Active neural coordination of motor behaviors with internal states

The brain continuously coordinates skeletomuscular movements with internal physiological states like arousal, but how is this coordination achieved? One possibility is that brain simply reacts to changes in external and/or internal signals. Another possibility is that it is actively coordinating both external and internal activities. We used functional ultrasound imaging to capture a large medial section of the brain, including multiple cortical and subcortical areas, in marmoset monkeys while monitoring their spontaneous movements and cardiac activity. By analyzing the causal ordering of these different time-series, we found that information flowing from the brain to movements and heart rate fluctuations were significantly greater than in the opposite direction. The brain areas involved in this external versus internal coordination were spatially distinct but also extensively interconnected. Temporally, the brain alternated between network states for this regulation. These findings suggest that the brain’s dynamics actively and efficiently coordinate motor behavior with internal physiology.

Influence of calcium ion-modified implant surfaces in protein adsorption and implant integration

Background Calcium (Ca) is a well-known element in bone metabolism and blood coagulation. Here, we investigate the link between the protein adsorption pattern and the in vivo responses of surfaces modified with calcium ions (Ca-ion) as compared to standard titanium implant surfaces (control). We used LC–MS/MS to identify the proteins adhered to the surfaces after incubation with human serum and performed bilateral surgeries in the medial section of the femoral condyles of 18 New Zealand white rabbits to test osseointegration at 2 and 8 weeks post-implantation (n=9). Results Ca-ion surfaces adsorbed 181.42 times more FA10 and 3.85 times less FA12 (p<0.001), which are factors of the common and the intrinsic coagulation pathways respectively. We also detected differences in A1AT, PLMN, FA12, KNG1, HEP2, LYSC, PIP, SAMP, VTNC, SAA4, and CFAH (p<0.01). At 2 and 8 weeks post-implantation, the mean bone implant contact (BIC) with Ca-ion surfaces was respectively 1.52 and 1.25 times higher, and the mean bone volume density (BVD) was respectively 1.35 and 1.13 times higher. Differences were statistically significant for BIC at 2 and 8 weeks and for BVD at 2 weeks (p<0.05). Conclusions The strong thrombogenic protein adsorption pattern at Ca-ion surfaces correlated with significantly higher levels of implant osseointegration. More effective implant surfaces combined with smaller implants enable less invasive surgeries, shorter healing times, and overall lower intervention costs, especially in cases of low quantity or quality of bone.

Postoperative acute multiple organ failure after hepatectomy in a Nigerian male with sickle cell trait: a case report

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic disease characterized by sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Patients homozygous for HbS experience symptoms resulting from sickled erythrocytes no later than adolescence. However, heterozygous HbS carriers, or those with the so-called sickle cell trait (SCT), may undergo surgery without their hemoglobinopathy being known. Case presentation A 53-year-old Nigerian male with hepatitis C infection underwent radiofrequency ablation therapy for multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) 17 months prior. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) revealed a solitary tumor (3.2 cm) in the medial section of the cirrhotic liver. The Child–Pugh score was five, and the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min was 17.4%. The nontumorous liver of the medial section accounted for 10% of the total liver volume according to CT volumetry. With the diagnosis of recurrent HCC, left medial sectionectomy was performed under intermittent blood flow occlusion by Pringle’s maneuver. Intraoperative ultrasonography confirmed that hepatic blood flow had been preserved after hepatectomy. However, laboratory tests on postoperative day (POD) 1 revealed severe liver damage: aspartate aminotransferase 9250 IU/L, alanine aminotransferase 6120 IU/L, total bilirubin 2.8 mg/dL, and prothrombin time% 20.9%. The patient’s renal and respiratory functions also deteriorated; therefore, continuous hemodiafiltration and plasma exchange were initiated under mechanical ventilation. Whole-body contrast-enhanced CT showed no apparent ischemia of the remnant liver, but diffuse cerebral infarction was detected. Despite intensive treatments, he died of multiple organ failure on POD 20. The pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed that the intrahepatic peripheral vessels were occluded by sickled erythrocytes. Additionally, chromatographic analysis of hemoglobin detected the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, although microscopic examination of the peripheral blood erythrocytes did not show morphological abnormalities. Based on these findings, we determined that he had SCT and developed vaso-occlusive crisis involving multiple organs just after hepatectomy. Conclusion SCD is a rare disease in eastern Asia, but its prevalence is increasing globally. Surgeons should pay increased attention to this disease, especially when performing hepatectomy under blood flow occlusion.

Inconsistencies in the MRI Evaluation of Supraspinatus Volume After Repair

Background: Reversibility of rotator cuff atrophy after surgical repair is controversial. Traditionally, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rotator cuff was measured in conventional Y-view (CYV) via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate reversibility. However, it has been suggested that scanning axis inconsistency in CYV was overlooked and that the CSA in CYV reflects not only atrophy but also rotator cuff retraction. Hypothesis: Discrepancies between scanning axes in CYV cause significant errors when one is evaluating changes in the CSA of the supraspinatus (SS) using preoperative and postoperative MRI scans. A more medial section than the Y-view is not influenced as much by retraction recovery after repair. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The study included 36 patients with full-thickness SS tear and retraction who underwent arthroscopic complete repair with preoperative MRI and immediate postoperative MRI (within 5 days after rotator cuff repair). Angles between CYV planes in the preoperative and immediate postoperative MRI scans were measured. MRI scans were reconstructed perpendicular to the scapular axes by multiplanar reconstruction. Differences between the CSAs of the SS in preoperative and postoperative Y-view on the original and reconstructed MRI scans were compared, and changes in CSAs of the SS muscles after repair in 2 sections medial to the reconstructed Y-view (RYV) were compared. Results: The mean angle between CYV planes in preoperative and postoperative MRI scans was 13.1° ± 7.1°. Mean pre- to postoperative increase in the CSA of the SS was greater in CYV than in RYV (95 ± 72 vs 75 ± 62 mm2; P = .024). Furthermore, pre- to postoperative CSA differences in the 2 medial sections were less than in RYV. For the most medial section, crossing the omohyoid origin, the CSA differences were not significant (434 ± 98 vs 448 ± 98 mm2; P = .061). Conclusion: Scanning axes inconsistencies in CYV cause unacceptable errors in CSA measurements of the SS after repair. We recommend reconstruction along a consistent axis by multiplanar reconstruction when evaluating postoperative changes in SS atrophy and the use of sections more medial than the scapular Y-view to reduce errors caused by tendon retraction.

New facts about variant anatomy of the arcute line (arcute line by J. Douglas) of the rectus sheats and their importance in herniology

Purpose. Research of features of topography of the arcuate line of the rectus sheath. Materials and methods. There were studied 30 corpses of both sexes without signs of pathology of the anterior abdominal wall. During the autopsy of corpses, the muscular aponeurotic layer of the medial section of the anterior abdominal wall with fragments of the pubic bones, breast and costal arches was taken. On the prepared anatomical preparations was determined localization of the arcuate line of the rectus sheath in the midline relatively to the umbilical ring and the upper edge of the pubic symphysis. Results. In this studied autopsy material the arcuate line of the rectus sheath was more located below the umbilical ring (93%), by the way part of the upper third of the segment from the lower edge of the umbilical ring and the upper edge of the pubic symphysis (50%). In females, the arcuate line of the rectus sheath relative to the umbilical ring was located more lower (5,4±0,8 cm), compared to males (3,5±0,7 cm). Conclusion. The obtained data can be used in performing hernioplasty of variously localized hernias for the prevention of intra- incisional and incisional complications.

Mediolateral Differences of Proteoglycans Distribution at the ACL Tibial Footprint: Experimental Study of 16 Cadaveric Knees

This study aimed to identify the staining pattern of ACL attachment blended with cartilage of the medial tibial plateau at the tibial insertion and histologically characterize the tibial footprint. Sixteen fresh frozen cadaveric knees (mean age: 52.0±6.2 years) were used for this study. The specimens were bisected in the coronal plane, in accordance with the fiber orientation of the ACL tibial attachment. Adjacent sections were then stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to observe the morphology of the ACL insertion and with fast green and Safranin-O protocols to evaluate for collagen and proteoglycans (PG). The insertion area on the tibial footprint was divided into five zones in the medial to lateral direction, which was determined by division of the section from most prominent medial tibial spine to most lateral margin of ACL attachment. Then rectangular area with a vertical length that is twice the width of respective five zones was set. Stained areas of all images were quantified positively by using ImageJ software, and the value for staining area measured was defined in percentage by multiplying whole image area by 100. The mean proportion of Safranin-O staining is significantly greater nearer to the medial tibial spine (59% in zone 1, 32% in zone 2, 13% in zone 3, 13% in zone 4, and 4% in zone 5, P<0.001). The medial section of the tibial insertion area grew in size and increased in PG staining with more densely organized collagen arrangement with more fibrocartilage cells. The ACL tibial insertion showed a medially eccentric staining pattern by histological evaluation of the ACL attachment to cartilage. Our histological results of the eccentric biomaterial property in the medial tibial spine of ACL insertion area can be considered in making a more functional anatomic tibial tunnel placement.

Revision of Fedekurtzia (pteridosperm) and allied fronds from the Carboniferous of Gondwana

Carboniferous foliage ofFedekurtzia argentina(Kurtz) Archangelsky from Gondwana is systematically described and revised. The frond is reconstructed based on specimens of the late Serpukhovian–BashkirianNothorhacopteris/Botrychiopsis/Ginkgophyllumflora of western Argentina, especially from the Jejenes, Tupe and Volcán formations. The whole-frond reconstruction emphasizes the variation in pinnule shape throughout the basal, medial and distal sections of the frond. The basalmost rachis possesses cyclopteroid pinnules grading to pinnae with obovate to wedge-shaped pinnules at the medial section of the frond. Distal pinnae are shorter, bearing imbricate and more dissected pinnules. Specimens from the same type locality from whichF. argentinacomes, previously assigned toTriphyllopteris cuyanaLeguizamón & Vega, are reassigned toF. argentina, as well as ovuliferous and microsporangiate structures in organic connection. Two decades ago a revision of the GermanTriphyllopterisgenus rejectedT. cuyanaas representative of the taxon, and the Argentinian specimens remained as indeterminate “triphyllopteroid” fronds. The ovulate organPolycalyxVega & Archangelsky is considered to be in organic connection with vegetative fragments ofF. argentina, and its cupulate character is discussed. Pollen organs represented by multi-forked axes bearing fusiform sporangia ofRinconadiaVega are also in organic attachment and included in theFedekurtzia argentinareconstruction. The pollen or prepollen grains are trilete and with granulate sculpture. The paper presents a comparison withBotrychiopsis weissianaKurtz emend. Archangelsky & Arrondo, which differs in its rounded and entire-margin pinnules. Similar specimens from Australia formerly described asRhacopteris,SphenopteridiumandArchaeopterisand currently included inFedekurtzia intermediaRigby share morphological characters with the Argentinian species. A revision of the Australian material is necessary to confirm synonymy.Fedekurtziabelongs to the pteridosperms based on the reproductive organs and is here assigned to Austrocalyxaceae. Its reconstruction now constitutes one of the most complete seed-ferns known from the Carboniferous of Gondwana.

Recurrent and residual cholesteatoma rates after different types of sanitation surgery on middle ear

Aim. To compare the recurrent and residual cholesteatoma rates after four variants of sanitation operations on the middle ear (open and closed techniques, mastoidal cavity obliteration and posterior wall reconstruction using the allogeneic cartilage).Methods. The study involved 231 patients: 123 men and 108 women aged 15 to 64 years. Patients were divided into four groups depending on the type of surgery. Patients of all groups were examined in the distant period - a minimum within 1 year (range 1-15 years). The surgery results were evaluated using otomicroscopy (OPMI Sensera microscope) by two parameters. The first parameter - the presence or absence of recurrent and residual cholesteatoma in postoperative period. The second parameter - «bad», adverse retraction pockets occurrence in postoperative period. We referred to them cases when the pocket was in medial section of the external auditory canal (i.e. closer to neotympanic membrane or tympanic membrane remnants), had a narrow or convoluted entrance (i.e. epidermal masses evacuation from pocket was difficult) and was filled with epidermal, sulfur or fungal masses.Results. Open type of sanitation operation showed the lowest likelihood of cholesteatoma recurrence - 1.27%. Trepanation cavity obliteration method using fascial-muscle flap on the lower pedicle showed the highest rate of cholesteatoma recurrence - 33.33%.Conclusion. The minimum probability of recurrent and residual cholesteatoma occurrence is characteristic for open type of sanitation operation; method of trepanation cavity obliteration using fascial-muscle flap is not recommended for use because of the high rate of adverse outcomes.

168 POST-THAW VIABILITY OF EPIDIDYMAL SPERM FROM WHITE-TAIL DEER THAT WAS FROZEN USING GLYCEROL OR DMSO AS THE CRYOPROTECTANT

Cryoprotectants are compounds that protect and maintain the viability of cells when being subjected to cold environments. In addition to glycerol, DMSO has been evaluated for post-thaw epididymal sperm viability in various endangered species, but has not yet been assessed in White-tail deer. Testicles (in the scrotum) were collected from hunter harvested sexually mature White-tail bucks (n = 7) during the peak rutting season. Testicles within the scrotum, once removed from the postmortem buck, were placed in a plastic Ziploc bag and then into a Styrofoam ice chest (at ambient temperature) and transported to the Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory (EBL). Upon arrival at the EBL, sperm were flushed in a retrograde flow out of a small incision at the medial section of the cauda epididymides. Epididymal sperm were flushed from the epididymis using a non glycerol extender. Sperm from both epididymides of each buck were pooled and allowed a slow cool to 4°C. Upon reaching 4°C, the pooled epididymal sperm were equally divided and either 6% glycerol (A) or 6% DMSO (B) was added to each sperm sample. After the addition of the cryoprotectant sperm were loaded into 0.5-mL plastic straws and cryopreserved using liquid nitrogen vapor. Total motility (TM) was determined subjectively using an inverted Nikon Diaphot microscope. Membrane integrity (MI) was determined using SYBR 14 and propidium iodide staining under a microscope equipped with epiflurescence. Morphology was determined using an eosin-nigrosin staining. A paired t-test was used for statistical analyses. There were no differences between the glycerol and DMSO treatments for any of the three parameters measured (Table 1). However, post-thaw total motility and membrane integrity were significantly lower for both treatment groups (A and B) when compared with pre-freeze values. Furthermore, the DMSO treatment group had significantly lower normal morphology when compared with pre-freeze values, but was not different than the glycerol treatment group. Our results indicate that cryopreservation of epididymal sperm from White-tail deer with either 6% glycerol or 6% DMSO yield similar results for total motility, membrane integrity, and normal sperm morphology. Table 1.Pre-freeze and post-thaw total sperm motility, membrane integrity and normal sperm morphology for White-tail deer epididymal sperm Tony Vidrine of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

92 PROCESSING OF POSTMORTEM BOVINE EPIDIDYMAL SPERM AFTER COOLING THE TESTES FOR 24 HOURS

Harvesting and cryopreservation of epididymal sperm from postmortem animals is one way to save gametes from genetically valuable males. Before sperm can be properly harvested from the epididymides, usually the testes need to be cooled and transported to a semen laboratory. Previously, it has been recommended to harvest epididymal sperm from cooled testes in a 4°C cold room. However, a walk-in cold room is not always available. The objective of this study was to hold the testes for 22 h at 4°C, and then remove the epididymal sperm at room temperature (22 to 23°C; Treatment A) or in a cooled environment (4°C; Treatment B). Testicles within the scrotum were collected from sexually mature mixed breed bulls (n = 11) at a local abattoir, placed into plastic bags, and transported (2 h) in a Styrofoam ice chest (pre-cooled with frozen gel packs) to the laboratory. Each pair of testes was then removed from the ice chest and placed into a refrigerator at 4°C for 22 h. After 22 h of cooling, each testicle of the pair was removed from the scrotum and randomly assigned to either Treatment A or Treatment B. The sperm were flushed in a retrograde flow out of a small incision made at the medial section of the cauda epididymides. Total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) were determined using an inverted Nikon Diaphot microscope. Membrane integrity (MI) was determined using SYBR 14 and propidium iodide staining under a microscope with epifluorescence detection capability. Sperm in a Triladyl® one-step extender were frozen in 0.5-mL plastic straws in the vapor 2 cm above the LN2. A paired t-test was used for statistical analyses. In summary, there was significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) from pre-freeze (PF) to post-thaw (PT) for all of the sperm parameters within each treatment (Table 1). However, there were no significant differences between PF and PT sperm parameters between treatments for any of the parameters measured. Post-thaw sperm from all samples had a tendency to swim in a circular pattern after warming, which is a known sign of sperm affected by cold shock. It is likely that during their cold storage, testes were cooled too quickly, inducing cold shock. In summary, cooling bull testes for 24 h and processing them at room temperature produced results similar to those for processing the testes in a cool environment. The PT parameters in this study suggest that these sperm could be used for IVF and/or ICSI procedures. Table 1. Pre-freeze and post-thaw mean values (±SEM) for bull epididymal sperm parameters