Mosaic Pattern Research Articles

THE ROLE OF DERMOSCOPY IN THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF SKIN DISEASES CAUSED BY HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly contagious viral infection that is spread between people through direct contact or contaminated objects. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. There are over 350 genotypically different types of HPV; most of them cause different types of warts. Many of known genotypes are harmless or are considered "low-risk" types, but 12 genotypes have a high carcinogenic effect. This situation is one of the main reasons for improving the prevention, early diagnostic and timely treatment of papilloma virus infection of different localizations. Doctors of different specialties have a common goal to unite in order to prevent this disease. The term "wart" includes all morphological types of warts and is sometimes used to describe wart-like growths, such as seborrheic keratomas, epidermal and intradermal nevi, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and other benign and sometimes malignant tumors. Dermoscopy can provide additional information on the structural elements of small wart-like growths. Due to the clinical variability of warts and similar skin growths, they can be represented by different dermoscopic features. Common warts on dermoscopy usually appear in the form of grouped papillae with dotted or loop-like vessels, hemorrhagic points, and lines in various combinations, often centrally located and surrounded by a whitish halo. Plantar warts on dermoscopy are represented by small punctate hemorrhagic structures corresponding to thrombosed vessels and are visualized inside whitish or yellowish papillae, which destroy the skin pattern. Flat warts do not contain specific dermoscopic signs or may be represented by single dotted vascular or hemorrhagic inclusions. Filamentous warts have the same features as normal warts, but due to the elongated papillae, long loop-like vessels they are usually better visualized. The most common dermoscopic finding of genital warts is the so-called mosaic pattern, namely the presence of grouped centrally located dotted or glomerular vessels surrounded by a whitish reticular line, as well as a finger-shaped pattern associated with looped vessels. Sometimes, papilloma can be pigmented by mimicking the clinical aspect of seborrheic keratosis, but keratosis is characterized by a pattern of centrally located vessels, which looks like "frog caviar" (frogspawn-like) but formed by other types of vessels. Differential diagnosis of intradermal nevi is usually not difficult. However, when the elements have a pronounced papillomatous pattern, it may be necessary to assess the structural features of the growth. Most often, the vascular pattern is represented by curved vessels in the middle of clots of body or weakly pigmented colour. Dermatoscopic signs of keratoacanthoma are the detection of a centrally located crater filled with yellow keratin masses and surrounded by a whitish border. It can be relatively homogeneous and little transparent, or polymorphic vessels can be found in it. Dermoscopy may also be helpful in the differential diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum. In contrast to warts, there is a domed protrusion with umbilical indentation, which is filled with white, yellow, or combined amorphous structures. The peripheral zone is more often represented by so-called corona-like vessels. Knowledge of these features can be useful for choosing the right treatment.

A mathematical analysis of mosaic knitting: constraints, combinatorics, and colour-swapping symmetries

Mosaic knitting is a method of two-colour knitting that has become popular in recent decades. Our analysis begins with the mathematical rules that govern stitch patterns in mosaic knitting. Through this characterization, we find the total number of mosaic patterns possible in a given size of fabric and bound the number of patterns that are practical to knit. We proceed to a classification of the symmetry types that are compatible with mosaic designs, including theorems that enumerate which one- and two-colour frieze and wallpaper groups are and are not attainable in mosaic knitting. Our discussion includes practical information for knitwear designers and a multitude of sample patterns.

Spatial Variation and Influencing Factors of Soil pH in Anshun City

Exploring the spatial distribution characteristics and variation law of soil pH and analyzing the impact of environmental factors on the spatial differentiation of soil pH are of great significance to the accurate management of soil pH and the sustainable utilization of soil resources in the complex mountainous environment of Anshun City. Based on 22 851 field sampling points, using the methods of global Moran's I index, cold and hot spot analysis, semi-variance function, and Kriging interpolation, the spatial structure characteristics and distribution law of soil pH in Anshun City were revealed from different angles, and the influence of environmental factors on its spatial differentiation was analyzed with the help of geographic detectors. The results showed that:① the variation range of topsoil pH value in Anshun City was 3.56-8.61, the mean value was 6.28, and the coefficient of variation was 16.33%. ② In the global space, soil pH showed aggregation distribution; in the local space, the west and northwest were hot spots, whereas the east and south were cold spots. The nugget coefficient (40.19%) showed that the spatial variability in soil pH was determined by both structural and random factors, but the role of structural factors was greater. ③ In terms of spatial distribution, soil pH mainly presented a patchy mosaic distribution pattern, in which slightly acidic soil (57.14%) was concentrated in the east, northeast, and south of Anshun City; neutral soil (30.13%) was concentrated in the west, northwest, and southeast; and strongly acidic soil (6.12%) and alkaline soil (6.45%) were embedded in slightly acidic soil and neutral soil, respectively, in a block structure. ④ The geo-detector analysis showed that the explanatory power of various environmental factors to the spatial variation in soil pH was ranked as soil type (9.4%)>soil forming parent rock (7.9%)>altitude (2.1%)>land use (1.8%)>slope (0.1%), in which the q value of the interaction between soil type and parent rock type and other factors was large. Therefore, soil type and parent rock type were the main controlling factors of soil pH spatial variation in Anshun City.

Incidence and detection of wilting pathogen and Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) in Pakistan

AbstractSugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a perennial grass, and it is cultivated worldwide for sugar and bioethanol production. During 2020–2021, countrywide field surveys were conducted and indicated the incidence of numerous phytopathogens in sugarcane crop. Infected sugarcane plants showed stunted growth, wilting, leaf yellowing and mosaic pattern in major sugarcane growing provinces of Pakistan (Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). Diseased plants were collected for the isolation of diseases‐causing pathogen. Wilted canes were cut and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media, and after few days, pathogen was successfully grown on media. Based on fungal morphology and DNA sequence analysis, it was characterized and identified as Fusarium sacchari. Diseased sugarcane samples, showing mosaic symptoms, were collected from 57 locations and were subjected to ELISA test. Out of 570 symptomatic samples, 40 samples were tested positive for Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV). These results revealed a higher disease incidence rate (7.01%) of SCMV. This is the first report of countrywide incidence of SCMV in Pakistan.

WILDFIRES AS A FACTOR OF LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY AND FOREST ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONS

Due to the ever-increasing anthropogenic impact and global climate change, wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense all over the world. The wildfire factor is turning into an acute problem for forested countries that requires prompt solutions as the areas of forest ecosystems are reducing catastrophically, which results in an irreparable loss of biodiversity that provides all ecosystem functions and services. Many biologists consider wildfires a factor destructive to biota that results in permanent loss of some species and groups of living organisms; even if it is possible for them to recover after a wildfire, they may need a lot of time to do so. However, some studies argue that wildfires do not reduce the biodiversity in forest ecosystems, but even increase it, thus contributing to species conservation and sustainable functioning of forests. This article is aimed at analyzing the studies of how wildfires impact the main components, biodiversity, and functions of forest ecosystems. The authors answer the question of why wildfires while being a destructive factor, are sometimes considered a factor increasing biodiversity. The “positive” influence wildfires have on biodiversity mostly comes down to the formation of mosaic patterns, that is, forest canopy gaps that occur after a wildfire. However, analysis of references shows that the established opinion found in a number of studies that a certain frequency of wildfires is necessary to maintain forest communities may be associated with ignoring or misunderstanding the importance of biotic factors in the functioning of forests. In modern forest ecosystems, populations of keystone large mammal species have disappeared or greatly declined; therefore, there are no microsites they usually form, including large forest canopy gaps (glades) that provide opportunities for photophilous flora and pollinating insects to develop and generally maintain adequate conditions for multi-aged polydominant forest ecosystems with high biodiversity. In the forestry practice, there are measures to maintain mosaics. They include special types of felling, supporting populations of keystone animal species, etc., and are both significantly less catastrophic in comparison with the wildfire factor and substantiated biologically. The authors provide recommendations for the conservation and maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem functions in modern forests.

Buzdağının görünmeyen yüzü: Ekstraintestinal Bulgular ve Çölyak Hastalığı

Aim: Clinical manifestations of celiac disease (CD) can be quite different and varying. The number of CDs presenting with atypical symptoms is increasing day by day. Hence, we aimed to determine how many patients with CD were atypical celiac through examining their admission complaints, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, endoscopic findings, and pathological findings. 
 Material and Methods: Eighty-nine patients with CD aged over 18 years who were followed-up in Ankara Kecioren Training and Research Hospital Internal Medicine Clinic between 2007 and 2014 were included in the study. The files of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Sex, age, hospital admission complaints, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, endoscopy findings, and pathology results of the patients were recorded.
 Results: The median age of the patients in the study was 36, and 68.5% of them were female. The most common symptoms of the patients were fatigue (49.4%), anorexia (33.7%), and dyspepsia (22.5%), while diarrhea (19.1%), which is among the classical symptoms, was less common. 7.8% of the patients had no complaints at the time of admission, whereas 47.1% of them had only extraintestinal symptoms. At admission, 47% of the patients had anemia, 73.4% had iron deficiency, and 55.4% of them had vitamin B12 deficiency. When hemoglobin, ferritin, and vitamin B12 levels were compared before and after a gluten-free diet, a significant increase was determined. Transaminase elevation was detected in 25.3% of our patients at the time of diagnosis. When pre-treatment and post-treatment values were compared, a significant decrease was determined in those with high transaminase levels. In the pre-treatment serological test results of the patients, Ig A EMA positivity was the most common finding with a rate of 90.2%, followed by IgG EMA with 88.9%. In terms of pre-treatment endoscopy findings, 50.2% of our patients had normal appearance, 25.4% had a mosaic pattern, 12.6% had effacement of the duodenal folds, 12.6% had a nodular appearance, and 9.5% had a scalloping of the duodenal folds. When the pathology results of our patients were examined, 83.4% of them were at the advanced stage and with Marsh Type 3. 
 Conclusion: CD may present with atypical complaints such as extraintestinal findings, as in more than half of the patients in this study. Celiac disease should be taken into consideration, particularly in conditions such as iron deficiency, osteoporosis, and transaminase elevations, which are prevalent in the community. The prevalence of CD in our country is estimated to be around 1-2%; however, it is considered that there are more asymptomatic patients with atypical celiac disease. When diagnosing CD, the most crucial step is to consider the potential presence of CD during pre-diagnoses. Thus, CD should be included in the differential diagnosis, specifically in patients presenting with atypical symptoms.

A numerical algorithm for modeling cellular rearrangements in tissue morphogenesis

Among morphological phenomena, cellular patterns in developing sensory epithelia have gained attention in recent years. Although physical models for cellular rearrangements are well-established thanks to a large bulk of experimental work, their computational implementation lacks solid mathematical background and involves experimentally unreachable parameters. Here we introduce a level set-based computational framework as a tool to rigorously investigate evolving cellular patterns, and study its mathematical and computational properties. We illustrate that a compelling feature of the method is its ability to correctly handle complex topology changes, including frequent cell intercalations. Combining this accurate numerical scheme with an established mathematical model, we show that the proposed framework features minimum possible number of parameters and is capable of reproducing a wide range of tissue morphological phenomena, such as cell sorting, engulfment or internalization. In particular, thanks to precise mathematical treatment of cellular intercalations, this method succeeds in simulating experimentally observed development of cellular mosaic patterns in sensory epithelia.

High-resolution CT findings of pulmonary infections in patients with hematologic malignancy: comparison between patients with or without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

PurposeTo evaluate the high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings of pulmonary infections in patients with hematologic malignancy and compare them between patients with or without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).Materials and methodsA total of 128 patients with hematologic malignancy and pulmonary infection were included in this study. The diagnoses of the patients consisted of bacterial pneumonia (37 non-HSCT cases and 14 HSCT cases), pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) (29 non-HSCT cases and 11 HSCT cases), and fungal infection other than PCP (20 non-HSCT cases and 17 HSCT cases). Two chest radiologists retrospectively evaluated the HRCT criteria and compared them using chi-squared tests and a multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsAccording to the multiple logistic regression analysis, nodules were an indicator in HSCT patients with PCP (p = 0.025; odds ratio, 5.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–26.6). The centrilobular distribution of nodules was the most frequent (n = 4, 36%) in HSCT patients with PCP. A mosaic pattern was an indicator of PCP in both HSCT and non-HSCT patients. There were no significant differences in other infections.ConclusionThe mosaic pattern could be an indicator of PCP in both HSCT and non-HSCT patients. Nodules with centrilobular distribution might be relatively frequent HRCT findings of PCP in HSCT patients.

The new useful high-resolution computed tomography finding for diagnosing fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: \u201chexagonal pattern\u201d: a single-center retrospective study

BackgroundCentrilobular nodules, ground-glass opacity (GGO), mosaic attenuation, air trapping, and three-density pattern were reported as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings characteristic of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). However, it is often difficult to differentiate fibrotic HP from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In fibrotic HP, the HRCT sometimes shows tortoiseshell-like interlobular septal thickening that extends from the subpleural lesion to the inner layers. This finding is called “hexagonal pattern,” and this study is focused on the possibility that such finding is useful for differentiating fibrotic HP from IPF.MethodsThis study included patients with multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) diagnosis of fibrotic HP or IPF undergoing surgical lung biopsy between January 2015 and December 2017 in Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center. Two radiologists have evaluated the HRCT findings without clinical and pathological information.ResultsA total of 23 patients were diagnosed with fibrotic HP by MDD and 48 with IPF. Extensive GGO, centrilobular nodules, and hexagonal pattern were more frequent findings in fibrotic HP than in IPF. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the presence or absence of mosaic attenuation, air trapping, or three-density pattern. In the multivariate logistic regression, the presence of extensive GGO and hexagonal pattern was associated with increased odds ratio of fibrotic HP. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of fibrotic HP in the presence of the hexagonal pattern were 69.6% and 87.5%, respectively.ConclusionHexagonal pattern is a useful finding for differentiating fibrotic HP from IPF.

A Case of Benign Breast Inclusions in an Axillary Sentinel Lymph Node Mimicking a Low-Grade Carcinoma

Abstract Benign inclusions in lymph nodes are a rare phenomenon that has been described throughout the body. These foci of nonneoplastic, ectopic tissue in the axillary lymph nodes can mimic low-grade metastatic breast carcinomas and result in a diagnosis of false-positive nodes that would lead to unnecessary treatment. We present a challenging case of a patient with a left breast grade 1 invasive ductal carcinoma undergoing an intraoperative axillary sentinel lymph node frozen-section consultation that contained numerous small tubules in the subcapsular space. The lymph node was interpreted as positive for carcinoma, and the patient underwent an axillary lymph node dissection. On permanent sections, myoepithelial cells and surrounding basement membranes were identified around some of the tubules, and a large, squamous inclusion cyst became visible. Immunohistochemical stains were performed that showed that p63 and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain highlighted myoepithelial cells around the tubules, whereas cytokeratin 5/6 and estrogen receptor stains showed a mosaic pattern of positivity. Combined, these findings supported a revised diagnosis of benign glandular and benign squamous inclusions. This case underscores the importance of thoroughly examining the location and histologic and cytologic features of a low-grade–appearing epithelium before determining lymph node positivity and, if it is unclear, deferring the diagnosis to permanent sections where immunohistochemical stains can be performed. Knowledge of this uncommon finding is important to avoid false-positive results, unnecessary treatments, and their associated comorbidities.

Air trapping in COVID-19 patients following hospital discharge: retrospective evaluation with paired inspiratory/expiratory thin-section CT

ObjectivesThe study reports our experience with paired inspiration/expiration thin-section computed tomographic (CT) scans in the follow-up of COVID-19 patients with persistent respiratory symptoms.MethodsFrom August 13, 2020, to May 31, 2021, 48 long-COVID patients with respiratory symptoms (27 men and 21 women; median age, 62.0 years; interquartile range: 54.0–69.0 years) underwent follow-up paired inspiration-expiration thin-section CT scans. Patient demographics, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit admission rate, and clinical and laboratory features of acute infection were also included. The scans were obtained on a median of 72.5 days after onset of symptoms (interquartile range: 58.5–86.5) and at least 30 days after hospital discharge. Thin-section CT findings included ground-glass opacity, mosaic attenuation pattern, consolidation, traction bronchiectasis, reticulation, parenchymal bands, bronchial wall thickening, and air trapping. We used a quantitative score to determine the degree of air trapping in the expiratory scans.ResultsParenchymal abnormality was found in 50% (24/48) of patients and included air trapping (37/48, 77%), ground-glass opacities (19/48, 40%), reticulation (18/48, 38%), parenchymal bands (15/48, 31%), traction bronchiectasis (9/48, 19%), mosaic attenuation pattern (9/48, 19%), bronchial wall thickening (6/48, 13%), and consolidation (2/48, 4%). The absence of air trapping was observed in 11/48 (23%), mild air trapping in 20/48 (42%), moderate in 13/48 (27%), and severe in 4/48 (8%). Independent predictors of air trapping were, in decreasing order of importance, gender (p = 0.0085), and age (p = 0.0182).ConclusionsOur results, in a limited number of patients, suggest that follow-up with paired inspiratory/expiratory CT in long-COVID patients with persistent respiratory symptoms commonly displays air trapping.Key Points• Our experience indicates that paired inspiratory/expiratory CT in long-COVID patients with persistent respiratory symptoms commonly displays air trapping.• Iterative reconstruction and dose-reduction options are recommended for demonstrating air trapping in long-COVID patients.

P53 Immunohistochemistry and Mutation Types Mismatching in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer.

High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSCa) of the ovary is featured by TP53 gene mutation. Missense or nonsense mutation types accompany most cases of HGSCa that correlate well with immunohistochemical (IHC) staining results—an all (missense) or none (nonsense) pattern. However, some IHCs produce subclonal or mosaic patterns from which TP53 mutation types, including the wild type of the gene, cannot be clearly deduced. We analyzed a total of 236 cases of ovarian HGSCa and tumors of other histology by matching the results of p53 IHC staining and targeted next-generation sequencing (TruSight Tumor 170 panel). Ambiguous IHCs that do not belong to the conventional “all or none” groups were reviewed to distinguish the true wild type (WT) from potentially pathogenic subclonal or mosaic patterns. There were about 9% of sequencing-IHC mismatching cases, which were enriched by the p53 c-terminal encoding nuclear localization signal and oligomerization domain, in which the subcellular locations of p53 protein were affected. Indeed, mutations in the oligomerization domain of the p53 protein frequently revealed an unmatched signal or cytosolic staining (L289Ffs*57 (Ins), and R342*). We conclude that both mutation types and IHC patterns of p53 are important sources of information to provide a precise diagnosis of HGSCa.

Visual appearance of the uterine cervix differs on the basis of HPV type status in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion: the results of a reliable method

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the differences in cervical appearance among different human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs).Methods A total of 239 histopathological HSIL patients were included and divided into eight groups on the basis of HPV genotype in this prospective study. We present a reliable imaging method that provides reproducible, sensitive and unbiased assessments of cervical appearance characteristics. Colorimetric and morphometric data of colposcopic patterns after the application of acetic acid and iodine were acquired using ImageJ software and the surrounding normal regions were used as controls.ResultsThe differences in red, green, blue and mean greyscale values in acetowhite epithelium obtained from ImageJ were not significant between the HPV16 and HPV18 groups (P < 0.05). The differences in red, green, and mean greyscale values in iodine staining were significant between the HPV18 and the other groups (P < 0.05). The frequency of the occurrence of the coarse mosaic patterns was significantly different among groups (P < 0.05), reducing in sequence were the HPV16, HPV-negative, HPV18, HPV31/33 and HPV52/58 groups. For the lesion area of HSILs, the HPV-negative group was the largest. The sensitivity of colposcopic impression varied among HPV genotypes (P < 0.01), being lowest in the HPV52 group.ConclusionsAlthough being nonspecific, iodine negativity should be concerned in HPV18-positive lesions which is closely related to glandular epithelium. Vascular patterns in HPV52/58-positive HSIL are quite occult and tend to be missed by colposcopists. HPV-negative lesions are prone to be large and present typical vascular patterns despite being rare.

Clinical, immunological and genomic characteristics of children with X-linked agammaglobulinemia from Kerala, South India

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is an X-linked recessive primary immunodeficiency disorder caused due to a pathogenic variant in the Bruton tyrosine (BTK) gene with an incidence of 1:379,000 live births and 1:190,000 male births. Patients affected with XLA present with recurrent infections of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Here we report the first case series of 17 XLA patients of 10 South Indian families with a wide spectrum of clinical and genetic features. In our cohort, patients presented mainly with recurrent pneumonia, gastrointestinal infection, otitis media, pyoderma, abscesses, empyema, arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Using next-generation and Sanger sequencing we have identified 10 unique pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in 17 patients. This encompasses three nonsynonymous, two stop-gain, two frameshifts, two structural, and one splicing variant, out of which two of them are novel. Based on the type of variant, patients had variable clinical features and treatment responses. We have also evaluated Btk protein expression for six patients in comparison to the healthy individuals and determined mosaic Btk expression patterns in four mothers. We have also performed family screening in 6 families using Sanger sequencing and identified 19 carriers for the variant. The diagnosis for the patients led to the proper treatment i.e. 15 patients were on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and the other two had successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Unfortunately, two of our patients died due to sepsis, while on IVIG. We envision the present study could help in better understanding of patients with XLA and help in family screening and prenatal diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest case series of patients affected with XLA from South India.

A case of double‐chambered right ventricle due to cap‐like fibrous tissue and aberrant chordal insertion of tricuspid valve in adult

A double-chambered right ventricle is a rare congenital heart disease where an anomalous structure divides the right ventricle into two cavities. A 78-year-old man with dyspnea was referred to our institution for a double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). Echocardiography showed normal left ventricular function, right ventricular hypertrophy, and mild tricuspid regurgitation. On parasternal short-axis views, color-flow Doppler studies showed a mosaic pattern through the stenotic right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Cardiac catheterization showed a 122 mmHg pressure gradient between the high-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber of the RVOT. Computed tomography showed a cap-like structure consisting of fibrous tissue, with moderate stenosis, which divided the right ventricle into two cavities. The aberrant tendinous chords supporting the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve were found inserted into the anterior wall of the RV (Figure 1). Resection of the cap-like fibrous tissue and abnormal muscle (Figure 2), detachment of aberrant tendinous chords of the tricuspid valve, closure of VSD by direct suture, and tricuspid valve plasty (TVP) were performed. TVP was achieved using an artificial chordae replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (CV-5) suture and a 32-mm Physio Tricuspid annuloplasty ring (Edwards Lifeline). Postoperative echocardiography revealed no RVOT pressure gradient and a normal right ventricular pressure of 21 mmHg. In conclusion, we report a rare case of DCRV secondary to a cap-like structure fibrous tissue with anomalous chordal insertion of a tricuspid valve leaflet.

Correlation between Feeding Behaviors and Retinal Photoreceptor Cells of Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides, in Korea

The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), a food resource in Korea, is a highly voracious predator, designated as an invasive species. It is both diurnal and nocturnal, with high adaptability and reproducibility. Since the predation characteristics are associated with sensitive dynamic visual acuity, we examined the ocular structure of the largemouth bass to investigate the association between photoreceptor cells and feeding behavior. Furthermore, the comparison of the prey-tracking ability of M. salmoides with that of other predatory fish (Coreoperca herzi and Lepomis macrochirus) with similar ecological characteristics revealed the structure and arrangement of photoreceptor cells, typical of a predatory fish in M. salmoides. The double and single cone cells in the retina were present in the regular mosaic patterns of the quadrilateral units, with four double cone cells surrounding a single cone cell. The photoreceptor cells, i.e., the rod, single, and double cone cells of M. salmoides, were smaller (2.3 ± 0.2, 3.82 ± 0.2, and 7.5 ± 0.2 μm, respectively) than those of other species (3.1 ± 0.24, 6.6 ± 0.5, and 11.3 ± 0.4 μm in diameter, respectively, in C. herzi). A smaller diameter of cone cells allows for a high-density arrangement of visual cells, possibly affecting the dynamic visual acuity for prey tracking.

The study and analysis of using CMY color filter arrays for 0.8 um CMOS image sensors

Digital color cameras detect scenes through color filter array (CFA) of mosaic patterns. Among existing filter arrays in commercial CMOS image sensors (CIS), the CMY color filter set is one that is a more desirable choice for low-illuminating conditions. However, these color filters generally suffered from lower color fidelity than their counterpart RGB color filters. Nevertheless, the overall CIS performance were affected not only by the pigments used for color filters but also by the detailed structure designs and CFA arrangement of the pixel itself, we tends to explore the best combination for both the color filter materials and the pixel designs that will improve CIS performance for low light conditions that will have applications in astrophotography, low phototoxicity bioimaging, as well as general photography during dawn and dusk.

Alternanthera yellow vein virus (AYVV); a betasatellite independent begomovirus infecting Sonchus palustris in Pakistan.

Satellites associated begomoviruses are the most diverse group of plant viruses in tropical and subtropical regions. In Pakistan, during field surveys in 2019-2020, Sonchus palustris (a weed plant) was observed showing begomovirus symptoms i.e., vein yellowing and mosaic patterns on leaves. Rolling circle amplification from total isolated DNA of symptomatic leaves was performed to amplify circular viral genomes. Subsequent cloning and sequencing showed that a new strain of Alternanthera yellow vein virus (AlYVV) is associated with vein yellowing disease of S. palustris. The identity percentage analysis through BLAST search and SDT analysis showed that the new strain is 94-98% identical to AlYVV isolates reported from Pakistan, India and China. In phylogenetic tree, it clustered with AlYVV-[PK:E prostrata:15-KX710155], AlYVV-[PK:E prostrata:13]-KX906697] and AlYVV-[PK:E prostrata:11]-KX906694] previously reported from Pakistan. There was no detectable level of betasatellite or any other satellite molecule in the samples studied here. Phylogenetic analysis of Rep and CP genes of AlYVV with corresponding genes of closely related viruses circulating in Southeast Asia showed intra-specific recombination involving both complementary and virion sense region of virus. Relaxed clock and Bayesian Skyline Plot analysis based on CP gene sequences indicated slight higher substitution rates (4.75 x 10-3 substitutions/nucleotide/year). In the Indian subcontinent satellite-associated monopartite begomoviruses predominately infect crops and non-crop plants. But AlYVV is found infecting mostly non-crop plants independent of satellite molecules. We hypothesize here that AlYVV evolved as a true monopartite begomovirus in the Indian sub-continent and could be a great threat to introduced crops under suitable conditions. Such studies are crucial to understand probable future epidemics of begomoviruses in the region.

Proportion and Pattern of Chromosomal Abnormalities in Primary Amenorrhea in Kerala- A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Primary amenorrhoea may be due to chromosomal abnormalities and identification of these abnormalities is important for counselling and management of these individuals. Aim: To identify the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in a cohort of primary amenorrhoea patients and to evaluate the various pattern of chromosomal abnormalities. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India (serves as a referral centre for most of south Kerala and adjoining districts of Tamil Nadu), from January 2013 to December 2020. All phenotypically females, in the age group of 15-30 years, attending the Genetic Clinic with a diagnosis of primary amenorrhoea were evaluated with karyotype from peripheral blood as per the standard protocol. An abstraction proforma was used to collect the data from the master case sheet available in the genetic laboratory. Cytogenetic abnormalities were described as per the standard International System for Human Cytogenomic Nomenclature (ISCN). For statistical analysis, proportion of cases with chromosome abnormality in the cohort was described as percentage. Results: Chromosomal analysis revealed 25.5% (38 out of 149) with abnormal karyotype. Among the abnormalities, the most common abnormality was 45, X (12, 31.6%) Turners syndrome. Other abnormalities included sex reversal female (46, XY) in six (15.8%), isochromosome Turner syndrome in five (13.1%), partial deletion in X chromosome in three (7.8%) and various combination of mosaic pattern in nine (23.7%) cases. Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism was significantly associated with chromosomal abnormality. Conclusion: Cytogenetic abnormality is a cause for primary amenorrhoea in a significant proportion of cases and karyotype should be an integral part of evaluation in such cases. In resource limited settings, karyotype is having more clinical utility in cases with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.

The social vole Microtus socialis (Сricetidae, Rodentia) in the westernmost part of its geographic range

According to the literature, there are several isolated range segments of Microtus socialis across the Palearctic, within which the distribution of the species has mosaic pattern. The westernmost range segment is located in the south of Ukraine covering steppe areas of the Crimea and southern Ukraine and stretching from the lower reaches of the Dnipro to Melitopol in the east and to Dnipro in the north. The social vole is represented in this centre of distribution by the subspecies Microtus socialis nikolajevi. The Yahorlyk Kut Peninsula in Kherson Oblast represents the westernmost edge of the subspecies’ range, where local conditions have practically remained in their natural state and the social vole (Microtus socialis) has a substantial population density. The Yahorlyk Kut Peninsula separates Yahorlyk Bay of the Black Sea from Tendra Bay. The western part of the peninsula (5540 ha) constitutes the ‘Yahorlyk Kut’ protected area of the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve, where steppe habitats have been partially preserved in their natural state in contrast to the area of the former bombing range, which was attached to the reserve in 1998, where the steppe has slightly transformed. This is the only area of typical halophytic wormwood–grass steppe that has avoided continuous ploughing and irrigation. The population density of M. socialis depends on the microrelief, hydrological conditions, and natural spring flooding. The disturbance of vegetation and soil cover due to fires and grazing disrupt the natural population dynamics of social voles. Recovery takes 2 to 3 years. After the cessation of the impact of hydrological, pyrogenic, or pascual factors, population density of the social vole in different habitats becomes balanced. Over 30 years, the population density of Microtus socialis ranged from 200 to 7000 ind./ha (on average 1800 ind./ha). The amplitude of fluctuations in the value of relative abundance in the periods between peaks is about 15 units. The cyclicity in population dynamics of the social vole in the Yahorlyk Kut Peninsula is 6–8 years. The dynamics of the number of social voles is determined by abiotic and biotic factors, which are also cyclical. Disturbances in the cyclicity of population dynamics can occur due to ‘force majeure’ situations of both natural and anthropogenic nature.