Scalloped Appearance Research Articles

Rare Case of a Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen Syndrome Revealed by a Spinal Cord Compression

Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome (DMSC) is an rare autosomal recessive skeletal disorder that belongs to the category of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. The present work reports a case of DMCS in a nine- year-old kid who was admitted for spinal cord compression accompanied by mental retardation and dysmorphic syndrome. The patient had shown a C1-C2 dislocation with compression of the bulbo-medullary junction, platyspondyly with double ondulation of all the vertebral endplates, widely open acetabulums and epi- metaphyseal dysplasia of the femoral heads. Discussion: The syndrome is clinically characterized by a staturo- ponderal delay of varying severity. Radiological characteristics consist of a scalloped appearance of the iliac wings, spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia and platyspondyly. The diagnosis of Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome can be suspected after a clinical evaluation, a detailed patient history, and identification of characteristic clinical and radiological signs.

A new skin laxity scale for the buttocks: the Skin Laxity Visual Scale (SLVS).

The Skin Laxity Severity Scale for the buttocks was previously developed to separately assess buttock ptosis, a scalloped appearance of the skin, infragluteal fold, localized fat on the lower third of the buttocks, and linear depressed lesions. A more objective, faster and shorter version of this scale, to be evaluated visually, would be more feasible to apply in daily practice. To present a new skin laxity scale for the buttocks: the Skin Laxity Visual Scale (SLVS). To establish the scale, investigators chose, by consensus, the most representative cases of each skin laxity grade. The images were graphically edited to better represent the degree of skin laxity identified in a previous study. Scale validity and reliability were assessed in two validation cycles, performed by eight dermatologists assessing 50 clinical cases. Overall, Kendall's, weighted-kappa, and intraclass correlation coefficients indicated very good reliability and consistent inter- and intra-rater agreement (p<0.001). The scale validity was confirmed by criteria validity tests (rs: 0.76, p<0.05). The SLVS for the buttocks is a reliable, reproducible, accurate and valid scale to identify skin laxity severity and its different features. It will very likely be an easy-to-use and convenient tool to appropriately assess improvement obtained with treatment and follow patients.

Simple Bone Cysts of the Jaws: Case Series and Literature Review

Simple bone cysts (SBCs) of the jaws are benign intraosseous cavities empty or filled with serous, serohematic or blood fluid. They are characterized by the absence of an epithelial lining. Aim: To describe the clinical, radiographic and surgical findings of SBC through a series of 4 clinical cases and a literature review of previously published cases. Methods: A series of 4 case reports of our department were reported with presentation of the clinical, radiological and surgical investigations performed. In addition, a literature search of SBCs was conducted using the PubMed database for a period of 10 years. Results: 19 papers were returned; A total of 34 patients (including our 4 patients) with a total of 40 lesions were analyzed. SBC are generally observed around the second decade of life (68%) without gender predominance. They are preferentially located in the mandible and are frequently asymptomatic and of fortuitous discovery (82%). Radiologically, SBCs can be unilocular or multilocular with a characteristic scalloped appearance between the roots of the teeth. The management of these pseudocysts is based on surgical treatment. Discussion: Knowledge of these different characteristics of SBCs is essential to make the right diagnosis and to provide the best management, especially as these lesions may have similarities with other lesions considered more aggressive.

Assessment of midpalatal suture ossification using cone-beam computed tomography.

Background and ObjectiveThe degree of ossification of the midpalatal suture is an important factor in the selection of treatment procedure, especially in young individuals. Considering the discrepancies in the results of studies on the exact time of the closure of this suture, the present study was undertaken to evaluate ossification and morphology of the suture with the use of CBCT.MethodsIn the present cross-sectional study, the CBCT images of the maxilla in 144 Iranian subjects (72 males, 72 females) with an age range of 10 to 70 years, referring to a private radiology center in Sari, Iran, were evaluated. The CBCT images were evaluated in the axial cross-sectional slice at 1 mm intervals to determine morphology and the maturation stage of the suture and its degree of ossification. The six developmental stages that were observed were as follows: stage A, a direct line without disturbances; stage B, a scalloped appearance in the suture; stage C, two parallel lines with a scalloped appearance that were connected at some points; stage CD, the anterior portion was similar to stage C, and the posterior region was similar to stage D; stage D, ossification only in the palatine bone; stage E, complete ossification of the suture. The degree of ossification of the suture was calculated with the use of the ratio of the length of the ossified segment to the entire length of the suture. Data were analyzed with Spearman’s correlation test, Chi-squared test, t-test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Intra-observer agreement was calculated with the use of weighted kappa coefficient. Data were analyzed with SPSS 17.ResultsThere was a strong correlation between the age groups and the developmental stages of the midpalatal suture in both genders (r=0.681, p<0.001). The ossification process occurred in the posterior to anterior direction in 98% of the cases. There was a significant relationship between aging and the degree of ossification (p<0.001); however, the difference was not significant between the two genders (p=0.193).ConclusionAlthough the rate of suture closure increased with aging, age was not a reliable factor alone to determine the developmental stage of the suture. Use of CBCT is necessary in all the patients to determine the degree of ossification and morphology of the midpalatal suture.

Prediction of rapid maxillary expansion by assessing the maturation of the midpalatal suture on cone beam CT.

ABSTRACTRapid maxillary expansion (RME) primarily involves the mechanical opening of the midpalatal suture of the maxillary and palatine bones. The fusion of the midpalatal suture determines the failure of RME, a common event in late adolescents and young adults. Recently, the assessment of the maturation of midpalatal suture as viewed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been introduced. Five maturational stages of the midpalatal suture have been presented: Stage A = straight high-density sutural line, with no or little interdigitation; Stage B = scalloped appearance of the high-density sutural line; Stage C = two parallel, scalloped, high-density lines that lie close to each other, separated in some areas by small low-density spaces; Stage D = fusion of the palatine bone where no evidence of a suture is present; and Stage E = complete fusion that extends also anteriorly in the maxilla. At Stage C, less skeletal response would be expected than at Stages A and B, as there are many bony bridges along the suture. For patients at Stages D and E, surgically assisted RME would be necessary, as the fusion of the midpalatal suture already has occurred either partially or totally. This diagnostic method can be used to estimate the prognosis of the RME, mainly for late adolescents and young adults for whom this procedure is unpredictable clinically.

Contributions of Mouse and Human Hematopoietic Cells to Remodeling of the Adult Auditory Nerve After Neuron Loss.

The peripheral auditory nerve (AN) carries sound information from sensory hair cells to the brain. The present study investigated the contribution of mouse and human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to cellular diversity in the AN following the destruction of neuron cell bodies, also known as spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Exposure of the adult mouse cochlea to ouabain selectively killed type I SGNs and disrupted the blood-labyrinth barrier. This procedure also resulted in the upregulation of genes associated with hematopoietic cell homing and differentiation, and provided an environment conducive to the tissue engraftment of circulating stem/progenitor cells into the AN. Experiments were performed using both a mouse-mouse bone marrow transplantation model and a severely immune-incompetent mouse model transplanted with human CD34+ cord blood cells. Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of recipient mice demonstrated that ouabain injury promoted an increase in the number of both HSC-derived macrophages and HSC-derived nonmacrophages in the AN. Although rare, a few HSC-derived cells in the injured AN exhibited glial-like qualities. These results suggest that human hematopoietic cells participate in remodeling of the AN after neuron cell body loss and that hematopoietic cells can be an important resource for promoting AN repair/regeneration in the adult inner ear.

Patterns of healing: a comparison of two proximal tibial osteotomy techniques.

Several low-energy osteotomy techniques are described in the literature, but there is limited evidence comparing them. Our study evaluates the patterns of regenerate formation using two different osteotomy techniques. Two cohorts of patients underwent osteotomy of the tibia using a Gigli saw (n = 15) or De Bastiani corticotomy (n = 12) technique. The patient radiographs were assessed by the two senior authors who were blinded to the osteotomy type. Regenerate quality was assessed along the anterior, posterior, medial and lateral cortices, graded 1–5 from absent to full consolidation over time. The time to 3 cortices healed/regenerate length was calculated. The time to consolidation of the anterior, posterior, medial and lateral cortices was compared. The mean 3 cortices index in the Gigli group was 2.0 months/cm and in the De Bastiani group 1.8 months/cm. This was not a significant difference. In both groups, anterior bone formation was slower, and anterior cortical deficiency with a scalloped appearance was seen in 25 % of cases overall with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Both Gigli saw and De Bastiani corticotomy techniques result in good bone formation following distraction osteogenesis. The anterior tibial cortex consolidates more slowly than the other cortices in both groups. This is likely due to deficient soft tissue cover and direct periosteal damage at time of osteotomy.

The urothelium of a hibernator: the American black bear.

The American black bear undergoes a 3–5 month winter hibernation during which time bears do not eat, drink, defecate, or urinate. During hibernation renal function (GFR) is 16–50% of normal but urine is reabsorbed across the urinary bladder (UB) urothelium thus enabling metabolic recycling of all urinary constituents. To elucidate the mechanism(s) whereby urine is reabsorbed, we examined the UBs of five nonhibernating wild bears using light, electron (EM), and confocal immunofluorescent (IF) microscopy–concentrating on two components of the urothelial permeability barrier – the umbrella cell apical membranes and tight junctions (TJ). Bear UB has the same tissue layers (serosa, muscularis, lamina propria, urothelia) and its urothelia has the same cell layers (basal, intermediate, umbrella cells) as other mammalians. By EM, the bear apical membrane demonstrated a typical mammalian scalloped appearance with hinge and plaque regions – the latter containing an asymmetric trilaminar membrane and, on IF, uroplakins Ia, IIIa, and IIIb. The umbrella cell TJs appeared similar to those in other mammals and also contained TJ proteins occludin and claudin - 4, and not claudin –2. Thus, we were unable to demonstrate urothelial apical membrane or TJ differences between active black bears and other mammals. Expression and localization of UT-B, AQP-1 and -3, and Na+, K+-ATPase on bear urothelial membranes was similar to that of other mammals. Similar studies of urothelia of hibernating bears, including evaluation of the apical membrane lipid bilayer and GAGs layer are warranted to elucidate the mechanism(s) whereby hibernating bears reabsorb their daily urine output and thus ensure successful hibernation.

Allergen of the Month—Annual Wormwood

Allergen of the Month—Annual Wormwood

Anatomic variations of the liver surface detected by the multidedector computed tomography

To the editor Proper identification of anatomic variations within the upper abdomen is essential for surgical and radiological interventions. Similar to the soft tissues in other parts of the body, abdominal muscles can show degenerative changes with ageing [1-4]. A 58-year-old woman who had undergone surgery for ovarian cancer in the previous year was admitted to our hospital for a routine follow-up. On her last admission, a contrast-enhanced abdominal CT obtained for a routine protocol showed a soft-tissue nodule lateral to the liver that mimics a peritoneal implant. This nodule appeared, on serial images, in continuity with a typical diaphragmatic slip. Additionally, CT scan showed superficial accessory fissure on lateral aspect of liver dome containing fat and linear density. As a result, the peritoneal implant-like appearance on the lateral aspects of the liver dome was interpreted as age-related diaphragmatic muscle change. Prominent muscular slips of the diaphragm may be seen as soft-tissue nodules in contiguity with the diaphragm on sectional imaging modalities [1, 3]. Prominent diaphragmatic slips may mimic perihepatic metastatic peritoneal implants, resulting in unnecessary follow-up investigations and patient anxiety. Prominent diaphragmatic slips are described as being more frequent in deep inspiration. Such diaphragmatic pseudotumors are also commoner in elderly or emphysematous patients. The distinction of prominent diaphragmatic slips from true peritoneal implants is based on their continuity peripherally with the diaphragm, curvilinear course when tracked over serial slices, and separation from adjacent viscera by subdiaphragmatic fat. If a question stil remains, decubitus and expiratory CT sections are also said to help. On expiration, the the nodular diaphragmatic slip will decrease in size [1-5]. Accessory hepatic fissures, unlike the major fissures, are limited to the superior aspect of the liver near the diaphragmatic dome [2, 3]. They are formed by the invagination of the muscular diaphragm into the liver. This occurs most commonly in the superior aspect of the right lobe of the liver and is common in elderly patients, as in our case. Accessory hepatic fissures can be single or multiple, giving a scalloped appearance to the liver. Subdiaphragmatic fat and the peritoneum accompany the muscular diaphragm in the accessory fissure, and, therefore, when ascites is present, it can extend into the accessory fissures. On sectional imaging modalities, the accessory fissures are seen as single or multiple thin lines projecting inward from the periphery of the liver [1-5]. In conclusion, surgeons, gastroenterologists and radiologists should be aware of the presence of these variations to avoid serious or fatal complications.

First Report of Brown Ring Patch Caused by Waitea circinata var. circinata on Poa annua in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In summer of 2008, two turfgrass samples were submitted to the Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The samples were from golf courses in Beaver Dam, WI on 12 June and Minneapolis, MN on 14 July. Both samples were collected from 40-year-old native soil putting greens mowed at 3.2 mm that had received annual sand topdressing since 1992. The putting greens were a mixture of approximately 75% annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) and 25% creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) Stand symptoms observed in the field were bright yellow, sunken rings that were approximately 5 cm thick and 15 to 35 cm in diameter. Some rings were incomplete, giving a scalloped appearance. Affected plants were severely chlorotic and lacked any discrete lesions or spots. Symptoms were more prominent on annual bluegrass than creeping bentgrass. Upon incubation of samples at room temperature in a moist chamber for 24 h, fungal mycelia with septations and right-angle branching were observed in the foliage and thatch layer. Two isolates were obtained from affected annual bluegrass in each sample. Isolations were performed by washing affected leaves in 0.5% NaOCl solution for 2 min, blotting the tissue dry, and plating the tissue on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with chloramphenicol (0.05 g/liter), streptomycin (0.05 g/liter), and tetracycline (0.05 g/liter). After incubation for 2 days at 23°C, isolates were transferred and maintained on PDA. All four isolates had multinucleate hyphae and displayed sclerotial characteristics similar to those reported for Waitea circinata var. circinata (2). Sequencing the ITS1F/ITS4-amplified rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region confirmed the isolates as W. circinata var. circinata, with ≥99% sequence similarity to published W. circinata var. circinata ITS sequences (GenBank Accession No. FJ755849) (1,2,4). To confirm pathogenicity, isolates were inoculated onto 6-week-old annual bluegrass (True Putt/DW184) grown in 10-cm-diameter pots containing calcined clay (Turface; Profile Products LLC., Buffalo Grove, IL). Two 4-mm-diameter agar plugs for each isolate were removed from the margins of 3-day-old colonies grown on PDA and placed near the soil surface to ensure contact with the lower leaf blades. Each isolate was placed in four separate pots to have four replicated tests per isolate, and four noninfested pots were utilized as negative controls. All pots were placed in moist chambers at 28°C with a 12-h light/dark cycle. Within 4 to 6 days, inoculated plants exhibited severe chlorosis and a minor amount of aerial mycelium was observed. Inoculated plants became necrotic after 15 to 20 days, while the noninoculated plants remained healthy. W. circinata var. circinata was reisolated from inoculated plants and its identity was confirmed by morphological and molecular characteristics. This pathogen was previously reported as a causal agent of brown ring patch of creeping bentgrass in Japan and annual bluegrass in the western United States (2,4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of brown ring patch in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Intensive fungicide practices are needed to control brown ring patch; therefore, this disease could have significant economic impact throughout the Upper Midwest (3).

Traumatic Bone Cyst of the Condylar Region: Report of 2 Cases

The traumatic bone cyst (TBC) has been a recognized entity since 1929, when it was described by Lucas, and subsequently further defined by Rushton. Although “traumatic bone cyst” may misrepresent the nature of the lesion, authors have noted the popularity of this label. This intraosseous entity is also known by a variety of synonyms including solitary bone cyst, simple bone cyst, hemorrhagic bone cyst, unicameral cyst, idiopathic bone cavity, and progressive bone cyst or cavity. Because the classical scalloped radiographic appearance is not diagnostic, nor does the lesion possess clinical specificity, it is important to differentiate it from other forms of pathology occurring in the maxillofacial region, including aneurysmal bone cyst, eosinophilic granuloma, central giant cell granuloma, ameloblastoma, brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism, and osteosarcoma. Most commonly, the TBC involves the body or symphysis of the mandible. It is rarely found in the condyle, with approximately 10 cases currently available. This report describes 2 new cases of TBC in the region of the mandibular condyle.

Functional significance of the microstructural detail of the primate dentino-enamel junction: A possible example of exaptation

In primate teeth, the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) exhibits a scalloped appearance, the functional importance of which has been the subject of various suggestions and speculations. Simplified finite-element (FE) models of DEJ microanatomy were created, both in 2D and 3D, and their biomechanical behavior was tested and compared. Consistently, the models with the scalloped DEJ, although having higher maximum tensile stresses than the straight DEJ models, showed discontinuous concentrations of stress. In straight DEJ models, tensile stresses act at the DEJ over continuous areas in a direction, which would push the two tissues apart, thus leading to delamination of the DEJ. Perhaps even more important, in the scallop model, the net-compression towards the DEJ was consistently higher than net-tension away from it. As a consequence, dentine and enamel would be pushed towards each other during loading (i.e., during mastication). These findings suggest that the scalloped nature of the DEJ confers a biomechanical advantage to the integrity of the tooth during mastication. Furthermore, there exists a correlation between pronounced prism decussation and scallop magnitude, suggesting that scallops may have been selected for in response to high bite forces. However, given the equivocal relationship between scallops and presumed bite force across mammalian taxa, we propose that scallops could in fact be exaptations.

A Simple Guide to Inframammary-Fold Reconstruction

In breast reconstruction, the inframammary fold (IMF) is one of the most difficult anatomic structures to faithfully recreate. Nonetheless, it is critical to achieving optimal aesthetic outcome. We describe our technique for reconstructing the IMF as a secondary procedure after breast reconstruction using a Steinman pin template based on the curvature of the normal contralateral IMF. Twelve cases of IMF reconstruction using this technique have been performed with good aesthetic outcome and high reliability, with the longest follow-up being over 10 years. Advantages include (1) use of the Steinman pin template based on the contralateral side maximizes attainable symmetry, (2) an additional incision is not required, (3) precise suture placement is facilitated by visualization of the pin inside the breast cavity, and (4) use of a running internal mattress suture avoids a scalloped appearance, and smooth curvature of the IMF over its entire width is easily and reliably obtained. This technique is applicable to postoperative deformities from breast reconstruction using flaps, implants, or both.

Equine Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Ocular squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) occurs commonly in the horse. Ultraviolet light exposure and lack of periocular pigment are thought to be the primary predisposing factors. Most tumors grow slowly and tend to be locally invasive; however, there is a 10% to 15% metastatic rate. The appearance of SCC varies greatly with its location. Corneal or limbal SCC is commonly raised, papillary, and light pink. The third eyelid may develop a scalloped appearance or become thickened. Eyelid SCC usually has a smooth mass effect and may be ulcerated. Treatment options include excision, cryotherapy, radiofrequency hyperthermia, radiotherapy, topical and intralesional chemotherapy with cisplatin or 5-fluorouracil, bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) cell wall extract, and carbon dioxide laser ablation. Generally, excision alone is not sufficient and ancillary therapy is recommended.

Large-scale failures on domes and stratocones situated on caldera ring faults: sand-box modeling of natural examples from Kamchatka, Russia

Edifices of stratocones and domes are often situated eccentrically above shallow silicic magma reservoirs. Evacuation of such reservoirs forms collapse calderas commonly surrounded by remnants of one or several volcanic cones that appear variously affected and destabilized. We studied morphologies of six calderas in Kamchatka, Russia, with diameters of 4 to 12 km. Edifices affected by caldera subsidence have residual heights of 250–800 m, and typical amphitheater-like depressions opening toward the calderas. The amphitheaters closely resemble horseshoe-shaped craters formed by large-scale flank failures of volcanoes with development of debris avalanches. Where caldera boundaries intersect such cones, the caldera margins have notable outward embayments. We therefore hypothesize that in the process of caldera formation, these eccentrically situated edifices were partly displaced and destabilized, causing large-scale landslides. The landslide masses are then transformed into debris avalanches and emplaced inside the developing caldera basins. To test this hypothesis, we carried out sand-box analogue experiments, in which caldera formation (modeled by evacuation of a rubber balloon) was simulated. The deformation of volcanic cones was studied by placing sand-cones in the vicinity of the expected “caldera” rim. At the initial stage of the modeled subsidence, the propagating ring fault of the caldera bifurcates within the affected cone into two faults, the outermost of which is notably curved outward off the caldera center. The two faults dissect the cone into three parts: (1) a stable outer part, (2) a highly unstable and subsiding intracaldera part, and (3) a subsiding graben structure between parts (1) and (2). Further progression of the caldera subsidence is likely to cause failure of parts (2) and (3) with failed material sliding into the caldera basin and with formation of an amphitheater-like depression oriented toward the developing caldera. The mass of material which is liable to slide into the caldera basin, and the shape of the resulted amphitheater are a function of the relative position of the caldera ring fault and the base of the cone. A cone situated mostly outside the ring fault is affected to a minor degree by caldera subsidence and collapses with formation of a narrow amphitheater deeply incised into the cone, having a small opening angle. Accordingly, the caldera exhibits a prominent outward embayment. By contrast, collapse of a cone initially situated mostly inside the caldera results in a broad amphitheater with a large opening angle, i.e. the embayment of the caldera rim is negligible. The relationships between the relative position of an edifice above the caldera fault and the opening angle of the formed amphitheater are similar for the modeled and the natural cases of caldera/cone interactions. Thus, our experiments support the hypothesis that volcanic edifices affected by caldera subsidence can experience large-scale failures with formation of indicative amphitheaters oriented toward the caldera basins. More generally, the scalloped appearance of boundaries of calderas in contact with pre-caldera topographic highs can be explained by the gravitational influence of topography on the process of caldera formation.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO WHEAT PRODUCTS TRIGGERS CELIAC DISEASE EXACERBATION

Strict adherence to a gluten free diet is the recommended treatment for celiac disease. We report an unusual case where an occupational exposure to wheat flour reactivated gluten sensitive enteropathy. In 1999, a 56 year-old Caucasian male presented with iron deficiency anemia, fatigue, and weight loss. The patient reported a change in bowel habits from constipation to occasional loose stools 1–2 times a week, associated with fat intolerance. He was referred to a gastroenterologist for evaluation of anemia and possible malabsorption. His medical history is significant for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and a family history of stomach cancer. In addition, the patient takes Naprosyn for low back pain and arthralgias. Physical examination was significant for a weight of 152 pounds (ideal body weight of 172 lbs.) CBC revealed a Hematocrit of 27.6 with an MCV of 72. An initial colonoscopy was unremarkable. An EGD revealed nonerosive gastritis and a scalloped appearance of the duodenum. Duodenal biopsies confirmed celiac disease with moderate villous blunting and chronic inflammation. Anti-gliadin antibody IgA was positive. The patient was started on a gluten-free diet and his diarrhea and anemia improved. He managed to regain considerable weight and had 1–2 formed bowel movements a day. Repeat endoscopy five months later showed mild villous blunting without significant inflammation. A repeat Hematocrit was 41.5. In 2001, the patient began working at a bakery performing maintenance. Since starting work, he developed episodes of diarrhea once a week with explosive loose stools, fatigue, and malaise. His symptoms typically worsened towards the end of the workweek despite adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. He also developed vesicular-bullous lesions on his shoulders and buttocks. Upper endoscopy and duodenal biopsies were repeated and revealed moderate chronic inflammation and mild villous blunting. It was believed that the patient's occupational exposure to wheat flour (gluten) contributed to his worsening symptoms. The patient was advised to wear an N-95 particulate respiratory mask to decrease exposure to wheat while at work. He was also started on dapsone for Dermatitis Herpetiformis. After wearing the mask at work, the patient noted improvement of his diarrhea and skin lesions. A repeat EGD and biopsy showed considerable improvement in the villous atrophy and a decrease in the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes.

The interaction of comet 153P/Ikeya‐Zhang with interplanetary coronal mass ejections: Identification of fast ICME signatures

The active comet 153P/Ikeya‐Zhang possessed a highly‐variable plasma tail. Favorable circumstances allowed the identification of the impact of fast ICMEs with the comet. The impact produces a specific morphology including a characteristic scalloped appearance which suggests that the ICME magnetic field drapes around preexisting tail density enhancements. This appears to be the first direct association between fast ICMEs and plasma tail structure and the specific structure should permit the identification of fast ICME locations in the heliosphere.

Leading-edge tubercles delay stall on humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) flippers

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is exceptional among the baleen whales in its ability to undertake acrobatic underwater maneuvers to catch prey. In order to execute these banking and turning maneuvers, humpback whales utilize extremely mobile flippers. The humpback whale flipper is unique because of the presence of large protuberances or tubercles located on the leading edge which gives this surface a scalloped appearance. We show, through wind tunnel measurements, that the addition of leading-edge tubercles to a scale model of an idealized humpback whale flipper delays the stall angle by approximately 40%, while increasing lift and decreasing drag.

Clestobothrium neglectum (Lönnberg, 1893) n. comb. (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae) from the tadpole fish Raniceps raninus (L.) (Gadidae) from Sweden

Clestobothrium neglectum (Lönnberg, 1893) n. comb. is redescribed from specimens previously deposited in The Natural History Museum, London, UK by Dr David I. Gibson obtained from the intestine of the tadpole fish Raniceps raninus (Gadidae) collected from off the western coast of Sweden, near Kristineberg. C. neglectum resembles C. crassiceps (Rudolphi, 1819), the type- and only species currently recognised in the genus, but differs in having fine spiniform-like structures that are likely microtriches covering the posterior fourth of the scolex and all proglottids, a highly folded tegument forming numerous longitudinal ridges on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the proglottids giving them a scalloped appearance, a somewhat smaller egg (68 x 35 vs 75 x 40 microm), a U-shaped rather than H-shaped ovary and more testes (70-85 vs 40-50 per proglottid). C. neglectum is also compared to two species with similar scoleces that were previously assigned to Clestobothrium, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 and B. kivuensis Baer & Fain, 1958 (considered to be synonymous with B. acheilognathi by Pool, 1987). This is the first report of a species of Clestobothrium Lühe, 1899 (Bothriocephalidae) from a gadid fish.