Significant Thickening Research Articles

Partial melting of thickened lower crust in the intraplate setting: constraints from triassic postectonic baishandong granitic pluton in Eastern Tianshan

ABSTRACT Thickened crust is of great significance for tectonic evolution and mineralization and generally occurs in collisional orogenic belts. Whether accretionary orogenic belts, such as the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), are able to create remarkably thickened crusts and what the mechanism is, remain to be determined. In the southwestern of CAOB, the Eastern Tianshan with broad magmatism and integrated arc-continental system is an excellent area for understanding the crustal evolution. Here, we report geochronological, geochemical and Nd-Hf-O isotope data for Middle Triassic Baishandong granites in the Eastern Tianshan, which exhibit three stages: Group 1 (ca. 237 Ma) granodiorites, Group 2 (ca. 234 Ma) monzogranites, and Group 3 (ca. 229 Ma) highly fractionated I-type granites. The Group 1 and 2 granites exhibit high-K, calc-alkaline, and metaluminous characteristics, weak negative Eu anomalies, and low (K2O+Na2O)/CaO and FeOT/MgO ratios with high Na2O/K2O, Sr/Y, and (La/Yb)N values and low MgO, Y, and Yb contents, which are indicative of adakitic affinity. The Group 3 rocks have extremely high SiO2 contents, notable Eu and Sr depletions, lower Mg# values, and the ‘tetrad effect’ of REEs, indicating that they are highly fractionated I-type granites. All the granites have similar depletion in Sr, Nd, Hf, and O isotope compositions (εNd(t) = 3.1–5.5, (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7036–0.7051, εHf(t) = 11.3–13.4, δ18O = 6.61–7.21) with young Nd, Hf second-stage model age (565–755 Ma, 425–541 Ma). It indicates that they are all the remelting of thickened juvenile lower crust that was initially derived from Neoproterozoic crust-mantle differentiation. Based on the discussion, we proposed that the granitic pluton intruded in an intraplate extensional setting, which indicates that thickened crust had existed before the Triassic and that the final amalgamation of the Paleo-Asian Ocean occurred in late Palaeozoic. Geochemical features indicate tectonic compression played a more important role in significant lower crust thickening.

Vertically Heterogeneous 2D Semi-Interpenetrating Networks Based on Cellulose Acetate and Cross-Linked Polybutadiene.

This work reports the feasibility of polybutadiene (PB) cross-linking under UV irradiation in the presence of a linear polymer, cellulose acetate (CA), to form semi-interpenetrating polymer networks at the air-water interface. The thermodynamic properties and the morphology of two-dimensional (2D) CA/PB blends are investigated after UV irradiation and for a wide range of CA volume fractions. A contraction of the mixed Langmuir films is observed independent of the composition, in agreement with that recorded for the individual PB monolayer after cross-linking. The PB network formation is demonstrated by in situ sum-frequency generation spectroscopy on the equivolumic CA/PB mixed film. From Brewster angle microscopy observations, the PB network synthesis does not induce any morphology change at the mesoscopic scale, and all of the mixed films remain homogeneous laterally. In situ neutron reflectometry is used to probe the effect of PB cross-linking on the vertical structure of CA/PB mixed films. For all studied compositions, significant thickening of the films is evidenced, consistent with their contraction ratio. This thickening is accompanied by a partial expulsion of the PB toward the film-air interface, which is attributed to the hydrophobic character of the PB. This phenomenon is stronger for films rich in PB. In particular, the structure of the PB-rich film undergoes a transition from vertically homogeneous to inhomogeneous along the depth. 2D semi-interpenetrating polymer networks can thus be synthesized at the air-water interface with a morphology that is strongly influenced by the polymer-polymer and polymer-environment interactions.

Failure mechanisms of (Gd0.9Yb0.1)2Zr2O7/Yb2SiO5/Si thermal/environmental barrier coatings during thermal exposure at 1300 °C/1400 °C

A novel tri-layer (Gd0.9Yb0.1)2Zr2O7/Yb2SiO5/Si (GYbZ/YbMS/Si) thermal and environmental barrier coatings (TEBCs) was first proposed for protecting SiC-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Wherein, the GYbZ layer by plasma spray physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD) was quasi-columnar structured while the YbMS and the Si layers by atmospheric plasma spray (APS) were lamellar structured. The oxidation behavior and the failure mechanisms of the GYbZ/YbMS/Si TEBCs at 1300 °C/1400 °C are revealed. At 1300 °C, the mud-cracks penetrated through the GYbZ/YbMS layer and transversely deflected in the Si layer are responsible for the oxidation at YbMS/Si interface. When the temperature increased to 1400 °C, the propagation of mud-cracks, cavities, and TGO channel cracks occurred due to the sintering of GYbZ and the fast growth of cristobalite. Eventually, these defects caused delaminating failure at interface. Moreover, another de-bonding failure of the coating was observed resulting from the significant thickening of oxide scale at the edge region.

Effects of morning and evening exposures to blue light of varying illuminance on ocular growth rates and ocular rhythms in chicks

Recent evidence indicates that moderate levels of blue light are sufficient to suppress the nighttime rise in serum melatonin in humans, suggesting that luminous screens may be deleterious to sleep cycles and to other functions. Little is known however, about the effects of exposures to blue light on ocular physiology. We tested the effects of transient blue light exposures of various illuminances on ocular growth rates and ocular rhythms in chicks.10-day old chicks were exposed to narrow band blue light (460 nm) of specific illuminance for 4 h in the evening (ZT8-ZT12) or the morning (ZT0-ZT4) for 9 days; for the remainder of the day they were in white light (588 lux). For the evening, four illuminances were tested: 0.15 lux (n = 15), 200 lux (radiometrically matched to white controls; n = 16), 600 lux (photometrically matched to white controls; n = 15) or 1000 lux (n = 8). The 600 lux condition was also tested using a 2-h duration (n = 8). The 200 and 600 lux conditions were extended to 14 and 21 days (n = 8 each). For morning exposures, 200 lux (n = 9), 600 lux (n = 9) and 1000 lux (n = 8) were tested. Controls remained in white light (n = 23). Ocular dimensions were measured by A-scan ultrasonography on days 1 and 9 to assess growth rates. On day 8 or 9, measurements were made at 6-h intervals over 24 h starting at noon to assess rhythm parameters.Evening exposure to blue light stimulated ocular growth rates relative to controls for all except the bright condition (0.15 lux, 200 lux, 600 lux vs bright and white respectively: 845 μm, 838 μm, 898 μm vs 733 μm and 766 μm; p < 0.05 for all comparisons). 2 h exposures to 600 lux were similarly effective (915 μm vs 766 μm; p < 0.05). Morning exposures only resulted in growth stimulation for the 200 lux condition (200 lux vs white: 884 μm vs 766 μm; p < 0.05). Furthermore, for this group only, growth of the anterior chamber had a significant contribution to the overall effect (vs white: p < 0.05), and choroids showed significant thickening. For evening exposures to 200 and 600 lux, the growth stimulatory effect lasted for 14 days (p = 0.01); by 21 days only the 600 lux group still differed (p < 0.0001). Evening exposures caused circadian disruptions in the choroidal thickness rhythms, and morning exposures disrupted both axial and choroidal rhythms.Exposure to 4 h of blue light at lower illuminances (less than 1000 lux) at transition times of lights-on and lights-off stimulates ocular growth rates and affects ocular rhythms in chicks, suggesting that such exposures may be deleterious to emmetropization in children.

Intralesional Infiltrations of Arteriosclerotic Tissue Cells-Free Filtrate Reproduce Vascular Pathology in Healthy Recipient Rats.

Lower-extremity arterial disease is a major health problem with increasing prevalence, often leading to non-traumatic amputation, disability and mortality. The molecular mechanisms underpinning abnormal vascular wall remodeling are not fully understood. We hypothesized on the existence of a vascular tissue memory that may be transmitted through soluble signaling messengers, transferred from humans to healthy recipient animals, and consequently drive the recapitulation of arterial wall thickening and other vascular pathologies. We examined the effects of the intralesional infiltration for 6 days of arteriosclerotic popliteal artery-derived homogenates (100 µg of protein) into rats’ full-thickness wounds granulation tissue. Animals infiltrated with normal saline solution or healthy brachial arterial tissue homogenate obtained from traumatic amputation served as controls. The significant thickening of arteriolar walls was the constant outcome in two independent experiments for animals receiving arteriosclerotic tissue homogenates. This material induced other vascular morphological changes including an endothelial cell phenotypic reprogramming that mirrored the donor’s vascular histopathology. The immunohistochemical expression pattern of relevant vascular markers appeared to match between the human tissue and the corresponding recipient rats. These changes occurred within days of administration, and with no cross-species limitation. The identification of these “vascular disease drivers” may pave novel research avenues for atherosclerosis pathobiology.

ОЦЕНКА СОСТОЯНИЯ СЕРДЕЧНО-СОСУДИСТОЙ СИСТЕМЫ У КРУПНОВЕСНЫХ И МАЛОВЕСНЫХ К СРОКУ ГЕСТАЦИИ НОВОРОЖДЕННЫХ ДЕТЕЙ

The aim of the study was to assess the cardiovascular status of large-forgestational-age (LGA) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) full-term newborns. A survey of 192 newborns was carried out on the basis of the Republican Scientific and Practical Center “Mother and Child”. Group 1 (Gr1) consisted of 54 large-for-gestational-age newborns, group 2 (Gr2) – 43 small-for-gestational-age newborns, group 3 (Gr3) – 95 newborns with physical development corresponding to gestational age (appropriate for gestational age). Echocardiographic parameters were compared between study groups, as corrected to body surface area. Morphometric assessment of heart structures in the course of Echo-CG in Gr1 patients showed a statistically significant thickening of the heart walls with predominant localization in the posterior wall of the left ventricle (LV) and interventricular septum (IVS). Significant differences were found in all derivatives of echocardiographic indicators in the examined groups of newborns. In Gr2, signs of diastolic myocardial dysfunction were revealed reflecting an impairment of the age-related evolution of myocardial relaxation processes. The intragroup analyses of LGA and SGA neonates (subgrouped according to the birth weight percentile) revealed no statistically significant differences in the direct and derived echocardiographic parameters analyzed. The frequency of detection of open foramen ovale (PFO), IVS thickness of 5.0 mm and more in LGA newborns had greater as compared with the group of conditionally healthy infants (р = 0.038, р = 0.001). Fetal communications in SGA newborns occurred significantly more often (PFO – р = 0.031, patent ductus arteriosus – р = 0.026) than in newborns with normal weight. LGA and SGA newborns are characterized by the specific cardiovascular status. The revealed changes make it possible to assign infants with large and small birth weight to the risk group for the development of cardiovascular pathology, which requires dynamic observation as well as therapeutic and prophylactic measures.

MORPHOMETRICAL CHANGES IN THE RATS UTERUS THICKNESS AFTER 30 DAYS OF HEAVY METAL SALTS EXPOSURE

Introduction. Much attention is paid to the global ecological problem of environmental pollution with heavy metals (HM), starting from their production and use and ending with the search for means of their degassing and bioremediation. Particular attention is drawn to the study of the influence of HM on the reproductive system, in particular, the uterus. This is due to the high risk of reproductive ability deterioration and the reflection of the consequences of HM exposure in future generations. Objective. The objective of our study was to perform morphometric measurement of the structural elements of the uterine wall in female rats under the conditions of 30-day exposure to HM salts, as well as to study the protective role of vitamin E. Materials and Methods. For the experimental study, 24 female rats were selected and randomly divided into three series (8 rats in each): series I included control rats that received ordinary drinking water; series II included rats that daily consumed water saturated with HM salts; and series III included rats that were administered vitamin E orally every day against the background of constant consumption of water enriched with a combination of HM. After 30 days of the experiment, the uteri were removed; the sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for microscopic examination, followed by morphometric measurement of the structural elements and their statistical analysis. Results. First, we measured the morphometric dimensions of the structural elements of the uterine wall in the control animals. At the same time, in the animals of the experimental series II and III, the morphometric indicators underwent significant changes. Thus, on the 30th day of the study, series II rats showed a significant thickening of the uterine wall by 31.03% (p &lt; 0.001) vs. the indicators of the control series. A similar trend of morphometric changes in the thickness of the uterus was noted in series III animals, where the uterus thickened by 20.58% (p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, a significant difference was also observed between experimental series II and III. The analysis of the organ structural components in the experimental series indicated the predominance of endometrium thickness over myometrium thickness. Сonclusions. The results showed that 30-day exposure to HM led to a statistically significant thickening of the uterine wall. At the same time, the most pronounced changes in morphometric indicators were observed in the endometrium (in comparison with the myometrium and perimetrium) of both experimental models, both under the conditions of HM combination exposure and during the prophylactic use of vitamin E against the background of the action of xenobiotics. It is important to note that with the use of vitamin E, the morphometric indicators of the uterine thickness were characterized by a less pronounced transformation of values, although they still significantly exceeded the values of the control series.

Patterns of Early Coronary Artery Changes in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients Detected Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy, the leading cause of graft failure in pediatric heart transplant recipients, is characterized by diffuse and concentric coronary intimal thickening. Early treatment yields better outcomes. While coronary angiography is the standard for cardiac allograft vasculopathy screening and diagnosis, it only identifies luminal narrowing, which occurs in more severe disease. Coronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-definition intravascular imaging modality that may offer earlier diagnosis. We used OCT to investigate coronary intimal thickening in pediatric transplant recipients and examined its (1) location (ie, vessel type and location) and (2) nature (ie, characteristics of cross-sectional and longitudinal thickening). Sites collected coronary angiography and OCT data from participants (N=258 vessel segments from 73 individuals; median age: 11.5 years [8.4-15.3]; 55% male). Images were collected from the left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary arteries, and location (ie, proximal, middle, and distal) were classified using coronary angiography. OCT identified 32 vessel segments meeting criteria for significant thickening, 88% of which were angiographically silent. Longitudinal thickening was segmental rather than global in 88%, and cross-sectional thickening was 48% eccentric and 52% concentric. Intimal thickening prevalence and severity measures did not consistently differ between coronary artery type (P=1.000) or location (P=0.248) but increased with time since transplant and age at transplant and OCT procedure. In pediatric transplant recipients, we observed a surprisingly high prevalence of segmental and eccentric intimal thickening. Insights from intravascular imaging suggest these patterns of coronary vascular changes may precede overt cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Identifying early changes may offer opportunity for enhanced surveillance and earlier intervention.

Morphfological changes in the membranes of the trachea of guinea pigs in experimental ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation of the airways.

Background. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of allergic diseases of the respiratory organs, especially in children. The predictor of the further development of bronchial asthma is sensitizing at an early age to the allergens of chicken egg. The use of new knowledge about the allergenic components of the chicken egg will predict the risks and clinical features of the disease. Despite the importance, the problem of morphogenesis of allergic inflammation of the wall of the trachea is not sufficiently studied, so far many issues are not found in morphology and require further research. Objective.The aim of the study is to establish morphological changes in the tracheal membranes in experimental ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation of the airways of guinea pigs. Methods. The thickness of tracheal wall of 48 male guinea pigs was investigated by histological, morphometric, statistical methods on the twenty-third, thirty-sixth, thirty-sixth and forty-fourth days after the initiation of the experimental ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation of the airways. Results. We have found, that maximum statistically significant thickening is shown in the late period of tracheal mucosa in 2 times on the 44th day of observation and tracheal submucosa in the 3rd experimental group on the 36th day of observation (increasing coefficient 2) compared to the control. However, the thinning of tracheal submucosa is observed in the early period of the inflammatory process on the 23rd and 30th day of observation. It has been proved, that the allergic inflammation of the tissues of the trachea caused by the sensitization and allergization of ovalbumin leads to the change in the thickness of layers of trachea in the chronobiological aspect. Conclusion. On the 23rd and 30th days of the experiment, thinning of tracheal mucosais observed due to damage of epithelial cells. Thickening of tracheal mucosa and submucosa was found in the third and fourth groups of observation (late period of allergic inflammation) compared with animals of the intact group and the control group due to an increase in the area of loose connective tissue, which is a consequence of the continuation of the allergic inflammatory process in the trachea after the end of the experiment.

Involvement of Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor in the Formation of a Profibrotic Microenvironment in the Epicardial Region

The study of the mechanisms of development and progression of fibrosis is one of the key directions of modern cardiology. Our work suggests that the urokinase receptor (uPAR) is involved in the regulation of mesothelial cell activity and epicardial fibrosis development, which, when interacting with specific ligands and intermediate proteins, can activate intracellular signaling, trigger the cascade of proteolytic reactions, including local plasmin formation and activation of matrix metalloproteinases, providing matrix remodeling.Objective: to perform a comparative study of fibrogenic activity of the epicardium in the hearts of uPAR-/- and wild-type animals and evaluate the effect of cardiac microenvironment factors on the migration activity of epicardial mesothelial cells.Material and methods. We used histological and immunofluorescent staining, microarray analysis of proinflammatory cytokine levels, and a method for assessing the migratory properties of epicardial cells.Results. Results. We found that compared to wild-type animals, uPAR-/- animals show significant thickening of the epicardial area (2.46+0.77 (uPAR-/- mice) and 1.02+0.17 (Wt mice) relative units, P=0.033) accompanied by accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Deficiency of uPAR gene leads to formation of proinflammatory microenvironment in the heart (increased levels of proinflammatory factors such as IL-1, IL-13, IL-17, RANTES and MIP1), increased migratory activity of epicardial mesothelial cells, accumulation of TCF21+fibroblast/myofibroblast precursors (29.8+13.7 (uPAR-/- mouse) and 3.03+0.8 (Wt mouse) cells per visual field,P=0.02), as well as development of subepicardial fibrosis.Conclusion. These findings suggest that uPAR is a promising candidate for the developing targeted agents to prevent the development and progression of cardiac fibrosis.

Endovascular Venous Stenosis and Thrombosis Large Animal Model: Angiographic, Histological, and Biomechanical Characterizations

PurposeTo characterize an ovine endovascular radiofrequency (RF) ablation-based venous stenosis and thrombosis model for studying venous biomechanics and response to intervention. Materials and MethodsUnilateral short-segment (n = 2) or long-segment (n = 6) iliac vein stenoses were created in 8 adult sheep using an endovenous RF ablation technique. Angiographic assessment was performed at baseline, immediately after venous stenosis creation, and after 2-week (n = 6) or 3-month (n = 2) survival. Stenosed iliac veins and the contralateral healthy controls were harvested for histological and biomechanical assessment. ResultsAt follow-up, the short-segment RF ablation group showed stable stenosis without occlusion. The long-segment group showed complete venous occlusion/thrombosis with the formation of collateral veins. Stenosed veins showed significant wall thickening (0.28 vs 0.16 mm, P = .0175) and confluent collagen deposition compared with the healthy controls. Subacute nonadherent thrombi were apparent at 2 weeks, which were replaced by fibrous luminal obliteration with channels of recanalization at 3 months. Stenosed veins demonstrated increased longitudinal stiffness (448.5 ± 5.4 vs 314.6 ± 1.5 kPa, P < .0001) and decreased circumferential stiffness (140.8 ± 2.6 vs 246.0 ± 1.6 kPa, P < .0001) compared with the healthy controls. ConclusionEndovenous RF ablation is a reliable technique for creating venous stenosis and thrombosis in a large animal model with histological and biomechanical attributes similar to those seen in humans. This platform can facilitate understanding of venous biomechanics and testing of venous-specific devices and interventions.

Clinical and pathomorphological analysis of deaths from COVID-19 in 2020

The aim of the work – to conduct clinical and pathomorphological analysis of deaths from COVID-19 in 2020. Materials and methods. We analyzed 41 case histories and results of pathological-anatomical examination of patients who were died of COVID-19 during 2020. Results. The lethal outcome of COVID-19 disease was recorded at day 22 (16; 27) of the disease. Among the dead, there is a high percentage of men (73.2 %), early old age and middle old age patients (75.6 %) with comorbid pathology (92.7 %). Early lung damage with COVID-19 in the deceased was determined by pronounced interstitial and interstitial-alveolar edema, the presence of erythrocyte stasis in the pulmonary microvessels, blood clots and hypoperfusion leukocyte stasis, as well as the presence of erythrocytes in the alveoli. Bilateral polysegmental subtotal viral pneumonia in 90.2 % of dead patients was characterized by significant edema and thickening of the alveolar walls with their moderate infiltration by lymphocytes, focal peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory polymorphonuclear infiltration, multiple and small exfoliated alveolar epithelium (87.8 %), as well as metaplasia of a few alveolocytes preserved on the luminal surface of the alveoli (82.9 %). Every tenth person who died of COVID-19 had signs of secondary bacterial microflora. In 85.4 % of patients who died on day 22–27 of the disease focal or sublobar pneumofibrosis was diagnosed. In those who died due to COVID-19, multiorgan failure was characterized by focal necrosis of the renal tubular epithelium (73.2 %), focal lymphocytic-leukocyte infiltration (12.2 %) and renal microvascular thrombosis (17.1 %), focal centro-lobular necrosis (90.2 %) and focal lymphocytic-leukocyte infiltration of lobes (7.3 %) of the liver. Thrombotic complications were confirmed in 22.0 % of deceased patients: ischemic cerebral infarction, transmural myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities under the pathology. These thrombotic complications were not diagnosed during life in all patients. The majority of deaths due to COVID-19 had morphological signs of chronic cardiovascular pathology. Ischemic heart disease and hypertension during the life of patients were not diagnosed in all cases. Conclusions. Early lung damage in COVID-19 in the deceased was determined by pronounced interstitial-alveolar edema, blood clots and leukocyte stasis in microvessels, less often – the presence of “hyaline membranes”. In 90.2 % of the dead patients bilateral polysegmental subtotal pneumonia with edema and lymphocytic infiltration of the pulmonary interstitium, inflammatory peribronchial and perivascular focal polymorphonuclear infiltrates, foci of atelectasis and dyscryphaseses was found. In 9.7 % of patients bilateral subtotal viral-bacterial fibrinous-purulent bronchopneumonia developed. In those who died on the 22nd–27th day of the disease focal pneumofibrosis was determined. Pathomorphologically, thrombotic complications, which were not diagnosed in all patients during their lifetime, were confirmed in 22.0 % of deceased patients. Most deaths from COVID-19 had morphological signs of chronic cardiovascular disease.

Ca. 110 Ma adakite-like magmatism along the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone: Implications for crustal thickening and early uplift in the central Tibetan Plateau

The suggested Early Cretaceous timing of early formation of the Tibetan Plateau remains controversial. This study investigates this uncertainty by examining newly identified Early Cretaceous adakite-like magmatic rocks in the Rutog and Nyima areas of the northern–central Tibetan Plateau. Zircon U Pb dating indicates that these rocks formed at ca. 110 Ma and have negative to positive zircon ε Hf (t) values. They contain high concentrations of Sr and have high Sr/Y values, but contain low concentrations of Y and Yb and have low (La/Yb) N , suggesting they have an adakite affinity. They also have ε Nd (t) values that range from −4.5 to +1.3. These geochemical and isotopic data indicate that the adakite-like rocks probably formed from magmas generated by the partial melting of garnet-bearing amphibolite within a thickened region of juvenile and ancient crustal material. This magmatism also most likely occurred during the Lhasa–Qiangtang collisional event. Crustal thicknesses along the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone (BNSZ) were > 40 km in places at ca. 110 Ma, and most likely had a significant impact on the initial uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. In summary, the Early Cretaceous adakite-like magmatic rocks in the Rutog and Nyima areas suggest that the Tibetan Plateau started to form during the Early Cretaceous. • Early Cretaceous adakite-like rocks occur in the north-central Tibet. • Adakite-like rocks were derived from the thickened crust. • The Lhasa–Qiangtang collision happened before ca. 110 Ma. • The significant crustal thickening led to the early uplift in the Early Cretaceous.

Патогистологическая диагностика сертолиомы семенника при паховом крипторхизме

The research was carried out in the Interdepartmental Scientific Veterinary Center of Veterinary Medicine based in the Ulyanovsk State Agricultural University. We studied the testis tumor - sertoli cell tumor, according to histological classification, in a male dog with inguinal cryptorchidism. The research goal was to study possible changes in the differentiation, hormonal and metastatic activity of sertoli cell tumor in case of inguinal cryptorchidism in comparison with this type of tumor in physiologically located testes, described in literature. The clinical examination revealed the presence of left-sided inguinal cryptorchidism as well as signs of hyperestrogenism: hyperpigmentation and non-inflammatory alopecia of scrotum, prepuce, located sym-metrically in the right and left iliac regions of the abdomen. The studied neoplasm showed the presence of a dense capsule, the absence of infiltrative growth and metastases in the regional lymph nodes, distinct secretory activity. Fragments of tumor tissue from the testis, epididymis and spermatic cord were obtained for histological examination by the means of excisional biopsy. As a result, the neo-plasm was found to be a sertoli cell tumor of a high degree of differentiation. The tissues of the epididymis showed a significant thickening of the stroma due to the proliferation of connective tissue - a sign of severe sclerosis. The mi-croslides of the spermatic cord and epididymis did not show any signs of infiltrative growth or metastatic spread of tumor cells which meant that the relative benign quality of sertoli cell tumor was found in this clinical study of inguinal cryptorchidism.

Morphological and Ultrastructural Features of Formation of the Skin of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Kernel.

The integumentary tissues of plant seeds protect the embryo (new sporophyte) forming in them from unfavorable external conditions; therefore, comprehensive knowledge about the structural and functional specificity of seed covers in various plants may be of both theoretical and practical interest. As a result of our study, additional data were obtained on the morphological and ultrastructural features of the formation of a multilayer skin of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) kernel (caryopsis). The ultrastructure research analysis showed that differentiation of the pericarp and inner integument of the ovule leads to the formation of functionally different layers of the skin of mature wheat grain. Thus, the differentiation of exocarp and endocarp cells is accompanied by a significant thickening of the cell walls, which reliably protect the ovule from adverse external conditions. The cells of the two-layer inner integument of the ovule differentiate into cuticular and phenolic layers, which are critical for protecting daughter tissues from various pathogens. The epidermis of the nucellus turns into a layer of mucilage, which apparently helps to maintain the water balance of the seed. Morphological and ultrastructural data showed that the formation of the kernel’s skin occurs in coordination with the development of the embryo and endosperm up to the full maturity of the kernel. This is evidenced by the structure of the cytoplasm and nucleus, characteristic of metabolically active protoplasts of cells, which is observed in most integumentary layers at the late stages of maturation. This activity can also be confirmed by a significant increase in the thickness of the cell walls in the cells of two layers of the exocarp and in cross cells in comparison with the earlier stages. Based on these results, we came to the conclusion that the cells of a majority in the covering tissues of the wheat kernel during its ontogenesis are transformed into specialized layers of the skin by terminal differentiation.

Detrital zircons record the evolution of the Cathaysian Coastal Mountains along the South China margin

AbstractThe Cathaysian Coastal Mountains are thought to be an ancient high‐topographic feature that existed along the margin of South China. They are characterised by extensive Jurassic–Cretaceous magmatism; however, their formation mechanism and timing remains uncertain. In this paper, we present sedimentological and detrital zircon analyses from Cretaceous–Eocene strata and drainage sediments from Hainan Island. Our analyses show a change in provenance from a proximal Cathaysian Coastal arc source in Cretaceous strata to a widely distributed intra‐island granite source in the Eocene strata and modern river sediments. Reconstruction of the crustal thickness evolution for the South China margin from Eu/Eu*‐in‐zircon proxy shows significant crustal thickening during the Late Jurassic–Cretaceous, thereby suggesting the existence of the Cathaysian Coastal Mountains. Together with a compilation of detrital zircon U‐Pb ages in the northern basins of the South China Sea margin, we conclude that the Cathaysian Coastal Mountains extended from the Red River region to Taiwan along the South China margin during the Late Jurassic–Cretaceous and then collapsed/eroded from northeast to southwest during the Eocene–Miocene. This large mountain range supplied detrital sediments to the marginal basins in the northern South China Sea and formed a topographic barrier that prohibited moist Pacific air to reach the relatively arid inland area of South China during the Late Jurassic–Cretaceous.

Chemical grafting fluoropolymer on cellulose nanocrystals and its rheological modification to perfluoropolyether oil

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is the sustainable nanoparticle derived from natural cellulose, widely used as the functional additive to tailor the properties and performances of diverse matters. This study attempted the application of CNC as the rheological modifier in fluorocarbon lubricating oil (perfluoropolyether, PFPE). To solve the incompatibility between cellulose and base oil, fluoropolymer was covalently grafted onto the surface of nanocrystals by living radical polymerization. The introduction of modified cellulose nanocrystals exhibited significant thickening effect to PFPE-based hybrid oils, with the increase on viscosity, improved thixotropy performance and enhanced storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″). In particular, when adding 10–15 wt% modified nanocrystals, a transition of G′ > G″ from the flowable state to grease-like state appeared in hybrid oils, attributed to the formation of stable subnetwork based on the chain entanglement of the grafted fluoropolymer and PFPE oil.

S3715 A Leather Bottle Stomach: Rare Case of Gastric Adenocarcinoma With Signet Cell Features

Introduction: Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide - and was previously the leader of cancer related mortality until the 1980’s. With advancements in discovery of etiologies, namely the detection of H. Pylori - incidence of gastric cancer has declined over the past decades. A common finding on imaging is the diffuse gastric wall thickening - the “leather water bottle” or Linitis Plastica. A representation of diffuse infiltration of the cancer into the wall of a hollow organ, in this case - the stomach, giving it’s rugged and preserved structural shape. We present a case of poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell features in setting of portal hypertensive gastropathy. Case Description/Methods: 70-year-old female with PMH of HCV (treated with SVR) and 20 pack year tobacco history presented with complaints of weight loss, decreased appetite and early satiety with no other complaints for one month. Physical exam significant for bi-temporal wasting otherwise unremarkable. Initial chemistries within normal limits. CT abdomen and pelvis revealing a prominent thickening of the wall of the stomach as well as inhomogeneous soft tissue attenuation in the omentum concerning for neoplastic disease. EGD showed evidence of portal hypertensive gastropathy with distal gastric body thickening in addition to the examined duodenum revealing duodenitis. Biopsies of the stomach revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell features while the duodenal mucosa was negative for significant histopathologic abnormality. H. pylori immunostain was negative. Insufficient tissue for HER2 and PDL-1 assessment. Oncology evaluation included PET CT with significant circumferential thickening and hypermetabolic activity of the stomach with additional focus of modular hypermetabolic activity at pyloric and duodenal 2nd portion suggestive of multi centric disease. Diffuse omental modularity and ascites at low level metabolic activity consistent with omental metastasis and malignant ascites. Discussion: While our patient presented late in the disease course, there are still available palliative chemotherapy opportunities. Advances have been made in molecular identification and subtypes within the gastric cancer umbrella for more targeted therapy. Recent FDA approval (April 2021) of the addition of Opdivo (immunotherapy) to FOLFOX (chemotherapy) for treatment of metastatic gastric cancer has allowed our patient to receive the most up to date treatment option.Figure 1.: Figures 1-A through C are endoscopic images of the gastric body (evidence of portal hypertensive gastropathy), the duodenal bulb (suggesting duodenitis) and the 2nd portion of the duodenum. Figure 1-D is a CT Abdomen-Pelvis with Contrast depicting the classic radiographic finding of gastric cancer - 'linitis plastica' with surrounding peri-gastric lymphadenopathy. Figures 1-E and F are NM PET scan's with evidence of diffuse hypermetabolic activity in the stomach wall with uptake of SUV max 10.1 in addition to the 2nd portion of the duodenum with uptake of SUV max 5.7 - suggestive of multi-centric disease.

DIFFUSE ALVEOLAR HEMORRHAGE RESULTING FROM RIVAROXABAN USE: A RARE COMPLICATION IN A PATIENT WITHOUT PREDISPOSING CONDITIONS

TOPIC: Diffuse Lung Disease TYPE: Fellow Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare complication of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use with few reported cases in patients with predisposing conditions or underlying lung disease. DAH results from disruption of the alveolar-capillary interface. Infectious, autoimmune, and drug mediated conditions may lead to DAH. Rivaroxaban is a DOAC used to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE) and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). We present a case of a patient who developed DAH one month after starting rivaroxaban. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old female with a past medical history of hyperlipidemia and tobacco use disorder presented with frank hemoptysis and shortness of breath. She was diagnosed with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and was started on rivaroxaban. Vitals were stable without hypoxia. Hemoglobin dropped from 14 to 7 g/dL (normal 12.3-15.3 g/dL) requiring 2 units of blood. Prothrombin Complex Concentrate was given. Computed tomography angiogram of the chest showed bilateral lung fields with patchy ground-glass opacities with peripheral sparing, without significant intra-lobular septal thickening and no pulmonary embolus. Infectious work up was negative. Rheumatological workup with anti-glomerular basement antibodies, anti-double stranded DNA antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody, proteinase-3 antibody, myeloperoxidase antibody, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was negative. Bronchoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of DAH. Hemoptysis resolved after discontinuing rivaroxaban, repeat lower extremity dopplers were negative for DVT. She was discharged home without anticoagulation. DISCUSSION: DAH occurs from direct injury or inflammation of the pulmonary arterioles, venules, or alveolar septal capillaries causing bleeding into the lung. It presents with non specific symptoms including cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, and dyspnea. It is life threatening with fast clinical deterioration leading to respiratory failure. The underlying vascular injury of DAH is based on histological appearance and is divided into pulmonary capillaritis, bland pulmonary hemorrhage, and diffuse alveolar damage. The diagnosis is usually made clinically and supported with imaging and bronchoscopic findings. There are few cases of rivaroxaban induced DAH in the literature. The majority of the cases report patients with an underlying medical conditions such as autoimmune disease, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension, predisposing them to DAH. Our patient had no predisposing factors that put her at risk of developing DAH. CONCLUSIONS: Oral anticoagulants are a under-recognized cause of DAH with limited literature on the incidence of DAH with the use of these medications. This case illustrates that patients with no underlying risk factors can develop DAH with the use of rivaroxaban. REFERENCE #1: Collard HR, Schwarz MI. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Clinics in Chest Medicine 2004; 25(3): 583-92. REFERENCE #2: Park MS. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2013; 74(4): 151-62. REFERENCE #3: Chen A, Stecker E, Warden BA. Direct Oral Anticoagulant Use: A Practical Guide to Common Clinical Challenges. Journal of the American Heart Association 2020; 9(13): e017559 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Ahmad Alhajhusain, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Stephanie Baltaji, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Helene Rovnan, source=Web Response

СРАВНЕНИЕ СОСТОЯНИЯ ВЕРХНЕЧЕЛЮСТНЫХ ПАЗУХ ПРИ НОВОЙ КОРОНАВИРУСНОЙ ИНФЕКЦИИ COVID-19 И ОСТРОЙ РЕСПИРАТОРНОЙ ВИРУСНОЙ ИНФЕКЦИИ

The aim of the study was to identify possible changes in the maxillary sinuses during new coronavirus infection in comparison with the changes in the sinuses occurring during acute respiratory infections and to correlate the gender structure of the study groups. Material and methods. The study included 40 patients (18 women and 22 men) with a confirmed new coronavirus infection, hospitalized at the Covid Hospital Clinics of Samara State Medical University in 2020. All patients underwent multispiral computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses on a Ge revolution Evo 128 tomograph on the 10th day after the appearance of the first clinical symptoms. We also examined a control group of patients with acute respiratory infections with similar complaints of impaired sense of smell, rhinorrhea, and upper maxillary sinus discomfort. This group also included 40 people (24 women and 16 men). Statistical processing of the study results was performed using Microsoft Excel software package, the Mann – Whitney method of statistical significance calculation was used. Results and discussions. In 18 (45%) patients with a confirmed new coronavirus infection, a slight mucosal thickening along the lower wall of the maxillary sinuses was found symmetrically on both sides. Six (15%) of them were women and 12 (30%) were men. The age of the examined patients ranged from 31 to 83 years. Chronic sinusitis was noted in the history of 8 (20%) of the examined patients. In 6 (15%) patients with chronic sinusitis no abnormalities were detected in the maxillary sinuses at the time of examination. Two of them had parietal thickening of the mucous membrane along the lower wall of the maxillary sinuses. In the control group, there was significant symmetric parietal thickening of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses in 24 (60%) examined patients (14 women and 10 men). There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of changes in the studied and control groups. Conclusion. According to the results of this study, there were no data on the pattern of occurrence of changes in the mucosa of the maxillary sinuses in new coronavirus infection with gender background or the presence of chronic inflammation of the maxillary sinuses in the history compared with the control group of examined patients after acute respiratory infections.