Outer Margin Research Articles

Prognostic assessment of T-cells in primary colorectal cancer and paired synchronous or metachronous liver metastasis.

Prognostic value of T-cells between primary colorectal cancer (pCRC) and its paired synchronous and metachronous liver metastasis (LM) is underinvestigated and is the subject of the present study. We enrolled into this retrospective cohort study patients, who underwent resection of both pCRC and synchronous LM (N = 55) or metachronous LM (N = 44). After immunohistochemical staining for CD3+, CD8+, and CD45R0+ whole slides were scanned and T-cell densities were quantified using QuPath software in tumor center (TC), inner margin (IM), outer margin (OM), and peritumor zone (PT) of pCRC and LM. High densities of CD8+ T-cells in TC, OM and PT of synchronous LM were associated with longer disease-free survival (DFS). Greater densities of CD3+ T-cells in IM and PT and CD8+ T-cells in IM, OM and PT in synchronous LM over pCRC were associated with longer DFS. Greater densities of CD8+ T-cells in the TC and IM and CD3+ T-cells in the IM of pCRC were found in the metachronous over synchronous group. The first novel finding demonstrated that high density of CD8+ T cells in synchronous LM were associated with favorable outcome. The second finding of high CD8+ cell density in pCRC in metachronous over synchronous CRC may provide a mechanistic basis for the delay of metastatic spread. Both findings could be applied clinically with own reference values.

Plant Species Diversity and Composition Differ Significantly Between the Boundaries of Kettle Holes and Field Borders.

The boundaries around habitat islands in agricultural fields are rather unexamined, although they may be an important part of agroecosystems in some regions. In this study, we surveyed field boundaries in northeastern Brandenburg both at outer field borders and around kettle holes, which are typical habitat islands in the region. We examined, described, and compared the plant species diversity and composition at both the inner and outer field boundaries in the arable fields (crop edge) as well as in permanent vegetation (field margins). Diversity was assessed and compared with Hill diversity values, using the iNext framework. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and permutational analysis of variance were used to compare species composition at different field boundaries and to search for variables that drive species composition at the local scale. The results revealed that both species diversity and composition differed significantly between the inner and outer boundary along the crop edges and at the field margins. Local site conditions, namely a moisture gradient, influenced the species composition of the field margins, resulting in differences between the inner and outer field margins. Mitigated through crop growth and cover, the moisture gradient influenced also the species composition of the inner and outer crop edges, despite the management practices on the fields were the same.

The distribution and mass index of epicardial adipose tissue were correlated with microvascular obstruction formation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Introduction Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), refers to a metabolically active fat depot between the visceral pericardium and the outer margin of the myocardium. EAT has gradually emerged as a novel target for risk stratification of coronary artery disease due to its distinctive location and multifaceted metabolic properties. Microvascular obstruction (MVO) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is identified as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction. However, the clinical implications of EAT in MVO formation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remain unclear. Recently, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as the gold standard technique to detect the extent of MVO and evaluate EAT parameters. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between EAT accumulation and MVO occurrence detected by CMR in STEMI patients. Methods A total of 129 STEMI patients who underwent pPCI successfully were enrolled. Clinical characteristics including demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, laboratory data and angiographic parameters were recorded from each patient by 1 trained physician. All patients underwent CMR within 1 week following pPCI to evaluate infarct size, MVO volume and EAT distribution. All CMR data were transferred to Q-MASS MR 8.1 imaging system (Medis, Leiden, The Netherlands) and interpreted twice by 2 expert radiologists who were blinded to the angiographic and clinical data of patients. Results Compared to STEMI patients without MVO, STEMI patients with MVO presented with higher peak troponin T levels, increase of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), larger infarct size and compromised left ventricular ejection fraction. Total EAT volume, EAT mass index, left atrioventricular EAT volume, left atrioventricular EAT mass index and thickness of EAT in the left atrioventricular groove were unanimously associated with the occurrence of MVO. The left atrioventricular EAT mass index in STEMI patients with MVO were significantly larger than that in STEMI patients without MVO (24.72±5.049 g/m2 vs 18.63±3.670 g/m2, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that NLR, peak troponin T levels and left atrioventricular EAT mass index were independent predictors of MVO. LV EAT mass index showed a robust and independent relationship with MVO formation and a cutoff value >21.5192 g/m2 predicted the presence of MVO with a sensitivity and specificity of 79.5% and 80.4%, respectively. Conclusions Left atrioventricular EAT mass index is an independent predictor of MVO. Measurement of EAT using CMR could be used for risk stratification and might be a promising target in developing new therapies to reduce myocardial reperfusion injury in patients with STEMI.

A novel radiographic finding for estimation of the cortical-cancellous boundary: A magnetic resonance imaging case series of patients with femoroacetabular impingement

PurposeTo determine if comparing alpha angle measurements of the outer cortical margin (preoperative alpha angle) and the inner cortical margin (theoretical postoperative alpha angle) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can estimate the amount of sclerotic bone that needs to be resected to restore the alpha angle to normative values (<55⁰) in patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on patients with FAI undergoing primary hip arthroscopy and CAM osteoplasty from June 2013 to February 2017. Inclusion criteria were radiologist-measured alpha angles >70° on 3T oblique axial MRI, unilateral primary hip arthroscopy, and age ≥18. Exclusions included previous hip surgery, hip trauma, avascular necrosis, advanced osteoarthritis, dysplasia, poor quality images, or missing MRI images. Alpha angles were measured preoperatively using the outer cortical margin and postoperatively using the inner cortical margin of femur. Surgeries were performed by the senior surgeon. Paired t-tests compared preoperative and postoperative alpha angles, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. ResultsOne hundred patients (100 hips) were included with an average age of 40.8 years (range, 18.7–64.9), with 75 % being male (n = 75). The average BMI was 24.7 ± 3.9 (range, 17.1–38.8). The average maximum alpha angle at the outer cortical margin was 77.0 ± 4.2° (range, 70.0–90.8), with an ICC for inter-rater reliability of 0.861, indicating excellent agreement. The average inner cortical alpha angle was 46.4 ± 3.4° (range, 36.5–55.4), significantly less than 55° (p<0.001). The mean difference between the outer and inner cortical alpha angles was −30.6 ± 5.1° (p< 0.001). ConclusionsThe difference between outer and inner cortical alpha angles on MRI can accurately estimate the amount of sclerotic bone resection needed to restore the alpha angle to normative values in patients with FAI. This information may be directly applied clinically marker to assess adequacy of CAM resection.

Records of Burdigalian sea level and paleoclimate in the Maldives carbonate system

Tropical carbonate systems are valuable archives of paleoenvironments, as the carbonate growth is intimately affected by water depth and climatic conditions. Geochemical data from the Burdigalian interval in IODP Site U1468 in the Maldives, northern Indian Ocean, were integrated with sedimentological and paleontological data for a more detailed reconstruction of depositional history. Generally, the Sr/Ca values of slope sediments record highstand progradation in both sequence unit and whole Burdigalian interval, while the absence of higher Sr/Ca ratio close to the sequence boundary during the early Burdigalian could be related to the erosion of deeper-water sediments due to the activity of bottom current. From 20.5 to 19.1 Ma and from 17.9 to 17.2 Ma, nutrient level and productivity were moderately elevated due to the terrigenous input by the intensified South Asian Proto-Monsoon, which also helped cause more reducing conditions in the distal slope. Moreover, increased nutrient level facilitated the growths of calcareous algae and sponges, while it was not favorable for coral development. The elevated nutrient level, higher sea level, and monsoon-induced current contributed to the backstepping of the outer margin during the late Burdigalian. Our study shows an example on how a tropical carbonate platform evolved in response to the interplay of sea-level and paleoclimatic conditions. Findings are expected to be applicable to other tropical carbonate platforms.

Description of the final stadium larva of Cryptophaea vietnamensis (van Tol &amp; Rozendaal, 1995) (Odonata: Euphaeidae) from Vietnam

The final stadium larva of the Cryptophaea vietnamensis (van Tol &amp; Rozendaal, 1995) from Vietnam is described and illustrated based on specimens reared to adulthood. This is the first record of a larva of the genus Cryptophaea Hämäläinen, 2003. The larvae of C. vietnamensis are seldom encountered, but where present they may co-occur with larvae of the genera Anisopleura Selys, 1853, Bayadera Selys, 1853, and Euphaea Selys, 1840. The larvae of Cryptophaea are very similar to those of Bayadera but can be separated from known larvae of that genus by the distal margin of the ligula being a pronounced bilobed structure and the spurs on outer margin of mandible being poorly developed.

Reliability of trans-cerebellar diameter for gestational age in comparison to crown rump length

Background and objective: accurate estimation of gestational age is important for perfect antenatal care, as many pregnant women may don’t know their last menstrual period &amp; not have a first-trimester ultrasound that is accurate in estimating the gestational age, and the routine fetal biometry in the second &amp; third trimesters may be unreliable for some reason. Therefore, it’s necessary to develop an ultrasonographic parameter capable of reliably estimating gestational age at any point during pregnancy. This study aims to compare the accuracy of trans-cerebellar diameter (TCD) in n 2nd and 3rd trimesters for the calculation of estimated gestational age with the first-trimester crown rump length (CRL) which is the most accurate measurement for the estimation of gestational age. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in Erbil from the 1st of January 2021 to the 10thof August 2022. A total sample of 258 antenatal women was included. The ultrasound examination was performed by a GE Voluson ultrasound system (GE health care 2015) machine using a 3.5 MHZ curved transducer. The CRL was taken between 6-13 weeks of gestational age, and TCD between 15-38 weeks. TCD is measured by keeping the calibers on the outer margin of the cerebellar hemisphere. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science SPSS V. 26. Results: The mean transcerebral diameter during different gestational ages was 16.35 (±0.76) less than 18 weeks gestation, 21.48 (±1.7) between 18-25 weeks gestation, 28.03 (±1.79) between 25-32 weeks gestation, 35.52 (± 1.84) above 32 weeks gestation respectively. There is a statistically significant linear correlation between TCD and ECRL with (rho=0.992) (P &lt;0.001) Conclusion: The accuracy of the TCD in the second &amp; third trimester of pregnancy is comparable with the estimated CRL in the first trimester, so this will help us in the estimation of the gestational age for pregnant women with unknown LMP and unavailable first-trimester dating scan.

Cambrian (Fortunian to Jiangshanian) depositional environments of northwestern Mexico: Distribution and facies patterns along the western margin of Laurentia

The Cambrian sedimentary successions from Sonora, Mexico provides information about the sedimentary and geological evolution that occurred on the western margin of Laurentia. The sedimentary rocks from the Fortunian to Jiangshanian stages denote eustatic changes. Initially (Fortunian to Stage 3), shallow water marine clastic-carbonate deposits are found in northwest Sonora. These deposits comprise tidal flats and lagoons with storm deposits and reefs dominated by archaeocyaths. The Stage 4 to Wuliuan sedimentary succession represents the most documented Cambrian transition in Mexico, which includes deposits from the shoreline - beach conditions, lagoon and restricted inner platform with low diversity of polymerid trilobites, to an outer platform - deep shelf margin with abundant agnostids. On the other hand, the sedimentary environments during the Drumian to Guzhangian changed from an outer shelf marine environment to a shallow water marine platform. And finally, rocks from the Paibian to Jiangshanian denote an outer shelf transition to a middle to outer shelf margin.

A new species of lobe-lipped bat (Chalinolobus: Vespertilionidae) from southern Papua New Guinea

The Hoary Bat Chalinolobus nigrogriseus is the only species of the genus known from the island of New Guinea. A new species of Chalinolobus from Papua New Guinea is described based on DNA sequence and morphological criteria using material previously assigned to C. nigrogriseus. The new species most resembles the eastern Australian subspecies of the Hoary Bat C. n. nigrogriseus in general size and appearance but is easily distinguished by an enlarged, rather than rudimentary lobe at the terminal outer ear margin. The new species might also be confused on external characters with smaller individuals of Australian Gould’s Wattle Bat C. gouldii, from which it differs in having bifid first upper incisors and uniform dark dorsal fur. The inclusion of C. nigrogriseus in the bat fauna of New Guinea is now in doubt, pending a re-assessment of the identity of Chalinolobus specimens in world museum collections. Locality records of all Chalinolobus spp. from Papua New Guinea are reviewed. Most localities are below 60 m elevation in coastal savannah and woodlands. The identity of specimens of C. nigrogriseus and C. gouldii from northern Australia should be reviewed to determine whether the new species also occurs in Australia.

A description of a new species of Mongolodiaptomus Kiefer, 1937 (Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae) from Thailand with an up-to-date key to the genus.

The genus Mongolodiaptomus is widely distributed in stagnant water bodies in Southeast Asia. During a comprehensive collection of freshwater copepods from different areas in Thailand, a previously unknown species of calanoid copepod, Mongolodiaptomusphutakaensis sp. nov., was recorded. Representatives were found in a natural swamp located in the Kok Phutaka community forest in Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand. The new species belongs to the "M.loeiensis species group" and most closely resembles M.loeiensis and M.mekongensis by having a distinct shape of the second exopodal segment of the male right P5, with enlarged proximal and distal parts of the outer margin as well as a bent and twisted principal lateral spine. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by various characters in the males. The ventral surface of the right caudal ramus has two chitinous teeth and two knobs. The intercoxal plate is slightly produced distally and without any spine. The right P5 basis lacks a hyaline membrane on the inner margin but has a distinct spur-like chitinous process at the mid-distal margin on the posterior surface. The left P5 basis has a thin, longer hyaline lamella on the inner margin. The new species is rare, having been observed in only one out of approximately 5,000 surveyed locations in Thailand. A detailed morphological comparison and an up-to-date key to the Mongolodiaptomus species are presented. Their taxonomic characters, interspecies relationships, and biogeography are discussed.

To find the correlation between transverse cerebellar diameter measured by cranial ultrasound within 48 h of birth and gestational age as estimated by last menstrual period

Background: Gestational age (GA) may be assessed at any time during pregnancy, and several modes of assessment exist, each requiring better diagnostic techniques that may result in more precise estimates of GA, which could lead to quicker medical management of a pregnant patient. The largest diameter across both hemispheres, measured from outer to outer margin, is the transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD). Aims and Objectives: We aimed to predict the correlation between TCD measured by cranial ultrasound within 48 h of birth and GA as estimated by the last menstrual period. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee. It was a cross-sectional observational study and the duration of the study was 6 months. We split the population into three groups based on GA: (a) &lt;32 weeks of GA, (b) 32–36+6 days of GA, and (c) 37–42 weeks of GA. We enrolled 25 neonates from each group. Results: A very strong positive correlation between TCD and GA in infants was &lt;32 weeks of gestation age, in infants 32–36 weeks+6 days of gestation age, and in infants 37–42 weeks of gestation age. Regression analysis shows a very strongly significant relationship. Hence, the TCD is a better predictor of GA in the third trimester. Our study reported that there is a close relationship between TCD and GA, with TCD increasing linearly from &lt;32 weeks to 42 weeks. GA can be predicted to be 1.43 weeks by assessing TCD on neonatal cranial ultrasonography images. Conclusion: The TCD is a better predictor of GA in the third trimester. Our study reported that there is a close relationship between TCD and GA, with TCD increasing linearly from &lt;32 weeks to 42 weeks.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-Related Procedures for the Differential Diagnosis of Isolated Immunoglobin G4-Related Sclerosing Cholangitis and Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma.

Differential diagnosis of isolated immunoglobin (Ig)G4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) and cholangiocarcinoma is challenging. We aimed to clarify the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP)-related procedures in the differential diagnosis of isolated IgG4-SC and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC). Seven patients with hilar-type isolated IgG4-SC diagnosed at Hiroshima University Hospital and sixty-five patients with surgically resected invasive PHCC were enrolled, and the diagnostic yields of intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS), peroral cholangioscopy (POCS), and pathological examinations were determined. In six of seven (86%) patients with isolated IgG4-SC, the stricture was in the perihilar bile duct. IDUS showed that symmetrical wall thickening (40% vs. 5%, p = 0.04), homogeneous internal echo (80% vs. 5%, p < 0.001), and smooth outer margins (80% vs. 6%, p < 0.001) were more frequent in isolated IgG4-SC than in PHCC. POCS showed a smooth mucosal surface more frequent in isolated IgG4-SC (75% vs. 7%, p = 0.006). Only one patient had two pathological findings characteristic of IgG4-SC. The sensitivity for diagnosing PHCC was 81% using two or more combined sampling methods. Pathological examinations have limitations in the differential diagnosis of isolated-IgG4-SC and PHCC, and a diagnostic strategy that combines multiple ERCP-related procedures, including IDUS and POCS, is recommended.

Development of the Pronotal Explanate Margin, a Novel Evolutionary Trait in Tortoise Beetles.

Most tortoise beetles, belonging to the subfamily Cassidinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), possess distinctive explanate margins, comprising elongations of the pronotum and elytra outer margins. These margins flatten against the ground, serving as a unique defensive mechanism against predators. To understand the developmental and evolutionary origins of explanate margins, we examined the development of the pronotal part of these structures in two tortoise beetle species: Thlaspida biramosa (Boheman) (tribe Cassidini) and Laccoptera nepalensis (Boheman) (tribe Aspidimorphini). Although final (fifth) instar larvae of both species exhibited no external prothoracic structures associated with explanate margins, pupae possessed a plate-shaped structure projecting anterolaterally on their pronotum. This plate-shaped structure was identified as the pupal primordium of the pronotal explanate margin, as the explanate margin emerged from inside the structure during eclosion. In prepupae of T. biramosa, the primordial tissue exhibited three region-specific folding and furrowing patterns, beneath larval cuticles. These epithelial structures expanded within minutes at the onset of pupation, resulting in pupal primordial formation. Thus, pronotal explanate margins originate from pronotal epithelia, with the furrowing and folding patterns of the epithelia shaping pupal and even adult pronotal explanate margins. The presence of morphologically similar pupal pronotal projections in various Cassidinae suggests that the development of pronotal explanate margins is likely common in these beetles.

Descriptions of new and rare crabs associated with coral rubble and sponges from Kanyakumari, southeastern Arabian Sea, southern India (Decapoda: Brachyura: Epialtidae and Pilumnidae)

Three new brachyuran crab species are described from coral rubble and sponges collected in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The epialtid, Acanthophrys keeae n. sp., was obtained from coral rubble and is the first species from the genus reported from the Indian Ocean. It is most similar to A. costatus Griffin &amp; Tranter 1986, from eastern Australia, but can be distinguished by the proportionately longer postorbital spine, more strongly granulated gastric region, relatively less inflated and narrower branchial region, sinuous outer margin of the basal antennal article which has the median part concave, almost smooth merus of the cheliped, more elongate male anterior thoracic sternum, more triangular male pleon, and the distal two-thirds of the male first gonopod being almost straight. The pilumnid, Latopilumnus ajmali n. sp., was found in the sponge, Callyspongia (Cladochalina) diffusa (Ridley, 1884), and is characterised by its carapace and pereiopods being covered by a relatively dense coat of short setae with only scattered simple long setae, and the dorsal carapace surface being almost smooth with the regions poorly demarcated. Vellumnus intonsus n. sp. (Pilumnidae) was present in coral rubble, is morphologically most similar to V. penicillatus (Gordon, 1930) (Hong Kong) and V. pygmaeus Takeda, 1977 (Japan) but can be separated by the lateral lobule of the front being separated from the frontal lobes by a deep cleft, the more prominently convex supraorbital margin, triangular external orbital tooth, presence of larger granules on the cheliped carpus and chela, and the distal part of the male first gonopod is proportionately stouter and distinctly hooked.

Catalogue of Bombus wurflenii Radoszkowski, 1860 (Hymenoptera, Apidae) specimens deposited in the State Museum of Natural History NASU, Lviv, Ukraine

Bombus wurflenii Radoszkowski, 1860 belongs to the subgenus Alpigenobombus and is one of the 40 bumblebee species that occur in Ukraine. This Boreal-Alpine species has a disjunctive range and is confined to the mountains and hills of Europe. It occurs in Scandinavia, in central and southern Europe (the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Apennines, the Balkans, the Carpathians). It is also known from the far east of Europe (the Ural Mountains), and from the north-eastern Turkey and the Caucasus (Rasmont, Iserbyt, 2010-2012; Rasmont et al., 2015). All scenarios of future distribution of Bombus wurflenii project a moderate reduction of suitable areas by 2050. By 2100 the climatic niche space of the species would be even more restricted. With low dispersal capability and since Bombus wurflenii is a specialized species linked to cold boreal and alpine-subalpine conditions, it would suffer substantially from global warming (Rasmont et al., 2015). Bombus wurflenii is a medium sized bumblebee. It is highly adapted for “nectar robbing”, i. e. perforating holes at the base of long flower corollas to reach the nectar. To do this, it uses its modified mandibles, each with six denticles on outer margin . In Ukraine the species is represented by the subspecies B. wurflenii mastrucatus Gerst. and occurs in the Ukrainian Carpathians only. It inhabits mountain forests from a height of 500 m a. s. l. to the subalpine zone inclusive. The highest number of population of the species is observed within the altitude range of 800-1100 m above sea level (Konovalova, 2010). B. wurflenii is nesting underground, using the abandoned nests of rodents in beech, beech-spruce and spruce forests, in polonynas, meadows and also on rocky slopes in the subalpine. The emergence of queens from hibernation happens in late spring and early summer. The development of small colonies lasts until July-August, culminating in the emergence of new reproductive generation. In the Carpathian highlands B. wurflenii is considered a common one. However, during last decades, the destruction of both nesting sites and forage flora of this species due to excessive recreational pressure, is a serious factor threatening the persistence of its population. For this reason, B. wurflenii has been included into the Red Book of the Ukrainian Carpathians as vulnerable one, also taking into account a relatively limited area inhabited by populations of the species. The species plays a significant role in the pollination of high mountain flora. A feeding diet of this bumblebee in the Ukrainian Carpathians includes at least 23 plant species belonging to 16 families (unpublished data of the author). Among its favourite forage plants are: Centaurea phrygia subsp. carpatica (Porcius) Dostál, Cirsium waldsteinii Rouy, Gentiana asclepiadea L., Rhododendron kotschyi Simonk., Vaccinium spp., Aconitum spp. In the entomological collection of the State Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 42 specimens of B. wurflenii have been deposited. Only one specimen belongs to an old historical collection. It was collected from the Tatry Mts. in Poland on 30.07.1905 and identified by J. Snieżek. From the present territory of Ukraine B. wurflenii was recorded for the first time in 1939 in Chornohora mountain range, at an altitude of 1500 m a.s.l. (Fudakowski et al., 1939). The recent part of the collection includes specimens, found from 2000 to 2006 in mountain regions of Ivano-Frankivska and Zakarpatska provinces of Ukraine (fig. 1). The recent collection of B. wurflenii represents all three castes of the species: 1 queen, 32 workers and 8 males. Bumblebees were collected during June, July and August within altitudes of 800-1700 m a.s.l. in the following physiographic regions: UC: PlChr: Chornohora massif; UC: PlChr: Svydovets massif; UC: OCVV: Gg: Outer Gorgany range. The vast majority of specimens have been collected in protected territories: Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (Chornohora protected massif, Svydovets protected massif) and Carpathian National Nature Park.

High Abundances and Expression Levels of Atypical, Non‐Denitrifier N2O Reductases Drive Strong Microbial N2O Consumption Rates in a Minimally Impacted Mangrove Stand

AbstractKnowledge of the ecological mechanisms governing N2O cycling in marine sediments lags that of water columns and terrestrial soils, leaving much to be learned about how microbial community dynamics relate to variability in sediment N2O fluxes. The present study assesses these relationships across two distinct environments by focusing on the community structure and activity of N2O reducing microorganisms. The N2O sink capacity of minimally impacted Bermudian mangrove sediments was first estimated using trace‐level microsensors and profile interpretation modeling. Molecular data obtained from these sediments were then compared with those from the Northeast Subarctic Pacific (NESAP) outer continental margin, where previous measurements suggest considerable N2O effluxes. Net N2O uptake was observed for mangrove sediments under ambient and elevated dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations (−0.22 ± 0.15 to −0.30 ± 0.26 μmol N2O m−2 d−1), suggesting the microbial potential for N2O consumption exceeded the potential for production via combined nitrification and denitrification. Targeting of bacterial nosZI and nosII gene clusters for quantification using qPCR indicated higher abundance and expression of non‐denitrifier nosZII genes in mangrove sediments demonstrating net N2O uptake. Net N2O production in NESAP sediments was associated with higher abundance and expression of nosZI genes associated with canonical denitrifiers. These results suggest that organisms possessing atypical nosZII genes may act as important N2O scavengers in low‐nitrogen coastal sediments.

Rediscovery, systematics and conservation of an enigmatic freshwater crayfish (Parastacidae) from the Australian monsoon tropics

AbstractFreshwater wetlands are among the world's most valuable ecosystems, supporting diverse biota and critical ecological services, yet these habitats have suffered extensive and pervasive anthropogenic disturbance. Northern Australia represents a rare example of a relatively unmodified, vast wetland habitat. The freshwater crayfishes of the region are poorly documented, with one enigmatic species, the nutcracker yabby Cherax nucifraga, described from a single individual sampled opportunistically from the stomach of a predatory fish. Here we report on the rediscovery of C. nucifraga from a relatively limited distribution in semi‐permanent coastal freshwater wetlands. Field studies were conducted to inform natural resource management and conservation. Genome skimming to recover mitogenomes, 18S–28S and histone sequences demonstrated a sister relationship with two congeners from the tropics, and moderate molecular genetic substructure was apparent within C. nucifraga between mainland and Melville Island locations. Cherax nucifraga is characterised by the presence of a strawberry‐coloured soft patch on the outer margin of the claw, uniquely present in both mature males and females. Meristic and multivariate morphometric comparisons are made with the co‐occurring redclaw Cherax quadricarinatus and the allopatric whiteclaw yabby Cherax bicarinatus, with a summary of diagnostic traits developed into a visual guide and key. Programs to further understand ecology, threats and traditional ecological knowledge will help to inform the future conservation management of the species in the face of increasing development and environmental change to northern Australian coastal freshwater wetlands. Specific conservation actions include identifying and protecting refuge habitats and preventing incursions by other Cherax species.

A novel transcoronal surgical technique for the treatment of cystic lesions of the distal phalanx: A cadaveric study.

To assess the feasibility of a novel transcoronal approach for the treatment of axial type 3 cysts of the palmar/plantar aspect of the distal phalanx (P3). Ex vivo, experimental study. Ten cadaveric specimens, four forelimbs and six hindlimbs. All cadaveric specimens underwent radiographically guided drilling, followed by cortical screw placement. The cartilage was macroscopically assessed after disarticulation of the distal interphalangeal joint. The entry point and trajectory were evaluated with computed tomography. Results were categorized as: axial, near-axial and abaxial. The minimal distance from the outer margin of the drill hole and the proximal border of the subchondral bone plate was measured using frontal computed tomographic slices. Eight of the 10 screws were in an axial to near-axial position and nine followed the desired axial to near-axial trajectory. One screw was inserted axially but continued in an abaxial trajectory. Iatrogenic damage to the joint cartilage, flexor cortex and solar canal of P3 was not observed. All cortical screws were placed close to the proximal subchondral bone-plate of P3. The desired axial/near-axial drilling and screw placement, under radiographic guidance, was achieved in nine out of 10 specimens. This novel technique seems promising for the treatment of inaccessible P3 cysts. Additional studies are required to investigate its feasibility in clinical cases, and the long-term outcome following transcystic screw placement of type 3 P3 cysts.

A Review on PCOD: Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Among women of reproductive age, PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) is a hormonal condition. Patients with PCOD have larger ovaries with little cysts on the outer margins as a result of abnormal androgen and estrogen metabolism and secretion rates. Although the exact cause of the syndrome is unknown due to its complicated pathophysiology, insulin resistance is thought to play a significant role. Our goal is to look into the effects of synthetic and herbal drugs on serum levels of sex hormones and ovarian tissue in light of the rising prevalence of PCOD, related mental and physical issues, and the role that changes in sex hormones play in the development of this disease. Numerous pharmacological research has documented the application of different Ayurvedic medicinal plants and the significant role their ingredients play in PCOD treatment.As a result, this medication may be somewhat helpful in treating this syndrome by influencing various hormones, ovarian shape, weight, and serum levels. It may also present a chance to research and find novel bioactive compounds. Several synthetic and herbal medications that may be used to treat PCOD were covered in this review.

New taxa of the superorder Spirillinoida (Foraminifera)

New taxa of the superorder Spirillinoida (Foraminifera)