A Conserved Histophilus somni 23S Intervening Sequence Yields Functional, Fragmented 23S rRNA

The genome biology underlying H. somni virulence, pathogenicity, environmental adaptability, and broad tissue tropism is understood poorly. We identified a novel H. somni 109-nt IVS stem-loop structure, of which the central portion is excised from the 23S rRNA transcript, resulting in the fragmentation of this rRNA in the H. somni isolate USDA-ARS-USMARC-63250 and the release of a 94-nt structured RNA of unknown function.

High-resolution 3T magnetic resonance imaging and histological analysis of capsuloligamentous complex of the first metatarsophalangeal joint

Background There are discrepancies in the understanding of the structure of the capsuloligamentous complex of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ); this study aims to investigate the differences with previous anatomical reports of high-resolution 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analysis in illustrating the structure of the capsuloligamentous complex of the first MTPJ. Methods Nine fresh frozen cadaveric feet specimens (from two women and three men; aged 32 to 58 years) were used in this study. All specimens underwent MR examination with T1-weighted imaging and T2-weighted spectral attenuated inversion recovery in three planes. Subsequently, all cadaveric feet specimens were sliced into 2-mm-thick sections. The MRI features of the capsuloligamentous complex of the first MTPJ were analyzed in these specimens. Hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining methods were used to explore the histologic features of the capsuloligamentous complex of the first MTPJ. Results Different from most previous studies, our results showed that the plantar plate could be divided into four portions including the central portion of the plantar plate, the intersesamoid, the sesamoid phalangeal and the metatarsosesamoid ligaments. The normal central portion of the plantar plate could be clearly visualized in the sagittal and coronal plane MR images. The intersesamoid ligament is a continuation of the central portion of the plantar plate on the sagittal plane on the gross specimen, the MR imaging, and the histological examination. On the coronal plane of the gross specimen and MR imaging, the sesamoid phalangeal ligaments and the central portion of the plantar plate can be seen as separate ligaments, but they appeared interwoven with the same continuous collagenous fibers on the histological analysis. Conclusion High-resolution 3T MRI allows accurate demonstration of the different anatomical details of the capsuloligamentous complex of the first MTPJ from previous anatomical reports. The histological analysis provides further understanding of the structures of the capsuloligamentous complex of the first MTPJ from previous studies.

Crinoid encrustation of holocystitid diploporitan echinoderms: strongly asymmetrical Silurian dendritic attachment structures with palaeobiological implications

Articulated thecae of the holocystitid diploporitan echinoderm Holocystites scutellatus from the middle Silurian (Wenlock: Sheinwoodian) Massie Formation of southeastern Indiana, USA, are encrusted by distinctive structures belonging to another echinoderm. A dendritic attachment structure consisting of multiple slender, branching radices, attributable to the camerate crinoid Eucalyptocrinites, is present on one side of each of the diploporitan thecae. However, the development of radices is remarkably asymmetrical, with all radices—including one more than 25 mm in length—being present exclusively on one side of the attachment structure. This reflects initial settlement by the encrusting crinoids near the oral or marginal regions rather than the central portion of the diploporitan thecae, which were on their sides; this essentially prohibited further outward growth of radices toward the oral area or edges, but allowed radices oriented in the opposite direction to extend over nearly the entire length of the lateral surface of the theca. Although crinoid encrustation of holocystitid diploporitan thecae is moderately common in the Massie Formation, no previously described specimens display such pronounced asymmetry with respect to radice development. More importantly, these specimens convincingly illustrate the degree to which Eucalyptocrinites attachment structure morphologies could be modified in response to local substrate variations; such skeletal modules were, indeed, highly dynamic, probably contributing to the success of taxa bearing such adaptable attachment structures.

Congenital Maxillary Double Lip: A Case Report

A double lip is an infrequent anomaly that may either be congenital or acquired. It commonly effects the upper lip with more predilection in males. Double lip may require surgical correction for aesthetic or masticatory reasons. Treatment includes excision of the mucosa and submucosal tissue that gives good result. A 19-year-old male presented with bulge under central portion of upper lip with no constriction. Surgical correction was done using an elliptical incision to remove excess mucosal tissues. Satisfactory aesthetic result was obtained with an uneventful healing.

O AQUÍFERO FRATURADO CRISTALINO EM UM SETOR DO AGRESTE PARAIBANO

In the State of Paraíba the semi-arid climate and the geology of igneous and metamorphic rocks dominate, imposes serous limitations concerning the storage of groundwater. This work aimed to evaluate the fractured aquifer in Agreste Paraibano environment. This region stands out from the regional context of scarcity and plays an important role in the supply of water in periods without rain. This work evaluated 180 wells located in the fractured aquifer, encompassing 9 municipalities. All the studied well was from the Groundwater Information System (SIAGAS) database of Geological Service of Brazil (CPRM). The lithological, flow and salinity data of the waters were integrated with information on rainfall, vegetation cover and topography. In the central portion of the area (Alagoa Nova, Areia and Pilões) the greater productivity of the wells is accompanied by predominantly sweet waters. This scenario is possibly due to the higher incidence of rainfall in the sector and the presence of a thicker mantle of weathering, associated with the presence of the sedimentary rocks of the Serra dos Martins Formation.

Influence of Internal Courtyards on the Energy Load and Hours of Illuminance in Row Houses in Toronto

Natural daylight is desirable in locations where winter days are short. With narrow front and long depth, row houses interiors in Toronto tend to be dark, as natural light cannot penetrate to the central portion of the house. This study aims to contribute to the development of guidelines for designers using courtyards to create better space quality and to add to occupants’ delight, health and wellbeing. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of internal courtyards in houses located in cold climates and the implications of such design on the energy performance, natural light and lighting consumption. The simulations showed that the window to wall ratio doesn’t have major influence on the hours of daylight inside the house. The main results also show significant improvement of the hours of illuminance in the interior, with higher increases in the shorter days of the year when light is more needed.

Influence of Internal Courtyards on the Energy Load and Hours of Illuminance in Row Houses in Toronto

Natural daylight is desirable in locations where winter days are short. With narrow front and long depth, row houses interiors in Toronto tend to be dark, as natural light cannot penetrate to the central portion of the house. This study aims to contribute to the development of guidelines for designers using courtyards to create better space quality and to add to occupants’ delight, health and wellbeing. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of internal courtyards in houses located in cold climates and the implications of such design on the energy performance, natural light and lighting consumption. The simulations showed that the window to wall ratio doesn’t have major influence on the hours of daylight inside the house. The main results also show significant improvement of the hours of illuminance in the interior, with higher increases in the shorter days of the year when light is more needed.

Taxonomic review of Chamaecrista sect. Absus subsect. Absus ser. Paniculatae (Benth.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae)

Chamaecrista (L.) Moench is one of the largest genera of Leguminosae, with about 330 species, 258 of which are present in Brazil, mainly in Savanna areas in the central portion of the country. The genus is monophyletic and comprises six sections, including Ch. cect. Absus, the biggest one with ca. 180 species divided into four subsections and 31 series. Paniculatae series, as traditionally recognized, included 6 species (12 taxa). However, it recently had its circumscription changed from a phylogenetic study that made it a monophyletic group and subordinated 13 species recognized mainly by the generally large leaflets (1.5–9.3 × 1.2–9.5 cm long), orbicular, coriaceous and divaricate, young branches and axis of inflorescences viscous and flowers with posterior petal similar to a standard. Despite this, and considering the recent changes, its species remain scarcely known taxonomically, with typification problems, poorly illustrated and mapped, and without conservation status. A taxonomic review of Ch. ser. Paniculatae, which resulted from monthly collections since 2010, consult the literature and herbaria collections from 26 herbaria, including all types. Thirteen species were recognized, described, and illustrated, represented by images, contrasted by means of a key and commented on morphological relationships, geographic distribution, state of conservation and times of flowering and fruiting. In addition, the updated typification of the group is proposed, including four lectotypifications.