scholarly journals Intraspecific variation of phragmocone chamber volumes throughout ontogeny in the modern nautilidNautilusand the Jurassic ammoniteNormannites

PeerJ ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. e1306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amane Tajika ◽  
Naoki Morimoto ◽  
Ryoji Wani ◽  
Carole Naglik ◽  
Christian Klug

Nautilusremains of great interest to palaeontologists after a long history of actualistic comparisons and speculations on aspects of the palaeoecology of fossil cephalopods, which are otherwise impossible to assess. Although a large amount of work has been dedicated toNautilusecology, conch geometry and volumes of shell parts and chambers have been studied less frequently. In addition, although the focus on volumetric analyses for ammonites has been increasing recently with the development of computed tomographic technology, the intraspecific variation of volumetric parameters has never been examined. To investigate the intraspecific variation of the phragmocone chamber volumes throughout ontogeny, 30 specimens of RecentNautilus pompiliusand two Middle Jurassic ammonites (Normannites mitis) were reconstructed using computed tomography and grinding tomography, respectively. Both of the ontogenetic growth trajectories from the twoNormannitesdemonstrate logistic increase. However, a considerable difference inNormanniteshas been observed between their entire phragmocone volumes (cumulative chamber volumes), in spite of their similar morphology and size. Ontogenetic growth trajectories fromNautilusalso show a high variation. Sexual dimorphism appears to contribute significantly to this variation. Finally, covariation between chamber widths and volumes was examined. The results illustrate the strategic difference in chamber construction betweenNautilusandNormannites. The former genus persists to construct a certain conch shape, whereas the conch of the latter genus can change its shape flexibly under some constraints.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangping Wei ◽  
Huaxiang Xu ◽  
Jingliang Xiong ◽  
Qinglin Shen ◽  
Bing Fan ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED Background: From December 2019, the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Pneumonia broke out in Wuhan, China. In this study, we present the finding of serial computed tomography in a female patient with 2019-nCoV. Case presentation: We report a 40-year-old female who presented with the symptoms of fever, chest tightness, and fatigue. She was further diagnosed with 2019-nCoV confirmed by rRT-PCR. In terms of her chest CT findings, patchy consolidation shadows, and ground-glass opacities (GGOs) rapidly progressed in both lungs, peripherally. After treatment, the previous lesions were almost absorbed, leaving the fibrous lesions. Conclusions: If there is a history of fever or contact with the epidemic area, combined with the above CT findings, it is necessary to detect the nucleic acid of new coronavirus in time.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Shi-Min Yuan

Extracardiac manifestations of constrictive pericarditis, such as massive ascites and liver cirrhosis, often cover the true situation and lead to a delayed diagnosis. A young female patient was referred to this hospital due to a 4-year history of refractory ascites as the only presenting symptom. A diagnosis of chronic calcified constrictive pericarditis was eventually established based on echocardiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. Cardiac catheterization was not performed. Pericardiectomy led to relief of her ascites. Refractory ascites warrants thorough investigation for constrictive pericarditis.


Author(s):  
Sabina Strano-Rossi ◽  
Serena Mestria ◽  
Giorgio Bolino ◽  
Matteo Polacco ◽  
Simone Grassi ◽  
...  

AbstractScopolamine is an alkaloid which acts as competitive antagonists to acetylcholine at central and peripheral muscarinic receptors. We report the case of a 41-year-old male convict with a 27-year history of cannabis abuse who suddenly died in the bed of his cell after having smoked buscopan® tablets. Since both abuse of substances and recent physical assaults had been reported, we opted for a comprehensive approach (post-mortem computed tomography CT (PMCT), full forensic autopsy, and toxicology testing) to determine which was the cause of the death. Virtopsy found significant cerebral edema and lungs edema that were confirmed at the autopsy and at the histopathological examination. Scopolamine was detected in peripheral blood at the toxic concentration of 14 ng/mL in blood and at 263 ng/mL in urine, and scopolamine butyl bromide at 17 ng/mL in blood and 90 ng/mL in urine. Quetiapine, mirtazapine, lorazepam, diazepam, and metabolites and valproate were also detected (at therapeutic concentrations). Inmates, especially when they have a history of drug abuse, are at risk to use any substance they can find for recreational purposes. In prisons, active surveillance on the management and assumption of prescribed drugs could avoid fatal acute intoxication.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Resul Nusretoğlu ◽  
Yunus Dönder

Abstract Background Diaphragmatic hernias may occur as either congenital or acquired. The most important cause of acquired diaphragmatic hernias is trauma, and the trauma can be due to blunt or penetrating injury. Diaphragmatic hernia may rarely be seen after thoracoabdominal trauma. Case presentation A 54-year-old Turkish male patient admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain and dyspnea ongoing for 2 days. He had general abdominal tenderness in all quadrants. He had a history of a stabbing incident in his left subcostal region 3 months ago without any pathological findings in thoracoabdominal computed tomography scan. New thoracoabdominal computed tomography showed a diaphragmatic hernia and fluid in the hernia sac. Due to respiratory distress and general abdominal tenderness, the decision to perform an emergency laparotomy was made. There was a 6 cm defect in the diaphragm. There were also necrotic fluids and stool in the hernia sac in the thorax colon resection, and an anastomosis was performed. The defect in the diaphragm was sutured. The oral regimen was started, and when it was tolerated, the regimen was gradually increased. The patient was discharged on the postoperative 11th day. Conclusions Acquired diaphragmatic hernia may be asymptomatic or may present with complications leading to sepsis. In this report, acquired diaphragmatic hernia and associated colonic perforation of a patient with a history of stab wounds was presented.


2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512110225
Author(s):  
Hideyuki Hayashi ◽  
Kazuto Ashizawa ◽  
Masashi Takahashi ◽  
Katsuya Kato ◽  
Hiroaki Arakawa ◽  
...  

Background Chest radiography (CR) is employed as the evaluation of pneumoconiosis; however, we sometimes encounter cases in which computed tomography (CT) is more effective in detecting subtle pathological changes or cases in which CR yields false-positive results. Purpose To compare CR to CT in the diagnosis of early-stage pneumoconiosis. Material and Methods CR and CT were performed for 132 workers with an occupational history of mining. We excluded 23 cases of arc-welder’s lung. Five readers who were experienced chest radiologists or pulmonologists independently graded the pulmonary small opacities on CR of the remaining 109 cases. We then excluded 37 cases in which the CT data were not sufficient for grading. CT images of the remaining 72 cases were graded by the five readers. We also assessed the degree of pulmonary emphysema in those cases. Results The grade of profusion on CR (CR score) of all five readers was identical in only 5 of 109 cases (4.6%). The CR score coincided with that on CT in 40 of 72 cases (56%). The CT score was higher than that on CR in 13 cases (18%). On the other hand, the CT score was lower than that on CR in 19 cases (26%). The incidence of pulmonary emphysema was significantly higher in patients whose CR score was higher than their CT score. Conclusion CT is more sensitive than CR in the evaluation of early-stage pneumoconiosis. In cases with emphysema, the CR score tends to be higher in comparison to that on CT.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 128-129
Author(s):  
A LAGROTTERIA ◽  
A W Collins ◽  
A Someili ◽  
N Narula

Abstract Background Lymphocytic esophagitis is a new and rare clinicopathological entity. It is a histological pattern characterized by lymphocytic infiltrate without granulocytes. Its etiology and clinical significance remains unclear. The clinical manifestations are typically mild, with reflux and dysphagia the most commonly reported symptoms. Aims We describe a case report of spontaneous esophageal perforation associated with lymphocytic esophagitis. Methods Case report Results A previously well 31-year-old male presented to the emergency department with acute food impaction. His antecedent symptoms were acute chest discomfort and continuous odynophagia following his most recent meal, with persistent globus sensation. The patient had no reported history of allergies, atopy, rhinitis, or asthma. A previous history of non-progressive dysphagia was noted after resuscitation. Emergent endoscopy revealed no food bolus, but a deep 6 cm mucosal tear in the upper-mid esophagus extending 24 to 30 cm from the incisors. Chest computed tomography observed small volume pneumoperitoneum consistent with esophageal perforation. The patient’s recovery was uneventful; he was managed conservatively with broad-spectrum antibiotics, proton pump inhibitor therapy, and a soft-textured diet. Endoscopy was repeated 48 hours later and revealed considerable healing with only a residual 3-4cm linear laceration. Histology of biopsies taken from the mid and distal esophagus demonstrated marked infiltration of intraepithelial lymphocytes. There were no eosinophils or neutrophils identified, consistent with a diagnosis of lymphocytic esophagitis. Autoimmune indices including anti-nuclear antibodies and immunoglobulins were normal, ruling out a contributory autoimmune or connective tissue process. The patient was maintained on a proton pump inhibitor (pantoprazole 40 mg once daily) following discharge. Nearly six months following his presentation, the patient had a recurrence of symptoms prompting representation to the emergency department. He described acute onset chest discomfort while eating turkey. Computed tomography of the chest redemonstrated circumferential intramural gas in the distal esophagus and proximal stomach. Conclusions Esophageal perforation is a potentially life-threatening manifestation of what had been considered and described as a relatively benign condition. From isolated dysphagia to transmural perforation, this case significantly expands our current understanding of the clinical spectrum of lymphocytic esophagitis. Funding Agencies None


2021 ◽  
Vol 07 (03) ◽  
pp. e124-e126
Author(s):  
Mark Portelli ◽  
Mark Bugeja ◽  
Charles Cini

Abstract Purpose Bochdalek's hernia is a type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurring secondary to a defect in the posterior attachment of diaphragm. This condition commonly presents with respiratory insufficiency in infants. To date, there are less than 100 cases of Bochdalek's hernia presenting in adults published in the literature. The mainstay treatment of Bochdalek's hernia involves reduction of hernial contents back into the peritoneal cavity with a tensionless graft repair closing the diaphragmatic defect. Case Presentation We present an atypical case of the Bochdalek hernia presenting in a previously healthy 16-year-old male who presented to the Accident and Emergency department with a 2-day history of dysphagia and loss of breath. The Bochdalek hernia was confirmed on computed tomography (CT) imaging and the patient underwent surgical repair with Gore-Tex mesh. Conclusion The report shows a rare case of the Bochdalek hernia in a young adult, successfully managed with a laparotomy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiying Wu ◽  
Ning Zhou ◽  
Lianwei Lu ◽  
Xiwen Chen ◽  
Tao Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is the most important cause of hematemesis in children. Intrahepatic left portal vein and superior mesenteric vein anastomosis, also known as meso-Rex bypass (MRB), is becoming the gold standard treatment for EHPVO. We analyzed the value of preoperative computed tomography (CT) in determining whether MRB is feasible in children with EHPVO. Results We retrieved data on 76 children with EHPVO (50 male, 26 female; median age, 5.9 years) who underwent MRB (n = 68) or the Warren procedure (n = 8) from 2013 to 2019 and retrospectively analyzed their clinical and CT characteristics. The Rex recess was categorized into four subtypes (types 1–4) depending on its diameter in CT images. Of all 76 children, 7.9% had a history of umbilical catheterization and 1.3% had leukemia. Sixteen patients (20 lesions) had associated malformations. A total of 72.4% of Rex recesses could be measured by CT, and their mean diameter was 3.5 ± 1.8 mm (range 0.6–10.5 mm). A type 1, 2, 3, and 4 Rex recess was present in 9.2%, 53.9%, 11.8%, and 25.0% of patients, respectively. MRB could be performed in patients with types 1, 2, and 3, but those with type 4 required further evaluation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of CT were 100%, 83.8%, 42.1%, 100%, and 85.5%, respectively. Conclusions Among the four types of Rex recesses on CT angiography, types 1–3 allow for the performance of MRB.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 096368972098545
Author(s):  
Tao Hu ◽  
Xiao Liu ◽  
Qinan Yin ◽  
Xingting Duan ◽  
Li Yan

In this work, we discovered a new phenomenon—asymptomatic COVID-19 infection, or covert case, during the pandemic. All the 3 patients had a history of exposure, with no symptoms, and no abnormalities were found in computed tomography scan or lab tests. Except for case 2, the other patients’ severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) nucleic acid tests were negative. But their anti-SARS-COV-2 nucleocapsid antibody showed a dynamic trend, consistent with the process of virus infection and clearance. A growing number of asymptomatic or covert cases need more attention. Lack of surveillance may lead to another outbreak. We hope to demonstrate our cases to attract the attention of governments or health authorities that covert cases should be the focus as well.


Author(s):  
Farnoosh Larti ◽  
Mohammad Amin Khadembashiri ◽  
Mehrshad Abbasi ◽  
Alborz Sherafati

Abstract Background Diagnosis of aortic graft infection is challenging, and delayed diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has improved diagnostic accuracy. Case summary A patient with a history of congenital heart disease was admitted due to fever. He had a history of four cardiac surgeries, including the Bentall procedure for endocarditis. Blood cultures were negative. A semi-mobile mass was detected in the distal portion of the aortic tube graft in echocardiography. PET/CT scan was used to confirm tube graft infection and to support proceeding to cardiac surgery. Discussion Using multimodality imaging, including PET/CT scan in combination with echocardiography, can improve diagnostic accuracy for the detection of aortic tube graft infection, infection of prosthetic valves, or intra-cardiac devices, especially in high-risk surgical cases.


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