Back to the future: A preserved specimen validates the presence of Molossuspretiosus (Molossidae, Chiroptera) in Honduras.

Molossuspretiosus is a molossid bat that has been thought to exist in Honduras. While some authors have suggested its range extends all the way to Mexico, others have placed its northernmost distribution in Nicaragua. We present evidence, based on one specimen collected in 2005, confirming the presence of this species in the Caribbean of Honduras within the Islas de la Bahía department. This discovery increases the count of known species within this family to 18 in the country and raises the total bat species count for Honduras to 114. We recommend a detailed study of historical specimens to confirm the identification of species that may have been misidentified as well as a thorough examination of molossids distributed in northern Honduras.

Four new species of Anyphaena Sundevall, 1833 from Xizang, China (Araneae, Anyphaenidae).

Four new species of the genus Anyphaena Sundevall, 1833 collected from Xizang, China, are described: A.cibagou Wang & Mi, sp. nov. (♂♀), A.linzhi Wang & Mi, sp. nov. (♂♀), A.shufui Wang & Mi, sp. nov. (♀) and A.yejiei Wang & Mi, sp. nov. (♀). Diagnostic photos of the habitus and copulatory organs and a distributional map are provided.

Morphology and transverse alignment of the patella have no effect on knee gait characteristics in healthy Chinese adults over the age of 40 years.

Background: The influence of patella morphology and horizontal alignment on knee joint kinematics and kinetics remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess patella morphology and transverse alignment in relation to knee kinetics and kinematics in individuals without knee conditions. A secondary objective was to investigate the impact of femur and tibia alignment and shape on knee gait within this population. Patients and methods: We conducted a prospective collection of data, including full-leg anteroposterior and skyline X-ray views and three-dimensional gait data, from a cohort comprising 54 healthy individuals aged 40 years and older. Our study involved correlation and logistic regression analyses to examine the influence of patella, femur, and tibia morphology and alignment on knee gait. Results: The patellar tilt angle or the patella index did not show any significant relationships with different aspects of gait in the knee joint, such as velocity, angle, or moment (p > 0.05, respectively). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that the tibiofemoral angle and the Q angle both had a significant effect on the adduction angle (OR = 1.330, 95%CI 1.033-1.711, p = 0.027; OR = 0.475, 95%CI 0.285-0.792, p = 0.04; respectively). The primary variable influencing the knee adduction moment was the tibiofemoral angle (OR = 1.526, 95% CI 1.125-2.069, p = 0.007). Conclusion: In healthy Chinese individuals aged over 40, patella morphology and transverse alignment do not impact knee gait. However, the femoral-tibial angle has a big impact on the knee adduction moment.

Morphological comparative study of canine and feline diaphragms: Effect of bodyweight, body condition score, gender, age and breed.

The canine diaphragm is a muscular and tendinous dome-like plate and is largely involved in digestive and respiratory functions. Very few studies compared morphology of the diaphragm between dogs and cats and no studies have investigated the effects of individual factors on this morphology. So the aim of this study was to (1) study the effects of individual factors on the morphology of the diaphragm and (2) to compare its morphology between cats and dogs. Surface measurements of 86 diaphragms were performed. The tendinous centre (TC), the lumbar part of the peripheral muscular (LP) and the sternal and costal parts of the peripheral muscular (SCPM) were measured. Measurement ratios (surface of anatomical part of the diaphragm/total surface of the diaphragm) were used for statistical analysis (TC%S, LP%S, SCPM%S). The SCPM%S are significantly lower, and the LP%S are significantly higher when bodyweight increases in dogs and cats. The TC%S are significantly lower when the body condition score of dogs increases. The SCPM%S are significantly higher, and therefore, the TC%S and LP%S lower in brachycephalic animals as opposed to mesocephalic animals. The TC%S are significantly higher in dogs than in cats and the SCPM%S are significantly higher in cats than in dogs. This study proposed a cartography of the diaphragm morphology in cats and dogs taking into account individual animal factors. Significant differences in the diaphragm morphology between cats and dogs and between mesocephalic and brachycephalic animals were found. Further studies are necessary to confirm these results and to investigate the consequences of these variations.

Intrapuparial development of Sarcophaga (Liopygia) ruficornis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), a species of medical-veterinary and forensic importance, under laboratory conditions.

Sarcophaga (=Parasarcophaga) (Liopygia) ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794) is a species of medical-veterinary and forensic importance, as its immatures cause myiasis in humans and animals and colonize carcasses and cadavers. Therefore, investigations into the biology and morphology of this species, with a particular focus on pupae that constitute ≥50% of the developmental period for the immatures, are pertinent. Although there are biological and morphological studies of pupae, the intrapuparial development at different temperatures has not yet been analysed. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe how temperature (22, 27 and 32 ± 1°C) affects the development and morphology of S. (L.) ruficornis pupae at 60 ± 10% relative humidity and a 12-h photoperiod. Ten pupae were collected, euthanized and fixed every 4 h from pupariation until 24 h and every 8 h until the emergence of the first adult. Emergence occurred at 440, 272 and 232 h at 22, 27 and 32°C, with 590, 380 and 330 pupae, respectively. The highest mortality occurred at 32°C. Eight periods were defined, and sex was determined in pharate adult stage; in addition, 40 key morphological characteristics to estimate pupal age were presented. These findings can serve as a basis for studies on the biology and morphology of the pupa of S. (L.) ruficornis, particularly in bionomics, control and forensics, helping researchers and experts.

Sarcophaga (=Parasarcophaga) (Liopygia) ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794) é uma espécie de importância médico­veterinária e forense, pois seus imaturos causam miíase em humanos e animais e colonizam carcaças e cadáveres. Portanto, são pertinentes as investigações sobre a biologia e morfologia dessa espécie, com foco especial nas pupas que constituem ≥50% do período de desenvolvimento dos imaturos. Embora existam estudos biológicos e morfológicos das pupas, o desenvolvimento intrapuparial em diferentes temperaturas ainda não foi analisado. Logo, o presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever como a temperatura (22, 27 e 32 ± 1°C) afeta o desenvolvimento e a morfologia das pupas de S. (L.) ruficornis a 60 ± 10% de umidade relativa e fotoperíodo de 12 horas. Dez pupas foram coletadas, eutanasiadas e fixadas a cada quatro horas desde a pupariação até 24 horas e a cada oito horas até a emergência do primeiro adulto. A emergência ocorreu em 440, 272 e 232 horas a 22, 27 e 32°C, com 590, 380 e 330 pupas, respectivamente. A maior mortalidade ocorreu a 32°C. Foram definidos oito períodos e o sexo foi determinado na fase de adulto farato; além disso, foram apresentadas 40 características morfológicas importantes para estimar a idade das pupas. Essas descobertas podem servir de base para estudos sobre a biologia e a morfologia da pupa de S. (L.) ruficornis, especialmente em bionomia, controle e ciência forense, ajudando pesquisadores e especialistas.

Effect of Patellar Morphology on the Risk of Osteochondral Fracture after Patellar Dislocation: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: The risk of osteochondral fracture (OCF) after patellar dislocation has been shown to be related to patellofemoral anatomy, but its relationship to patellar morphology remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between patellar morphology and the risk of OCF after patellar dislocation. METHODS: A total of 140 patients with patellar dislocation between January 2018 and June 2023 were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups. Sixty-five patellar dislocation patients with OCF were included in the OCF group, while 75 patellar dislocation patients without OCF were included in the non-OCF group. Computed tomography was used to compare measurements of patellar morphology including Wiberg classification, patellar width and thickness, Wiberg angle, Wiberg index, facet ratio, lateral patellar facet angle, and patellar tilt angle. A logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the correlations between patellar morphology and the risk of OCF after patellar dislocation. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) and determine the diagnostic values of patellar morphology for OCF after patellar dislocation. Subgroup analyses for gender and age were conducted to compare the differences in patellar morphology of PD patients. RESULTS: Wiberg angle was significantly lower in the OCF group (p = 0.017), while Wiberg index (p = 0.002) and facet ratio (p = 0.023) were significantly higher in the OCF group. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, Wiberg angle (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96, p = 0.022) and Wiberg index (OR = 1.105, p = 0.032) were the final relevant factors for the occurrence of OCF after patellar dislocation. The AUC was 0.622 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.529-0.714) for Wiberg angle, 0.65 (95% CI: 0.558-0.742) for Wiberg index, and 0.702 (95% CI: 0.615-0.788) for the combination of Wiberg angle plus Wiberg index. CONCLUSION: Wiberg angle and Wiberg index were independent risk factors for the occurrence of osteochondral fracture after patellar dislocation. Moreover, Wiberg angle, Wiberg index, and the combination of Wiberg angle plus Wiberg index had good predictive diagnostic value for the occurrence of OCF after patellar dislocation.

Defining tibial anterior muscle morphology in first-ever chronic stroke patients using three-dimensional freehand ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Drop foot is common post-stroke, elevating fall risks and mobility limitations. It is caused by weakness and lack of control of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA), for which various rehabilitation treatments are used. A reliable objective estimate of changes in TA muscle morphology and composition can enhance treatment optimization. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to ascertain 3D freehand ultrasound (3DfUS) reliability in measuring TA muscle volume, length, and echo intensity in stroke patients and healthy controls and its validity by comparing these features across legs, between patients and controls, and between clinical subgroups (i.e. patients with and without ankle contracture, spastic muscle overactivity, and foot dorsiflexor paresis). METHODS: We included 9 stroke patients and 9 healthy controls to define reliability and 26 stroke patients and 28 healthy controls to define validity. For reliability, data were collected and processed by 2 different operators and processors. For inter- and intra-rater reliability, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were used. For validity, Wilcoxon-Signed-Ranked and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparisons between groups and subgroups. RESULTS: All measurements showed good to excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability (ICC: 0.816 to 0.997, SEM: 0.5% to 7.8%). Comparison analyses revealed no differences in muscle features among legs, groups, or subgroups. CONCLUSION: While the 3DfUS is a reliable method to define TA morphology and composition, its clinical validity needs further investigation into factors influencing muscle property changes across various age groups and post-stroke time points. MESH TERMS: Stroke; Skeletal muscle morphology; muscle composition; 3D freehand ultrasonography, Anterior Tibial Muscle.

Shallow trochlear groove and narrow medial trochlear width at the proximal trochlea in patients with trochlear dysplasia: A three-dimensional computed tomography analysis.

PURPOSE: Although the Dejour classification is the primary classification system for evaluating trochlear dysplasia, concerns have been raised about its reliability owing to its qualitative criteria and challenges associated with obtaining accurate radiographs. This study aimed to quantify trochlear dysplasia using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction with novel parameters related to the transepicondylar axis (TEA). METHODS: Sixty patients were enrolled, including 20 with trochlear dysplasia and 40 healthy controls. The 3D CT model was generated using the Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System software. The following six parameters were measured in eight consecutive planes at 15° intervals (planes 0-105): the distance from the TEA to the most cortical point of the lateral condyle ('LP-TEA', where LP stands for lateral peak), medial condyle ('MP-TEA', MP for medial peak) and deepest point of the trochlea ('TG-TEA', TG for trochlear groove). The distances from the medial epicondyle (MEC) to the corresponding TEA points were measured ('LP-MEC', 'MP-MEC' and 'TG-MEC'). RESULTS: In the dysplasia group, TG-TEA (planes 0, 15 and 30) and MP-MEC (planes 0, 15 and 30) were significantly greater than those in the control group (all p < 0.05 for planes of TG-TEA and MP-MEC). For type A dysplasia, LP-MEC (plane 0) was greater than that in the control group. For type B dysplasia, the MP-MEC (planes 0 and 15) and TG-TEA (planes 0 and 15) were greater than those of the control group. For type D dysplasia, MP-MEC (planes 0, 15 and 30) and TG-TEA (planes 0 and 15) were elevated. CONCLUSION: The 3D CT reconstruction analysis established a reproducible method for quantifying osseous trochlear morphology. Patients with trochlear dysplasia had a shallow TG and narrow medial trochlear width at tracking angles of 0°-30°. This finding corroborates the clinical manifestations of recurrent patellar instability that occur during early flexion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Bedrock morphology influences rock barrens turtle nesting habitat energy dynamics.

Energy absorption and flow through a nest is an important aspect of embryonic development in many reptile species including turtles. To date, few studies have explicitly attempted to quantify the energy flow through turtle nests, opting instead for the simplified approach offered by temperature index models. However, the quantification of the energy can provide an explicit abiotic link that can link biological models to biometeorological and ecohydrological processes and models. We investigated the energy flow through turtle nests occupying different bedrock morphologies within a Canadian Shield Rock Barren landscape, in Ontario, Canada. The taxons studied were Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata), and Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). Nest temperature and soil moisture were measured in 2018 and 2019 using sensors placed in the soil adjacent to 12 turtle nest cavities. Three main rock morphologies were identified for each nest location, Crevice, Ledge, and Flat types, that are in order of decreasing bedrock percentage contact with the nest site. Ground heat flux and change in heat storage were determined using the calorimetric method for each nest, while the direction of energy flux between the atmosphere and the underlying rock was also determined. The Crevice nest morphology experienced the lowest ground heat flux on average (1.56 × 10-1 W m-2) and lowest cumulative heat storage (230 MJ) compared to the Flat (440 MJ) and Ledge (331 MJ) nests. However, over the diurnal cycle, large heat gains by Flat nests were mostly balanced out by nighttime heat losses. While Crevice nests saw the lowest daily heat storage gains, they experienced much lower heat losses over the evening period compared to the other nest types. Furthermore, we found that 59% of the energy is directed from the underlying bedrock into the Crevice nest, highlighting the importance of the bedrock in controlling thermal dynamics in the turtle nesting habitat. The lower variability in energy parameters for Crevice nest types can be attributed to higher amounts of nest-to-bedrock contact, compared to the flat nest types. Our results indicate that Crevice morphology may be ideal for turtles nesting at their northern limits because minimal heat loss during the evening can result in a more stable thermal incubation environment. Future conservation and habitat restoration efforts should consider the importance of bedrock morphology and prioritize the protection of Crevice nest sites. Furthermore, this work highlights important opportunities for potential interdisciplinary work between ecologists, climatologists, biologists, and hydrologists, specifically the integration of ecohydrological and biological models. This work also underscores the potential uncertainty of climate change impacts on turtle egg hatching success and nest sex ratios.

Influence of building spatial patterns on wind environment and air pollution dispersion inside an industrial park based on CFD simulation.

The "spatial pattern-wind environment-air pollution" within building clusters is closely interconnected, where different spatial pattern parameters may have varying degrees of impact on the wind environment and pollutant dispersion. Due to the complex spatial structure within industrial parks, this complexity may lead to the accumulation and retention of air pollutants within the parks. Therefore, to alleviate the air pollution situation in industrial parks in China and achieve the circular transformation and construction of parks, this study takes Hefei Circular Economy Demonstration Park as the research object. The microscale Fluent model in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to finely simulate the wind flow field and the diffusion process of pollutants within the park. The study analyzes the triad relationship and influence mechanism of "spatial pattern-wind environment-air pollution" within the park and studies the influence of different spatial pattern parameters on the migration and diffusion of pollutants. The results show a significant negative correlation between the content of pollutants and wind speed inside the industrial park. The better the wind conditions, the higher the air quality. The spatial morphology parameters of the building complex are the main influences on the condition of its internal wind environment. Building coverage ratio and degree of enclosure have a significant negative correlation with wind conditions. Maintaining them near 0.23 and 0.37, respectively, is favorable to the quality of the surrounding environment. Moreover, the average height of the building is positively correlated with the wind environment condition. The rate of transport and dissipation of pollutants gradually increases as the average building height reaches 16 m. Therefore, a reasonable building planning strategy and arrangement layout can effectively improve the wind environment condition inside the park, thus alleviating the pollutant retention situation. The obtained results serve as a theoretical foundation for optimizing morphological structure design within urban industrial parks.

Early morphological and neurochemical changes of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) in gestational protein-restricted male offspring.

BACKGROUND: The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a structure with a peculiar neurochemical composition involved in modulating anxietylike behavior and fear. AIM: The present study investigated the effects on the BNST neurochemical composition and neuronal structure in critical moments of the postnatal period in gestational protein-restricted male rats' offspring. METHODS: Dams were maintained during the pregnancy on isocaloric rodent laboratory chow with standard protein content [NP, 17%] or low protein content [LP, 6%]. BNST from male NP and age-matched LP offspring was studied using the isotropic fractionator method, Neuronal 3D reconstruction, dendritic-tree analysis, blotting analysis, and high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Serum corticosterone levels were higher in male LP offspring than NP rats in 14-day-old offspring, without any difference in 7-day-old progeny. The BNST total cell number and anterodorsal BNST division volume in LP progeny were significantly reduced on the 14th postnatal day compared with NP offspring. The BNST HPLC analysis from 7 days-old LP revealed increased norepinephrine levels compared to NP progeny. The BNST blot analysis from 7-day-old LP revealed reduced levels of GR and BDNF associated with enhanced CRF1 expression compared to NP offspring. 14-day-old LP offspring showed reduced expression of MR and 5HT1A associated with decreased DOPAC and DOPA turnover levels relative to NP rats. In Conclusion, the BNST cellular and neurochemical changes may represent adaptation during development in response to elevated fetal exposure to maternal corticosteroid levels. In this way, gestational malnutrition alters the BNST content and structure and contributes to already-known behavioral changes.

Morphological Variation of Mandibular Molars in Rohilkhand Population: An Original Research.

Introduction: In-depth knowledge of common and aberrant pulp morphology is essential for appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning before commencing root canal treatment. The radicular morphology of mandibular molars has been extensively studied. Considerable variation in the number of canals and roots found in these teeth has been reported. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the root canal morphology of the mandibular molars among the Rohilkhand population using Dentascan. Materials and Methods: Dentascan images of mandibular molar were taken from 99 extracted teeth that were collected from the Department of Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly, and private clinics. The examination of root canal systems of the teeth was based on Vertucci's classification. Results: The mandibular molar (n = 99) were taken. Out of the 99 teeth examined, three canals were seen in 60 (60.6%) teeth, four canals in 39 (39.4%) teeth, 3% had extra distal roots, and 6% with C-shaped canals. Conclusion: Among mandibular first molars, only 3% had three roots. Mesial roots of the first molar typically present with two canals and two apical foramina with type IV or II canal configuration. Most distal roots of the first molar presented with a type I canal configuration. The remainder were distributed mainly between types II, IV, III, and V. Among 99 mandibular molars, 6% had single C-shaped roots.

Absolute ground truth-based validation of computer-aided nodule detection and volumetry in low-dose CT imaging.

PURPOSE: To validate the performance of computer-aided detection (CAD) and volumetry software using an anthropomorphic phantom with a ground truth (GT) set of 3D-printed nodules. METHODS: The Kyoto Kaguku Lungman phantom, containing 3D-printed solid nodules including six diameters (4 to 9 mm) and three morphologies (smooth, lobulated, spiculated), was scanned at varying CTDIvol levels (6.04, 1.54 and 0.20 mGy). Combinations of reconstruction algorithms (iterative and deep learning image reconstruction) and kernels (soft and hard) were applied. Detection, volumetry and density results recorded by a commercially available AI-based algorithm (AVIEW LCS + ) were compared to the absolute GT, which was determined through µCT scanning at 50 µm resolution. The associations between image acquisition parameters or nodule characteristics and accuracy of nodule detection and characterization were analyzed with chi square tests and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: High levels of detection sensitivity and precision (minimal 83 % and 91 % respectively) were observed across all acquisitions. Neither reconstruction algorithm nor radiation dose showed significant associations with detection. Nodule diameter however showed a highly significant association with detection (p < 0.0001). Volumetric measurements for nodules > 6 mm were accurate within 10 % absolute range from volumeGT, regardless of dose and reconstruction. Nodule diameter and morphology are major determinants of volumetric accuracy (p < 0.001). Density assignment was not significantly influenced by any parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the software's accurate performance in nodule volumetry, detection and density characterization with robustness for variations in CT imaging protocols. This study suggests the incorporation of similar phantom setups in quality assurance of CAD tools.

Corrigendum: Genomic regions associated with tuber traits in tetraploid potatoes and identification of superior clones for breeding purposes.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.952263.].

Prognostic significance of beat-to-beat variability of spatial heterogeneity of repolarization analyzed from a 5-minute resting electrocardiogram in coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Data on the prognostic significance of temporal variability of spatial heterogeneity of electrocardiographic repolarization in coronary artery disease (CAD) are limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of temporal variability of T-wave morphology analyzed from a 5-minute resting electrocardiogram in CAD. METHODS: The standard deviation (SD) of T-wave morphology dispersion (TMD-SD) and the SD of total cosine R-to-T were analyzed on a beat-to-beat basis from a 5-minute period of the standard resting 12-lead electrocardiogram obtained before the clinical stress test in 1702 patients with angiographically verified CAD and well-preserved left ventricular function. RESULTS: During an average of 8.7 ± 2.2 years of follow-up, 60 patients experienced sudden cardiac death/arrest (SCD/SCA) (3.5%), 69 patients nonsudden cardiac death (NSCD) (4.1%), and 161 patients noncardiac death (9.5%). TMD-SD was significantly higher in patients who experienced SCD/SCA than in other patients (1.72 ± 2.00 vs 1.12 ± 1.75; P = .01) and higher in patients who succumbed to NSCD than in other patients (1.57 ± 1.74 vs 1.12 ± 1.76; P = .04), but it did not differ significantly between patients who experienced noncardiac death and those without such an event (1.16 ± 1.42 vs 1.14 ± 1.79; P = .86). In the Cox multivariable hazards model, TMD-SD retained its significant association with the risk of SCD/SCA (hazard ratio 1.119; 95% confidence interval 1.015-1.233; P = .024) but not with the risk of NSCD (hazard ratio 1.089; 95% confidence interval 0.983-1.206; P = .103). CONCLUSION: TMD-SD is independently associated with the long-term risk of SCD/SCA in patients with CAD.

Bending performance changes during prolonged canine eruption in saber-toothed carnivores: A case study of Smilodon fatalis.

The canine of saber-toothed predators represents one of the most specialized dental structures known. Hypotheses about the function of hypertrophied canines range from display and conspecific interaction, soft food processing, to active prey acquisition. Recent research on the ontogenetic timing of skull traits indicates the adult canine can take years to fully erupt, but the consequences of prolonged eruption on inferences of canine functional morphology are missing from current discourse and have not been quantified. Here I evaluate hypotheses about adult canine bending strength and stiffness, respectively, during eruption in the felid Smilodon fatalis. Simulated eruption sequences of three adult canines were generated from specimen models to assess shifting cross-sectional geometry properties, and bending strength and stiffness under laterally directed loads were estimated using finite element analysis. Consistent with beam theory expectations, S. fatalis canine cross-sectional geometry is optimized for increased bending strength with increased erupted height. However, canine cross-sectional geometry changes through eruption exaggerate rather than minimize lateral deflection. Spatial constraint for maximum root length from adjacent sensory structures in the maxilla and the recently identified universal power law are hypothesized to limit the growth capacity of canine anteroposterior length and, consequently, maintenance of bending stiffness through eruption. Instead, the joint presence of the deciduous and adult canines for >50% of the adult canine eruption period effectively increases canine mediolateral width and brings bending strength and stiffness estimates closer to theoretical optima. Similarly prolonged retention of deciduous canines in other sabertooths suggests dual-canine buttressing is a convergently evolved strategy to maximize bending strength and stiffness.

Morphological prognostic factor of thoracoabdominal aortic dilation after acute type a dissection repair.

OBJECTIVES: Risk factors for late-term aortic dilation after acute type A aortic dissection repair have not been well examined. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the abdominal aortic true lumen location and thoraco-abdominal aortic dilation after the surgical repair for acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: Patients who were preoperatively diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection between April 2014 and July 2022, were included in this study. We evaluated the renal artery-level dissected aortic morphology and classified the study population into two groups: ventral (those with true lumen located on the ventral side) and dorsal (other patients not designated in the ventral group) groups, based on the true lumen location. Aortic dilation was defined as thoraco-abdominal aortic expansion ≥5 mm on 1-year postoperative computed tomography image. RESULTS: We examined 49 surgical patients which were assigned to the ventral (n = 22) and dorsal (n = 27) groups. The number of patients with ≥5 mm thoraco-abdominal aortic dilation after surgery was significantly higher in the ventral group than in the dorsal group (90.9% vs 51.9%, P = 0.009). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the ventral type was an independent prognostic factor of thoraco-abdominal aortic dilation after surgery (odds ratio, 6.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-23.77; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The true lumen location of the abdominal aorta in acute type A aortic dissection may be a prognostic factor of thoraco-abdominal aortic dilation after surgical repair.

Capsular attachment on the anterosuperior femoral head-neck junction: A hypothesis about femoroacetabular impingement.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), characterized by a pathological contact between the proximal femur and acetabulum, is a common precursor of hip osteoarthritis. Cam morphology is a bony prominence that causes FAI and frequently forms on the anterosuperior femoral head-neck junction. Despite anatomical consensus regarding the femoral head-neck junction as a boundary area covered by the articular cartilage and joint capsule, it remains unclear whether the joint capsule is continuous with the anterosuperior articular cartilage. For the anatomical consideration of cam morphology formation, this study aimed to investigate the histological characteristics of the capsular attachment on the anterosuperior femoral head-neck junction, particularly focusing on the presence or absence of continuity of the joint capsule to the articular cartilage. A total of 21 anterosuperior regions (seven hips each for the 12:00, 1:30, and 3:00 positions) from seven hips (three males and four females; mean age at death, 68.7 years) were histologically analyzed in this study for quantitative evaluation of the capsular thickness using histological sections stained with Masson's trichrome, as well as qualitative evaluation of the capsular attachment. The present study showed that the joint capsule, which folded proximally to the femoral head-neck junction from the recess, exhibited a blend of the fibrous and synovial regions. Notably, it not only continued with the superficial layer of the articular cartilage, but also attached to the articular cartilage via the fibrocartilage. This continuous region was relatively fibrous with dense connective tissue running in the longitudinal direction. The capsular thickness at the recess point (mean, 1.7 ± 0.9 mm) and those at the distal end of the articular cartilage (0.35 ± 0.16 mm) were significantly greater than the control value for the most superficial layer thickness of the articular cartilage (0.019 ± 0.003 mm) (Dunnett's T3, both p-value <0.001). Based on the fibrous continuity between the joint capsule and articular cartilage and its thickness, this study suggests the anatomical possibility that some mechanical stress can be transmitted from the joint capsule to the articular cartilage at the frequent sites of cam morphology.

Morphological and electrophysiological characterization of a novel displaced astrocyte in the mouse retina.

Astrocytes throughout the central nervous system are heterogeneous in both structure and function. This diversity leads to tissue-specific specialization where morphology is adapted to the surrounding neuronal circuitry, as seen in Bergman glia of the cerebellum and Müller glia of the retina. Because morphology can be a differentiating factor for cellular classification, we recently developed a mouse where glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing cells stochastically label for full membranous morphology. Here we utilize this tool to investigate whether morphological and electrophysiological features separate types of mouse retinal astrocytes. In this work, we report on a novel glial population found in the inner plexiform layer and ganglion cell layer which expresses the canonical astrocyte markers GFAP, S100ß, connexin-43, Sox2 and Sox9. Apart from their retinal layer localization, these cells are unique in their radial distribution. They are notably absent from the mid-retina but are heavily concentrated near the optic nerve head, and to a lesser degree the peripheral retina. Additionally, their morphology is distinct from both nerve fiber layer astrocytes and Müller glia, appearing more similar to amacrine cells. Despite this structural similarity, these cells lack protein expression of common neuronal markers. Additionally, they do not exhibit action potentials, but rather resemble astrocytes and Müller glia in their small amplitude, graded depolarization to both light onset and offset. Their structure, protein expression, physiology, and intercellular connections suggest that these cells are astrocytic, displaced from their counterparts in the nerve fiber layer. As such, we refer to these cells as displaced retinal astrocytes.

Facile Layer Diffusion Technique for Synthesis of Terbium-Based Metal Organic Framework for Fluorometric Sensing of Hydroquinone.

A photoluminescent terbium (III)-based Metal Organic Framework (MOF) was synthesized at room temperature by layer diffusion method utilizing mixed carboxylate linkers (4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid) and benzene-1,3,5 tricarboxylic acid). Synthesized MOF has crystalline nature and rod-shaped morphology and is thermally stable up to 455 °C. The fluorescence emission spectra and theoretical results revealed that carboxylate linkers functioned as sensitizers for Tb(III) photoluminescence which resulted in four distinct emission peaks at 495, 547, 584, and 621 nm corresponding to the transitions 5D4 → 7F6, 5D4 → 7F5, 5D4 → 7F4, and 5D4 → 7F3. Using synthesized MOF as fluorescent probe, hydroquinone was detected in aqueous medium with a detection limit of 0.048 µM, remarkable recovery (95.6-101.1%), and relative standard deviation less than 2.25%. The quenching phenomenon may be ascribed to electron transfer from synthesized probe to oxidized hydroquinone via carboxylic groups on the surface of MOF, which is further supported by photo-induced electron transfer mechanism. This study introduces a cheaper, faster, and more accurate method for hydroquinone detection.