Diversity and potential functional role of phyllosphere-associated actinomycetota isolated from cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) leaves: implications for ecosystem dynamics and plant defense strategies.

Exploring the intricate relationships between plants and their resident microorganisms is crucial not only for developing new methods to improve disease resistance and crop yields but also for understanding their co-evolutionary dynamics. Our research delves into the role of the phyllosphere-associated microbiome, especially Actinomycetota species, in enhancing pathogen resistance in Theobroma grandiflorum, or cupuassu, an agriculturally valuable Amazonian fruit tree vulnerable to witches' broom disease caused by Moniliophthora perniciosa. While breeding resistant cupuassu genotypes is a possible solution, the capacity of the Actinomycetota phylum to produce beneficial metabolites offers an alternative approach yet to be explored in this context. Utilizing advanced long-read sequencing and metagenomic analysis, we examined Actinomycetota from the phyllosphere of a disease-resistant cupuassu genotype, identifying 11 Metagenome-Assembled Genomes across eight genera. Our comparative genomic analysis uncovered 54 Biosynthetic Gene Clusters related to antitumor, antimicrobial, and plant growth-promoting activities, alongside cutinases and type VII secretion system-associated genes. These results indicate the potential of phyllosphere-associated Actinomycetota in cupuassu for inducing resistance or antagonism against pathogens. By integrating our genomic discoveries with the existing knowledge of cupuassu's defense mechanisms, we developed a model hypothesizing the synergistic or antagonistic interactions between plant and identified Actinomycetota during plant-pathogen interactions. This model offers a framework for understanding the intricate dynamics of microbial influence on plant health. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of the phyllosphere microbiome, particularly Actinomycetota, in the broader context of harnessing microbial interactions for plant health. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Amphibian tolerance to arsenic: microbiome-mediated insights.

Amphibians are often recognized as bioindicators of healthy ecosystems. The persistence of amphibian populations in heavily contaminated environments provides an excellent opportunity to investigate rapid vertebrate adaptations to harmful contaminants. Using a combination of culture-based challenge assays and a skin permeability assay, we tested whether the skin-associated microbiota may confer adaptive tolerance to tropical amphibians in regions heavily contaminated with arsenic, thus supporting the adaptive microbiome principle and immune interactions of the amphibian mucus. At lower arsenic concentrations (1 and 5 mM As3+), we found a significantly higher number of bacterial isolates tolerant to arsenic from amphibians sampled at an arsenic contaminated region (TES) than from amphibians sampled at an arsenic free region (JN). Strikingly, none of the bacterial isolates from our arsenic free region tolerated high concentrations of arsenic. In our skin permeability experiment, where we tested whether a subset of arsenic-tolerant bacterial isolates could reduce skin permeability to arsenic, we found that isolates known to tolerate high concentrations of arsenic significantly reduced amphibian skin permeability to this metalloid. This pattern did not hold true for bacterial isolates with low arsenic tolerance. Our results describe a pattern of environmental selection of arsenic-tolerant skin bacteria capable of protecting amphibians from intoxication, which helps explain the persistence of amphibian populations in water bodies heavily contaminated with arsenic.

A novel BLUF photoreceptor modulates the Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri-host plant interaction.

Plant-pathogen interaction is influenced by multiple environmental factors, including temperature and light. Recent works have shown that light modulates not only the defense response of plants but also the pathogens virulence. Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) is the bacterium responsible for citrus canker, an important plant disease worldwide. The Xcc genome presents four genes encoding putative photoreceptors: one bacteriophytochrome and three blue light photoreceptors, one LOV and two BLUFs (bluf1: XAC2120 and bluf2: XAC3278). The presence of two BLUFs proteins is an outstanding feature of Xcc. In this work we show that the bluf2 gene is functional. The mutant strain, XccΔbluf2, was constructed demonstrating that BLUF2 regulates swimming-type motility, adhesion to leaves, exopolysaccharide production and biofilm formation, features involved in the Xcc virulence processes. An important aspect during the plant-pathogen interaction is the oxidative response of the host and the consequent reaction of the pathogen. We observed that ROS detoxification is regulated by Xcc bluf2 gene. The phenotypes of disease in orange plants produced by WT and XccΔbluf2 strains were evaluated, observing different phenotypes. Altogether, these results show that BLUF2 negatively regulates virulence during citrus canker. This work constitutes the first report on BLUF-like receptors in plant pathogenic bacteria.

Nervus intermedius: Microsurgical and anatomic relationships to the cerebellopontine angle neurovascular complex.

Background: The nervus intermedius (NI) comprises fibers originating from the trigeminal, superior salivary, and solitary tract nuclei, which join the facial nerve (cranial nerve [CN] VII). Neighboring structures include the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII), the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA), and its branches. Microsurgical procedures at the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) benefit from understanding NI anatomy and relationships, especially for the microsurgical treatment of geniculate neuralgia, where the NI is transected. This study sought to characterize common relationships between the NI rootlets, CN VII, CN VIII, and the meatal loop of AICA at the internal auditory canal (IAC). Methods: Seventeen cadaveric heads underwent retrosigmoid craniectomy. Following complete unroofing of the IAC, the NI rootlets were individually exposed to identify their origins and insertion points. The AICA and its meatal loop were traced to assess their relationship with the NI rootlets. Results: Thirty-three NIs were identified. The median number of NI rootlets was 4 per NI (interquartile range, 3-5). The rootlets mainly originated from the proximal premeatal segment of CN VIII (81 of 141, 57%) and inserted onto CN VII at the IAC fundus (89 of 141, 63%). When crossing the acoustic-facial bundle, the AICA most frequently passed between the NI and CN VIII (14 of 33, 42%). Five composite patterns of neurovascular relationships were identified regarding NI. Conclusion: Although certain anatomical trends can be identified, the NI has a variable relationship with the adjacent neurovascular complex at the IAC. Therefore, anatomical relationships should not be used as the sole method of NI identification during CPA surgery.

Hatchery tanks induce intense reduction in microbiota diversity associated with gills and guts of two endemic species of the São Francisco River.

The São Francisco River (SFR), one of the main Brazilian rivers, has suffered cumulative anthropogenic impacts, leading to ever-decreasing fish stocks and environmental, economic, and social consequences. Rhinelepis aspera and Prochilodus argenteus are medium-sized, bottom-feeding, and rheophilic fishes from the SFR that suffer from these actions. Both species are targeted for spawning and restocking operations due to their relevance in artisanal fisheries, commercial activities, and conservation concerns. Using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we characterized the microbiome present in the gills and guts of these species recruited from an impacted SFR region and hatchery tanks (HT). Our results showed that bacterial diversity from the gill and gut at the genera level in both fish species from HT is 87% smaller than in species from the SFR. Furthermore, only 15 and 29% of bacterial genera are shared between gills and guts in R. aspera and P. argenteus from SFR, respectively, showing an intimate relationship between functional differences in organs. In both species from SFR, pathogenic, xenobiont-degrading, and cyanotoxin-producer bacterial genera were found, indicating the critical pollution scenario in which the river finds itself. This study allowed us to conclude that the conditions imposed on fish in the HT act as important modulators of microbial diversity in the analyzed tissues. It also raises questions regarding the effects of these conditions on hatchery spawn fish and their suitability for restocking activities, aggravated by the narrow genetic diversity associated with such freshwater systems.

Wound ballistics and the unusual injuries of the tandem bullet phenomenon: A systematic review of case-specific characteristics.

This study revisited the forensic literature to compile case-specific characteristics of the tandem-bullet phenomenon (TBP). A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and The Joanna Briggs Institute's manual. The protocol was registered in Open Science Framework. Ten primary databases and two sources of grey literature were searched, with descriptive studies on TBP, with information about the victim, weapon, ammunition and injuries, being included. From an initial sample of 2360 studies, 13 were eligible. The studies reported 11 male and 2 female victims, with ages between 14 and 63 years (mean = 39.45 ± 14.51 years); seven were victims of suicide (or suicide attempt); most of the victims (69.23%) were shot in the head and neck; and most (84.61%) had an entry and exit wound ratio of 1:0, respectively. The use of image exams to assess injuries and bullets was reported in 12 cases (92.30%). The most frequent reasons for the TBP were the mismatch between weapon and ammunition and the use of defective cartridges (76.92%). Forensic professionals must be aware of the case-specific characteristics of the TBP to overcome confounding factors in wound ballistics and medicolegal examinations.

New insights into plant natriuretic peptide evolution: From the lysogenic conversion in Xanthomonas to the lateral transfer to the whitefly Bemisia tabaci.

Plant natriuretic peptide-like (PNP) are signaling molecules related to adaptive responses to stress. The Arabidopsis thaliana PNP (AtPNP-A) is capable of modulating catalase 2 (CAT2) and rubisco activase (RCA) activity in some circumstances. Interestingly, many plant-pathogens co-opted PNP-like molecules to their benefit. For instance, the citrus pathogen Xanthomonas citri carries a PNP-like (XacPNP) that can mimic and regulate plant homeostasis, and many phytopathogenic fungi carry effectors (e.g., Ave1 and AvrLm6) that are indeed PNP-like homologs. This work investigates the PNP-like evolution across the tree of life, revealing many parallel gains and duplications in plant and fungi kingdoms. All PNP-like proteins in the final dataset are structurally similar, containing the AtPNP-A active domains modulating CAT2 activity and RCA interaction. Comparative genomics evinced that XacPNP is a lysogenic conversion factor associated with a Myoviridae-like prophage identified in many Xanthomonas species. Surprisingly, a PNP-like homolog was identified in Bemisia tabaci, an important agricultural pest, being to date the second example of lateral gene transfer (LGT) from plant to the whitefly. Moreover, the Bemisia PNP-like homolog can also be considered a potential new effector of this phloem-feeding insect. Noteworthy, the whiteflies infest many plants carrying PNP-like copies and interact with some of their bacterial and fungal pathogens, strongly suggesting complex recipient/donor traits of PNP by LGT and bringing new insights into the evolution of host-pathogen arms race across the tree of life.

Coding cerebral bypasses: a proposed nomenclature to better describe bypass constructs and revascularization techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Bypass surgery has evolved into a complex surgical art with a variety of donor arteries, recipient arteries, interpositional grafts, anastomoses, and suturing techniques. Although innovation in contemporary bypasses has increased, the literal descriptions of these new bypasses have not kept pace. The existing nomenclature that joins donor and recipient arteries with a hyphen is simplistic, underinformative, and in need of improvement. This article proposes a nomenclature that systematically incorporates anatomical and technical details with alphanumeric abbreviations and is a clear, concise, and practical "code" for bypass surgery. METHODS: Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the proposed nomenclature, which consists of abbreviations for donor and recipient arteries, arterial segments, arteriotomies, and sides (left or right), with hyphens and parentheses to denote the arteriotomies joined in the anastomosis and brackets and other symbols for combination bypasses, are presented. The literature was searched for articles describing bypasses, and descriptive nomenclature was categorized as donor and recipient arteries (donor-recipient), donor-recipient with additional details, less detail than donor-recipient, and complete, ambiguous, or descriptive text. RESULTS: In 483 publications, most bypass descriptions were categorized as donor-recipient (335, 69%), with superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass described most frequently (299, 62%). Ninety-seven articles (20%) used donor-recipient descriptions with additional details, 45 (9%) were categorized as ambiguous, and none contained a complete bypass description. The authors found the proposed nomenclature to be easily applicable to the more complex bypasses reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: The authors propose a comprehensive nomenclature based on segmental anatomy and additional anastomotic details that allows bypasses to be coded simply, succinctly, and accurately. This alphanumeric shorthand allows greater precision in describing bypasses and clarifying technical details, which may improve reporting in the literature and thus help to advance the field of bypass surgery.

A Secreted Chorismate Mutase from Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis Attenuates Virulence and Walnut Blight Symptoms.

Walnut blight is a significant above-ground disease of walnuts caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj). The secreted form of chorismate mutase (CM), a key enzyme of the shikimate pathway regulating plant immunity, is highly conserved between plant-associated beta and gamma proteobacteria including phytopathogens belonging to the Xanthomonadaceae family. To define its role in walnut blight disease, a dysfunctional mutant of chorismate mutase was created in a copper resistant strain Xaj417 (XajCM). Infections of immature walnut Juglans regia (Jr) fruit with XajCM were hypervirulent compared with infections with the wildtype Xaj417 strain. The in vitro growth rate, size and cellular morphology were similar between the wild-type and XajCM mutant strains, however the quantification of bacterial cells by dPCR within walnut hull tissues showed a 27% increase in XajCM seven days post-infection. To define the mechanism of hypervirulence, proteome analysis was conducted to compare walnut hull tissues inoculated with the wild type to those inoculated with the XajCM mutant strain. Proteome analysis revealed 3296 Jr proteins (five decreased and ten increased with FDR ≤ 0.05) and 676 Xaj417 proteins (235 increased in XajCM with FDR ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, the most abundant protein in Xaj was a polygalacturonase, while in Jr it was a polygalacturonase inhibitor. These results suggest that this secreted chorismate mutase may be an important virulence suppressor gene that regulates Xaj417 virulence response, allowing for improved bacterial survival in the plant tissues.

A comparative genomic analysis of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis strains reveal hallmarks of mobile genetic elements in the adaptation and accelerated evolution of virulence.

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj) is the most significant aboveground walnut bacterial pathogen. Disease management uses copper-based pesticides which induce pathogen resistance. We examined the genetic repertoire associated with adaptation and virulence evolution in Xaj. Comparative genomics of 32 Xaj strains reveal the possible acquisition and propagation of virulence factors via insertion sequences (IS). Fine-scale annotation revealed a Tn3 transposon (TnXaj417) encoding copper resistance genes acquired by horizontal gene transfer and associated with adaptation and tolerance to metal-based pesticides commonly used to manage pathogens in orchard ecosystems. Phylogenomic analysis reveals IS involvement in acquisition and diversification of type III effector proteins ranging from two to eight in non-pathogenic strains, 16 to 20 in pathogenic strains, besides six other putative effectors with a reduced identity degree found mostly among pathogenic strains. Yersiniabactin, xopK, xopAI, and antibiotic resistance genes are also located near ISs or inside genomic islands and structures resembling composite transposons.

Complete genome sequence and analysis of Alcaligenes faecalis strain Mc250, a new potential plant bioinoculant.

Here we present and analyze the complete genome of Alcaligenes faecalis strain Mc250 (Mc250), a bacterium isolated from the roots of Mimosa calodendron, an endemic plant growing in ferruginous rupestrian grasslands in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The genome has 4,159,911 bp and 3,719 predicted protein-coding genes, in a single chromosome. Comparison of the Mc250 genome with 36 other Alcaligenes faecalis genomes revealed that there is considerable gene content variation among these strains, with the core genome representing only 39% of the protein-coding gene repertoire of Mc250. Mc250 encodes a complete denitrification pathway, a network of pathways associated with phenolic compounds degradation, and genes associated with HCN and siderophores synthesis; we also found a repertoire of genes associated with metal internalization and metabolism, sulfate/sulfonate and cysteine metabolism, oxidative stress and DNA repair. These findings reveal the genomic basis for the adaptation of this bacterium to the harsh environmental conditions from where it was isolated. Gene clusters associated with ectoine, terpene, resorcinol, and emulsan biosynthesis that can confer some competitive advantage were also found. Experimental results showed that Mc250 was able to reduce (~60%) the virulence phenotype of the plant pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri when co-inoculated in Citrus sinensis, and was able to eradicate 98% of juveniles and stabilize the hatching rate of eggs to 4% in two species of agricultural nematodes. These results reveal biotechnological potential for the Mc250 strain and warrant its further investigation as a biocontrol and plant growth-promoting bacterium.

Prognostic value of the Simpson grading scale in modern meningioma surgery: Barrow Neurological Institute experience.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the prognostic value of the Simpson resection grading scale has been called into question for modern meningioma surgery. In this study, the authors analyzed the relationship between Simpson resection grade and meningioma recurrence in their institutional experience. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent resection of a WHO grade I intracranial meningioma at the authors' institution from 2007 to 2017. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess for predictors of Simpson grade IV resection and postoperative neurological morbidity. Cox multivariate analysis was used to assess for predictors of tumor recurrence. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests were used to assess and compare recurrence-free survival (RFS) of Simpson resection grades, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 492 patients with evaluable data were included for analysis, including 394 women (80.1%) and 98 men (19.9%) with a mean (SD) age of 58.7 (12.8) years. The tumors were most commonly located at the skull base (n = 302; 61.4%) or the convexity/parasagittal region (n = 139; 28.3%). The median (IQR) tumor volume was 6.8 (14.3) cm3. Simpson grade I, II, III, or IV resection was achieved in 105 (21.3%), 155 (31.5%), 52 (10.6%), and 180 (36.6%) patients, respectively. Sixty-three of 180 patients (35.0%) with Simpson grade IV resection were treated with adjuvant radiosurgery. In the multivariate analysis, increasing largest tumor dimension (p < 0.01) and sinus invasion (p < 0.01) predicted Simpson grade IV resection, whereas skull base location predicted neurological morbidity (p = 0.02). Tumor recurrence occurred in 63 patients (12.8%) at a median (IQR) of 36 (40.3) months from surgery. Simpson grade I resection resulted in superior RFS compared with Simpson grade II resection (p = 0.02), Simpson grade III resection (p = 0.01), and Simpson grade IV resection with adjuvant radiosurgery (p = 0.01) or without adjuvant radiosurgery (p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, Simpson grade I resection was independently associated with no tumor recurrence (p = 0.04). Simpson grade II and III resections resulted in superior RFS compared with Simpson grade IV resection without adjuvant radiosurgery (p < 0.01) but similar RFS compared with Simpson grade IV resection with adjuvant radiosurgery (p = 0.82). Simpson grade IV resection with adjuvant radiosurgery resulted in superior RFS compared with Simpson grade IV resection without adjuvant radiosurgery (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The Simpson resection grading scale continues to hold substantial prognostic value in the modern neurosurgical era. When feasible, Simpson grade I resection should remain the goal of intracranial meningioma surgery. Simpson grade IV resection with adjuvant radiosurgery resulted in similar RFS compared with Simpson grade II and III resections.

Proteome Analysis of Walnut Bacterial Blight Disease.

The interaction between the plant host, walnut (Juglans regia; Jr), and a deadly pathogen (Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis 417; Xaj) can lead to walnut bacterial blight (WB), which depletes walnut productivity by degrading the nut quality. Here, we dissect this pathosystem using tandem mass tag quantitative proteomics. Walnut hull tissues inoculated with Xaj were compared to mock-inoculated tissues, and 3972 proteins were identified, of which 3296 are from Jr and 676 from Xaj. Proteins with differential abundance include oxidoreductases, proteases, and enzymes involved in energy metabolism and amino acid interconversion pathways. Defense responses and plant hormone biosynthesis were also increased. Xaj proteins detected in infected tissues demonstrate its ability to adapt to the host microenvironment, limiting iron availability, coping with copper toxicity, and maintaining energy and intermediary metabolism. Secreted proteases and extracellular secretion apparatus such as type IV pilus for twitching motility and type III secretion effectors indicate putative factors recognized by the host. Taken together, these results suggest intense degradation processes, oxidative stress, and general arrest of the biosynthetic metabolism in infected nuts. Our results provide insights into molecular mechanisms and highlight potential molecular tools for early detection and disease control strategies.

Tailoring the surgical corridor to the basilar apex in the pretemporal transcavernous approach: morphometric analyses of different neurovascular mobilization maneuvers.

BACKGROUND: The pretemporal transcavernous approach (PTA) provides optimal exposure and access to the basilar artery (BA); however, the PTA can be invasive when vital neurovascular structures are mobilized. The goal of this study was to evaluate mobilization strategies to tailor approaches to the BA. METHODS: After an orbitozygomatic craniotomy, 10 sides of 5 cadaveric heads were used to assess the surgical access to the BA via the opticocarotid triangle (OCT), carotid-oculomotor triangle (COT), and oculomotor-tentorial triangle (OTT). Measurements were obtained, and morphometric analyses were performed for natural neurovascular positions and after each stepwise expansion maneuver. An imaginary line connecting the midpoints of the limbus sphenoidale and dorsum sellae was used as a reference to normalize the measurements of BA exposure and to facilitate the clinical applicability of this technique. RESULTS: In the OCT, the exposed BA segment ranged from - 1 ± 3.9 to + 6 ± 2.0 mm in length in its natural position. In the COT, the accessible BA segment ranged from - 4 ± 2.3 to - 2 ± 3.0 mm in length in its natural position. Via the OTT, the accessible BA segment ranged from - 7 ± 2.6 to - 5 ± 2.8 mm in length in its natural position. In the OCT, COT, and OTT, a posterior clinoidectomy extended the exposure down to - 6 ± 2.7, - 8 ± 2.5, and - 9 ± 2.9 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study quantitatively evaluated the need for the expansion maneuvers in the PTA to reach BA aneurysms according to the patient's anatomical characteristics.

Dissection of the Petrosal Presigmoid-Retrolabyrinthine Approach for the Petroclival Region on a Cadaver: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Skull base epidermoid tumors, meningiomas, and schwannomas can be accessed by different techniques depending on the location and size of the lesion. Small lesions located anterior to the internal acoustic meatus (IAM) can be accessed via the subtemporal approach, and lesions located posterior to the IAM can be approached via retrosigmoid craniotomy. However, expansive lesions that are located anterior to the IAM and extend posteriorly toward the lower clivus can be accessed via the petrosal approach. The petrosal approach (presigmoid-retrolabyrinthine) is centered on the petrous ridge of the temporal bone and is mainly performed for intradural lesions located at the clivus and petroclivus junction area. Patients with intact hearing can benefit from this technique, as the labyrinth is untouched and yet the middle and posterior fossa compartments are connected. Additionally, extension of the lesion from the suprasellar area/cavernous sinus to the foramen magnum can be dissected and removed. There are variations of the petrosal approach, such as translabyrinthine, transotic, and transchoclear, with which hearing cannot be preserved, and the "transcrusal" approach, wherein posterior and superior semicircular canals are sacrificed yet hearing preserved. The endolymphatic duct is usually transected and not reapproximated. Neurotology input is always helpful when dealing with inner ear structures. This complex approach demands exhaustive practice with temporal bone dissection in a cadaver laboratory. Although this approach can be extended anteriorly, combination with an anterior petrosal approach permits more rostral exposure. In this video, we demonstrate the stepwise dissection of the posterior petrosal approach only, showing procedure nuances in a cadaver.1-8Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.

Preoperative embolization versus no embolization for WHO grade I intracranial meningioma: a retrospective matched cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The controversy continues over the clinical utility of preoperative embolization for reducing tumor vascularity of intracranial meningiomas prior to resection. Previous studies comparing embolization and nonembolization patients have not controlled for detailed tumor parameters before assessing outcomes. METHODS: The authors reviewed the cases of all patients who underwent resection of a WHO grade I intracranial meningioma at their institution from 2008 to 2016. Propensity score matching was used to generate embolization and nonembolization cohorts of 52 patients each, and a retrospective review of clinical and radiological outcomes was performed. RESULTS: In total, 52 consecutive patients who underwent embolization (mean follow-up 34.8 ± 31.5 months) were compared to 52 patients who did not undergo embolization (mean follow-up 32.8 ± 28.7 months; p = 0.63). Variables controlled for included patient age (p = 0.82), tumor laterality (p > 0.99), tumor location (p > 0.99), tumor diameter (p = 0.07), tumor invasion into a major dural sinus (p > 0.99), and tumor encasement around the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (p > 0.99). The embolization and nonembolization cohorts did not differ in terms of estimated blood loss during surgery (660.4 ± 637.1 ml vs 509.2 ± 422.0 ml; p = 0.17), Simpson grade IV resection (32.7% vs 25.0%; p = 0.39), perioperative procedural complications (26.9% vs 19.2%; p = 0.35), development of permanent new neurological deficits (5.8% vs 7.7%; p = 0.70), or favorable modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (a score of 0-2) at last follow-up (96.0% vs 92.3%; p = 0.43), respectively. When comparing the final mRS score to the preoperative mRS score, patients in the embolization group were more likely than patients in the nonembolization group to have an improvement in mRS score (50.0% vs 28.8%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: After controlling for patient age, tumor size, tumor laterality, tumor location, tumor invasion into a major dural sinus, and tumor encasement of the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery, preoperative meningioma embolization intended to decrease tumor vascularity did not improve the surgical outcomes of patients with WHO grade I intracranial meningiomas, but it did lead to a greater chance of clinical improvement compared to patients not treated with embolization.

Zygomatic-Meatal Perpendicular Projection Lines: Bony Landmarks for Early Identification of the Temporal Horn of the Lateral Ventricle.

OBJECTIVE: Localization of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle (TH) may be required during temporal lobe and ambient cistern surgery. Most available anatomic landmarks for TH localization are based on adjacent cortical landmarks that are inherently variable or subtle. This study aimed to localize the anterior tip of the TH relative to adjacent bony landmarks. METHODS: The TH was exposed on 21 sides of 11 cadaveric heads via removal of the middle temporal gyrus. Two lines were defined: (1) a perpendicular line to the zygomatic arch projected from the anterior concavity of the posterior zygomatic root (line A), and (2) a parallel line passing through the anterosuperior corner of the external auditory canal (line B). Sagittal distances from lines A and B to a parallel line passing through the anterior recess of the TH (line H) were measured. RESULTS: Mean (standard deviation) distances from lines A and B to line H were 13.3 (2.5) mm and 11.9 (2.2) mm, respectively. Line H was at 53% (8%) of the line A-line B interval measured from line A. The best way to search for the TH was to start approximately 15 mm posterior to line A and progress posteriorly such that a more posteriorly located TH tip would not be missed. CONCLUSIONS: The zygomatic-meatal landmark is a reliable tool to localize TH during various approaches. It is independent from the approach trajectory. This landmark may be used as an ancillary tool in conjunction with other cortical landmarks and image guidance.

Genome-Wide Profiling and Phylogenetic Analysis of the SWEET Sugar Transporter Gene Family in Walnut and Their Lack of Responsiveness to Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis Infection.

Following photosynthesis, sucrose is translocated to sink organs, where it provides the primary source of carbon and energy to sustain plant growth and development. Sugar transporters from the SWEET (sugar will eventually be exported transporter) family are rate-limiting factors that mediate sucrose transport across concentration gradients, sustain yields, and participate in reproductive development, plant senescence, stress responses, as well as support plant-pathogen interaction, the focus of this study. We identified 25 SWEET genes in the walnut genome and distinguished each by its individual gene structure and pattern of expression in different walnut tissues. Their chromosomal locations, cis-acting motifs within their 5' regulatory elements, and phylogenetic relationship patterns provided the first comprehensive analysis of the SWEET gene family of sugar transporters in walnut. This family is divided into four clades, the analysis of which suggests duplication and expansion of the SWEET gene family in Juglans regia. In addition, tissue-specific gene expression signatures suggest diverse possible functions for JrSWEET genes. Although these are commonly used by pathogens to harness sugar products from their plant hosts, little was known about their role during Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj) infection. We monitored the expression profiles of the JrSWEET genes in different tissues of "Chandler" walnuts when challenged with pathogen Xaj417 and concluded that SWEET-mediated sugar translocation from the host is not a trigger for walnut blight disease development. This may be directly related to the absence of type III secretion system-dependent transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) in Xaj417, which suggests different strategies are employed by this pathogen to promote susceptibility to this major aboveground disease of walnuts.

Using the Post-Descendens Hypoglossal Nerve in Hypoglossal-Facial Anastomosis: An Anatomic and Histologic Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Hypoglossal-facial anastomosis (HFA) is a popular facial reanimation technique. Mobilizing the intratemporal segment of the facial nerve and using the post-descendens hypoglossal nerve (ie, the segment distal to the take-off of descendens hypoglossi) have been proposed to improve results. However, no anatomic study has verified the feasibility of this technique. OBJECTIVE: To assess the anatomic feasibility of HFA and the structural compatibility between the 2 nerves when the intratemporal facial and post-descendens hypoglossal nerves are used. METHODS: The facial and hypoglossal nerves were exposed bilaterally in 10 sides of 5 cadaveric heads. The feasibility of a side-to-end (ie, partial end-to-end) HFA with partial sectioning of the post-descendens hypoglossal nerve and the mobilized intratemporal facial nerve was assessed. The axonal count and cross-sectional area of the facial and hypoglossal nerves at the point of anastomosis were assessed. RESULTS: The HFA was feasible in all specimens with a mean (standard deviation) 9.3 (5.5) mm of extra length on the facial nerve. The axonal counts and cross-sectional areas of the hypoglossal and facial nerves matched well. Considering the reduction in the facial nerve cross-sectional area after paralysis, the post-descendens hypoglossal nerve can provide adequate axonal count and area to accommodate the facial nerve stump. CONCLUSION: Using the post-descendens hypoglossal nerve for side-to-end anastomosis with the mobilized intratemporal facial nerve is anatomically feasible and provides adequate axonal count for facial reanimation. When compared with use of the pre-descendens hypoglossal nerve, this technique preserves C1 fibers and has a potential to reduce glottic complications.

Microsurgical Anatomy of the Meningeal Branch of the Dorsolateral Medullary Plexus.

BACKGROUND: Meningeal branches originating from intradural arteries may be involved in several diseases such as meningeal tumors and arteriovenous lesions. These "pial-dural" arterial connections have been described for anterior cerebral, posterior cerebral, and cerebellar arteries. However, to the best of our knowledge, meningeal supply originating from the arterial plexus over the dorsolateral aspect of the medulla oblongata (dorsolateral medullary plexus [DLMP]) has not been described. OBJECTIVE: To define the microsurgical anatomy of the meningeal branch of DLMP. METHODS: A total of 20 cadaver heads (40 sides) underwent far-lateral craniotomy and the cerebellomedullary cisterns were explored to find the DLMP and any meningeal branches. Additionally, de-identified intraoperative images of 85 patients with vertebral artery (VA)/posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms who had undergone far-lateral craniotomy were studied to find any meningeal branches of DLMP. RESULTS: The meningeal branches of DLMP were identified in 4 cadavers/sides. These branches reached the region of jugular tubercle (JT) after crossing the accessory nerve. In 3 specimens, these branches were joined by a small twig from V4-VA before penetrating the dura. DLMP meningeal branches were found in 12 patients of the studied cohort (14%) with similar anatomical features as those found in the cadaveric study. CONCLUSION: DLMP may give rise to meningeal branches to the adjacent dura of JT. The actual prevalence of this anatomic variation is difficult to estimate using our data. However, when present, these branches may have important clinical implications, ie, diseases such as dural arteriovenous fistulas, pial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and meningeal-based tumors.