Serial Recall Order of Category Fluency Words: Exploring Its Neural Underpinnings

Background: Although performance on the category fluency test (CFT) is influenced by many cognitive functions (i.e., including language, executive functioning and speed of processing), item-level scoring methods of CFT performance might be a promising way to capture aspects of semantic memory that are less influenced by intervenient abilities. One such approach is based on the calculation of correlation coefficients that quantify the association between item-level features and the serial order with which words are recalled (SRO).Methods: We explored the neural underpinnings of 10 of these correlational indices in a sample of 40 healthy adults who completed a classic 1-min CFT and an MRI protocol inclusive of T1-weighted (analysed with voxel-based morphometry) and resting-state fMRI sequences for the evaluation of the default-mode network (DMN). Two sets of linear models were defined to test the association between neural maps and each correlational index: a first set in which major demographic and clinical descriptors were controlled for and a second set in which, additionally, all other 9 correlational indices were regressed out.Results: In the analysis of the DMN, ‘SRO-frequency’, ‘SRO-dominance’ and ‘SRO-body-object interaction’ correlational indices were all negatively associated with the anterior portion of the right temporoparietal junction. The ‘SRO-frequency’ correlational index was also negatively associated with the right dorsal anterior cingulate and the ‘SRO-dominance’ correlational index with the right lateral prefrontal cortex. From the second set of models, the ‘SRO-typicality’ correlational index was positively associated with the left entorhinal cortex. No association was found in relation to grey matter maps.Conclusion: The ability to retrieve more difficult words during CFT performance as measured by the correlational indices between SRO and item-level descriptors is associated with DMN expression in regions deputed to attentional reorienting and processing of salience of infrequent stimuli and dominance status. Of all item-level features, typicality appears to be that most closely linked with entorhinal functioning and may thus play a relevant role in assessing its value in testing procedures for early detection of subtle cognitive difficulties in people with suspected Alzheimer’s degeneration. Although exploratory, these findings warrant further investigations in larger cohorts.

Spatial tuning of face part representations within face-selective areas revealed by high-field fMRI

Regions sensitive to specific object categories as well as organized spatial patterns sensitive to different features have been found across the whole ventral temporal cortex (VTC). However, it is unclear that within each object category region, how specific feature representations are organized to support object identification. Would object features, such as object parts, be represented in fine-scale spatial tuning within object category-specific regions? Here, we used high-field 7T fMRI to examine the spatial tuning to different face parts within each face-selective region. Our results show consistent spatial tuning of face parts across individuals that within right posterior fusiform face area (pFFA) and right occipital face area (OFA), the posterior portion of each region was biased to eyes, while the anterior portion was biased to mouth and chin stimuli. Our results demonstrate that within the occipital and fusiform face processing regions, there exist systematic spatial tuning to different face parts that support further computation combining them.

New family-level characters for Platygastroidea

Platygastridae (Hymenoptera) is a diverse family of parasitoid wasps for which few studies of internal morphology have been conducted. The monophyly of the group is undisputed based on recently published molecular data, but based on morphology, the family is diagnosable from other platygastroids only by a combination of character reductions. In the present study we explored the mesosoma of Platygastroidea and found two new synapomorphies for Platygastridae: an externally visible anterior mesofurcal pit, which corresponds to an invagination that connects to the anterior portion of the mesofurca, and internally, a posteriorly shifted origin of the first wing flexors. The absence of a mesofurcal bridge and the exclusively mesopectal origin of the fore wing flexors are treated as synapomorphies for Platygastridae+Janzenellidae. Phylogenetic implications and evolutionary hypotheses regarding these traits are discussed.

Microanatomy of the antennal glands and their Na+/K+-ATPase activity in three true crab species (Brachyura), Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Portunidae), Macrophthalmus dentipes Lucas in Guérin, 1836 (Macrophthalmidae) and Eriocheir hepuensis Dai, 1991 (Varunidae)

There are differences between various crab species in the function and structure of organs involved in ionic and osmotic regulation processes. The antennal glands together constitute one of the most important organs involved in the osmoregulation in crabs. The present investigation aimed to study the tissue structure of the antennal glands and their Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) pump activity in three true crab species from three different habitats, including the marine (Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758)), the estuarine (Macrophthalmus dentipes Lucas in Guérin, 1836) and the freshwater habitat (Eriocheir hepuensis Dai, 1991). In this regard, the tissue structure of the antennal glands and the activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) pump were assessed in these three selected species. The results showed that the antennal glands in all studied species consisted of two anterior parts and a posterior part. The anterior parts are composed of the proximal tubular region (PT) and the distal tubular region (DT). The PT and DT parts comprised the coelomosac and labyrinths in the anterior portion, and the bladder located in the posterior portion. However, despite the similarity in the general tissue structure of the antennal gland in marine, estuarine and freshwater crab species, some structural differences were observed between those species. Labyrinth cells, coelomosac podocytes, and bladder cells in the estuarine crab M. dentipes contained large vacuoles especially on the top (i.e., near the lumen) of the cells. The highest amount of NKA pump activity was measured in the antennal glands of M. dentipes (). The NKA pump plays a more important role in the estuary and seawater adaptation of crabs, but freshwater species are not highly dependent on the NKA enzyme for osmoregulation.

Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fractures in Adolescents: A Narrative Review & Case Report

Intro: Tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures are rare fracture patterns accounting for less than 1% of all pediatric fractures. These fractures occur when there is a sudden unbalancing of forces through the patellar tendon that separates the tibial tubercle from the anterior portion of the proximal tibia. These forces are commonly introduced in sporting activities and show a predominance for adolescent males. Treatment with open reduction internal fixation commonly results in favorable outcomes with minimal complications. In this presentation, we explore a case of a tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture and give an in-depth review of all aspects concerning this fracture pattern. Case Description: A 14-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented via emergency medical services after a ground level fall while playing basketball. Radiographs of the left knee and tibia revealed an Ogden Type III, distracted avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity with suprapatellar effusion. Surgical intervention was achieved through open reduction internal fixation of the left tibial tubercle. Discussion: Although a relatively rare fracture pattern, this case demonstrates a classic presentation and treatment of a tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture. This case serves as a reminder that despite the rarity of the injury, a clinician with an appropriate index of suspicion can accurately diagnose and treat this fracture and achieve positive outcomes in returning the patient to pre-injury activities. For those reasons, we provide a comprehensive overview of all aspects regarding this fracture pattern including the anatomy, embryology, mechanism of action, predisposing conditions, treatment considerations, complications and associated injuries.

Spatial distribution of loose connective tissues on the anterior hip joint capsule: a combination of cadaveric and in-vivo study

Recently, pathological changes in the fat pad on the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), between the proximal rectus femoris and joint capsule, have been highlighted as a cause of anterior hip pain. However, precise fat pad features, such as the spatial distribution distal to the AIIS, histological features, and in vivo tissue elasticity, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the fat pad on the AIIS. Four hips from four cadaveric donors were both macroscopically and histologically investigated, and eight hips from four volunteers were assessed using ultrasonography. The fat pad on the AIIS was also surrounded by the iliopsoas and gluteus minimus, extending distally to the superficial portion of the vastus lateralis, and the anterior portion of the gluteus maximus tendon. Histological analysis revealed that the fat pad was composed of loose connective tissue. Based on the ultrasonography, the shear wave velocity in the fat pad was significantly lower than that in the joint capsule. Conclusively, the pathological adhesion between the joint capsule and pericapsular muscles, if caused by fat pad fibrosis, may occur following the abovementioned fat pad spatial distribution.

A new faunistic component of the Lower Triassic Panchet Formation of India increases the continental non-archosauromorph neodiapsid record in the aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction

The fossil record of Early Triassic diapsids is very important to understand how the end-Permian mass extinction affected ecosystems and the patterns and processes involved in the subsequent biotic recovery. Vertebrate fossil assemblages of continental deposits in current-day South Africa, China, and Russia are the best source of information of this clade during the aftermath of the extinction event. Although considerably less sampled, the Induan continental rocks of the Panchet Formation of the Damodar Basin (eastern India) have also yielded a relatively diverse vertebrate assemblage composed of fishes, temnospondyls, synapsids, and a single proterosuchid taxon. Here, we report on a small isolated diapsid partial ilium (ISIR 1132) from the upper Panchet Formation. This specimen has a distinct morphology compared to other tetrapods that we know, including a shallow emargination on the dorsal margin of the anterior portion of the iliac blade, and ratio between height of iliac blade versus maximum height of iliac acetabulum at level of the dorsalmost extension of supraacetabular crest ≤0.45. Comparisons and a quantitative phylogenetic analysis found ISIR 1132 as a non-archosauromorph neodiapsid. This new specimen expands the reptile diversity in the Panchet Formation as well as for the rest of Gondwana, where Early Triassic non-archosauromorph neodiapsid species are extremely scarce.

Perforated Peptic Ulcer of the Duodenum After the Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Perforated ulcers of the gastric remnant and duodenum seem to be a rare complication after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Diagnosis of this complication can be difficult given a vague presentation, however, early intervention is critical to prevent further morbidity. We present the case of a 38-year-old male with a perforated duodenal ulcer nearly a year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Upon presentation, he complained of 8 hours of epigastric pain. His medical history was significant for chronic peptic ulcer disease and a negative history of H. pylori. Recently, he had been prescribed naproxen by his primary care physician for knee pain. His vital signs were normal with the exception of his systolic blood pressure which was 190 mmHg. He was diaphoretic and peritonitic on exam. He was taken emergently for a diagnostic laparoscopy and found to have a perforation of ∼5 mm of the anterior portion of his duodenum. This was repaired laparoscopically with an omental patch and the patient recovered without any further intervention required. While this is a rare complication reported in the literature, this or similar complications of the remnant stomach may be underrepresented in publications. The surgical intervention of this disease will either be resection of the remnant or an omental patch. However, controversy remains as to the proper post-operative medical treatment. For our patient, the inciting agent was likely the naproxen he was given and this was stopped immediately. Patient education and ownership should remain a cornerstone for patients that have undergone a Roux-en-y gastric bypass.

Abstract 1122‐000184: Cerebral Arterial Variations in Patients with Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy

Introduction : This study aimed to determine what anatomical variants of the Circle of Willis (CoW) and the middle cerebral artery(MCA) are observed in patients with acute M1 occlusion and whether their prevalence differs from that described as “normal” in anatomy textbooks. Methods : We have performed a retrospective assessment of radiological examinations of patients with stroke due to middle cerebral artery M1 segment occlusion. All patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy from January 2015 until March 2021. The anatomy of the CoW was assessed on initial CT‐angiography and DSA. Branches of the MCA were observed on control DSA after recanalization. Results : A total of 100 patients were included in the analysis (58 females and 42 males, mean age: 71.6 +/‐ 13.9). Fully complete CoW was observed in 19% of patients. A total of 10% of patients had an incomplete anterior portion of CoW. In the incomplete anterior portion subgroup, the most common variation was the absence of anterior communicating artery (6% of total hemispheres), followed by the absence of one A1 (3% of total hemispheres). An incomplete posterior portion of CoW was identified in 79% of the patients. The absence of posterior communicating artery (PCoA) was observed in 59 patients. Sixteen patients had adult‐type PCoA, 3 patients had transitional‐type PCoA and 21 patients had fetal‐type posterior cerebral artery (PCA). In the subgroup of patients with fetal‐type posterior circle, 5 patients had no P1 segment of PCA. Anterior temporal branch of MCA was observed in 45% of the patients. Middle cerebral artery bifurcation was found in 80% of hemispheres, and trifurcation in 20%. In the bifurcation subgroup, 26% of MCAs had a dominating upper branch and 18% had a dominating lower branch. A duplicate MCA was observed in one hemisphere. Conclusions : In comparison to normal anatomy described in anatomy textbooks, the population of patients suffering from ischemic stroke due to M1 occlusion had a lower proportion of complete and closed CoW. A foetal type PCoA was observed to be prevalent (21%) in patients suffering from acute M1 occlusion. Detailed anatomical knowledge of anatomical variants of CoW in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy is essential for clinicians performing intravascular interventions and may aid procedure planning.

A New Early Cretaceous lizard in Myanmar Amber with Exceptionally Preserved Integument

We here report on a well-preserved juvenile lizard specimen in Albian amber (ca. 110 mya) from the Hkamti site in Myanmar. This new taxon, Retinosaurus hkamtiensis gen. et sp. nov., is represented by an articulated skull and the anterior portion of the trunk, including the pectoral girdle and forelimbs. The ocular skeleton (scleral ossicles) and eyelid are also visible, and the specimen exhibits pristine detail of the integument (of both head and body). In a combined molecular and morphological analysis, Retinosaurus was consistently recovered as a scincoid lizard (i.e. Scinciformata), as the sister taxon to the Mexican Cretaceous genus Tepexisaurus + Xantusiidae. However, the phylogenetic position of Retinosaurus should be interpreted with caution. We cannot not rule out the possibility that Retinosaurus represents a separate lineage of uncertain phylogenetic position, as it is the case for many Jurassic and Cretaceous taxa. Nonetheless, this fossil offers a rare opportunity to glimpse the external appearance of one group of lizards during the Early Cretaceous.