Unilateral vocal nerve resection alters neurogenesis in the avian song system in a region-specific manner

New neurons born in the adult brain undergo a critical period soon after migration to their site of incorporation. During this time, the behavior of the animal may influence the survival or culling of these cells. In the songbird song system, earlier work suggested that adult-born neurons may be retained in the song motor pathway nucleus HVC with respect to motor progression toward a target song during juvenile song learning, seasonal song restructuring, and experimentally manipulated song variability. However, it is not known whether the quality of song per se, without progressive improvement, may also influence new neuron survival. To test this idea, we experimentally altered song acoustic structure by unilateral denervation of the syrinx, causing a poor quality song. We found no effect of aberrant song on numbers of new neurons in HVC, suggesting that song quality does not influence new neuron culling in this region. However, aberrant song resulted in the loss of left-side dominance in new neurons in the auditory region caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), and a bilateral decrease in new neurons in the basal ganglia nucleus Area X. Thus new neuron culling may be influenced by behavioral feedback in accordance with the function of new neurons within that region. We propose that studying the effects of singing behaviors on new neurons across multiple brain regions that differentially subserve singing may give rise to general rules underlying the regulation of new neuron survival across taxa and brain regions more broadly.

HEV-Associated Neuralgic Amyotrophy: A Multicentric Case Series

Background: Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) has been described as a possible extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Usually, HEV-associated NA occurs bilaterally. The clinical characteristics determining the course of HEV-associated NA have still not been defined. Methods: In this retrospective multicentric case series, 16 patients with HEV-associated NA were studied and compared to 176 HEV patients without NA in terms of their age, sex, and ALT levels. Results: Neither gender distribution (75% vs. 67% male) nor age (47 vs. 48 years median) differed significantly between the NA patients and controls. Eight NA patients (50%) presented with bilateral involvement—seven of these had right-side dominance and one had left-side dominance. Thirteen cases (81%) were hospitalized. Eight of these patients stayed in hospital for five to seven days, and five patients stayed for up to two weeks. The time from the onset of NA to the HEV diagnosis, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic proceedings, showed a large variability. In total, 13 (81%) patients received treatment: 1/13 (8%) received intravenous immunoglobulins, 8/13 (62%) received glucocorticoids, 3/13 (23%) received ribavirin, and 6/13 (46%) received pregabalin/gabapentin. Patients with ages above the median (47 years) were more likely to be treated (p = 0.001). Conclusion: HEV-associated NA causes a relevant morbidity. In our case series neither the type of treatment nor the time of initiation of therapy had a significant effect on the duration of hospitalization or the course of the disease. The clinical presentation, the common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and the patients’ characteristics showed large variability, demonstrating the necessity of standardized protocols for this rare but relevant disease.

A quantitative analysis of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, juvenile dentition as a tool to assess the effect of diet

Gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758 (Perciformes, Sparidae), is an important aquaculture species in the Mediterranean Sea basin. Yet, quantitative data on its dentition under standard farming conditions are currently lacking. It is furthermore unknown if the dentition can adapt to food of different sizes. Here, we describe the lower jaw dentition of juvenile S. aurata fed a standard pellet size (4 mm), and present a detailed analysis of eleven representative teeth. Overall, the number of teeth showed large individual variation, yet not significantly related to fish length. Considerable left-right differences were observed, without clear side dominance. We also assessed the influence of feeding S. aurata a smaller (2 mm) or larger (6 mm) pellet size. Four months of feeding with different pellet sizes did not cause detectable differences in total tooth number on the dentaries at the time of harvest, nor in size of the teeth assumed to be most relevant in food processing. If and how different pellet sizes may nevertheless affect digestion, and eventually fish health, is subject for further studies.

Hydrocele of the Canal of Nuck with Endometriosis: Right-Side Dominance Confirmed by Literature Review and Statistical Analysis

Introduction. The canal of Nuck is an embryological remnant of the peritoneal pouch that extends into the labium majus of women. Hydrocele is the most common presentation, but only a small number of cases are reported in association with endometriosis. Case Presentation. The patient is a 45-year-old woman who presented with left inguinal mass with persistent pain. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 30 mm cystic mass, and a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck (HCN) was suspected. The excised mass was a cyst containing yellow-tan serous fluid, and the cyst wall was lined by mesothelium. The morphology was consistent with conventional HCN. However, since several foci of endometrial-like epithelium and stroma were identified beneath the mesothelium, the mass was diagnosed with HCN with endometriosis (EM-HCN). Discussion. Right-side dominance of EM-HCN is suggested by several authors, but a thorough review has never been performed. For the first time, we reviewed the literature and statistically confirmed that EM-HCNs dominantly occur on the right side compared to those without endometriosis. We consider that this supports the theory that endometriosis derives from retrograde menstruation of endometrial tissue through fallopian tubes. When endometriosis is discovered in HCN, the clinician should be aware of the possibility of pelvic endometriosis.

Unilateral vocal nerve resection alters neurogenesis in the avian song system in a region-specific manner

New neurons undergo a critical period soon after migration during which the behavior of the animal may result in the survival or culling of these cells. In the songbird song system, new neurons may be maintained in the song motor pathway with respect to motor progression toward a target song--during juvenile song learning, seasonal song restructuring, and experimentally manipulated song variability. However, it is not known whether the quality of song per se, without progressive improvement, may also influence new neuron survival. To test this idea, we experimentally altered song acoustic structure by unilateral denervation of the syrinx. We found no effect of aberrant song on numbers of new neurons in the HVC of the song motor pathway, a loss of left-side dominance in new neurons in the auditory region caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), and a bilateral decrease in new neurons in the basal ganglia nucleus Area X. We propose new neuron survival may be determined in response to behavioral feedback in accordance with the function of new neurons within a given brain region. Studying the effects of singing behaviors on new neurons across multiple brain regions that subserve singing may give rise to general rules underlying the regulation of new neuron survival across taxa and brain regions more broadly.

Glenohumeral and Hip Range of Motion in Youth Softball Athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare measures of bilateral shoulder and hip range of motion (ROM) between youth softball pitchers and position players. Fifty-two youth softball athletes (12.7±2.1 yrs.; 160.28±10.98 cm; 59.31±15.07 kg) participated. Bilateral hip and shoulder ROM were measured among pitchers (n=29) and position players (n=23). A 2 (pitcher/position player) × 2 (dominant/non-dominant) ANOVA was performed for both internal and external rotation ROM for the shoulder and hip. Paired sample t-tests were also conducted to examine side-to-side differences in total ROM. Data revealed a significant interaction between position and side dominance. Specifically, position players have significantly more non-dominant shoulder external rotation ROM (106.92°± 9.14°) than pitchers (100.12°± 11.21°). There were no significant differences between throwing and non-throwing sides. It is important that coaches and clinicians are aware of these adaptations between overhand and underhand throwing in order to properly develop conditioning and rehabilitation programs to alleviate injury susceptibility and cater to position-specific demands. Additionally, the current data suggest many of the functional adaptations seen within older populations are not fully developed until after youth.

Successful Performance After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: An Analysis of 88 Drafted Professional Baseball Pitchers With a Matched Comparison Cohort

Background: Analysis of pitchers entering the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is challenging for team physicians. Purpose: (1) To define the characteristics of pitchers drafted after UCLR associated with placement in AAA and MLB professional levels and completion of a career of at least 3 years, (2) to define characteristics placing pitchers at risk for reinjury after surgery, (3) to compare the professional-level placement and career duration of the UCLR cohort with a matched control group, and (4) to evaluate the accuracy of team physician predraft risk assessments to predict elbow reinjury in pitchers with a history of UCLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We analyzed pitchers from a single professional baseball team database who were drafted after UCLR from 2010 to 2013. A matched control group based on position and draft year was selected with the MLB database. The following pitcher characteristics were analyzed: age at the time of UCLR, time from UCLR to the MLB draft, pitching role (starter vs reliever), highest level of play attained, body mass index (BMI), throwing-side dominance, and predraft physician risk assessment. Physician assessments to predict risk for elbow reinjury were derived from operative and clinical history and evaluated for accuracy during the follow-up period. Pitcher characteristics were evaluated for correlation with successful AAA or MLB placement with a career duration of at least 3 years and as risk factors for elbow reinjury. The professional-level achievement and career duration of the UCLR cohort were compared with the matched cohort. Results: A total of 88 pitchers matched the selection criteria and had at least 5 years of follow-up (range, 5-8 years). Pitcher age at the time of UCLR ( P = .55), throwing-side dominance ( P = .41), and BMI ( P = .86) did not correlate with AAA- or MLB-level placement. Relief pitchers ( P = .03) and pitchers with a longer time from surgery to final follow-up ( P = .02) were more likely to reach the AAA or MLB level. Similarly, pitcher age at the time of UCLR ( P = .56), throwing-side dominance ( P = .27), and BMI ( P = .69) did not correlate with a duration of play of at least 3 years. Relief pitchers ( P = .03) and pitchers with a longer time from UCLR to the final follow-up ( P = .005) were more likely to achieve at least 3 years of play. There was no difference in AAA or MLB placement between the UCLR and matched cohorts ( P = .22). The UCLR cohort achieved a higher duration of play than the matched cohort ( P = .002). Pitchers with a BMI >25 kg/m2 had a lower risk of elbow reinjury versus players with a BMI ≤25 kg/m2 ( P = .012). Patient age at time of UCLR ( P = .92), time from UCLR to the MLB draft ( P = .18), pitching role ( P = .74), and throwing-side dominance ( P = .77) did not correlate with elbow reinjury. Physician risk assessment did not accurately predict reinjury ( P = .27). Of the 88 patients, 4 (4.5%) required revision UCLR. Conclusion: Pitcher age at the time of UCLR, throwing-side dominance, and BMI did not correlate with performance. Relief pitchers and players with a longer time from surgery to final follow-up were more likely to reach AAA and MLB levels and achieve at least a 3-year duration of play. Pitchers with a greater BMI had a lower risk of reinjury. After UCLR, pitchers were able to perform at least as well as the matched nonsurgical cohort. Physician risk assessment at the time of the draft was not accurate at predicting reinjury.

Assessment of facial asymmetry and establishment of threshold of sub-clinical asymmetry in Malwa population

Introduction: The word symmetry is derived from the Greek word ‘symmetries’ which means ‘of like measure’. Facial symmetry can be defined in numerous ways, one being associated with the state of facial equilibrium, in which there is a correspondence in size, shape, and arrangement of facial landmarks on the opposite sides. Materials & Method: The 1427 subjects in the present study were selected from the Out Patient Department of Government College of Dentistry, Indore(M.P), who presented with aesthetically pleasing faces over a period of one year (October 2013-0ctober 2014). Out of the 1427 patients examined 150 (17-30 years) subjects were randomly included. Photographs and orthopantomogram of all the 150 patients were obtained. Result: The photographs and orthopantomogram were analyzed & Absolute value of Asymmetry Index was taken for all the measurements. Comparison of absolute Asymmetry index of different parameters between male and female subjects was performed. Wilcoxon paired test showed right side predominance for the parameter corpus length, middle facial width, cheek length, lower facial width. Conclusion: In the present study an attempt was made to quantify sub-clinical asymmetries in clinically symmetrical faces. Minor asymmetries were observed in nearly all individuals taken up for the study. There is no association of gender with predominance of facial asymmetry. On assessment of side predominance of asymmetry it was concluded that the right side dominance of asymmetry for corpus length, middle facial width, cheek length, lower facial width. A threshold value of 6% for sub-clinical asymmetry was established from this study except for condylar and coronoid.

Effects of side-dominance on knee joint proprioceptive target-matching asymmetries

Aims Right- and left-side-dominant individuals reveal target-matching asymmetries between joints of the dominant and non-dominant upper limbs. However, it is unclear if such asymmetries are also present in lower limb’s joints. We hypothesized that right-side-dominant participants perform knee joint target-matching tasks more accurately with their non-dominant leg compared to left-side-dominant participants. Methods Participants performed position sense tasks using each leg by moving each limb separately and passively on an isokinetic dynamometer. Results Side-dominance affected (p < 0.05) knee joint absolute position errors only in the non-dominant leg but not in the dominant leg: right-side-dominant participants produced less absolute position errors (2.82° ± 0.72°) with the non-dominant leg compared to left-side-dominant young participants (3.54° ± 0.33°). Conclusions In conclusion, right-side-dominant participants tend to perform a target-matching task more accurately with the non-dominant leg compared to left-side-dominant participants. Our results extend the literature by showing that right-hemisphere specialization under proprioceptive target-matching tasks may be not evident at the lower limb joints.