Morphological Patterns Research Articles

ASPECTOS DE IMAGEM NO HEPATOBLASTOMA: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA.

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a considerably rare primary malignant liver neoplasm of embryonic origin, and the most prevalent hepatic carcinoma among children, primarily affecting individuals under five years old. Objective: to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of imaging findings in hepatoblastoma described in the scientific literature between 2019 and 2024. Method: A literature review was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases over the past 5 years. Results and Discussion: Nine studies were found, predominantly on computed tomography and abdominal ultrasound. The morphological patterns presented in the imaging aspects by USG, CT, and MRI differ between the methods, highlighting the complexity of hepatoblastoma and the variability of presentation in imaging examinations. However, all studies demonstrated the importance of imaging methods in staging and defining tumor resectability criteria. Conclusion: There is a scarcity of studies on the imaging findings of Hepatoblastoma, as well as the variety of imaging characteristics in the different evaluated methods. The importance of using imaging methods for the adequate staging of hepatoblastoma and consequent definition of therapeutic conduct is also highlighted.

A worldwide study of subcortical shape as a marker for clinical staging in Parkinson’s disease

Alterations in subcortical brain regions are linked to motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, associations between clinical expression and regional morphological abnormalities of the basal ganglia, thalamus, amygdala and hippocampus are not well established. We analyzed 3D T1-weighted brain MRI and clinical data from 2525 individuals with PD and 1326 controls from 22 global sources in the ENIGMA-PD consortium. We investigated disease effects using mass univariate and multivariate models on the medial thickness of 27,120 vertices of seven bilateral subcortical structures. Shape differences were observed across all Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stages, as well as correlations with motor and cognitive symptoms. Notably, we observed incrementally thinner putamen from HY1, caudate nucleus and amygdala from HY2, hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, and thalamus from HY3, and globus pallidus from HY4–5. Subregions of the thalami were thicker in HY1 and HY2. Largely congruent patterns were associated with a longer time since diagnosis and worse motor symptoms and cognitive performance. Multivariate regression revealed patterns predictive of disease stage. These cross-sectional findings provide new insights into PD subcortical degeneration by demonstrating patterns of disease stage-specific morphology, largely consistent with ongoing degeneration.

Comprehensive characterization of invasive mammary carcinoma with lobular features: integrating morphology and E-cadherin immunohistochemistry patterns.

Breast cancer treatment prioritizes molecular subtypes over histologic types. However, considering the unique biological behavior of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), its diagnosis is crucial for patient management. Therefore, this study aimed to review breast cancer cases, focusing on the E-cadherin patterns and lobular morphology of cases misclassified in the original reports. A comprehensive review was conducted on 481 breast cancer biopsy cases diagnosed as invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) or ILC with E-cadherin staining. These cases were categorized into six groups based on tumor morphology (ductal/lobular) and E-cadherin expression pattern (membranous/loss/aberrant): (1) ductal/membranous, (2) lobular/loss, (3) lobular/aberrant, (4) mixed, (5) ductal/loss or aberrant, and (6) lobular/membranous. In 211 cases (43.8%), an E-cadherin pattern indicating ILC (loss and aberrant) was observed alongside lobular morphology, representing 5.52% of all breast cancer biopsies during the relevant period. Moreover, 181 cases (37.6%) showed a membranous pattern with ductal morphology, 4 (0.8%) were mixed IBC-NST and ILC, and 85 (17.7%) exhibited discordance between morphology and E-cadherin expression. Notably, only 25.9% (15/58) of cases in group 3, characterized by aberrant E-cadherin patterns, were initially diagnosed as ILC, highlighting a significant diagnostic discrepancy. In group 6, where membranous E-cadherin pattern was present with lobular morphology, only 3.4% (2/58) were diagnosed as ILC in the original reports, indicating diagnostic challenges in morphology and immunohistochemistry discordance. Similarly, in group 5, which had ductal morphology with loss or aberrant E-cadherin expression, the initial diagnosis rate of IBC-NST was 33.3% (9/27), reflecting the complexities in interpreting discordant cases. In real-world practice, diagnosing ILC often heavily depends on E-cadherin results. This study emphasizes the need for diagnostic clarification in cases with discordance between morphology and E-cadherin patterns.

Historical and ongoing hybridisation in Southern South American grassland species

Natural hybridisation in plants can impact genetic and morphological diversity, including the emergence of better-adapted new populations and the potential extinction of some lineages involved in this intricate process. Under progressive global warming, species often need to migrate to newly suitable areas, which may be an additional challenge for species with low dispersal ability. Throughout the search for new environments, previously allopatric lineages can come into secondary contact and eventually hybridise if reproductive isolation is incomplete. Here, we focused on two taxa representing the natural herbaceous component of southern South American lowland grasslands. We aimed to evaluate the impact of contact zones and potential hybridisation on the evolutionary relationships and population dynamics. We used single nucleotide polymorphisms and morphological data of multiple individuals from allopatric and contact zones between taxa to shed light on hybridisation patterns and demographic scenarios. Our results indicated that the contact zones impact taxa’s genetic and morphological diversity, and each contact zone had different patterns of genetic diversity and morphology, constituting stable populations that potentially reflect hybridisation events occurring at distinct evolutionary times.

Construction and optimization of ecological corridors in coastal cities based on the perspective of “structure-function”

The contradiction between the demand of urban economic development and ecological environmental protection is becoming more and more prominent, and the reasonable construction of ecological corridors is of great significance for the protection of urban ecosystems. Taking Changle District of Fuzhou coastal city as an example, this study proposes an ecological source identification method from the perspective of “structure-function” by combining Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) and Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) methods, and constructs and optimizes ecological corridors by means of the model of Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) and Circuit Theory. The results show that: (1) a total of 20 ecological sources were extracted based on MSPA-RSEI; (2) a total of 31 ecological corridors were extracted based on Linkage Mapper, including 8 Level 1 corridors, 13 Level 2 corridors, and 10 Level 3 corridors; (3) the Pinch Point and Barrier Mapper software was utilized to identify 6.01 km2 and 2.59 km2, respectively, as Level 1 “pinch points” and barrier points within the study area. The land use types of these areas were as follows: The majority of “pinch points” were forested (60.72%), while the majority of barrier points were composed of construction land (55.27%), bare land (17.27%), and cultivated land (13.90%). (4) the optimal width of the corridor was determined by using the buffer zone method and gradient analysis: 30 m for the Level 1 corridor, 60 m for the Level 2 and Level 3 corridors, and the average current density before and after the construction of the eco-corridor was increased from 0.1881 to 0.4992. The results of the study can provide a reference for the decision-making of the ecological construction of the Changle District and the coastal urban areas of eastern China.

Ukrainian adaptation of the nomenclature of the International Consensus on Antinuclear Antibody Patterns

Background. Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases remains a complex multi-stage process that includes various methods of laboratory testing. The gold standard for serological diagnosis of autoimmune connective tissue disorders is the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) on HEp-2 cells. The result of the test is a description of the morphological pattern observed in the assay, which correlates with the corresponding autoantibodies and allows to direct further diagnostics. The most recent and most comprehensive attempt to describe HEp-2 IFA patterns was made by the International Consensus on Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Patterns (ICAP). Purpose. Ukrainian adaptation of the ICAP nomenclature was developed to provide for seamless harmonization and integration with international protocols. Materials and methods. Ukrainian adaptation was based on the materials the International Consensus on Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Patterns (ICAP). Results. Ukrainian nomenclature of HEp-2 IFA patterns is provided in accordance with ICAP nomenclature, to be used a tool for comprehensive description of HEp-2 IFA results and guidance for clinicians Conclusions. With the introduction and universal use of the Ukrainian adaptation of ICAP nomenclature, the laboratory diagnosis of autoimmune connective tissue diseases is approaching international standards, which creates conditions for the integration of international protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of these pathologies.

Innovative reconstruction and evaluation of forest refinement datasets by combining multi-source data: A case study of Guangdong Province

The acquisition and monitoring of forest cover data are crucial for ecological protection, resource management, and climate change research. However, relying on a single data source provides limited data accuracy and does not adequately capture the forest structure and functional attributes. We combined six commonly land cover datasets and forest age, canopy height, above-ground biomass, and tree species distribution datasets to reconstruct 30 m spatially accurate forest refinement dataset (FRD) for Guangdong Province. In addition, the distribution characteristics of forest structure and function were evaluated using forest morphological spatial pattern analysis. The results show that the overall accuracy of FRD of the Guangdong Province in 2020 reached 86.07 %. Forest types in the Guangdong Province were mainly dominated by evergreen needle-leaf forests. Tsuga chinensis, Red cedar, and Pinus sylvestris were more commonly planted. Older and taller trees were found in northern and eastern Guangdong. In addition, forest above-ground biomass (AGB) was larger in the coastal areas of northern and western Guangdong. The core and perforation had the oldest age and the highest tree height, and the islet had the lowest for all forest structure and function indicators. Based on multi-source datasets, this study contributes to a better understanding of the attributes characterizing the structure and function of forests. The refined dataset and research framework will effectively enhance forest management efficiency and policy making, as well as provide case references for research on climate change response, forest conservation and biodiversity assessment.

Species limits in Wiedomys (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) reinforce the South American São Francisco River as a biogeographic barrier

Abstract Red-nosed mice (genus Wiedomys) are restricted to the Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, distributed along the São Francisco River (SFR). Until recently, Wiedomys was considered monotypic, but 2 species with poorly defined geographic and morphological limits have been recognized: W. cerradensis and W. pyrrhorhinos. Our study used morphological, phylogenetic, and cytogenetic analyses to review and detail species limits within the genus and test whether the SFR could be associated with divergence between lineages. This integrative approach indicated that the SFR delineates the geographic boundaries between species, with W. pyrrhorhinos on the right bank and W. cerradensis on the left bank. The species are reciprocally monophyletic and diverge in cranial size, nasal morphology, and facial pelage color pattern. Karyotypic differences between and within W. pyrrhorhinos and W. cerradensis were also detected, and new chromosome complements (2n = 62, FN = 96 and 2n = 62, FN = 88, respectively) were found. Divergence time (0.339 to 0.025 Ma) is concordant with the timing of diversification of other co-distributed vertebrate taxa, and close to a younger estimate for the formation of SFR’s recent lower course to the east coast. Therefore, our study considerably expands knowledge of the geographic range of the genus, diagnoses of species, karyotypic variability between and within species, and reinforces the role of SFR as an important vicariant barrier in northeastern Brazil.

(Re)Writing the City from Within: An Exploratory Approach to Sustainable Urban Morphologies from the Dialogue Between Public Space and Public Transport in Barcelona’s Trambesòs

Research on urban transport and mobility through everyday practices has generated new theoretical and methodological approaches to achieve more sustainable urban morphologies. This paper focuses on the characterization of the process of urban (re)qualification through the binomial of public space–public transport, based on the analysis of Trambesòs tramway in Barcelona, from 2004 to the present. This methodology consisted of an exploratory morphological analysis that identified patterns derived from punctual interventions, articulation axes, and saturation pieces in the urban fabric. The results revealed three main morphological patterns: the configuration of a particular character in each public space intervention associated with the tramway, the morphological improvement and dynamization of the urban fabric, and the transformation of the city’s image through the standardization of accessibility conditions, a key social sustainability indicator. In the discussion, the results are triangulated with the concepts of urban morphology and social processes and compared with quantitative studies, which can serve as a foundation for further in-depth research. In conclusion, the tramway has facilitated a transition from urban discontinuity and segregation to continuity and cohesion, highlighting the impact of the public space–public transport binomial on more sustainable urban morphologies. This contributes to how urban morphological analysis provides new approaches to understanding public transport as an extension of public space and support for urban habitability.

Analysis of Building Distribution and Accessibility of Kanigoro Urban Roads

The Kanigoro Settlement Area's land is mostly utilized for residential and agricultural purposes. Modifications to the city's construction and development are necessary to turn Kanigoro into a sustainable urban region, particularly in the field of urban morphological pattern development. City or area morphology may be analyzed using three primary components: building density, land use patterns, and road network patterns. This research aims to investigate the urban morphology pattern in Kanigoro Urban Area, focusing on road accessibility and building dispersion. In order to accomplish this goal, land use and building distribution were identified using satellite image data from 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, along with questionnaire data on residential location selection. The findings demonstrate that elongated patterns dominate settlement patterns in Kanigoro, with group patterns and the main road network following closely behind. Kinship and historical factors also play a role in this pattern. During the study, there was a notable increase in settlement growth, particularly on main transportation routes. The population density analysis shows that there is a concentration of population in the city center and some rapidly developing residential areas as a result of this rapid settlement growth. According to the road accessibility analysis, most areas are served by arterial roads, but there are still some areas with limited accessibility, especially with regard to collector roads. Based on the research results, there is a need for sustainable integrated spatial planning, adequate infrastructure, improving the quality of the collector road network and developing integrated public transportation.

Experimental Study of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash as Partial Replacement of Cement Based on SEM and XRF Analysis

This research aims to identify chemical composition and it’s leaching from concrete mixed with sugarcane bagasse ash. By manipulating percent of slump flow at 110±5%, sugarcane bagasse ash was employed as a pozzolanic material to partially replace cement at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 percent by weight of binder in concrete. Cube specimens were cast and cured in water for 3, 7, 14 and, 28 days, respectively. The patterns of sugarcane bagasse ash morphology were performed by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to analyze physicochemical characteristics. Results of tests on the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis from the ash and curing water at various times revealed that SiO2 made up half of the components in sugarcane bagasse ash. Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, K2O, P2O5, and MgO were the minor components. The calcium content from the 14-day period at 50% by weight of the sugarcane bagasse ash binder was higher than that of the other elements, according to the results of curing water. According to the results of 28-day water curing, potassium outnumbered all other elements in the replacement of sugarcane bagasse ash in every ratio.

Effect of oxygen vacancies on enhancing the photo-catalytic activity, photo-luminescence and electronic structure properties of nanostructured Y-doped CeO2

The exceptional characteristics of CeO2 and Ce1-xYxO2 (x = 0.03, 0.05 and 0.07) nanoparticles were reported in the manuscript supporting that Y3+replaces Ce3+/Ce4+leads to oxygen vacancies formation. The results of XRD measurements revealed FCC structure of decreased crystallite size of CeO2 with improved crystallinity. To investigate the surface morphology, HRTEM and SAED patterns were performed. EDX analyses were undertaken to discuss the elemental and compositional characteristics. The absorption spectra using UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy were analyzed and red shifted absorbance was found to enhance with decreasing band gap values for increased Y doping. The Photoluminescence spectra depicted various emissions representing the development of various defects and oxygen vacancy with incorporation of Y content in the lattice with CCT values below 4000 K to be classified as warm yellow light for indoor applications. The development of oxygen vacancies in the CeO2 lattice was further supported by XPS measurements for core levels Ce 3d, O 1s and Y 3d. Furthermore, the XPS measurements also reported the valence states of elements, Ce with 3+ and 4+, Y with 3+ and O with 2- along with charged oxygen vacancies. The photo-catalytic analysis revealed that Y-doped CeO2 nanoparticles show better degradation using a variety of characterization. A degradation mechanism that illustrates the impact of oxygen vacancies created by Y-doping on the photo-degradation process has been proposed. The novelty of Y-doped CeO2 nanoparticles stems from their improved photo-catalytic activities, which are linked to structural changes and the formation of oxygen vacancies. This doping considerably affects the electrical structure, resulting in better light absorption and less electron-hole recombination. The detailed outcomes of present study suggested the use of Y-doped CeO2 nanoparticles in optoelectronics, spintronics devices and photo-catalyst applications.

Developmental Imaging of Radish Sprouts Using Dynamic Optical Coherence Tomography.

The germination process of radish sprouts was investigated in detail using volumetric dynamic optical coherence tomography (OCT). Dynamic OCT involves the sequential acquisition of 16 OCT images and subsequent temporal variance analysis of each pixel, enabling non-invasive visualization of the cellular and tissue activities of plants. The radish sprouts were longitudinally investigated for up to 12 days, and changes in morphology and dynamic OCT image patterns were observed as the plants developed. The dynamic OCT signals in the vessels and growing roots were relatively high in the early stage of germination and decreased as the tissue matured. These results suggest that dynamic OCT is sensitive to water and nutrient transport as well as cellular activities associated with plant growth.

Photoinduced Anisotropy in Thin Films of Azobenzene-Containing Liquid Crystalline Supramolecular Complexes of Various Polymer Architecture.

Light patternable colorless liquid crystalline (LC) polymers are promising materials for functional photonic devices with broad applications in optical communication, diffractive optics, and displays. This work reports photoinduced optical anisotropy in thin films of azobenzene-containing (Azo) LC block copolymer supramolecular complexes, which can be decolorized after light patterning providing colorless patterned birefringent polymer films. The supramolecular complexes are prepared via intermolecular pyridine-phenol hydrogen bonding between a low-molecular-weight Azo phenol and host LC AB diblock and ABA triblock copolymers consisted of LC phenylbenzoate (PhM) blocks and poly(vinylpyridine) units. The molecular architecture of the host polymers and the morphological pattern formed by the complexes can affect orientational behavior of Azo groups under irradiation with linearly polarized light. Photoorientation of hydrogen-bonded Azo groups is accompanied by the cooperative orientation of non-photochromic PhM units, which form individual microphases and stabilize the orientation of Azo groups. This effect is specific for block copolymer complexes and it is absent for random copolymer complex, which is used as a reference sample. Optical anisotropy induced in films of the block copolymer complexes can be amplified by heating above the glass transition temperature and subsequent rinsing with diethyl ether allows colorless birefringent polymer films to be prepared.

Histopathologic, genomic, transcriptomic, and functional characteristics of eight melanocytic tumors with BRAF fusions showing stronger MAPK pathway activation compared to BRAF V600E tumors.

Activating BRAF gene alterations are central to melanocytic tumor pathogenesis. A small, emerging subset of melanocytic tumors driven by BRAF fusions has distinct therapeutic implications and has been described to have Spitzoid morphology patterns. However, such morphological patterns do not encompass all cases, and little is known about the functional molecular events. We conducted a retrospective search through our molecular archives to identify melanocytic tumors with BRAF fusions. We reviewed clinical, histopathological, and genomic features. We further explored transcriptomic and protein-level findings. Histopathologic patterns varied, with many cases without a distinctive pattern. We identified novel and diverse BRAF gene fusion partners. Differential transcriptomic analysis between low-risk BRAF fusion tumors and reference BRAF V600E tumors showed no differentially expressed genes. However, quantitatively stronger MAPK pathway activation of BRAF fusion tumors over BRAF V600E tumors was demonstrated by statistically significant stronger staining of p-ERK immunohistochemistry. Gene-specific RNA analysis shows comparable BRAF transcript levels between the two groups. The quantitatively stronger activation of the MAPK pathway of BRAF fusion tumors, instead of qualitatively different transcriptomes, may account for the morphology difference from conventional BRAF V600E tumors. BRAF fusions likely act through dysregulated protein function rather than RNA upregulation related to the characteristics of the fusion partners.

The people behind the papers - Saya Furukawa, Akira Satoh and Yoshihiro Morishita.

A remarkable feature of limb regeneration is the ability to regenerate normal limb morphology and anatomical patterning. Although it is thought that regeneration uses similar mechanisms to those employed during development, it is not well understood how this is achieved in the context of varying blastema size. In a new study, Akira Satoh, Yoshihiro Morishita and colleagues investigate the allometric scaling of blastema size and pattern expressions of key genes relative to the size of the limb stump in axolotls. To find out more about the work, we caught up with first author Saya Furukawa, and corresponding authors Akira Satoh, professor at Okayama University, and Yoshihiro Morishita, Principal Investigator at RIKEN, Japan.

External morphology and growth patterns of larvae and juveniles of Bryconops gracilis (Characiformes, Iguanodectidae) from Amazon basin

During early development, fishes undergo significant changes that influence external morphology and the functioning of internal organs and systems. This often results in gradual variation of the morphological traits of individuals across developmental stages. The investigation of larval and juvenile fish development and growth patterns has pertinent implications for the systematic and ecological elucidation of species. Bryconops gracilis is a medium-sized fish, omnivorous that inhabits lotic and lentic environments with acidic and transparent waters in the Amazon basin. In this study, the early development of B. gracilis is described, until recently a practically unknown species. In terms of development, we used morphological, meristic, and morphometric data to characterize the larvae and juveniles. The individuals were collected in the Curuá-Una River, Amazon basin, Brazil. Fifty-four specimens were examined. Samples include individuals with 3.39 to 21.79mm SL. Yolk-sac larvae have two attachment organs on the dorsal surface of head and body. The larvae of B. gracilis are considered altricial, with a fusiform body, and the intestine reaches the median region of the body. Initially, the mouth is subterminal and becomes isognathic from the postflexion stage on. During the postflexion stage, the most relevant morphological changes occur (e.g., presence of all fins, mouth position similar to adults, increased body pigmentation), making individuals more specialized to explore new habitats and diets and maximize their chances of survival. Furthermore, vertebrae and myomeres are compared and assist with differentiating some Bryconops species at early life stages that occur in sympatry in the Amazon basin. Our results contribute to knowledge about the external morphology of neotropical freshwater fishes, enabling the identification of larvae and juveniles through traditional taxonomy and broadening the perspective on the ontogenetic study of the adipose fin in Characoidei.

Enhancing corrosion resistance of Al alloy sheets with potential gradient by arc-sprayed Zn coatings

To improve the corrosion resistance and wide the application of Al alloy sheet in the engineering production, a corrosion potential gradient along the thickness of the Al alloy sheet was fabricated using the sprayed Zn layer. The process of arc spraying was employed to obtain the Zn coating with optimizing the parameters. Electrochemical testing was conducted on the surface of Al alloy sprayed with Zn layers at different depths. As the depth in the thickness direction increases, the content of Zn alloy elements gradually decreases and the potential gradually increases. This exhibits a gradual decrease in corrosion tendency. The results of electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) revealed the existence of pitting corrosion on the surface of the Al alloy. This even extended to the underlying substrate material. In contrast, the Zn coating, when exposed to a corrosive environment, demonstrated the beneficial cathodic effect as a sacrificial anode and the protective function of a passivating film, thus mitigating corrosion. The gradual increase in charge transfer resistance in the impedance spectrum suggested that the corrosion resistance of the sample is increasingly improved. Therefore, it exhibited remarkable resistance to corrosion. Additionally, the SEM surface morphology and XRD pattern were utilized to further explain the corrosion mechanism of the arc-sprayed Zn coating. The Zn coating can provide sacrificial protection to the Al layer due to its higher negative potential and localized corrosion reactivity. This is attributed to the micro-galvanic couples formed between the Zn and Al layer, thus increasing the corrosion resistance of the sheets.

Surgical anatomy of the carotid sympathetic plexus in endoscopic endonasal approaches: strategies for preventing Horner syndrome.

Endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) specifically for procedures involving manipulation of the internal carotid artery (ICA), such as the transcavernous and translacerum approaches, confer a potential risk of carotid sympathetic plexus injury, potentially leading to postganglionic Horner syndrome. The primary aim of this study was to delineate the surgical anatomy of the carotid sympathetic plexus from an endoscopic endonasal perspective, offering insights to facilitate intraoperative anatomical identification and injury prevention. A comprehensive dissection was conducted on 20 silicone-injected, lightly embalmed postmortem human heads. The segments, patterns, and surgical landmarks of the carotid sympathetic plexus were investigated in a stepwise manner. In addition, 3 illustrative cases highlighting the involvement of the carotid sympathetic plexus in EEAs are included to contextualize the anatomical findings. The carotid sympathetic plexus can be categorized into 3 segments: 1) the cavernous sinus (CS) segment, beginning at the upper surface of the petrolingual ligament and ascending anterosuperiorly along the inferior compartment of the CS (mean ± SD length 5 ± 0.5 mm); 2) the lacerum segment, starting at the exit of the petrous carotid canal and ascending laterally and vertically to the upper surface of the petrolingual ligament (mean ± SD length 10 ± 1 mm); and 3) the petrous segment, originating at the external opening of the carotid canal and terminating at the foramen lacerum (mean ± SD length 18 ± 1 mm). Two primary morphological patterns of the sympathetic plexus at the CS and lacerum segments were identified: a plexus-like pattern in 12 (30%) hemispheres, and a nerve-like pattern that was subcategorized as double (18 [45%] hemispheres) or single (10 [25%] hemispheres) trunks. Surgical strategies emphasize the importance of recognizing key landmarks when approaching the carotid sympathetic plexus, including the pterygosphenoidal triangle, lingual process, petrolingual ligament, lateral parasellar ligament, and abducens nerve. This article provides a comprehensive anatomical description of the carotid sympathetic plexus in EEAs, highlighting key anatomical segments and patterns for intraoperative identification. A better understanding of anatomical landmarks for the carotid sympathetic plexus could help reduce the incidence of postganglionic Horner syndrome, augmenting the safety and efficacy of endoscopic endonasal transcavernous surgery.

Identification of key areas for Territorial Ecological Restoration: focusing on ecological security and restoration potential

Implementing Territorial Ecological Restoration is a crucial approach to achieving ecological stability and regional sustainable development, and it also serves as an important measure for promoting the coordinated development of socioeconomic and ecological environments in the Yellow River Basin. However, effective identification of key areas for Territorial Ecological Restoration remains challenging in planning ecological restoration projects. This study focuses on ecological security and restoration potential, taking Linxia Prefecture in the ecologically fragile area of the upper Yellow River as an example. By evaluating six types of ecosystem services in this area, utilizing morphological spatial pattern analysis models and circuit theory, we identified the structural elements of ecological security patterns and assessed the potential for ecological restoration, identifying key areas for regional ecological restoration.The findings indicated that (1) 13 ecological patches were identified in total, predominantly distributed in the southwest and central regions of Linxia Prefecture. 25 ecological corridors were identified, demonstrating a high level of spatial coherence in terms of significance and connectivity, establishing a closely integrated ecological security network primarily in the southwest of Linxia Prefecture. (2) Thirteen ecological pinch points and seventeen ecological barrier points have been identified, concentrated in the central and southwestern regions of Linxia Prefecture. (3) Based on the characteristics and urgency of key areas for Territorial Ecological Restoration, they are classified and graded as “point-line-surface” and “primary-very important-important.” The primary restoration areas of the point type are mainly located in the central part of Linxia Prefecture, while the primary restoration areas of the line and plane types are mainly in the southwestern part of Linxia Prefecture. This paper emphasizing a holistic approach that prioritizes ecosystem integrity and social support to guide targeted restoration strategies across various ecological features, ultimately aiming for sustainable regional development and maximizing restoration benefits in ecologically fragile areas.