Proximal Region Research Articles

Systematic Multi-Omics Investigation of Androgen Receptor Driven Gene Expression and Epigenetics changes in Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer, a common malignancy, is driven by androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Understanding the function of AR signaling is critical for prostate cancer research. We performed multi-omics data analysis for the AR+, androgen-sensitive LNCaP cell line, focusing on gene expression (RNAseq), chromatin accessibility (ATACseq), and transcription factor binding (ChIPseq). High-quality datasets were curated from public repositories and processed using state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools. Our analysis identified 1004 up-regulated and 707 down-regulated genes in response to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) which diminished AR signaling activity. Gene-set enrichment analysis revealed that AR signaling influences pathways related to neuron differentiation, cell adhesion, P53 signaling, and inflammation. ATACseq and ChIPseq data demonstrated that as a transcription factor, AR primarily binds to distal enhancers, influencing chromatin modifications without affecting proximal promoter regions. In addition, the AR-induced genes maintained higher active chromatin states than AR-inhibited genes, even under ADT conditions. Furthermore, ADT did not directly induce neuroendocrine differentiation in LNCaP cells, suggesting a complex mechanism behind neuroendocrine prostate cancer development. In addition, a publicly available online application LNCaP-ADT (https://pcatools.shinyapps.io/shinyADT/) was launched for users to visualize and browse data generated by this study. This study provides a comprehensive multi-omics dataset, elucidating the role of AR signaling in prostate cancer at the transcriptomic and epigenomic levels. The reprocessed data is publicly available, offering a valuable resource for future prostate cancer research.

Deciphering the immune-metabolic nexus in sepsis: a single-cell sequencing analysis of neutrophil heterogeneity and risk stratification.

Metabolic dysregulation following sepsis can significantly compromise patient prognosis by altering immune-inflammatory responses. Despite its clinical relevance, the exact mechanisms of this perturbation are not yet fully understood. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was utilized to map the immune cell landscape and its association with metabolic pathways during sepsis. This study employed cell-cell interaction and phenotype profiling from scRNA-seq data, along with pseudotime trajectory analysis, to investigate neutrophil differentiation and heterogeneity. By integrating scRNA-seq with Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning techniques, key genes were identified. These genes were used to develop and validate a risk score model and nomogram, with their efficacy confirmed through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The model's practicality was further reinforced through enrichment and immune characteristic studies based on the risk score and in vivo validation of a critical gene associated with sepsis. The complex immune landscape and neutrophil roles in metabolic disturbances during sepsis were elucidated by our in-depth scRNA-seq analysis. Pronounced neutrophil interactions with diverse cell types were revealed in the analysis of intercellular communication, highlighting pathways that differentiate between proximal and core regions within atherosclerotic plaques. Insight into the evolution of neutrophil subpopulations and their differentiation within the plaque milieu was provided by pseudotime trajectory mappings. Diagnostic markers were identified with the assistance of machine learning, resulting in the discovery of PIM1, HIST1H1C, and IGSF6. The identification of these markers culminated in the development of the risk score model, which demonstrated remarkable precision in sepsis prognosis. The model's capability to categorize patient profiles based on immune characteristics was confirmed, particularly in identifying individuals at high risk with suppressed immune cell activity and inflammatory responses. The role of PIM1 in modulating the immune-inflammatory response during sepsis was further confirmed through experimental validation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target. The understanding of sepsis immunopathology is improved by this research, and new avenues are opened for novel prognostic and therapeutic approaches.

Ultrasound imaging for assessing aortic phenotypes: A preclinical tool for measuring cardiac disease model progression and therapeutic effect

Cardiac dysfunction is a common feature of numerous diseases, ranging from metabolic disorders like Mucopolysaccharidosis Type 1 (MPS I), a.k.a. Hurler syndrome to neuromuscular disorders such as Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1). The ability to quantify cardiac abnormalities in animal models of these diseases is a valuable translational tool for preclinical testing of novel therapeutic approaches. In contrast to methods that measure the left ventricle (LV) phenotype, we employed ultrasound imaging to assess the ascending aortic diameter and ascending aortic blood velocity. MethodsWe imaged two disease models - MPS I Hurler mouse model and DM1 mouse model (DMSXL) - using the Vevo2100 platform. Ascending aortic diameter in the proximal thoracic aortic region and ascending aortic blood velocity just before the branching point of the brachiocephalic artery were measured as rapid imaging readouts. In addition, histopathology was performed on relevant tissue samples. ResultsThe two mouse models demonstrate opposing aorta phenotypes. Hurler mice had a dilated aorta and slightly increased blood velocity with disease progression, while the aorta diameter in DMSXL mice narrowed and had a blood velocity decrease as the disease progressed. In the Hurler model, we demonstrated that a single dose of adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivered gene therapy provides aortic phenotype improvement. In the DMSXL model, we established aortic phenotype criteria at baseline. ConclusionUltrasound imaging of aortic diameter and blood velocity can offer objective and longitudinal assessments of disease progression and treatment efficacy in real time. This method might therefore have noninvasive clinical applicability as phenotype indicator of cardiac dysfunction.

Resolving multi-image spatial lipidomic responses to inhaled toxicants by machine learning.

Regional responses to inhaled toxicants are essential to understand the pathogenesis of lung disease under exposure to air pollution. We evaluated the effect of combined allergen sensitization and ozone exposure on eliciting spatial differences in lipid distribution in the mouse lung that may contribute to ozone-induced exacerbations in asthma. Lung lobes from male and female BALB/c mice were cryosectioned and acquired by high resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Processed MSI peak annotations were validated by LC-MS/MS data from scraped tissue slides and microdissected lung tissue. Images were normalized and segmented into clusters. Interestingly, segmented clusters overlapped with stained serial tissue sections, enabling statistical analysis across biological replicates for morphologically relevant lung regions. Spatially distinct lipids had higher overall degree of unsaturated fatty acids in distal lung regions compared to proximal regions. Furthermore, the airway and alveolar epithelium exhibited significantly decreased sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid abundance in females, but not in males. We demonstrate the potential role of lipid saturation in healthy lung function and highlight sex differences in regional lung lipid distribution following ozone exposure. Our study provides a framework for future MSI experiments capable of relative quantification across biological replicates and expansion to multiple sample types, including human tissue.

Changes in patellar tendon complaints and shear wave velocity patterns among competitive alpine skiers during a 4-year post-growth spurt follow-up.

Patellar tendon (PT) complaints are frequent in competitive alpine skiers and such complaints are characterized by a long-lasting affection. Since PTs are subject to maturation up to 1-2years after growth spurt, this early career stage may be decisive for the further course of complaints. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of PT complaints and shear wave velocity patterns among competitive alpine skiers during a 4-year post-growth spurt follow-up. The PT complaints and SWV patterns of forty-seven skiers were analysed at baseline (i.e., immediately after their peak height growth at 13-15years of age) and were re-analysed at 4-year follow-up. The PTs were scanned via three-dimensional SWE. Symptomatic skiers were identified based on pain sensation under loading and pressure-induced pain around the PT. The prevalence of PT complaints decreased from 29.8% at baseline to 12.8% at follow-up (Pearson's χ2 = 9.429; p = 0.002). SWV decreased from the baseline assessment to the follow-up in the proximal and distal regions (p < 0.05). SWV coefficient of variation (CV) in the distal and mid-portion regions was greater at baseline than at follow-up (p < 0.05). At the follow-up assessment, compared to "healthy" skiers, "healed" skiers who recovered from PT complaints had lower SWVs in the proximal region (p = 0.020) and greater SWV CVs in the proximal region (p = 0.028). Moreover, symptomatic skiers had significantly greater SWV CVs in the mid-portion region than did "healthy" subjects with no history of PT complaints (p = 0.020). The average SWV was negatively correlated with the SWV (proximal: r = -0.74, p < 0.001; mid-portion: r = -0.37 p = 0.011; and distal: r = -0.58, p < 0.001). The occurrence of PT complaints decreased over a 4-year post-growth spurt follow-up. "Healed" skiers who were symptomatic at baseline had an even greater average decrease in the proximal and mid-portion SWV than "healthy" skiers with no history of PT complaints. This may lead to the hypothesis that PT complaints in adolescent skiers are not self-eliminating towards the end of adolescence, as at least structural irregularities appear to persist for several years after the onset of initial symptoms. Furthermore, "healed" and symptomatic tendons exhibited increased SWV variability, supporting the hypothesis that SWV CV may provide additional valuable information on the mechanical properties of PTs affected by overuse-related complaints.

Experimental analysis on the progressive failure mechanism of soft rock subjected to tunnel excavation

The failure of the soft rock can seriously threaten the construction and operation of tunnels, which may suffer from larger deformation and instability. The knowledge of the failure process and mechanism of soft rock can help to optimize the tunnel design and construction. In the present paper, a large-scale physical model test with the use of both contact and non-contact measurement methods was conducted to investigate the progressive failure mechanism of soft rock. The results show that a notable pattern of progressive failure was observed in the soft rock, whereby failure initiates in the proximal regions and propagates to the distal regions within the surrounding rock. The occurrence of the failure intensifies the deformation of the soft rock, and the tunnel suffers from the cross-section flattening finally. The effectiveness of the non-contact measurement method was accessed by the comparison of the strain measurements between embedded sensors and digital photogrammetry analysis. Subsequently, the radius of the failure zone determined by the stress distribution and mechanical analysis is between two and three times the radius of the tunnel. The results of model tests were then verified by numerical analysis. Eventually, the failure modes were evaluated by local relative deformation. The shear failure takes place in the tunnel inverted arch which suffers from large shear stress, while compression failure appears on the tunnel sidewall, and the tension failure occurs at the top of the tunnel arch.

Expanding Approaches to Improve Orthopaedic Care Through the Application of Artificial Intelligence: Commentary on an article by Neil P. Sheth, MD, et al.: "Effects of Abaloparatide on Bone Mineral Density in Proximal Femoral Regions Corresponding to Arthroplasty Gruen Zones. A Study of Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis".

Expanding Approaches to Improve Orthopaedic Care Through the Application of Artificial Intelligence: Commentary on an article by Neil P. Sheth, MD, et al.: "Effects of Abaloparatide on Bone Mineral Density in Proximal Femoral Regions Corresponding to Arthroplasty Gruen Zones. A Study of Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis".

Assessing pH-Dependent Conformational Changes in the Fusion Peptide Proximal Region of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein.

One of the entry mechanisms of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus into host cells involves endosomal acidification. It has been proposed that under acidic conditions, the fusion peptide proximal region (FPPR) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein acts as a pH-dependent switch, modulating immune response accessibility by influencing the positioning of the receptor binding domain (RBD). This would provide indirect coupling of RBD opening to the environmental pH. Here, we explored this possible pH-dependent conformational equilibrium of the FPPR within the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. We analyzed hundreds of experimentally determined spike structures from the Protein Data Bank and carried out pH-replica exchange molecular dynamics to explore the extent to which the FPPR conformation depends on pH and the positioning of the RBD. A meta-analysis of experimental structures identified alternate conformations of the FPPR among structures in which this flexible regions was resolved. However, the results did not support a correlation between the FPPR conformation and either RBD position or the reported pH of the cryo-EM experiment. We calculated pKa values for titratable side chains in the FPPR region using PDB structures, but these pKa values showed large differences between alternate PDB structures that otherwise adopt the same FPPR conformation type. This hampers the comparison of pKa values in different FPPR conformations to rationalize a pH-dependent conformational change. We supplemented these PDB-based analyses with all-atom simulations and used constant-pH replica exchange molecular dynamics to estimate pKa values in the context of flexibility and explicit water. The resulting titration curves show good reproducibility between simulations, but they also suggest that the titration curves of the different FPPR conformations are the same within the error bars. In summary, we were unable to find evidence supporting the previously published hypothesis of an FPPR pH-dependent equilibrium: neither from existing experimental data nor from constant-pH MD simulations. The study underscores the complexity of the spike system and opens avenues for further exploration into the interplay between pH and SARS-CoV-2 viral entry mechanisms.

Molecular basis of CRX/DNA recognition and stoichiometry at the Ret4 response element

Two retinal transcription factors, cone-rod homeobox (CRX) and neural retina leucine zipper (NRL), cooperate functionally and physically to control photoreceptor development and homeostasis. Mutations in CRX and NRL cause severe retinal diseases. Despite the roles of NRL and CRX, insight into their functions at the molecular level is lacking. Here, we have solved the crystal structure of the CRX homeodomain in complex with its cognate response element (Ret4) from the rhodopsin proximal promoter region. The structure reveals an unexpected 2:1 stoichiometry of CRX/Ret4 and unique orientation of CRX molecules on DNA, and it explains the mechanisms of pathogenic mutations in CRX. Mutations R41Q and E42K disrupt the CRX protein-protein contacts based on the structure and reduce the CRX/Ret4 binding stoichiometry, suggesting a novel disease mechanism. Furthermore, we show that NRL alters the stoichiometry and increases affinity of CRX binding at the rhodopsin promoter, which may enhance transcription of rod-specific genes and suppress transcription of cone-specific genes.

Somatic and autonomic nerve density and distribution within the clitoris: an immunohistochemical study in adult female cadavers.

Knowledge of clitoral neuroanatomy is critical to vulvar surgery. We sought to characterize the density and distribution of autonomic and somatic nerves supplying the clitoris. Pelvic tissue harvested from female cadavers was sectioned axially at three anatomic levels: the proximal aspect of the clitoral body (CB), the distal CB, and the glans. The CB, glans, and the surrounding connective tissue (dorsal, lateral, and ventral) were outlined microscopically. An area containing large nerve bundles dorsal to the CB, referred to as the dorsal nerve subregion, was analyzed separately. Double-immunofluorescent staining for beta III tubulin (βIIIT), a global axonal marker, and myelin basic protein (MBP), a myelinated nerve marker, was performed. Threshold-based automatic image-segmentation distinguished stained areas. Autonomic and somatic density were calculated as percentage of tissue stained with βIIIT alone, and βIIIT and MBP respectively. Comparisons were made using nonparametric Friedman tests. Seven cadavers, aged 22-81, were examined. Somatic (mean 4.42%, SD ± 1.97) and autonomic (2.14% ± 2.42) nerve density was highest in the dorsal nerve subregion and dorsal region at the distal CB level. Compared with the CB, somatic density was higher in proximal (0.05% ± 0.03 vs 1.27% ± 0.69, p = 0.03) and distal (0.29% ± 0.25 vs 1.09% ± 0.41, p = 0.05) dorsal regions. Somatic density was greater in the glans than in the surrounding lateral (0.78% ± 0.47 vs 0.43% ± 0.23, p = 0.03) and ventral (0.78% ± 0.47 vs 0.52% ± 0.2, p = 0.03) regions. Autonomic density was greater than somatic in all areas, except for the dorsal nerve subregion. Somatic and autonomic nerve density were greatest in a well-defined region dorsal to the CB. Surgical preservation of this region is critical for maintaining nerve supply to the clitoris.

Biomechanical characterization of cadaveric brachial plexus microstructure

IntroductionPeripheral nerves consist of axons and connective tissue. The amount of connective tissue in peripheral nerves such as the brachial plexus varies proximally to distally. The proximal regions of the brachial plexus are more susceptible to stretch injuries than the distal regions. A description of the mechanical behavior of the peripheral nerve components is necessary to better understand the deformation mechanisms during stretch injuries.The purpose of this study was to model the biomechanical behavior of each component of the peripheral nerves (fascicles, connective tissue) in a cadaveric model and report differences in elastic modulus, maximum stress and maximum strain. MethodsForty-six specimens of fascicles and epi-perineurium were subjected to cyclical uniaxial tensile tests to obtain the stress and strain histories of each specimen, using a BOSE® Electroforce® 3330 and INSTRON® 5969 materials testing machines.Maximum stress, maximum strain and elastic modulus were extracted from the load–displacement and stress–strain curves, and analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests. ResultsMean elastic modulus was 6.34 MPa for fascicles, and 32.1 MPa for connective tissue. The differences in elastic modulus and maximum stress between fascicles and connective tissue were statistically significant (p < 0.001). ConclusionsPeripheral nerve connective tissue showed significantly higher elastic modulus and maximum stress than fascicles. These data confirm the greater fragility of axons compared to connective tissue, suggesting that the greater susceptibility to stretch injury in proximal regions of the brachial plexus might be related to the smaller amount of connective tissue.

Ashy Dermatosis: Suatu Laporan Kasus Jarang

Background: Ashy dermatosis is a rare, acquired, benign, and idiopathic hypermelanotic disease. It is manifested asashy-colored lesion with no signs of inflammation. Commonly affected sites of the body include the trunk, neck, face, also proximal and distal extremities. Case: A 33-year-old woman came to Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, with chief complaints asymptomatic, ashy colored macule that appear on her right arm. Physical examination in general region shows ashy-colored macule and multiple discrete patches of hyperpigmentation with irregular border. Dermoscopy examinationmacules showed bluish-gray skin markings over bluish background. Histopathological examination showed thin epidermis layer, hyperkeratosis, incontinentia pigmenti, dropping melanin resembles the basal layer civatte bodies. At dermis focal fibrosis was found with infiltrates, incontinentia pigmenti, and dropping melanin. Discussion: Ashy dermatosis or known as erythema dyschromicum perstans is a rare hyperpigmentation disorder that started with reddish, active-bordered lesions, then disappear, leaving a round or oval shape, polycyclic, and ashy macule on the proximal region of the trunk andneck. Onset of symptoms usually at young adult, between first and second decade of life. Etiology of ashy dermatosis is still unclear, and many factors were thought to be involved. Dermoscopy examination showed bluish-gray macules overbluish background. Histopathological examination showed lichenoid reactions and an increase melanin on the dermis. This report aims to describe the diagnosis a rare condition based on anamnesis, physical examination, dermoscopy, and histopathological examination. Clinical findings in this patient were in accordance with the result of previous studies.

SPINAL INTRADURAL EXTRAMEDULLARY TUMORS AND SIMILAR PATHOLOGIES: A SINGLE CENTER STUDY

Background: We wanted to analyze the neurological symptoms and prognosis of five spinal IDEM (intradural extramedullary) tumors cases diagnosed, and to emphasize that a spinal cord tumor can be found incidentally in evoluation of the proximal regions of the vertebral column in patients who were mistakenly operated for lumbar disc herniation on lumbar MRI, but whosesymptoms did not resolve. Objective: To emphasize the need for examinations such as MRI along the vertebral columna in patients with different spinal pathologies and whose symptoms and clinical signs do not improve. Methods: Patients with spinal IDEM tumors treated with surgical excision and followed for more than 2 years were retrospectively analyzed. Issessed pain with the visual analo scale (VAS), and neurological function with the Nurrick grade.Preoperative complaint time,location of tumor in sagital and axial sections in MRI and pathological diagnosis were investigated. Results: The pathological diagnosis in our study was meningioma in two cases,dural arteriovenous fistula in one case,teratoma in one case ,and myxopapilary epandimoma in one case.İn one case,disc herniation surgery was performed in another hospital due to misdiagnosis, but because the patient’s complaints were resistant. In examination, an IDEM tumor at T11 level was detected, and he was operated. In all cases the VAS score (mean) was reduced from 7.8 to 0.4 as well as the Nurrick grade (mean) was from 2.0 to 0.6. In the dAVF case, spasticity in the lower extremities, bladder and bowel disfunction continued. Conclusion: In cases with severe neurological deficits, MRI scanning of the proximal parts of the vertebral column will help in the differential diagnosis of the lesion occupying the intraspinal space.

Changes in the wing shape and size in fruit flies exposed to micro and nanoplastics

Geometric morphometrics analysis (GMA) is a well-known technique to identify minute changes in Drosophila wings. This study aimed to determine potential changes in Drosophila wings shape and size after exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (NPs) (50 nm) and microplastics (MPs) (1 μm). Flies were exposed from eggs to pupal eclosion and analyzed using GMA. Results revealed a difference in shape and size between male and female wings, as expected, due to sexual dimorphism. Therefore, wings were analyzed by sex. Wings of MPs and NPs treated females were elongated compared to controls and had a constriction of the wing joint. Additionally, MPs treated female flies had the most dissimilar shape compared to controls. In male flies, NPs flies had smaller wings compared to MPs and control flies. Compared to control, NPs wings of males were shrunken at the joint and in the entire proximal region of the wing. However, male MPs wings had a narrower anal region and were slightly elongated. These results reveal that wing shape and size can change in a different way based on the sex of the flies and size of plastic particles that larvae interacted with. All the changes in the wings occurred only within the normally allowed wing variation and treatment with NPs/MPs did not cause development of the aberrant phenotypes. Results can pave the way for further understanding of how MPs and NPs can alter phenotypes of flies.

Effects of Acute Piano Performance With Blood Flow Restriction on Upper Limb Muscle and Perceptual Response in Pianists.

Long-term and prolonged piano performance does not provide essential skeletal muscle training benefits while increasing the risk of injury to the upper extremities. Unlike high-intensity exercise training, moderate blood flow restriction (BFR) training has been found to improve neuromuscular mechanisms with a variety of physical exercises (machine, elastic band, walking, electrical stimulation, and body weight). We investigated the physiological and perceptual responses related to piano performance with or without BFRbased on acute responses of neuromuscular mechanisms.Student or professional pianists (n=7) performed the "Revolutionary Etude" on the piano with (Piano-BFR) and without (Piano-Ctrl) BFR. During the Piano-BFR performance, 150-180 mmHg of cuff pressure was applied around the most proximal region of both arms as a moderate BFR. Changes in upper limb girth, muscle thickness, and hand grip strength were measured before and immediately after the performance. After the performance, perceptual and other responses were recorded.Immediately after the performance, the Piano-BFR condition induced greater changes in girth (forearm and upper arm), muscle thickness (forearm), and handgrip strength than the Piano-Ctrl condition.Piano-BFRwas (p<0.01) higher than Piano-Ctrl on eight questions regarding perceptual response (upper arm fatigue and difficulty playing the piano). Piano performance with BFR was revealed to increase upper extremity muscle size and fatigue in pianists after playing. Piano performance with BFR was revealed to increase upper extremity muscle size and fatigue in pianists after playing. The effect of BFR on neuromuscular mechanisms on piano performance was greater in the forearm than in the upper arm.

The fate of an inhaled cigarette puff in the human respiratory tract

Objective Cigarette smoking can lead to a host of adverse health effects such as lung and heart disease. Increased lung cancer risk is associated with inhalation of carcinogens present in a puff of smoke. These carcinogenic compounds deposit in the lung at different sites and trigger a cascade of events leading to adverse outcomes. Understanding the site-specific deposition of various smoke constituents will inform the study of respiratory diseases from cigarette smoking. We previously developed a deposition model for inhalation of aerosol from electronic nicotine delivery systems. In this study, the model was modified to simulate inhalation of cigarette smoke consisting of soluble and insoluble tar, nicotine, and cigarette-specific constituents that are known or possible human carcinogens. Materials and Methods The deposition model was further modified to account for nicotine protonation and other cigarette-specific physics-based mechanisms that affect smoke deposition. Model predictions showed a total respiratory tract uptake in the lung for formaldehyde (99%), nicotine (80%), and benzo[a]pyrene (60%). Results The site of deposition and uptake depended primarily on the constituent’s saturation vapor pressure. High vapor pressure constituents such as formaldehyde were preferentially absorbed in the oral cavity and proximal lung regions, while low vapor pressure constituents such as benzo[a]pyrene were deposited in the deep lung regions. Model predictions of exhaled droplet size, droplet retention, nicotine retention, and uptake of aldehydes compared favorably with experimental data. Conclusion The deposition model can be integrated into exposure assessments and other studies that evaluate potential adverse health effects from cigarette smoking.

Double entrapment neuropathy of the ulnar nerve at the elbow and the wrist : double crush syndrome?

BackgroundDouble crush syndrome refers to a nerve in the proximal region being compressed, affecting its proximal segment. Instances of this syndrome involving ulnar and cubital canals during ulnar neuropathy are rare. Diagnosis solely through clinical examination is challenging. Although electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) can confirm neuropathy, they do not incorporate inching tests at the wrist, hindering diagnosis confirmation. We recently encountered eight cases of suspected double compression of ulnar nerve, reporting these cases along with a literature review.MethodsThe study included 5 males and 2 females, averaging 45.6 years old. Among them, 4 had trauma history, and preoperative McGowan stages varied. Ulnar neuropathy was confirmed in 7 cases at both cubital and ulnar canal locations. Surgery was performed for 4 cases, while conservative treatment continued for 3 cases.ResultsIn 4 cases with wrist involvement, 2 showed ulnar nerve compression by a fibrous band, and 1 had nodular hyperplasia. Another case displayed ulnar nerve swelling with muscle covering. Among the 4 surgery cases, 2 improved from preoperative McGowan stage IIB to postoperative stage 0, with significant improvement in subjective satisfaction. The remaining 2 cases improved from stage IIB to IIA, respectively, with moderate improvement in subjective satisfaction. In the 3 cases receiving conservative treatment, satisfaction was significant in 1 case and moderate in 2 cases. Overall, there was improvement in hand function across all 7 cases.ConclusionTypical outpatient examinations make it difficult to clearly differentiate the two sites, and EMG tests may not confirm diagnosis. Therefore, if a surgeon lacks suspicion of this condition, diagnosis becomes even more challenging. In cases with less than expected postoperative improvement in clinical symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome, consideration of double crush syndrome is warranted. Additional tests and detailed EMG tests, including inching tests at the wrist, may be necessary. We aim to raise awareness double crush syndrome with ulnar nerve, reporting a total of 7 cases to support this concept.

Limited Nerve Regeneration across Acellular Nerve Allografts (ANAs) Coincides with Changes in Blood Vessel Morphology and the Development of a Pro-Inflammatory Microenvironment.

The use of acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) to reconstruct long nerve gaps (>3 cm) is associated with limited axon regeneration. To understand why ANA length might limit regeneration, we focused on identifying differences in the regenerative and vascular microenvironment that develop within ANAs based on their length. A rat sciatic nerve gap model was repaired with either short (2 cm) or long (4 cm) ANAs, and histomorphometry was used to measure myelinated axon regeneration and blood vessel morphology at various timepoints (2-, 4- and 8-weeks). Both groups demonstrated robust axonal regeneration within the proximal graft region, which continued across the mid-distal graft of short ANAs as time progressed. By 8 weeks, long ANAs had limited regeneration across the ANA and into the distal nerve (98 vs. 7583 axons in short ANAs). Interestingly, blood vessels within the mid-distal graft of long ANAs underwent morphological changes characteristic of an inflammatory pathology by 8 weeks post surgery. Gene expression analysis revealed an increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the mid-distal graft region of long vs. short ANAs, which coincided with pathological changes in blood vessels. Our data show evidence of limited axonal regeneration and the development of a pro-inflammatory environment within long ANAs.

Two new species of Perinereis Kinberg, 1865 (Annelida: Nereididae) from the rocky shore of Maharashtra, India, including notes and an identification key to Group 1

Two new species of Perinereis with single bar-shaped paragnaths on area VI (Group 1) from the rocky shores of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, are described with barely (Subgroup 1A) or largely (Subgroup 1B) expanded proximal region of dorsal ligule in posterior parapodia. Perinereis malabarensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from the morphologically similar 1B species P. euiini Park &amp; Kim, 2017 by the paragnath count in area I, the laterally isolated paragnaths in area III, and the length of the dorsal cirrus and dorsal ligule. Additionally, P. misrai sp. nov. is more similar to 1A species P. falsovariegata Monro, 1933 and P. villalobosi Rioja, 1947, but differs by the paragnath count in areas III–V and VII–VIII, the isolated paragnaths in area III, and the number of rows in the anterior band of areas VII–VIII. The morphological characters of the current 44 species within Perinereis G1 are compared, and an identification key to the species belonging to this group is also provided.

Morphology and ultrastructure of cicatricose spores found in an isolated sporangium-bearing structure of a schizaealean fern from the Lower Cretaceous rocks at Casal do Borracho, Torres Vedras, western Portugal

Fossil spores provide important insights into the evolutionary history of ferns, including their morphological changes and adaptations over time. The morphology and ultrastructure of trilete spores with cicatricose sculpture composed of sets of parallel or near-parallel ribs (muri) have been studied. Observations on the spores were performed using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The cicatricose spores were extracted from a single sporangium-bearing structure collected from Casal do Borracho mesofossil flora near Torres Vedras (Lusitanian Basin, western Portugal) from sediments belonging to the Almargem Formation, considered to be of late Barremian or early Aptian age (and possible younger than that). The sporangium-bearing structure of a schizaealean fern and in situ cicatricose spores are compared with the family Anemiaceae. On the basis of spore size and shape, laesura length, with about 20 proximal narrow ribs, oriented perpendicular to the spore sides, and three sets of distal ribs forming V-shaped patterns, the cicatricose spores in the present study are clearly assigned to the fossil-taxon Cicatricosisporites venustus. The spore ultrastructure includes a homogeneous exospore of a blechnoid type with a slight difference in the thickness in the proximal, distal, and equatorial regions. The morphology and ultrastructure of the studied spores are corresponded to Anemia type.