White Zone Research Articles

Biomechanical study on different high-strength sutures and suture site for repairing posterior root tear of the medial meniscus

To compare biomechanical characteristic of different high-strength sutures and suture sites for repairing posterior root tear of the medial meniscus with modified Mason-Allen technique. Forty-eight specimen of medial meniscus of knee joint from fresh porcine (female, aged from 5 to 9 months with an average of 7 months) were chosen and established experimental model. The samples were divided into red zone fixation group and red-white zone fixation group according to suture sites, 24 in each group; and then were randomly divided into 3 subgroups which 8 in each group, and fixed with Ethibond suture, Ultrabraid suture and FiberWire suture, respectively. Biomechanical tests were performedon universal electromagnetic and mechanical testing machine. Each specimen was underwent 1 000 cyclic tests on the first time, then pull out test until failure. The maximum failure load, yield load, stiffness and displacement were analyzed. All specimen were successfully completed biomechanical tests. The failure mode of Ethibond group was caused by suture fracture; 6 cases of Ultrabraid suture group was caused by suture fracture which belong to red zone fixation group, 10 cases were caused by suture pull out, which 2 cases belong to red zone fixation group, 8 cases belong to red-white zone fixation group;8 cases of FiberWire group was caused by suture pull-out. Biomechanical test showed that:(1)In terms of suture strength, comparison of the maximum failure load, yield load and stiffness showed that Ethibond suture group <Ultrabraid suture group <FiberWire suture group, and had statistical differences among groups (P<0.05);comparison of cyclic displacement at 100, 500 and 1 000 cycles showed that Ethibond suturegroup>Ultrabraid suture group >FiberWire suture group, and had statistical differences among groups (P<0.05);the results showed the suture strength in Ethibond was the best, Ultrabraid suture took the second place, and FiberWire suture was the worst. (2)As for different suture sites, comparison of the maximum failure load, yield load and stiffness showed that red zone fixation group >red-white region fixation group, and had statistical difference between two groups(P< 0.05);comparison of cyclic displacement at 100, 500 and 1 000 cycles showed that red zone fixation group <red-white zone fixation group, and had statistical difference between two groups (P<0.05);the results showed that suture strength in red zone fixation group was better than that of red white zone fixation group. Mason-Allen suture could effectively fix posterior root tear of the medial meniscus and meet needs of early partial weight bearing after surgery. Suturing with Fiberwire in red zone is stronger and better for the meniscus healing and rehabilitation.

Modelling wild boar management for controlling the spread of ASF in the areas called white zones (zones blanche)

African Swine Fever (ASF) is an infectious lethal disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boar. In the EU the infection perpetuates predominantly in wild boar populations. ASF control comprises wild boar population reduction measures,e.g. pre-emptive culling in delineated zones, called white zones (WZ).TheseWZ areplaced geographically adjacent to an area with ASF circulating in wild boar (ASF positive area).The ideal WZ would be depopulated of wild boar without possibility of recolonization. However, WZ may still harbour live wild boar after its establishment and the functionality of the WZ inherently foresees ASF enteringit. But the spread of the infection is expected tostop within an effective WZ. The concept mustnotmatch legislative zones, likewise infected area, Part I, Part II, etc. In order to compare different approaches to implement a WZ(e.g. targets and speed of population reduction in the WZ, width of the WZ, and distance of the WZ from the ASF-positive area), an individual-based spatially explicit model was adjusted to four historic WZ-like situations in the EU, i.e. Estonia 2014, Latvia 2016, Czech Republic 2017, and France 2018. The model was used to simulate the reported spatio-temporal layout and targeted measures. The stochasticity of the model provided understanding of the general efficiency of these WZ. Alternatives of the local measures were simulated as scenarios to identify caveats of the settings and derive improvements in future applications. The simulation outcome suggests issues to be addressed in implementing future WZ: i) distance between ASF-positive area and the WZ was adequate if adapted to the speed of propagation according to the local wild boar density, and the time horizon of depopulation measures envisaged for the WZ; ii) the width of the WZ was adequately set if everywhere it was preventedthat short infection chains already led out of the zone, iii) the WZ around focal introductions was most efficient if depopulated by culling the maximum of a defined (or fenced) population in shortest time with minimal disturbance, for instance, by trapping, sharp shooting or using silencers.Aspects of density, timing and spatial distribution in relation to the efficiency of WZ layout are explored.

Epidemiological analysis of African swine fever in the European Union (September 2019 to August 2020).

An update on the African swine fever (ASF) situation in the 10 affected Member States (MS) in the EU and in two neighbouring countries from the 1 September 2019 until the 31 August 2020 is provided. The dynamics of the proportions of PCR‐ and ELISA‐positive samples since the first ASF detection in the country were provided and seasonal patterns were investigated. The impact of the ASF epidemic on the annual numbers of hunted wild boar in each affected MS was investigated. To evaluate differences in the extent of spread of ASF in the wild boar populations, the number of notifications that could be classified as secondary cases to a single source was calculated for each affected MS and compared for the earliest and latest year of the epidemic in the country. To evaluate possible risk factors for the occurrence of ASFV in wild boar or domestic pigs, a literature review was performed. Risk factors for the occurrence of ASF in wild boar in Romanian hunting grounds in 2019 were identified with a generalised linear model. The probability to find at least one PCR‐confirmed ASF case in wild boar in a hunting ground in Romania was driven by environmental factors, wild boar abundance and the density of backyard pigs in the hunting ground area, while hunting‐related variables were not retained in the final model. Finally, measures implemented in white zones (ASF‐free zones that are geographically adjacent to an area where ASF is present in wild boar) to prevent further spread of ASF were analysed with a spatially, explicit stochastic individual‐based model. To be effective, the wild boar population in the white zone would need to be drastically reduced before ASF arrives at the zone and it must be wide enough. To achieve the necessary pre‐emptive culling targets of wild boar in the white zone, at the start of the establishment, the white zone should be placed sufficiently far from the affected area, considering the speed of the natural spread of the disease. This spread is faster in denser wild boar populations. After a focal ASF introduction, the white zone is always close to the infection hence pre‐emptive culling measures in the white zone must be completed in short term, i.e. in a few months.

Doing the “dirty work”: how hunters were enlisted in sanitary rituals and wild boars destruction to fight Belgium's ASF (African Swine Fever) outbreak

In the early autumn of 2018, a virus as contagious as it is deadly, carried by wild boars (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) with the probable involvement of humans, crossed the Belgian border. African swine fever, which only affects suidae, is rapidly spreading in the forests of Gauma. The boar, whose status has gradually shifted from a regional emblem to a symbol of hunting abuses, finds itself abruptly transformed into a sanitary threat needing to be eliminated. The wild swine can contaminate its domestic cousin, the farmed pig (Sus domesticus Erxleben, 1777). Therefore, the spread of the virus would jeopardise the fragile Belgian pig farming sector concentrated in the north of the country. This is the start of a crisis that will last for more than 24 months; the infected forest is zoned and then isolated for the purpose of sanitisation, while “biosecurity” and “white zone” become the only watchwords. Mass destruction measures for wild boars are imposed by the administration and its experts through new so-called “sanitary rituals”. To achieve a rapid “return to normal”, hunters – mostly local ones – are enlisted in the name of their hunting skills, which, although they are usually contested by a part of Belgian society and media, are considered essential in this case. This event brings us to an exploration of the practices actors are attached to and forced to renounce to in the name of good crisis management. On-the-ground realities as related by field men bear witness to the unease felt in the face of the “dirty work” asked of them, while the upheaval of coexistence reveals ethical, tradition- and identity-related questions already existing before the crisis.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals the Cell Types Heterogenicity of Human Discoid Lateral Meniscus Cells

Background: Discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) is more prone to injury than a normally shaped meniscus. A previous paper successfully identified the different cell types and their corresponding marker genes in meniscus tissues; however, no study has compared the gene expression and cell heterogeneity between discoid and normal menisci. Purpose: To identify specific cell clusters and their marker genes in discoid meniscus, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the treatment and etiology of DLM. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: ScRNA-seq was used in DLM and osteoarthritis lateral meniscus (OAM) cells to identify cell subsets and their gene signatures, determine their differentiation relationships, as well as identify specific cell types. Pseudo-time analysis and immunohistochemical staining were used to investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of DLM-specific clusters. Results: ScRNA-seq identified nine clusters originating from DLM and OAM, composed of seven empirically defined populations and two novel populations specific to DLM, namely, the prehypertrophic chondrocyte 2 (PreHTC-2)26 and regulatory chondrocyte (RegC-2) populations. Single-cell trajectory showed that RegC-2 and PreHTC-2 were mainly distributed in a specific cell fate, with the PreHTC-2 marker gene HAPLN1 highly expressed at the end of this fate.Immunohistochemical staining showed that HAPLN1+ cells were mainly distributed in the white zone of DLM. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) variants were expressed in DLM and OAM, with MMP2 highly expressed in OAM-dominant cell clusters, while MMP3 was highly expressed in DLM-dominant cell clusters. Conclusion: Two novel cell clusters including PreHTC-2 were identified using single-cell sequencing, which were mainly distributed in the white areas of DLM. We also found differentiated MMP expression in the trajectory, which may be a possible mechanism of DLM formation. Clinical Relevance: Meniscectomy resected the white part of DLM by arthroscopy, which is the main surgical treatment for DLM. We found that DLM-specific cells were mainly distributed in the white areas, providing an important theoretical basis for the treatment of DLM. Funding Statement: This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82002293), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation funded project (No. 2019M663265, 2019TQ0387), Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2018A030310231), The Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 18zxxt61), and Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation (No. 2019A1515011647). Declaration of Interests: None declared. Ethics Approval Statement: Protocol approved by the Ethical Committee of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University.

Timing of formation and cause of coloration of brown nephrite from the Tiantai Deposit, South Altyn Tagh, northwestern China

The world’s largest and economically valuable nephrite deposits are distributed along the Western Kunlun Orogen in northwestern China. During the past 20 years, extensive white and brown nephrite deposits have been discovered in both China and Russia, and several of these deposits have been found in South Altyn Tagh in the eastern part of the Western Kunlun Orogen. However, the timing of formation, genesis, petrographic characteristics, mineralogical composition, and reasons for the white–brown color of the nephrite remain unclear. We analyzed 50 samples of white, brown, and white–brown nephrite from the Tiantai nephrite deposit in Qiemo County with the aim of understanding the processes of formation, age, and diversity of these nephrites. Three main types of nephrite can be distinguished: white, brown, and dark brown. X-ray diffraction and petrographic studies indicate that the brown and dark-brown nephrite samples have fewer mineral inclusions compared with the white nephrites. The nephrite formed during early retrogression through the sequence of diopside skarn → coarse-grained tremolite skarn and coarse-grained tremolite → fine-grained tremolite. The higher bulk Fe content of the white nephrite (0.76 wt% FeO) relative to the brown nephrite (0.39 wt%), and the uniform, very low Fe2O3 contents of both of these color varieties (<0.15 wt%), suggest that the brown coloration is unrelated to Fe content and oxidation state. The white nephrite is characterized by a wide range of SiO2 contents (49.6–56.7 wt%), in contrast to the brown nephrites, which are characterized by nearly constant SiO2 contents (~58 wt%), close to the ideal content for tremolite. On average, the white nephrite is enriched in Al2O3 (3.22 wt%) and water (3.96 wt% loss on ignition) and depleted in CaO (12.35 wt%) relative to the brown nephrite (0.80 wt% Al2O3, 2.23 wt% loss on ignition, 12.95 wt% CaO). These characteristics, combined with greater transparency and higher Al and water contents in the chlorite formula relative to that of tremolite, as well as a near-absence of Ca in the chlorite formula, can explain the lower transparency and associated more intense coloration (i.e., yellow to brown) of the brown nephrite in terms of the lower modal abundance of chlorite. The spatial distribution of selected elements agrees with this hypothesis, whereby the brown-colored zones are dominated by Ca- and Sr-rich (substituting Ca) domains reflecting the highest modal volume of the tremolite. In contrast, the white zones are characterized by a substantially higher volumetric ratio of Al-rich domains, reflecting the higher chlorite content. Thus, the different coloration is not caused by specific elements, but by modal proportions of tremolite and chlorite. The slightly higher average Cr (10.1 ppm) and Ni (6.4 ppm) contents of brown nephrite, relative to white nephrite (8.7 ppm Cr and 5.5 ppm Ni), might also contribute to the color intensity and brown coloration. Ore-forming fluids involved in the formation of the studied nephrite have isotopic compositions of δ18O = 1.5‰ to 9.4‰ (330–430 °C) and δD = −87‰ to −50‰ (330–450 °C), suggesting that the formation of the Mg-skarn deposit was related to metasomatism of dolomite by fluids derived from local granite/granodiorite intrusions. Zircons from three brown–white samples yield concordant SHRIMP ages of 438 ± 14 Ma (2σ, MSWD=10.4), 916 ± 10 (2σ, MSWD = 1.5), 438 ± 9 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 5.3), and 431.1 ± 2.5 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 2.4). The younger ages (ca. 430 Ma) are close to those for placer nephrite from the Yurungkash and Karakash rivers, as well as those for Yecheng, Alamas, and Buya granodiorites, and probably represent the primary formation ages of nephrite within the Hetian Nephrite Belt. Overall, these ages indicate that the primary deposits formed during pre- or post-orogenic stages in the Western Kunlun Orogen. 40Ar/39Ar dating of hydrothermal muscovite and phlogopite intergrown with tremolite in the nephrite yielded ages of 418.8 ± 3.4 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.65), 379.5 ± 3.0 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.81), and 354.5 ± 3.6 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.71), which suggest multiple metasomatic activity. The similar formation ages of nephrites from Altyn Tagh (433 Ma) and from the previously studied areas of West Kunlun (441–378 Ma) and East Kunlun (416 Ma) indicate that these nephrites formed during the closure of the Proto-Tethys and in the accompanying post-collisional extensional environment.

Rationale and Surgical Technique of Ramp Lesion Repair Through an Additional Posteromedial Portal

Background: Ramp lesions are longitudinal lesions of the meniscocapsular complex of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. These lesions are poorly recognized, difficult to diagnose, and require specific arthroscopic exploration. Ramp lesions are typically associated with anterior cruciate ligament rupture and have important biomechanical consequences as they result in increased anterior tibial translation and external rotation. Suture hook repair through the posteromedial portal is safe and provides a high healing rate. Indications: Spontaneous healing of ramp lesions is rarely observed, and repair is indicated for all lesions with the involvement of meniscotibial ligament. The choice of a posteromedial repair technique with vertical suture performed under visual control allows restoration of the continuity of meniscotibial ligament and effective healing of these lesions. Technique Description: Standardized arthroscopic exploration with systematic visualization of the posteromedial compartment using the transnotch technique is a crucial point to diagnose these lesions. The use of transillumination and a needle allows to palpate the lesion with the tip of the needle in case of doubt (hidden lesion) before performing the posteromedial portal safely. By using the transnotch vision and by introducing the instruments through the posteromedial portal, debridement with the shaver and repair with the hook of the lesion are performed under visual control. Vertical repair is performed by taking care to pass the hook through the meniscotibial ligament by perforating the deep face of the capsular portion and anterior portion of the ramp lesion. Similarly, it is recommended not to catch too much meniscal tissue on the anterior margin side to remain in the red zone and not to perforate the meniscus in the avascular zone to avoid secondary lesions caused by the “cheese wire” effect of the sutures in the white zone. Results: This technique has allowed us to reduce our percentage of secondary meniscectomy after ramp lesion repair from 25% using a standard arthroscopic exploration and meniscal repair technique through the anterior portal to 11.3% using a arthroscopic exploration and repair technique through the posteromedial portal at 4 years of follow-up. Discussion/Conclusion: Systematic use of the transnotch vision and repair through the posteromedial portal are recommended for the management of these lesions, which demonstrate serious mechanical and clinical consequences.

Sectm1a Facilitates Protection against Inflammation-Induced Organ Damage through Promoting TRM Self-Renewal

Tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) are sentinel cells for maintaining tissue homeostasis and organ function. In this study, we discovered that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration dramatically reduced TRM populations and suppressed their self-renewal capacities in multiple organs. Using loss- and gain-of-function approaches, we define Sectm1a as a novel regulator of TRM self-renewal. Specifically, at the earlier stage of endotoxemia, Sectm1a deficiency exaggerated acute inflammation-induced reduction of TRM numbers in multiple organs by suppressing their proliferation, which was associated with more infiltrations of inflammatory monocytes/neutrophils and more serious organ damage. By contrast, administration of recombinant Sectm1a enhanced TRM populations and improved animal survival upon endotoxin challenge. Mechanistically, we identified that Sectm1a-induced upregulation in the self-renewal capacity of TRM is dependent on GITR-activated T helper cell expansion and cytokine production. Meanwhile, we found that TRMs may play an important role in protecting local vascular integrity during endotoxemia. Our study demonstrates that Sectm1a contributes to stabling TRM populations through maintaining their self-renewal capacities, which benefits the host immune response to acute inflammation. Therefore, Sectm1a may serve as a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Expression, purification, and characterization of phospholipase B1 from Candida albicans in Escherichia coli.

Candida albicans is an important fungal pathogen that causes a wide variety of human infections, ranging from mucocutaneous infections to life-threatening systemic infections. Phospholipase B1 (PLB1) has been reported to be directly responsible for C. albicans pathogenicity and is likely to be involved in the early steps of host invasion. Therefore, PLB1 could be a potential marker for diagnosis of C. albicans infection. In this study, PLB1 was expressed using an Escherichia coli expression system. Recombinant PLB1 is found in inclusion bodies and constitutes up to 38.4% of total insoluble protein. After refolding in a GSH/GSSG redox system, GST-tagged PLB1 was purified by GST-sepharose 4B affinity chromatography and then cleaved with thrombin to remove the GST-tag. The recombinant PLB1 was further purified by anion-exchange chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. The final yield of purified PLB1 was approximately 15.6mg from 100mL of bacterial cell culture, and its concentration was 784μg/μL. The recombinant PLB1 could form a white precipitation zone on egg yolk agar plate, suggesting its phospholipase activity. Moreover, the maximum activity of PLB1 was 68IU/mg at pH 6.0, 37°C. Therefore, recombinant PLB1 has potential application in structural analytical studies, or diagnosis of C. albicans infection.

Preclinical Rationale for the Use of Crizanlizumab (SEG101) in Myelofibrosis

Myelofibrosis (MF), the end stage of Philadelphia-negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, is still an unmet clinical need. Treatment with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib ameliorates symptoms and improves overall survival but it is unclear whether it is effective in improving the clinical progression of these patients. The bone marrow (BM) and spleen from MF patients contain great numbers of impaired megakaryocytes (MK) which have been hypothesized to be responsible for their clinical manifestation by expressing on their surface high levels of the adhesion receptor P-selectin which triggers a process of pathological neutrophil emperipolesis leading to increased bioavailability of the pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the microenvironment1,2. We have peviously reported that ablation of P-selectin cures myelofibrosis in Gata1low mice, a bona fide model for MF3. Using these data as a foundation, we tested whether Crizanlizumab, an antibody targeting human P-selectin that effectively prevents pain crisis in patients with Sickle Cell Disease4, represents an effective option to treat MF. To this aim, we treated Gata1low mice with RB40.34, an antibody against murine P-selectin used in the pre-clinical study that supported the clinical trial with crizanlizumab5, alone or in combination with ruxolitinib. Twenty-four 11-months old Gata1low mice were microchipped, randomly separated in four groups (3 males and 3 females/group) and treated as follow: Group 1: vehicle; Group 2: biotinylated RB40.34 (30 μg/mouse/day per 3 days/week by tail vein injection); Group 3: ruxolitinib (45mg/Kg twice per day by gavage); Group 4: biotinylated RB40.34 and ruxolitinib in combination. Mice were treated for 2 cycles of 5 consecutive days with two days of rest in between and sacrificed on day 5 (I end-point) and 12 (II end-point). End-points: Day 5: all mice were weighed and bled for blood counts determinations and presence of labeled-RB34.40 on platelets. Males were sacrificed for signaling studies and determination of the presence of RB40.34 on MK from BM and spleen. Day 12: females were weighed, bled for blood counts determinations and sacrificed for histopathology analyses. None of the treatments induced changes in body weight that remained similar to those observed before treatment, suggesting that overall all the treatments were well tolerated. None of the treatments rescued the platelet deficiency of Gata1low mice, which remained thrombocytopenic, nor induced anemia by day 12, inspite they had been bleed 1 week earlier. This lack of anemia indicates that the treatments do not impair the ability of the mice to recover from erythroid stress. Atday 5, high levels of RB40.34 were observed on the platelets and on the MK of mice treated with the antibody, alone or with ruxolitinib. However, only the two drugs in combination significantly normalized the TGF-β signaling in BM by reducing the abnormally high content of TFGβRII and SMAD2/3 and the phosphorylation levels of ERK in this organ. These results indicate that when used in combination, the two drugs are effective in rescuing the abnormal TGF-β signaling of BM from these mice. Byday 12, high levels of RB40.34 were observed on BM and spleen of mice treated with the antibody alone or with ruxolitinib but again only treatment with the two drugs in combination greatly improved the cellularity of the BM medulla (Hematoxilin-eosin staining), which is typically reduced in Gata1low mice, and reduced the massive fibrosis (Gomory staining) and high TGF-β content (immunostaining) observed in the diaphysis area of the long bones (Fig. 1). Treatment with the two drugs in combination also reduced fibrosis and TGF-β content in spleen restoring the architecture of this organ which regained a normal appearance with well recognizable red and white pulp zones. When used alone, neither RB40.34 nor ruxolitinib had any effect of the MF phenotype of this mouse model. In conclusion, RB40.34 in combination with ruxolitinib rescues the MF phenotype of Gata1low mice with limited toxicity providing pre-clinical evidence that treatment with crizanlizumab in combination with ruxolitinib may be more effective than that with ruxolitinib alone to cure MF patients.

Divergent Response to the SSRI Citalopram in Male and Female Three-Spine Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are psychotropic pharmaceuticals used as antidepressants. SSRIs are commonly found in surface waters in populated areas across the globe. They exert their effect by blocking the serotonin re-uptake transporter in the presynaptic nerve ending. The present study examined whether behavioural effects to exposure to SSRI citalopram depend on personality and sex in the stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Three aspects of stickleback behaviour are examined: feeding behaviour, aggression, and boldness. We exposed sticklebacks to 350–380 ng/l citalopram for 3 weeks. Feeding and aggressive behaviour were recorded before and after exposure, whereas scototaxis behaviour was tested after exposure. The results show treatment effects in feeding and aggressive behaviour. Feeding is suppressed only in the male group (χ2 = 20.4, P < 0.001) but not in the females (χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.339). Aggressive behaviour was significantly affected by treatment (χ2 = 161.9, P < 0.001), sex (χ2 = 86.3, P < 0.001), and baseline value (χ2 = 58.8, P < 0.001). Aggressiveness was suppressed by citalopram treatment. In addition, the fish showed no change in aggression and feeding behaviour over time regardless of sex and treatment, which indicate personality traits. Only females are affected by treatment in the scototaxis test. The exposed females spent significantly (χ2 = 5.02, P = 0.050) less time in the white zone than the female controls.

Fibrous dysplasia of right hip bone-rare disease: A case report

Fibrous dysplasia is a rare disease of bones in which osteoblasts cells abnormally differentiate leading to woven immature bone formation by replacement of normal canellous bone cells. This is considered to be originated by misssense gene mutation at chromosome 20q13.FD may involve one bone (monostotic) or more than one bone (polystotic). It can involve any bone in human body but the long bone, skull, and ribs are common. A 24 years old female visited hospital with a complaint of right hip pain and backache for last 07 months. Pain was dull in nature, increased both in frequency and intensity with the course of time, radiating to right leg, aggravated by movements. Patient had a previous history of 03 months aggressive gym exercises till February 2019, when she developed this pain. Patient also manifested the history of polycystic ovarian syndrome. There was no other history of systemic illness. On X-ray of Pelvis (AP-view) there was bubbly appearance of right iliac bone with thickening of the trabeculi in proximal end of both femora. On MRI Abnormal bone marrow signals were noted in right iliac bone. Loss of cortical margins is seen both anteriorly and posteriorly White zone of transition is noted. Inferiorly it extends to the superior and anterior acetabular margins. Histopathologically the blood and scattered inflammatory cells were present. There was strong suspicion of fibrous dysplasia. No neoplastic cells were found. In surgical treatment, excision of the lesion and bone grafting was done. Pharmacological interventions were analgesics, bisphosphonates, oral calcium supplements, and Proton pump inhibitors. Patient reported 70-80% in relief of symptoms after surgery. Patient was discharged from hospital in stable condition after 4 days. Keywords: Fibrous dysplasia (FD); MRI; Right Iliac Bone (RIB) http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90182

Analysis and Optimization of Truck Windshield Defroster

Frosting and fogging of automobile windshields is a common problem that emerges in daily driving. It is important and essential to quickly and completely defrost the windshield for safety purposes. In this study, a three-dimensional mathematical model was applied to investigate the flow distribution and flow characteristics on the windshield of a medium-size Model N800 truck. The simulation results were first compared with experimental data. The results showed that the simulation model could reliably predict the defrosting performance on the windshield. This model was then used to optimize the design of the defrosting duct that comprised the main part of the defroster. It was found that the guide plate and outlet position of the defrosting duct were the two major factors affecting the defrosting performance. Therefore, the guide plate was first optimized and the defrosting performance was analyzed. The results showed that the average pressure loss dropped by 21.56%, while the defrosting efficiency at the front white zone was improved to 89%. The position of the outlet of the airflow was further studied. The results showed that the defrosting efficiency at the front zone could be further improved to 99%.

Clinicopathological and dermoscopic features of amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma: a retrospective multicentric study.

Amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma (AHM) has a higher risk of delayed diagnosis and a significant lower 5-year melanoma-specific survival compared to pigmented melanoma. Our aim was the evaluation of the clinicopathological/dermoscopic features of amelanotic melanoma (AM) and hypomelanotic melanoma (HM). All participants had a personal history of AHM. We defined HM as showing clinical/dermoscopic pigmentation in<25% of the lesion's surface and histopathological focal pigmentation, while AM as melanomas with clinical/dermoscopic and histopathological absence of pigmentation. The most common phenotypic traits among the 145 AHM patients were as follows: phototype II, blue-grey eyes, and dark brown hair. Red hair was present in 23.8% AHM cases (AM=22.60%; HM=25.80%). The most affected area was the back (29.5%). A total of 67.1% were classified as AM and 32.9% as HM. The most represented hair colors in AM and HM were, respectively, blonde and dark brown hair. Median Breslow thickness was 1.7 mm, superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) and nodular melanoma (NM) were the most represented histotypes, and mitotic rate >1×mm2 was reported in 73.3% cases, and regression was significantly more present in HM. Dermoscopy showed high prevalence of white structureless zones (63.4%), linear looped vessels (58.8%), linear irregular vessels (50.0%), and arborizing vessels (47.2%). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed the association between the presence of pigmentation and the following: histological regression, dermoscopic globules, and arborizing vessels. Predominance of red hair in AHM patients was not confirmed. AHM affects mostly intermittent sun-exposed body areas. The deeper median Breslow thickness (versus pigmented melanoma), the association of AM with the nodular histotype, and the high mitotic rate highlight the AHM's aggressiveness. HM's higher levels of regression can be explained by the presence of pigmentation, driving the underlying immune response. AHM showed a polymorphous vascular pattern and significant presence of arborizing vessels (especially HM).

Periarteriolar stroma cells guide T cells from the red to the white pulp in the spleen.

While both the spleen and lymph nodes are called secondary lymphoid tissues, how lymphocytes enter these tissues are quite different from each other. This is because the architecture of the two types of organs and the mode of lymphocyte migration into these organs are quite distinct. In the spleen, T cells are passively released in the blood flow from the arterioles in the red pulp and marginal zone area. In contrast, T cells in the blood are actively captured on high endothelial venules in lymph nodes by the coordinated actions of CCR7 and several adhesion molecules. A recent finding indicates that T cells, released in the red pulp and marginal zone areas, actively find their way to the white zone by utilizing the migration track created by periarteriolar stromal cells. This finding adds one more piece to our understanding of lymphocyte migration for effective adaptive immune responses in the spleen.

Quantitative Evaluation of Meniscal Healing Process of Degenerative Meniscus Lesions Treated with Hyaluronic Acid: A Clinical and MRI Study.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate clinical efficacy and healing effects of conservative management of degenerative meniscus lesions (DMLs) with a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel. Methods: Patients were subjected to two HA injections two weeks apart. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Patient’s Global Assessment (PtGA) and Clinical Observer Global Assessment (CoGA) of the disease were assessed at baseline, 30, and 60 days after treatment. Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) was assessed at baseline and 60 days after treatment. One year after treatment, patients were called to know whether any of them had undergone arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging using a 1.5-T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner (Siemens Aera), which included a T2 mapping pulse sequence with multiple echoes at baseline and 60 days after treatment. Results: 40 patients were enrolled. WOMAC score, physical function subscale, PtGA and CoGA, and SF-36 showed a statistically significant difference between baseline and follow-up. One year after treatment, only one patient had undergone APM. A decrease in the T2 measurement was detected in the posterior horn medial meniscus in 39% of cases in both the red and red–white zone, and in 60% of cases in the white zone; in the posterior horn lateral meniscus in 55% of cases in both the red and white zones, and in 65% of cases in the red–white zone. Only for the latter, there was a statistically significant difference between baseline and posttreatment T2 measurements. Conclusion: This study supports the use of HA in the conservative management of DML as it is clinically effective and enhances meniscus healing as demonstrated by T2 measurements. Moreover, it reduces the need for APM at 1-year follow-up.

Expanding the spalting palette: developing yellow, purple, and green pigments from Scytalidium ganodermophthorum

ABSTRACT The use of wood coloured by fungi, or ‘spalted’ wood, stretches back to the Renaissance. Most of this work was restricted to shades of blue-green, brown, white, and black zone lines. Modern spalting has added in shades of red and blue. The current colour palette of spalting fungi has the potential to be expanded through the use of Scytalidium ganodermophthorum, a fungal pathogen and suspected soft rot of wood, which produces multiple colours of pigment throughout its growth, including yellow and purple. However, no previous study has tracked colours of the extracted fungal pigment across time. This study showed significant colour change of extracted fungal pigments across 36 weeks of growth, transitioning over time from bright yellow to green shades, before finally becoming slate purple. This diversity of hues increases the colours available to artists working with spalting pigments, and has the potential to expand the art form.

Cell wall functional activity and metal accumulation of halophytic plant species Plantago maritima and Triglochin maritima on the White Sea littoral zone (NW Russia)

The presented study supplements the knowledge on ion-exchange capacity, swelling capacity (elasticity) of the plant cell wall, and the accumulation of heavy metals in halophytic species Plantago maritima and Triglochin maritima in the tidal zone of the White Sea western coast. The littoral soils of the coastal territories are sandy or rocky-sandy, medium and slightly saline with poor content of organic substances, Mn, Zn, Ni, and Pb. Studied soils are considered as uncontaminated by heavy metals because they contain background amounts of Fe and Cu. Sea water is significantly polluted by Fe (3.8 MPC) and Ni (55 MPC), has poor content of Zn and Cu and background level of Pb and Mn. The coastal dominant plant species P. maritima and T. maritima were characterized by intensive metals accumulation which was reflected in the coefficient of biological absorption (CBA) of metal by a whole plant. For P. maritima the following metal accumulation series was obtained: Cu (3.29)&gt; Zn (2.81)&gt; Ni (1.57)&gt; Pb (1.30)&gt; Mn (1.21)&gt; Fe (0.97), and for T. maritima: Ni (3.80)&gt; Fe (2.08)&gt; Cu (1.91)&gt; Zn (1.84)&gt; Pb (1.51)&gt; Mn (1.31). Roots accumulated 50–70% of Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Mn of the total metal content in the plant while leaves and stems contained 30–50%. Fe was allocated mainly in the roots (80%). The ion-exchange capacity of the plant cell wall for P. maritima and T. maritima was established as follows correspondingly: 3570–3700 and 2710–3070 μmol g-1 dry cell weight per leaf; 2310–2350 and 1160–1250 μmol g-1 dry cell weight per root.

Properties of new-generation hybrid layers combining hardfacing and nitriding dedicated to improvement in forging tools\u2019 durability

This article deals with the subject of layers produced in a hybrid process combining hardfacing and nitriding. These layers are characterized by improved resistance to wear, which arises from the synergy between favorable materials during hardfacing and nitriding treatment. Tests were conducted on hot-work tool steel (H11) samples. Hardfaced layers consisting of three layers were applied to these samples, where layers were made from two materials—Robotool 46 and Hardface VMolc powder wires. Next, samples of both materials were nitrided using ZeroFlow gas nitriding technology, with control of potential aimed at obtaining a diffusion layer without a white zone of nitrides on the surface. The next step was to investigate the properties of hardfaced layers and of layers hardfaced after nitriding treatment. Conducted tests covered observations of the microstructure, microhardness measurements as a function of distance from the surface, measurement of stresses in the surface layer by means of X-ray diffraction, and tribological tests. Obtained test results show that hybrid layers combining hardfacing and nitriding may be suitable for improving the lifetime of tools applied in hot forging processes.

Quaternary slip rates on the White Mountains fault zone, eastern California: Implications for comparing geologic to geodetic slip rates across the Walker Lane

AbstractThe White Mountains fault zone in eastern California is a major fault system that accommodates right-lateral shear across the southern Walker Lane. We combined field geomorphic mapping and interpretation of high-resolution airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) digital elevation models with 10Be cosmogenic nuclide exposure ages to calculate new late Pleistocene and Holocene right-lateral slip rates on the White Mountains fault zone. Alluvial fans were found to have ages of 46.6 + 11.0/–10.0 ka and 7.3 + 4.2/–4.5 ka, with right-lateral displacements of 65 ± 13 m and 14 ± 5 m, respectively, yielding a minimum average slip rate of 1.4 ± 0.3 mm/yr. These new slip rates help to resolve the kinematics of fault slip across this part of the complex Pacific–North American plate boundary. Our results suggest that late Pleistocene slip rates on the White Mountains fault zone were significantly faster than previously reported. These results also help to reconcile a portion of the observed discrepancy between modern geodetic strain rates and known late Pleistocene slip rates in the southern Walker Lane. The total middle to late Pleistocene slip rate from the southern Walker Lane near 37.5°N was 7.9 + 1.3/–0.6 mm/yr, ∼75% of the observed modern geodetic rate.