Middle Branch Research Articles

Damage Inflicted by Extreme Drought on Poyang Lake Delta Wetland and the Establishment of Countermeasures

Due to the joint influence of climate change and human activities, the hydrological rhythm of Poyang Lake has changed in recent years, leading to an increasingly severe drought problem during autumn and winter in this region. Notably, the extreme drought that occurred in 2022 had profound impacts on shipping, water supply and the ecological environment of the wetlands in the Poyang Lake Delta, sparking widespread concern. Based on the historical hydrometeorological data of Poyang Lake, we used statistical models (such as Chow test, correlation analysis, etc.) to analyze the cause of the extreme drought in the Poyang Lake Delta from the perspectives of natural factors and human activity. Through correlation analysis, we found that the water level, discharge, and drought duration of the Poyang Lake Delta were all significantly affected by climate change, particularly rainfall in the Poyang Lake basin. Furthermore, combining the results of Chow test and correlation analysis, we also found that the operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir had a notable impact on the water level of the Poyang Lake Delta. Based on remote sensing images, ecological and environmental sampling monitoring, the damage inflicted by the extreme drought event on the Poyang Lake Delta was analyzed. The results show that the inundated area of the delta wetlands in the extreme-drought year (2022) decreased by 45.75% compared with that in a normal year (2017). In addition, the ecological environment of the wetlands deteriorated significantly. The water quality parameters (TN, TP, NH4+-N) increased by 50.2%, 240% and 64.7%, respectively. The concentrations of TN and TP were 3.8 mg/L and 0.17 mg/L, respectively, while the context values in the delta were 1.2 mg/L and 0.075 mg/L. The density and biomass of algae increased by 87.2% and 557.9%, respectively. In contrast, the density and biomass of benthos decreased by 59.9% and 78.5%, respectively. The control strategy for the Poyang Lake Delta under extreme drought was studied through an experiment on the operation of hydraulic controllers. The results show that under extreme drought conditions, the newly built hydraulic controllers could raise the water level of the delta from 9.1 ± 0.7 m to 14.2 ± 1.8 m, thus effectively solving the water cut-off problem in the four branches of the delta. Furthermore, by adjusting the distributive ratio of the main, north, middle and south branches of the delta to 50%, 4%, 24% and 22% through newly built hydraulic controllers, the water area can be increased by 56%.

Application of Open Panicle Traits in Improving the Filling Characteristics at the Base of Indica Rice Panicles.

Panicle-type structure is an important factor affecting rice yield, and an excellent panicle type has become a key indicator in rice breeding. In this study, the indica rice variety R766, which has an open panicle type, was obtained through natural mutation and hybrid selection. Through analyzing differences in panicle structure, panicle yield, and chemical composition between open panicle rice R766 and conventional panicle rice R2928, we found that the angles of the middle and lower branches in R766 were 186.99% and 135.93% greater than those in R2928, respectively. By comparing the grain-filling characteristics of different panicle positions in the two rice varieties, we found that the grain filling at the middle and lower panicle positions of R2928 was significantly lower, accompanied by an increase in the percentage of empty spikelets. However, in R766, the grain-filling rates in the middle and lower panicle positions were consistent with those in the upper panicle position, with significantly higher rates of grain filling and grain plumpness in the middle and lower panicle positions than in R2928. The empty grain rate at the lower panicle position of R766 was 15.25% lower than that of R2928, and the grain filling was 24.75% higher than that of R2928. Additionally, the variation in the 1000-grain weight of grains at different panicle positions in R766 was relatively small, with decreases of 1.55% and 0.38% in the middle and lower panicle positions, respectively, compared with the upper position, whereas R2928 showed decreases of 5.99% and 7.12% in the 1000-grain weight of grains at the middle and lower panicle positions, respectively, compared with the upper position. The cellulose content in the stems of R766 was 7.51% higher than that of R2928, with no significant difference in the cellulose content in the panicle axis and primary branches compared to R2928. The lignin content of the panicle axis in R766 was 8.03% higher than that in R2928, whereas there was no significant difference between the lignin content of the stems and primary branches. This preliminary study revealed the open panicle characteristics of R766 and the reasons for its high basal grain setting rate. This study provides a reference for promoting this open panicle-type indica rice variety to improve yield and disease resistance in environments with high humidity and low sunlight levels.

Effects of plyometric warm-up performed with different resistances on jumping performance as post-activation potentiation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of plyometric warm-up with different resistances as post activation potentiation stimulus on vertical jump performance. Fifteen athletes from short and middle distance branches of athletics who have been training regularly for at least 5 years and at least 5 days a week attended the study voluntarily. The athletes in this study were warmed up for 5 minutes at a speed of 8 km/h on a treadmill, followed by 5 minutes of passive rest. Completing 5 minutes of passive rest, the athletes were randomly sampled and any of the 50 lb, 60 lb, 70 lb, 80 lb resistance or non-resistance warm-up protocols consisting of 3 sets on the vertimax device were carried out. After warming up, 5 minutes of passive rest was given and then squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump tests were performed. Repeated measures ANOVA test was conducted in the analyses of the measurements of jump distance and power of the athletes participating in this study both without resistance and after the applied resistances. Significant differences were observed in SJ and CMJ values after PAP warm-up without and with resistance (p < .05). The height and power values of SJ after PAP warm-up with 70 lb and 80 lb resistance bands were found significantly higher than those without resistance (p < .05). Furthermore, the height and power values of CMJ after PAP warm-up with 80 lb resistance bands were found significantly higher than the values of warm-up without resistance (p < .05). In conclusion, even though an increase in jump height and power values was observed with each resistance increment, significant increases in power and height values as a PAP response were achieved at 70 and 80 lb resistance for SJ and 80 lb resistance for CMJ.

Numerical simulation of flow around two side-by-side elliptic cylinders at different Reynolds numbers

The study of the flow around the parallel elliptic cylinder is important to the analysis of the shedding vortex, lift, and drag characteristics in practical engineering, while relevant research is limited. In this paper, the flow around two side-by-side elliptic cylinders at different Reynolds numbers (Re=100,3900,105) is numerically simulated, and the flow characteristics at different gap-ratios and aspect-ratios are analyzed. By comparing the shedding characteristics of the vortexes and the lift (C_(L,AMP) and C _L)and drag (C _D) characteristics of the structure, we found that the vortex appears as a single elliptic cylinder at different Reynolds numbers and when G is small. Then, with the increase of gap-ratio G, vortexes gradually occur at the gap. Furthermore, C _D, C_(L,AMP)and C _L show a decreasing trend. With the increase of aspect-ratio A, the size of the vortices in the upper and lower branches decreases at different Reynolds numbers, while the vortexes in the middle branch show different characteristics at different Reynolds numbers.C _Ddecreases at different Reynolds numbers as A increases. At Re=100, with the increase of A, C_(L,AMP) decreases, while C _L increases. At Re=3900 and Re=105, The curves of C_(L,AMP) and C _Lshow fluctuations.

Mixed-mode oscillations of an atomic force microscope in tapping mode.

In the phenomenon of mixed-mode oscillations, transitions between large-amplitude and small-amplitude oscillations may lead to anomalous jitter in the probe of a tapping mode atomic force microscope (TM-AFM) during the scanning process, thereby affecting the accuracy and clarity of the topographical images of the tested sample's surface. This work delves deeply into various mixed-mode oscillations and the corresponding formation mechanisms in TM-AFM under low-frequency resonant excitation. Through a detailed analysis of bifurcation sets of the fast subsystem, we found that the system's mixed-mode oscillations encompass the typical two coexisting branches and the novel three coexisting branches of equilibrium point attractors. In the stable case, a certain transition pattern in phase trajectory can be observed involving two jumps and four jumps, switching between quiescent and spiking states. In the bi-stable case, the trajectory undergoes distinct transitions decided by whether to pass through or crossover the middle branch of attractors when bifurcation occurs. By applying basin of attraction and fast-slow analysis methods, we unfold the dynamic mechanism of mixed-mode oscillations with distinct switching patterns. Our research contributes to a better understanding of complex oscillations of TM-AFM and provides valuable insights for improving image quality and measurement precision while mitigating detrimental oscillations.

Is it safe to discontinue anticoagulant after surgical treatment of varicose vein disease, which caused pulmonary embolism?

Superficial vein thrombosis, which is mostly caused by lower extremity varicose vein disease, can be complicated by pulmonary embolism. At the same time, the optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy for pulmonary embolism originated from varicose vein thrombosis is still under debate. On the one hand, the presence of varicose veins is considered a small risk factor for the development of venous thromboembolic events, which persistence determines an increased risk of relapse and requires prolonged anticoagulant therapy. On the other hand, elimination of varicose veins is associated with reduced risk of subsequent venous thromboembolic events. The article describes a clinical case of recurrent pulmonary embolism after surgical treatment of varicose vein disease, which caused primary pulmonary embolism. A 45-year-old patient suffering from left lower extremity varicose vein disease for 5 years was admitted to the intensive care unit with suspected pulmonary embolism. The further examination revealed signs of thrombotic occlusion of the segmental and subsegmental branches of the pulmonary arteries bilaterally and the middle lobe branch of the right pulmonary artery, as well as signs of the right-sided heart overload. In this case, pulmonary embolism was found to originate from thrombosis of the trunk of the great saphenous vein ofthe left lower extremity with a proximal border at the level of the lower leg. No signs of deep vein involvement were detected. The parenteral anticoagulant therapy initiated in the hospital was followed by switching to therapeutic doses of rivaroxaban. The signs of recanalization of involved veins were identified after 6 months of treatment, and it was decided to perform endovenous laser coagulation of the trunk of the great saphenous vein combined with mini-phlebectomy of varicose tributaries on continuous oral anticoagulant therapy. The rivaroxaban therapy was completed a month after intervention. However, 7 days later the patient was diagnosed with repeated symptomatic pulmonary embolism, which originated from thrombosis of the left popliteal vein. It was recommended to resume anticoagulant therapy of indefinite duration. The article discusses the issues of optimal duration of treatment for pulmonary embolism originated from thrombosis of superficial varicose veins, as well as the possible timing of completion of anticoagulant therapy after the intervention.

Anatomic Study of Vascular Supply of the External Ear Using CT Angiography in Congenital Microtia.

The morphology of the arteries of the external ear on the affected side of congenital microtia differs from normal. The present study aimed to use computed tomography angiography (CTA) to describe the anatomic variations of arteries in microtia and provide theoretical guidance for the first stage of autologous auricular reconstruction by the 2-stage method. Ten patients with unilateral microtia from May 2021 to August 2021 were included. Computed tomography angiography and 3-dimensional reconstruction were used to analyze the supply and branches of the main arteries of the auricle. The number of the superficial temporal artery (STA) and posterior auricular artery (PAA) branches to the auricle, vessel diameter, and the presence or absence of the STA and PAA branches were documented. The skin flap and incision were designed combined with the anatomic of auricular arteries. The blood supply of the auricle mainly came from the STA and PAA. The STA's preauricular branch and PAA's posterior auricular branch were absent to varying degrees, and the middle branch was more prominent. The average diameter of the STA on the healthy auricle was 3.07±0.96mm, and the average diameter of the PAA was 1.72±0.50mm. The average diameter of the STA on the microtia auricle was 2.65±0.42mm, and the average diameter of the PAA was 1.53±0.67mm. There was a statistically significant difference in the diameter of STA between the healthy auricle and the microtia auricle (P=0.006). However, there was no significant difference in the diameter of the PAA between the healthy auricle and the microtia auricle (P=0.112). The skin flap and incision were designed and combined with the preoperative CTA images, and no flap necrosis was observed in all patients. The vascular distribution of arteries in microtia patients was clearly and accurately assessed by CTA. In our experience, the data and detailed imaging were useful in designing skin flaps and incisions during the first stage of autologous auricular reconstruction by the 2-stage method.

Genome-wide prediction and functional analysis of WOX genes in blueberry.

WOX genes are a class of plant-specific transcription factors. The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) family is a member of the homeobox transcription factor superfamily. Previous studies have shown that WOX members play important roles in plant growth and development. However, studies of the WOX gene family in blueberry plants have not been reported. In order to understand the biological function of the WOX gene family in blueberries, bioinformatics were used methods to identify WOX gene family members in the blueberry genome, and analyzed the basic physical and chemical properties, gene structure, gene motifs, promoter cis-acting elements, chromosome location, evolutionary relationships, expression pattern of these family members and predicted their functions. Finally, 12 genes containing the WOX domain were identified and found to be distributed on eight chromosomes. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the blueberry WOX gene family had three major branches: ancient branch, middle branch, and WUS branch. Blueberry WOX gene family protein sequences differ in amino acid number, molecular weight, isoelectric point and hydrophobicity. Predictive analysis of promoter cis-acting elements showed that the promoters of the VdWOX genes contained abundant light response, hormone, and stress response elements. The VdWOX genes were induced to express in both stems and leaves in response to salt and drought stress. Our results provided comprehensive characteristics of the WOX gene family and important clues for further exploration of its role in the growth, development and resistance to various stress in blueberry plants.

In silico analysis of embolism in cerebral arteries using fluid-structure interaction method

Ischemic stroke, particularly embolic stroke, stands as a significant global contributor to mortality and long-term disabilities. This paper presents a comprehensive simulation of emboli motion through the middle cerebral artery (MCA), a prevalent site for embolic stroke. Our patient-specific computational model integrates major branches of the middle cerebral artery reconstructed from magnetic resonance angiography images, pulsatile flow dynamics, and emboli of varying geometries, sizes, and material properties. The fluid-structure interactions method is employed to simulate deformable emboli motion through the middle cerebral artery, allowing observation of hemodynamic changes in artery branches upon embolus entry. We investigated the impact of embolus presence on shear stress magnitude on artery walls, analyzed the effects of embolus material properties and geometries on embolus trajectory and motion dynamics within the middle cerebral artery. Additionally, we evaluated the non-Newtonian behavior of blood, comparing it with Newtonian blood behavior. Our findings highlight that embolus geometry significantly influences trajectory, motion patterns, and hemodynamics within middle cerebral artery branches. Emboli with visco-hyperelastic material properties experienced higher stresses upon collision with artery walls compared to those with hyperelastic properties. Furthermore, considering blood as a non-Newtonian fluid had notable effects on emboli stresses and trajectories within the artery, particularly during collisions. Notably, the maximum von Mises stress experienced in our study was 21.83 kPa, suggesting a very low probability of emboli breaking during movement, impact, and after coming to a stop. However, in certain situations, the magnitude of shear stress on them exceeded 1 kPa, increasing the likelihood of cracking and disintegration. These results serve as an initial step in anticipating critical clinical conditions arising from arterial embolism in the middle cerebral artery. They provide insights into the biomechanical parameters influencing embolism, contributing to improved clinical decision-making for stroke management.

Mối liên quan giữa lâm sàng và hình ảnh học của nhồi máu não tái phát do tổn thương động mạch não giữa

Objectives: Evaluate the relationship between clinical and imaging of recurrent cerebral infarction dued to MCA damaged. Subjects and method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study of 77 patients with recurrent cerebral infarction dued to damaged middle cerebral artery treated at the Neurological Center, Bach Mai Hospital from July 2021 to August 2022. Results: Motor paralysis of the hemibody on the opposite side of the injury, paralysis of the central VII nerve on the opposite side of the injury and decreased sensation of the hemibody on the opposite side of the injury are symptoms seen at a high rate, accounting for 100% respectively; 90.9% and 77.9%. The proportion of patients with consciousness disorders from the beginning accounted for 49.4% of patients, 2 patients were in a deep coma when hospitalized (accounting for 2.6%). Language disorders including Broca’s language disorder, Wernicke’s language disorder and mixed language disorder accounted for 20/77 patients (26.0%). Horizontal eye and head deviation, circular muscle disorders, loss of attention on one side of the body, and hemianopia account for 32.5% respectively; 26.0%; 22.1%; 26.0%. 7.8% of patients had mental disorders and 14.3% of patients had seizures when hospitalized; The symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting accounted for 45.5% and 31.2%, respectively. Patients with symptoms clustered into Gerstman syndrome and Anton - Babinski syndrome account for a low rate: 9.1% and 11.7%. The most damaged arterial branch is the M1 branch with 31 patients, accounting for 40.2%; Oblique branches of the middle cerebral artery or putamen-striatum branches account for 32.5%. Only 4 patients had damage to branches M3 - M4 (accounting for 5.2%). The number of patients with damage to the M1 branch who had consciousness disorders accounted for the highest rate of 33.8%, with no patients with damage to the deep branch having consciousness disorders. Symptoms at hospital admission: consciousness disorders, speech disorders, turning eyes and head to the damaged hemisphere have a statistically significant relationship with the location of the damaged middle cerebral artery branch (p < 0.05)Conclusion: Recurrent cerebral infarction due to damage to the middle cerebral artery has diverse clinical symptoms, depending on the damaged middle cerebral artery branch.

Characteristics and Conductivity of Emamectin Benzoate-Inclusive Nanocapsule in Pinus massoniana Lamb.

To improve the conductivity of nematocidal emamectin benzoate (EB) in pine trees (Pinus massoniana Lamb.), EB-inclusive nanocapsules (EB-NCs) were developed as trunk injections and spraying agents. Microscopy revealed that the EB-NCs were spherical in shape (100–200 nm in diameter) and micro-agglomerated with an obvious core-shell structure. The EB-NCs formulation maintained high toxicity in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus pine wood nematodes (LC50 = 0.44 mg L−1). Moreover, the formulation had better EB slow-release and photostability. In addition, the EB-NCs formulation was effectively absorbed and transported in the pine trees via either trunk injection or spraying. In terms of trunk injection, the average residues of EB in the lower, middle, and upper branches of P. massoniana 30 days after application in summer were 8.11, 16.42, and 6.98 mg L−1. In terms of spraying treatment, the EB-NC formulation was successfully conducted from the cortical tissue to the cambium and the EB fluorescence intensity inside of the branches was better than that of the 2% EB micro-emulsion. The EB-NC formulation has suitable conductivity in pine trees; hence, this study provides a potential agent for the control of pine wilt disease in the field under all weather conditions.

Anatomical variations of artery of angular gyrus

Context: Angular gyrus is an anatomical structure of the brain located in the parietal lobe, taking part in writing and reading, language-use, memory and attention and spatial recognition. It is supplied by the angular gyrus artery, which is one of the caudal branches of the middle cerebral artery. One of the clinical pathologies of the angular gyrus artery is the ischemic stroke of the angular gyrus in the dominant hemisphere, responsible for the presence of Gerstmann Syndrome: left-right disorientation, agraphia, alexia, acalculia and finger agnosia. This systematic review aims to present the variety of anomalies of the main cerebral artery and the angular gyrus artery.
 Objective: Preparing a systematic review of papers describing the course anomalies of the angular gyrus artery.
 Materials and methods: PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases was searched for phrases: ‘Angular gyrus artery’, ‘Artery of angular gyrus’, ‘Middle cerebral artery branches’, ‘Branches of middle cerebral artery’, ‘Gerstmann Syndrome’ published between years 2015 and 2023. Also 3 papers published before 2000 were used. From the selected 30 papers, 6 were used to prepare this analysis.
 Results: The middle cerebral artery, from which arises the angular gyrus artery, is marked by a significant variety of its division, mainly the number of the dividing trunks of the artery. Depending on the type of the division, the angular gyrus artery can arise from the upper, middle or lower trunk and vary in sizes. It can also appear as a singular or two separate branches. Instances of the anomaly of both the angular gyrus artery and posterior parietal artery are rare, but reported.
 Conclusions: The angular gyrus artery is characterised by a number of anomalies in its course, separation from the middle cerebral artery, diameter and branching.

Numerical assessment of erosion wear in Pelton turbine injectors

The Pelton turbine is the main type of turbine used to develop hydropower resources in high-head sections and is more sensitive to sediment erosion. To analyse the causes of asymmetric erosion distribution on the injector surface, a solid-liquid-gas three-phase numerical study of Pelton turbine injectors is carried out. The results indicate that as the sediment diameter increases, the differences in particle discharge distribution among the jets of each branch also increase, and the asymmetric erosion distribution on the injector surface becomes stronger. The particle trajectory is influenced by the vortex structure, and fine particles mainly cause banded erosion, while coarse particles cause sheet erosion. At constant inflow conditions, the particle residence time is related to erosion morphology, and the particle velocity and the number of impacts affect the erosion rate on the injector surface. It is recommended to avoid long-term operation of the turbine under conditions of excessively small or large sediment diameters and to pay attention to the sediment erosion degree of the middle branch needle and the end branch nozzle of the water supply mechanism. The research findings of this paper can provide references for further optimization of the design, operation, and maintenance of the Pelton turbine.

Challenging Cortical Explorations in Difficult-to-Localize Seizures: The Rationale and Usefulness of Perisylvian Paralimbic Explorations With Orthogonal Stereoelectroencephalography Depth Electrodes.

Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is an invasive monitoring method designed to define and localize the epileptogenic zone (EZ) and explore the putative network responsible for the electroclinical seizures using anatomo-functional-electroclinical correlations. When indicated by semiology in selected patients, exploration of both limbic and paralimbic (PL) regions is indispensable. However, the PL cortex is located in deep and highly vascularized areas in proximity to the anterior Sylvian fissure and middle cerebral artery branches. Thus, those explorations are considered surgically challenging because of the multilobar location and fear of hemorrhagic events. Here, we discuss and illustrate the rationale and SEEG methodology approach in usefulness of exploring the PL regions using standard orthogonal SEEG depth electrode trajectories with the Talariach reference system. We retrospectively studied PL exploration from a cohort of 71 consecutive SEEG procedures from Nov 2019 to Nov 2022 and identified 31 patients who underwent PL trajectories. In 31 patients, there were 32 SEEG trajectories, and no major complications were observed. PL electrodes were consistently implanted in the C10/D10 coordinates of the Talariach reference coordinates. The most common confirmed EZ in our cohort was mesio-temporal (45%), followed by temporo-perisylvian regions (16%), ventromedial frontal (13%), and mesio-lateral temporal regions (13%). The PL contacts were involved in the EZ in 10 patients (32%). Of 31 patients, 25 underwent resective surgery, and 19 obtained Engel 1 outcome with a mean follow-up of 25 months (range 12-41 months) after surgery. The orthogonal perisylvian PL trajectories are feasible and useful in sampling multiple PL regions with single-electrode trajectories. In patients with perisylvian seizures, sampling PL structures may contribute to an improved understanding of seizure propagation and the optimal anatomic demarcation of the EZs in this surgically challenging region.

Investigating the impact of APOE4 genotype on the association between cerebral blood flow and haematological properties in mid‐life adults

AbstractBackgroundCarriership of the apolipoprotein ε4 (APOE4) allele confers a heightened risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is decreased in prodromal and established AD, however findings in the preclinical stage are mixed, with some studies reporting increases. CBF can be impacted by many factors including the haematocrit. We investigated in a cohort at risk of developing AD how haematological variables relate to CBF and if this relationship is differentially moderated by APOE4.Method375 participants from the PREVENT‐Dementia study underwent arterial spin labelling (ASL) and structural 3Tesla MRI. ASL data were analysed using BASIL/FSL and structural scans with SPM12. CBF maps were corrected for partial volume effects. A vascular territory mask with nine territories, the middle, proximal and distal branches of the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries (ACA, MCA, PCA) was used for region‐of‐interest analysis and registered to the native ASL space. Regional gray matter (GM) CBF values were harmonised using COMBAT. Linear regression was used to examine differences between APOE4 carriers and non‐carriers controlling for age, sex and years of education. Associations between haematological properties and CBF were examined with Pearson’s correlations. Differential relationships between CBF, haematocrit, and measures of red blood cell size and shape (distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV)) were investigated by including interaction terms of APOE4 and haematological variables in the models.ResultAPOE4 carriers had significantly higher CBF in the proximal MCA (t = 2.54, p = 0.01). Across all subjects, RDW and MCV were not associated with GM CBF, though several significant interactions were observed between APOE4 and RDW in predicting CBF (Figure 1). Haematocrit was associated with GM CBF (ρ = ‐0.19, p < 0.01). No significant interactions were seen between APOE4 and haematocrit or MCV in predicting CBF.ConclusionThe variability of the size and shapes of erythrocytes was differentially associated with CBF between APOE4 carriers and non‐carriers suggesting a different response to morphological erythrocyte alterations. This could further relate to underlying factors such as inflammation, which is associated with a higher RDW. Such associations should be examined in further studies.

Investigating the impact of APOE4 genotype on the association between cerebral blood flow and haematological properties in mid‐life adults

AbstractBackgroundCarriership of the apolipoprotein ε4 (APOE4) allele confers a heightened risk for the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is decreased in prodromal and established AD, however findings in the preclinical stage are mixed, with some studies reporting increases. CBF can be impacted by many factors including the haematocrit. We investigated in a cohort at risk of developing AD how haematological variables relate to CBF and if this relationship is differentially moderated by APOE4.Method375 participants from the PREVENT‐Dementia study underwent arterial spin labelling (ASL) and structural 3Tesla MRI. ASL data were analysed using BASIL/FSL and structural scans with SPM12. CBF maps were corrected for partial volume effects. A vascular territory mask with nine territories, the middle, proximal and distal branches of the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries (ACA, MCA, PCA) was used for region‐of‐interest analysis and registered to the native ASL space. Regional gray matter (GM) CBF values were harmonised using COMBAT. Linear regression was used to examine differences between APOE4 carriers and non‐carriers controlling for age, sex and years of education. Associations between haematological properties and CBF were examined with Pearson’s correlations. Differential relationships between CBF, haematocrit, and measures of red blood cell size and shape (distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV)) were investigated by including interaction terms of APOE4 and haematological variables in the models.ResultAPOE4 carriers had significantly higher CBF in the proximal MCA (t = 2.54, p = 0.01). Across all subjects, RDW and MCV were not associated with GM CBF, though several significant interactions were observed between APOE4 and RDW in predicting CBF (Figure 1). Haematocrit was associated with GM CBF (ρ = ‐0.19, p < 0.01). No significant interactions were seen between APOE4 and haematocrit or MCV in predicting CBF.ConclusionThe variability of the size and shapes of erythrocytes was differentially associated with CBF between APOE4 carriers and non‐carriers suggesting a different response to morphological erythrocyte alterations. This could further relate to underlying factors such as inflammation, which is associated with a higher RDW. Such associations should be examined in further studies.

EFFECT OF SOWING TIME IN COTTON (GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L.) ON BOLL DISTRIBUTION, CELLULOSE RATIO AND FIBER QUALITY

The growth, flowering, square, and boll formation of the cotton plant are significantly affected by sowing time and fruiting distributions. This study was carried out in order to determine the effect of sowing time, varieties and boll distribution on fiber yield and fiber quality of cotton, under the GAP region ecological conditions of Türkiye during 2017 and 2018 cotton growing seasons. In this study, Candia and Lima cotton varieties were used as plant material. Cotton seeds were sown on 5 May (normal sowing) and 10 June (late sowing) using a pneumatic seeder in both years. In the study, the number of bolls (per plant-1), yield per plant (g plant-1), boll weight (g), ginning outturn (%), holocellulose, cellulose, scan viscosity, and polymerization degree were studied. According to the research, the number of bolls, boll weight, and fiber yield were higher in normal planting than in late planting. The low positional sympodial branch (1-5 fruit branches) boll position was better in the number of bolls, and the middle positional sympodial branch (6-10 fruit branches) was better in boll weight compared to other positions. The fiber yield obtained in a low positional sympodial branch (1-5 fruit branches) and middle positional sympodial branch (6-10 fruit branches) positions was higher than the upper positional sympodial branch position (11 and higher fruit branches). The effects of sowing times and cultivars on cellulose and holocellulose rations were statistically insignificant. The cellulose ratio (94.40) obtained in the upper positional sympodial branch position (11 and higher fruit branches) in the first year was higher than the other sympodial positions, while the effect of the boll position was statistically insignificant in the second year of the experiment. In conclusion, the planting time had a significant effect on boll positions and fiber quality of cotton. Late sowing had negative impact on boll maturation, cellulose synthesis, yield and fiber quality. Hence, the delay in cotton planting caused a decrease in yield; so, cotton should be sown as early as possible in the region. Keywords: Cotton, sowing date, boll position, boll weight, fiber quality

Paleoecological reconstruction during the Holocene in the Middle Branch of Bue Marino Cave (Sardinia, Italy)

This study was conducted in the Middle Branch of Bue Marino Cave (Sardinia, Italy) to reconstruct paleoecological conditions during the Holocene through microfaunal proxies in seven surface sediment samples and a short sediment core (BMD-2018, 18 cm), all collected in 2018 and another core sampled in 2021 (BMD-2021, 28 cm). The first attempt at dating cave sediment through luminescence was conducted on BMD-2021; the derived age was 6.04 ± 0.47 ka at 18 cm depth. Although continuous sedimentation and constant rates are not probable in the cave, this indicates that the sedimentary record dates to the early times after the Holocene flooding of the cave by the sea. Benthic foraminifera and grain size were analyzed in all surface samples and core BMD-2018, while only benthic foraminifera were studied in BMD-2021. The recent foraminiferal assemblages, studied from an ecological point of view, were applied as modern analog to reconstruct the paleoecological conditions in sediment cores. Significant changes in the sedimentary environment were excluded; the two cores showed a similar foraminiferal turnover at a similar depth, from an older assemblage with prevailing indifferent Ammonia inflata to a younger one with prevailing opportunist Eggerelloides advena. This turnover was attributed to changes in the amount and/or quality of available nutrients. Based on these results, this event is likely related to possibly attributable to the effects of climate changes that occurred in the Holocene. However, more extensive studies are necessary to better understand the effects of the climatic/environmental events in the Late-Holocene in the caves. Although it represents a first attempt at paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on sediments from a Mediterranean marine cave, this study demonstrated that benthic foraminifera are refined paleoenvironmental proxies and that the integrated approach with the luminescence dating produces reliable results for studying the effects of global changes in these environments.

Delayed headache 11 years after a pub fight: an unusual spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage succeeding a temporal glass shard injury. Illustrative case.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in young patients is rare and often associated with vascular malformations, drug abuse, or genetic conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical because of the potential risk of rebleeding and long-term consequences. This case report presents an unusual correlation between a prior traumatic incident and the manifestation of an atypical ICH 11 years later. A 37-year-old male presented with retroorbital headaches, confusion, and seizures. Imaging revealed an atypical ICH in the left middle temporal gyrus, accompanied by retained glass shards in the adjacent temporal muscle and bone. Angiography ruled out vascular malformations but suggested an eroded middle cerebral artery branch underneath an osseous defect potentially caused by a bone-transgressing glass shard. Surgical exploration confirmed the vessel as the source of the ICH and was followed by an uneventful hematoma removal and postoperative course. This case underscores the significance of recognizing delayed complications resulting from retained foreign bodies (FBs). Complete removal of extracranial FBs is imperative to prevent further harm. Clinicians should maintain an awareness of the potential long-term consequences and complications associated with FBs, utilizing comprehensive diagnostics to detect and localize FBs. Timely intervention such as resection or planned follow-up is essential for effective management and mitigation of adverse outcomes.

Prognostic Factors and Resectability Predictors in Insular Gliomas: A Systematic Review.

Insular gliomas (INGs) remain a surgically intimidating glioma subgroup encased by eloquent cortical parcels and white matter language tracts, and traversed by multiple middle cerebral artery branches. The predictive power of prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and resectability of INGs remain disputed. This comprehensive systematic review analyses prognostic factors and resectability predictors of INGs substantiating pragmatic management options. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) and the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions guidelines. The PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases were searched in April 2022. All clinical studies with ≥10 patients harboring INGs with any intervention and reporting predictors of OS, PFS, and tumor resectability in INGs were included. Molecular ING prognosticators were also included. Studies combining insular and other gliomas analysis, case studies, experimental and animal studies, conference abstracts, letters to the editor, and articles in other languages were excluded. Of the 2,384 articles returned, 27 fulfilled the inclusion criteria totaling 1,985 patients. The review yielded 18 OS and 17 PFS prognosticators. These were classified as preoperative (radiologic; clinical), intraoperative, and postoperative (molecular; histopathologic; clinical) prognosticators. In addition, 21 resectability predictors were categorized as preoperative (radiologic; clinical), intraoperative (surgical approach and assistive technology), and postoperative (histopathologic; clinical). The quality assessment revealed 24/27 studies had low risk of bias. One study with moderate and two studies with high risk of bias were included. Negative prognosticators reported in ≥2 studies included putaminal or paralimbic involvement and higher tumor grade, while seizures at presentation, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, increased extent of resection, and higher Karnofsky Performance Status preoperatively and at 3 months postoperation were positive prognosticators. Resectability predictors reported in ≥2 studies included the positive predictors of zone I/zone IV tumor location and intraoperative imaging use and the negative predictor of encased lenticulostriate arteries. Paralimbic INGs are not a single entity with homogeneous prognosis. Integration of identified prognosticators in a prospective trial to devise a grading system for INGs can improve clinical decision-making.