We studied the new species through light and scanning electron microscopy and discussed its similarity to other members of the genus. The new species has a unique combination of morphological features that allow its separation from all other species in the genus: (1) lanceolate valve outline with cuneate apices, (2) multiseriate striae composed of two to four rows of irregular sized areolae on the rapheless sternum valve (SV), not interrupted at the valve mantle junction, and (3) arrangement of areolae on the valve mantle, grouped in 3 or 4 rows, each composed of 2 to 3 areolae on the SV. Nevertheless, the new species main diagnostic feature is the occurrence of numerous, unusual, small shallow depressions externally located on the SV along the axial area, cavum, and virgae. As a result, P. scrobiculatum is different from similar species under LM and SEM by some evident characters or a combination of characters. This study contributes to the knowledge of the so far understudied biodiversity of microorganisms of tropical regions. In addition, the above-mentioned diversity patterns and the wealth of new diatom taxa inside and around the ColĂ´nia basin (many yet to be described) suggest that further samplings from other localities may provide an insight into its habitat preferences and range, since this area is an exceptional biological entity, worthy of further study.

Chlorophytum sabiense (Asparagaceae): A new speices from Nigeria

Chlorophytum Ker-Gawl. is a monocotyledonous perennial herb. Its perennating organ is rhizome which may be tuberous or not. The genus like other Liliales is characterized by having tricarpellay syncarpous ovary. In the present study, samples of the species collected from the North Central part of Nigeria and used for this study, were observed to have multiple carpels fused at the base and with free styles. This is the main diagnostic feature of the newly identified species. Multicarpellary syncarpous ovary is not only new for the genus but also for the tribe Asphodeleae of Hutchinson's system. The carpels consist of; 3 with long free styles and 3 with short free styles. Placentation is axile, with three chambers, suggesting carpellode situation in few of its carpels. The new taxon is therefore named Chlorophytum sabiense. Omokanye, sp. nov. TYPE: Nigeria, Sabi

PHACE syndrome with parotid hemangiomas: a unique case report

BackgroundPHACE syndrome is a congenital disorder in infants characterized by the presence of large hemangiomas in the cervicofacial region along with congenital anomalies of the cardiovascular system, brain, and eyes. PHACE syndrome is an extremely rare condition, and PHACE syndrome with parotid hemangiomas has never been reported in the medical literature.Case presentationA 3-month-old female infant presented with cervicofacial plaques that later involved the left eyelids. The plaques blanched on application of pressure and were diagnosed to be hemangiomas. MRI and MRA studies of the brain showed extensive vascular malformations, agenesis of the left internal carotid artery, and hemangiomas in the parotid glands. A biopsy of the parotid glands confirmed the parotid hemangiomas. Bilateral cataracts and subclavian artery with an aberrant origin were also found. On the basis of the hemangiomas and the arterial, cardiovascular, and ocular abnormalities, PHACE syndrome was diagnosed. A multi-disciplinary treatment approach was begun, but the infant died 20 days after presentation to the hospital.ConclusionsPHACE syndrome is an extremely rare condition that has only been described three hundred times in medical literature. It is usually associated with extensive structural, arterial, ocular, and cutaneous anomalies. However, PHACE syndrome with parotid hemangiomas has never been reported in the medical literature. Hemangiomas are the main diagnostic feature and the most common lesion of this disease. This strong association between PHACE syndrome and hemangiomas suggests the parotid hemangiomas seen in our case to be a new addition to the broad spectrum of anomalies associated with PHACE syndrome.

Two new dinoflagellate cyst species and their biostratigraphical application in the Eocene and Oligocene of the North Sea

The Cenozoic of the North Sea is among the best-documented stratigraphical successions in the world, and multiple palynological events have been recognised for chronostratigraphical control across the region. The ever-increasing number of wells studied for hydrocarbon exploration and production results in the generation of new biostratigraphical data that constantly increase our palynological knowledge of the area. Here we describe two new dinoflagellate cyst species from an Lower Eocene (Ypresian) to Lower Oligocene (Rupelian) succession in Gannet Field (UK Central North Sea). These are Reticulatosphaera valdereticulata sp. nov., a short-lived Rupelian index taxon, and Alisocysta heilmannii sp. nov., previously informally known as Alisocysta sp. 2, which is an Ypresian marker widely used by biostratigraphers working the North Sea region. The development of a dense network of trabeculae connecting the processes distally allows Reticulatosphaera valdereticulata sp. nov. to be clearly distinguished from the closely similar Reticulatosphaera actinocoronata. The main diagnostic feature in Alisocysta heilmannii sp. nov. is the development of delicate penitabular septa. Both species show widespread palaeogeographical distribution across the North Sea region. We also document the diverse palynofloras in which the two new species are encountered and discuss biostratigraphical application and palaeoenvironmental settings.

Diagnostics features of technical condition for inking unit drive of printing machines

The paper considers approaches to assessing the technical condition of the inking unit drive of printing machinery in the work environment. As the main diagnostic feature, it is proposed to use the noise spectrum, created when working with inking systems. Reasons for noise of inking systems are considered. To create a mathematical model of sound radiation by quill cylinders of inking system, it is shown that behaviour is described by oscillation equation of tubular girder. Theoretical research has shown, there is a possibility in principle to use the noise spectrum emitted by the inking system to diagnose the technical condition of its drive. To improve the accuracy of diagnosis, it is proposed to use neural network technology of image identification.

Hair abnormality in Netherton syndrome observed under polarized light microscopy

Trichorrhexis invaginata, the main diagnostic feature of Netherton syndrome, is often difficult to detect, especially in adult patients. We sought to describe a characteristic feature of hairs in Netherton syndrome using a polarized light microscope and the underlying histopathologic changes. Hairs obtained from 8 patients with Netherton syndrome were observed under polarized light, and we evaluated the correlation between number of band-like patterns and disease severity. Under polarized microscopy, the hair shafts of 8 patients showed a characteristic band-like pattern under polarized light that was not observed in healthy control individuals or patients with atopic dermatitis. This discontinuity of polarized light shows a band-like pattern in which the bands mostly ranged from 0.1 to 1.0mm in width. The observed ratio of this finding was significantly higher than that of trichorrhexis invaginata observed under light microscopy, and patients with severe dermatitis tended to have a higher ratio than those with less severe dermatitis. Comparative examination among other congenital ichthyoses was not performed. A band-like pattern in hairs with polarized light microscopy can be seen in Nethertonsyndrome and may have potential utility as a diagnostic marker.

A NEW SPECIES OF THE FEATHER MITE GENUS CALCEALGES GAUD, 1952 (ACARIFORMES: TROUESSARTIIDAE) FROM THE LOWLAND TINY GREENBUL PHYLLASTREPHUS DEBILIS (PASSERIFORMES: PYCNONOTIDAE): MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTIONS WITH DNA BARCODE DATA

A new species Calcealges bochkovi sp. n. (Astigmata: Analgoidea) is described from the lowland tiny greenbul Phyllastrephus debilis (Sclater) from Mozambique. This species is close to C. gyroplax Gaud et Mouchet, 1957 described from African bulbuls. Both sexes of these species are very similar in general body shape: in particular, in the form of the epimerites and of the opisthosomal lobes, as well as in the shape of the dorsal shields. The main diagnostic feature of the new species is the striation of dorsal shields, especially pronounced on the prodorsum (in C. gyroplax, these shields lack striae and they are uniformly dotted). The standard morphological description is supplemented by the COI barcode data.

Retinal abiotrophy in mitochondrial pathology: NARP sindrome (a clinical case)

Purpose: to present a clinical case of retinal abiotrophy in mitochondrial pathology (NARP syndrome) caused by the mutation m.8993T>G in the ATPase gene type 6 in order to improve the diagnosis of hereditary abiotrophies. Material and methods. The results of a clinical molecular genetic examination of the patient’s family, undertaken in order to clarify the diagnosis and determine the genetic risk, are presented. The family was found to have an isolated pathology of the eye. Results. DNA studies by MLPA method and the analysis of clinical data in the family revealed a hereditary syndromic pathology which caused changes in the eyes. The inheritance type was found to be maternal. Conclusion. NARP syndrome is a syndrome with the maternal type of inheritance in which retinal abiotrophy is primarily associated with the mutation m.8993T>G mtDNA and can be considered as the main diagnostic feature among other clinical manifestations. The case demonstrates the difficulties of diagnosing hereditary syndromes accompanied by eye pathology.

A Mobile Crowd Sensing Application for Hypertensive Patients.

Mobile crowd sensing (MCS) is an application that collects data from a network of conscientious volunteers and implements it for the common or personal benefit. This contribution proposes an implementation that collects the data from hypertensive patients, thus creating an experimental database using the cloud service Platform as a Service (PaaS). The challenge is to perform the analysis without the main diagnostic feature for hypertension—the blood pressure. The other problems consider the data reliability in an environment full of artifacts and with limited bandwidth and battery resources. In order to motivate the MCS volunteers, a feedback about the patient’s current status is created, provided by the means of machine-learning (ML) techniques. Two techniques are investigated and the Random Forest algorithm yielded the best results. The proposed platform, with slight modifications, can be adapted to the patients with other cardiovascular problems.

In vivo hyperspectral analysis of skin hemoglobin and melanin content for neoplasia detection

We present results of main skin chromophores (melanin and hemoglobin) optical analysis. Analysis of 91 in vivo skin tissues (50 benign and 41 malignant) was performed in visible spectral region with hyperspectral imaging technique. To assess the malignancy of skin tissues we proposed two methods for calculating the integral index of tissue optical density and performed a comparison of their effectiveness and effectiveness of physician survey. As the main diagnostic feature, we propose to use data of integral optical index dispersion from the studied tissue and healthy tissue area. The results of skin tissues classification with discriminant analysis are presented. The possibility of the proposed approaches application in the clinical practice is shown.

Bennettella ceticola (Nelson ex Bennett) Holmes on the skin of Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) of the Argentinean Sea: an emendation of the generic description

The presence of epizoic diatoms on the skin of a variety of large marine vertebrates, such as whales and dolphins, has been often reported in the scientific literature. The first observations of an algal growth over on the skin of cetaceans were probably made around 1920. Later studies showed the presence of a new species, Cocconeis ceticola, on skin samples. Morphological features of this species led to the transference of C. ceticola, together with related forms, to the new genus Bennettella Holmes.Here, we report the occurrence of a diatom film of Bennettella ceticola on the skin of the Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), obtained from bycatch in fishermen’s gillnets at Samborombon Bay, Argentina, in April 2005. For comparison the holotype of B. ceticola, deposited in the Natural History Museum (London, U.K.) dated 1920 and labelled as Cocconeis ceticola was examined. Detailed analysis of the fine structure of B. ceticola shows that it mostly matches the original description. However, the external raphe ending is not bifurcated (as originally described), and has only one simple, parallel sided slit and polar fissures hidden by a triangular flange. The triangular flange is the main diagnostic feature distinguishing Bennettella from Epipellis Holmes and Cocconeis Ehrenberg, allowing us to propose an emended description of Bennettella. The taxonomic affinities of B. ceticola with related genera, such as Cocconeis and Epipellis, are discussed. The present study constitutes the first report of B. ceticola as an epizoic diatom of a cetacean species in waters of the Argentinean Sea.

Eunotia amazonica sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta), a common stalk-forming species from the Rio Negro basin (Brazilian Amazon)

ABSTRACTA new stalk-forming diatom was observed at high relative abundances on periphytic samples collected in the Rio Negro hydrographic basin (Brazilian Amazon) and is here described using light and scanning electron microscopy. We also present ecological preferences of the new species. Eunotia amazonica sp. nov. co-dominated periphytic samples collected during the rainy seasons of 2013 and 2014 near the city of Manaus (Amazonas, Brazil). The main diagnostic feature of the new species is the stalk-forming growth form (‘Cymbella-like’) illustrated here for the first time in the genus Eunotia Ehrenberg. Previous reports on growth forms in common European databases for this genus included colonial (‘ribbon-like’) but also ‘mobile’, ‘fixed by pads’ or ‘without structures of fixation’. We demonstrated that the three dominant Eunotia species in periphytic samples from the Rio Negro all exhibited distinct ‘growth forms’ or habits: Eunotia amazonica sp. nov. (stalked), Eunotia intricans Metzeltin & Lange-Bertalot (ribbon-like) and Eunotia rabenhorstiana (Grunow) Hustedt (branched-arborescent). The high diversity of species, many of which are unknown to science, as well as the poorly known life-forms and habits of the Eunotiaceae in the region, partially prevent the use of metrics based on life-form to assess ecological changes. Generic assumptions based on robust statistical methods may obscure reality and lead to biased conclusions of diatom community changes in poorly explored regions such as Neotropical freshwater rivers, where the Eunotiaceae are largely dominant, particularly in the Amazon basin.

Juvenile ossifying fibroma: an analysis of clinico-pathological features in a case series with a literature review

Juvenile Aggressive Ossifying Fibroma (JAOF) is divided into two entities namely Juvenile Psammomatoid Ossifying Fibroma (JPOF) and Juvenile Trabecular Ossifying Fibroma (JTOF). JAOFs are aggressive but benign tumours that require clinico-pathological correlation to arrive at the definitive diagnosis. We report nine new cases of JPOF and 6 cases of JTOF with a brief review of the literature to aid correct diagnosis of these two different entities. According to the clinico-pathological analysis both JPOF and JTOF had occurred in children and adults, with a mean age of 28.6 years and 21 years at presentation respectively. JPOF showed a male predilection while equal gender distribution was observed in JTOF. Both tumours occurred most often in the mandible. Regarding the histopathological features all tumours were unencapsulated. All cases of JPOF showed presence of psammoma bodies which can be considered as a main diagnostic feature. JTOF showed osteoid and immature woven bone trabeculae. Osteoblastic rimming was commonly observed among JTOF but absent in JPOF. Other histopathological features did not show any striking difference between the two lesions. In conclusion, the term “Juvenile aggressive ossifying fibroma” is a misnomer as it can occur in adults as well. Therefore, the word “Juvenile” should be excluded when renaming the tumour which is a “need of the hour”. Further, the study demonstrates the use of demographic, radiological and histopathological features with clinico-pathological correlation to diagnose and exclude mimics of JPOF and JTOF.

Molecular evidence for cryptic species in Pteroclava krempfi (Hydrozoa, Cladocorynidae) living in association with alcyonaceans

Hydrozoans are able to establish intimate relationships with several other organisms. The hydroid Pteroclava krempfi lives in association with different alcyonacean taxa from Indo-Pacific and Atlantic coral reefs, growing partially embedded within host tissues. In this study, we found P. krempfi associated with four alcyonacean hosts from the Maldives, namely Sinularia, Sarcophyton, Lobophytum and Paraplexaura, the latter representing a new record. We provided the first molecular phylogenetic evaluation of the genus Pteroclava. Pteroclava krempfi clustered with Cladocoryne floccosa, confirming its position into the family Cladocorynidae. We also performed the first morpho-molecular assessment of P. krempfi diversity. All the colonies growing on different hosts revealed polyps and medusae matching published descriptions of P. krempfi, showing no morphological differences. However, analysing both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, two highly supported molecular lineages were identified. These two clades were highly divergent and were specifically associated with hosts belonging to different families (Alcyoniidae and Plexauridae). Therefore, our results suggest that P. krempfi from the Maldives is a complex of cryptic species in which the main diagnostic feature between different species could be the host specificity.