Spontaneous Healing of the Crust Type of Nasopharyngeal Bursitis

The nasopharyngeal bursa is an invaginated space that links the remnants of the notochord with the pharyngeal epithelium. Nasopharyngeal bursitis can occur in the midline of the upper portion of the nasopharynx if the notochord remnants and midline recess continue to persist. Nasopharyngeal bursitis, also known as Tornwaldt cyst, can be divided into cystic and crusting types. Crust types are relatively rare. Electrocauterization of the ulcerative lesion of the crust type is an effective and minimally invasive method. This report presents a case of crust-type nasopharyngeal bursitis that heals spontaneously without electrocauterization therapy.

Insights into the desert living skin microbiome: geography, soil depth, and crust type affect biocrust microbial communities and networks in Mojave Desert, USA

Biocrusts are the living skin of drylands, comprising diverse microbial communities that are essential to desert ecosystems. Although we have extensive knowledge on biocrust ecosystem function and what drives biodiversity in lichen and moss dominated biocrusts, much less is understood about the impacts of diversity among microbial communities. Moreover, most biocrust microbial composition studies have primarily focused on bacteria. We used amplicon-based metabarcode sequencing to explore composition of both fungal and bacterial communities in biocrusts. Specifically we tested how geography, soil depth, and crust type structured biocrust microbial communities or fungal-bacterial networks. Microbial communities were surveyed from biocrust surface and subsurface soils collected from Joshua Tree National Park, Granite Mountain, Kelso Dunes, and Cima volcanic flows located within the Mojave Desert, USA. Five biocrust types were examined: Light-algal, Cyano-lichen, Green-algal lichen, Smooth moss, and Rough moss crust types. We found the primary characteristics structuring biocrust microbial diversity were 1) geography, as central and southern Mojave sites displayed different community signatures, 2) presence of plant associated fungi (plant pathogens and wood saprotrophs), indicator, and endemic species were identified at each site, 3) soil depth patterns, as surface and subsurface microbial communities were distinctly structured, and 4) the crust type, which predicted distinct microbial compositions. Network analysis showed that Cyanobacteria and Dothideomycetes (Pleosporales) were the major hubs of overall biocrust microbial community. Such hierarchical spatial organization of biocrust communities and their associated biotic networks can have pronounced impacts to ecosystem functions. Our findings provide crucial insights for dryland restoration and sustainable management.

Reformulation of pizza crust in restaurants may increase whole-grain intake among children

ObjectiveWhole-grain intake among children is well below recommendations. The purpose of the present study was to test the acceptability and liking of pizza made with whole-grain crust compared with refined-grain crust among children in restaurant and school settings.DesignPlate waste data were collected via observation from child restaurant patrons consuming pizza made with either whole-grain or refined-grain crust. Waste was estimated by trained observers over eight months (August 2012–March 2013). Percentage waste was calculated and compared by crust type. A taste test was conducted with school children who tasted pizza made with whole-grain crust alongside pizza made with refined-grain crust and rated their liking of each product. Liking ratings were compared by crust type.SettingFive Green Mill restaurant (a Midwest US chain) locations and one elementary school in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, Minnesota, USA.SubjectsChild restaurant patrons (n 394) and school children (n 120, grades 3–5).ResultsChildren consumed as much of the pizza made with whole-grain crust (42·1 %) as the pizza made with refined-grain crust (44·6 %; P=0·55), based on an average serving size of 350–400 g. Liking ratings for both types of pizza were high (>4·5 of 5) and did not differ by crust type (P=0·47).ConclusionsThese positive consumption and liking outcomes indicate that whole-grain pizza crust is well accepted among children in a restaurant setting. The impact on whole-grain intake could be substantial if large, national restaurant chains served pizza made with whole-grain crust.

Ultrastructure and anatomy of Macadamia (Proteaceae) kernels

Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche and M. tetraphylla L.A.S.Johnson, and their hybrids, are cultivated for their edible kernels (mature embryos). Some kernels separate into halves (cotyledons) during post-harvest handling, and embryo cuticular characteristics may influence breakage. Some kernels have a gap between cotyledons before nut cracking, and this anatomical feature may be related to breakage. Kernels from cultivars producing high or low frequency of breakage were examined by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to identify differences in inner-cuticular wax. Whole seeds of each cultivar were opened without cracking to measure gaps between cotyledons and determine relationships between gaps and embryo breakage. Kernels from cultivars with low frequency of breakage had inner-epicuticular wax layers that were of the sculptured crust type whereas those of cultivars with high frequency of breakage were mainly of a wax-film type. Gap width and length of kernels separate at nut opening were more than twice those for intact kernels. There was a negative relationship between whole-kernel percentage and gap width between cotyledons.

Terricolous lichens in the northern Namib Desert of Namibia: distribution and community composition

Terricolous lichens are the dominant vegetation in expansive areas of the Namib Desert, where fog is the main source of moisture and other vegetation is scarce. They play several important roles in soil crust stabilization and in the primary production of the Namib Desert ecosystem, yet little is known about the diversity and distribution of lichens in the northern unexplored regions of the Namib. To our knowledge, this study is the first survey of terricolous lichens to be carried out in the northern Namib Desert. Seven soil crust habitat types were identified in the study area, and a total of twenty-eight soil crust lichen species was recorded. The survey uncovered lichen species that may be unique to the northern Namib, including vagrant species, and common species were frequently found in a vagrant form. The crustose group was the most widely represented. Overall community compositions differed from those found in other regions of the Namib, and distribution patterns suggest a link to gravel clast size and physical soil crust type.