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A 57-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to repeated chest pain. Coronary spastic angina was diagnosed by emergent coronary angiography. His chest attack was not suppressed with vasodilator therapy; however, it finally improved after administration of 20 mg prednisolone. His symptoms were controlled and elevation of the eosinophil count was normalized, even after tapering the dosage. His episodes of asthma, hypereosinophilia, mononeuropathy, and pulmonary infiltrate led to a diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. < Learning objective: Coronary spastic angina (CSA) is rarely observed as cardiac involvement in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Although previous reports have suggested that coronary vasospasm is resistant to standard therapy with vasodilator drugs, no appropriate treatment protocol has been established. This is the first case of CSA with EGPA successfully treated with a low-dose corticosteroid.> [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When auriculoplasty is performed for microtia, wire often becomes exposed during the long postoperative period. We have investigated other materials for fixing cartilage. We previously reported that absorbable sutures are more appropriate than wire. The present animal experiments investigated the reasons why fixation of transplanted cartilage is maintained when using absorbable sutures. The costal cartilages of Sprague-Dawley rats were harvested, and three cartilage transplant models were prepared. After bending a costal cartilage into a U-shape, it was fixed by using only absorbable sutures as the control or was fixed by suturing one or two cross struts of cartilage to the U-shaped graft. Then the cartilages were subcutaneously transplanted into the backs of the rats. They were removed 8 weeks later, and the return rate of the bent cartilages was assessed. The return rate was 74.0%, in the suture-only group (control), 27.9% in the one-strut group, and 8.3% in the two-strut group. When the sites of contact between the U-shaped graft and the cartilage struts were observed by light microscopy, adhesion of the two cartilages by fibrous connective tissue was observed. U-shaped cartilage grafts demonstrated a smaller return rate when there was a larger contact area with the cartilage struts. Each strut was fixed by fibrous connective tissue at the contact site, thereby maintaining the shape of the graft. Thus, when creating a cartilage framework, it is important to fix the bent cartilage to the cartilage struts with a sufficiently large contact area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, non-motile, catalase-negative and facultative anaerobic strains, NCYUAS T and BCRC 18859 (=NRIC 1947), were isolated from cow manure of Taiwan and coconut juice of Philippines, respectively. Comparative sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene revealed that the novel strains were members of the genus Lactobacillus . These two strains had 100% of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 98.6% of average nucleotide identity (ANI) value based on whole genome sequences. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the type strains of Lactobacillus casei (99.6% similarity), Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei (99.1%), L. paracasei subsp. tolerans (99.1%), Lactobacillus rhmnosus (99.0%) and ‘ Lactobacillus zeae ’ (99.7%) were the closest neighbors to these novel strains. The results of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on the sequences of three housekeeping genes ( dnaK , pheS and yycH ), whole-genome sequence (WGS)-based comparison by ANI and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization ( is DDH), species-specific PCR and whole-cell MALDI-TOF MS spectral pattern analyses demonstrated that the novel two strains represented a single, novel species within the L. casei group, for which the name Lactobacillus chiayiensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is NCYUAS T (=BCRC 81062 T = NBRC 112906 T ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background The course of the nerves along the nasal septum has not been clearly studied, and surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty require a more detailed topography of the nerve supply inside the septum. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the distribution of the internal nasal branch of the infraorbital nerve inside the nasal septum and to define the relationship between it and the nasal cartilages. Methods Fourteen sides from eight fresh frozen and embalmed Caucasian cadaveric heads were dissected. The specimens were derived from three males and five females. The ages of the cadavers at death ranged from 65 to 84 years. The course of the internal nasal branch and its relationship between the nasal cartilages were observed using a surgical microscope. Results On all sides, the internal nasal branch approached the medial crus of the major alar cartilage from behind and traveled anteriorly below the medial crus of the major alar cartilage while giving off anterior inferior septal, middle inferior septal, and posterior inferior septal branches. Conclusions Based on the results of this study, we suggest that procedures of the nasal cavity such as rhinoplasty could be modified to avoid injuring the main trunk of the internal nasal branch of the infraorbital nerve inside the nasal septum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background and aim The auriculotemporal nerve (ATN) is one of the branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, which gives rise to many branches to the retromandibular and temporal regions. Of these, the superficial temporal branch can occasionally be the cause of migraine headaches and auriculotemporal neuralgia. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the anatomy of the superficial temporal branch, which has never been described in detail. Methods A total of 14 sides of cadaveric heads were used for this study. The number of superficial temporal branch was counted, and the horizontal and vertical distances from the middle of the tragus to the branching point were measured. Results Three of 14 sides had two main trunks, and 11 sides had one main trunk. Each of the duplicated ATN had already branches into two main trunks as they left the retromandibular space. The number of superficial temporal branches ranged from two to seven. The vertical and horizontal distances from the middle of the tragus to the branching point of the superficial temporal branch ranged from 6.19 to 25.65 mm and from 3.45 to 11.88 mm, respectively. The communicating branches occasionally formed a loop or so-called “ansa,” and a double ansa was identified in one case. Conclusions These data can provide surgeons a better view of the course of these distant branches, so that skin incisions can be better planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of hydroperoxides (H 2 O 2 and MHP), O 3 , SO 2 and NO X * over Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan were measured during summers using a helicopter. The concentrations of hydroperoxides were analyzed by an HPLC system within 5–10 min after the sampling. The H 2 O 2 concentration was lowest at the surface, and the highest concentration was detected at altitudes of 6000 and 8000 ft. The MHP was also higher in the high-altitude atmosphere. Significantly high concentrations of hydroperoxides were observed when air pollutants were transported from China. The concentration of H 2 O 2 was higher than that of SO 2 above 4000 ft where the potential capacity of SO 2 oxidation in the aqueous phase is large. A helicopter is useful for measuring of hydroperoxides in the high-altitude atmosphere using an HPLC system in a laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies suggest that the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle could have a cutaneous branch. However, its clinical relevance has rarely been discussed because there is insufficient evidence for it. Our aim in this study was to investigate the anatomy of the cutaneous branch of the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle and extend the discussion to surgical management. Twenty sides from ten embalmed cadaveric heads were dissected to identify the cutaneous branch of the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle. The cutaneous branch was traced up to its termination. The cutaneous branch was observed in 90% and classified into types I and II. In type I, the terminal trunk reached the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. In type II there were two types of terminal trunks, superior and inferior branches, which were identified on all sides. The number of the terminal trunk was one in 23.1% (type I; 6/26) and two in 76.9% (type II; 20/26). The terminal points of the cutaneous branch were all located within a 3 cm × 2 cm rectangular segment in the center of the submental area. We propose a new dermatome including the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle in the center. Understanding the cutaneous branch of the nerve could help surgeons to prevent iatrogenic sensory loss of the submental area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species Bifidobacterium longum is currently divided into three subspecies, B. longum subsp. longum , B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. suis . This classification was based on an assessment of accumulated information on the species’ phenotypic and genotypic features. The three subspecies of B. longum were investigated using genotypic identification [amplified-fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST)]. By using the AFLP and the MLSA methods, we allocated 25 strains of B. longum into three major clusters corresponding to the three subspecies; the cluster comprising the strains of B. longum subsp. suis was further divided into two subclusters differentiable by the ability to produce urease. By using the MLST method, the 25 strains of B. longum were divided into eight groups: four major groups corresponding to the results obtained by AFLP and MLSA, plus four minor disparate groups. The results of AFLP, MLSA and MLST analyses were consistent and revealed a novel subspeciation of B. longum , which comprised three known subspecies and a novel subspecies of urease-negative B. longum , for which the name B. longum subsp. suillum subsp. nov. is proposed, with type strain Su 851 T = DSM 28597 T = JCM 19995 T . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the life of the physician and theologian Michael Servetus and to discuss his analysis of the pulmonary circulation. Writers have praised Servetus for his commitment to educating his colleagues about what he heralded as the truth, and criticized him for his perceived arrogance. Servetus made contributions to the fields of geography, astrology, theology, and medicine. This paper refers to the translation of a portion of Servetus' book Christianismi Restitutio by Charles D. O'Malley. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Introduction: Flap necrosis due to blood circulation disorders is a serious problem in reconstructive surgery. Methods to achieve both arterial and venous microvascular augmentation at the flap periphery have therefore been developed to prevent post-surgical circulation problems, especially for large pedicle flaps and free flaps containing three more vascular territories. Moreover, the benefits of microvascular venous augmentation (VA; superdrainage) alone have been established, but the optimal duration of post-surgical venous drainage has not yet been determined. Methods: The surviving flap area was compared after standard and short-term VA in the extended island flap model of the rat abdomen. A flap model using the left superficial inferior epigastric artery/vein as the vascular pedicle was used as a control group (n = 6). The lateral branch of the right superficial inferior epigastric vein remained unresected at the end of the flap in the VA group (n = 7), but was ligated at 24 h post-surgery in the temporary venous augmentation (TVA) group (n = 7). Results: The flap survival rates on postoperative day 7 in the control, VA and TVA groups were 74.8 ± 8.4%, 90.1 ± 3.7% and 89.9 ± 3.5%, respectively. The surviving areas were significantly improved in the VA and TVA groups in comparison to the control group (p ＜ 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the VA and TVA groups. Conclusions: The short-term venous drainage from the flap end after surgery was as effective as long-term VA. Flap transplantation could therefore be clinically easier and more reliable when starting short-term venous drainage during surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: When performing auriculoplasty for microtia surgery, wires are typically used to fix the costal cartilage frames. However, cases in which such wires become exposed during a long-term follow-up were frequently observed at our facility. Hence, using various materials, we conducted an investigation of the materials most suitable for fixation. Method: The subjects consisted of 122 cases in which auriculoplasty by costal cartilage graft surgery was performed and the postoperative course was traceable, within approximately 24 years from January 1984 to March 2007. Regarding the fixation materials used in the 84 cases in which wire was used, 5 cases used monofilament non-absorbable sutures (Nylon®), 5 cases used monofilament absorbable sutures (PDS®), and 28 cases used braided absorbable sutures(VICRYL®).Their postoperative course was investigated, and the presence of auricular deformities caused by a loosening of the fixation materials and the exposure of the fixation materials was examined. Results: An exposure of the wire was observed in 19 cases (22.6%) of the 84 cases that used wires. An exposure of nylon was observed in 2 (40%) of 5 the cases that used nylon, and of those, a mild deformation was observed in the lower helix in one case that was suspected to have been caused by a loosening of the surgical suture. Regarding the 33 cases in which absorbable sutures were used (5 cases used monofilament absorbable sutures and 28 cases used braided absorbable sutures), neither any auricular deformities nor exposure of the fixation materials was observed in any of the cases. Conclusion: Whether using monofilament or braided sutures, absorbable sutures are therefore believed to be the most suitable material for the fixation of cartilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: As a common treatment for pulmonary fistula, pleurosclerosis is performed. However, in the case of pulmonary fistula with empyema, it is difficult to develop adhesion through pleurosclerosis. Therefore, it is necessary to fill the dead space with a tissue graft. Method: This surgical procedure is performed in two stages. In the first-stage surgery, the thoracic empyema cavity is opened widely, and sufficient drainage and debridement are performed within the thoracic empyema cavity. After the surgery, the wound is washed every day to suppress infection and promote the proliferation of benign granulation tissue (wound bed preparation). In the following second-stage surgery, a graft of latissimus dorsi muscle flap is performed to fill the dead space and close the fistula. In this case, a negative pressure drain is placed around the fistula to reliably drain air leaks from the pulmonary fistula, and thus the latissimus dorsi muscle flap and the tissue surrounding the pulmonary fistula can reliably adhere to the site. Cases and results: Treatment with this method was performed in five cases, all of which successfully healed with no complications or recurrence. Conclusion: When treating pulmonary fistula that has developed into thoracic empyema, it is believed that the following three points are important: (1) wound bed preparation around the pulmonary fistula, (2) inserting a latissimus dorsi muscle flap having a high wound-healing capacity and (3) promoting strong adhesion of the muscle flap and tissue surrounding the pulmonary fistula by reliably draining air leaks from the pulmonary fistula with a negative pressure drain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: The objective of the current study is to elucidate the three-dimensional vascular distribution as far as the peripheral areas of a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap and to establish a safe procedure for creating it. Methods: A lead oxide with gelatin-contrast agent was injected into fresh cadavers and the angiosomes in the muscle and skin were examined in detail. Results: In the muscle, three vascular territories were observed. The first vascular territory was formed by the thoracodorsal artery, the perforating branches of the ninth intercostal artery and those of the tenth intercostal artery located in the lateral part of the muscle. The second vascular territory was formed by the perforating branches of the tenth intercostal artery located in the medial part of the muscle, those of the 11th intercostal artery and the subcostal artery. The third vascular territory was formed by perforating branches of the first and second lumbar arteries. In the dorsal skin above the muscle, two vascular territories were observed. The first vascular territory was formed by perforating cutaneous branches of the thoracodorsal artery, perforating branches of the ninth through 11th intercostal arteries and the scapular circumflex artery. The second vascular territory was formed by perforating branches of the subcostal artery and the first and second lumbar arteries. Conclusions: When using a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with the thoracodorsal artery as a pedicle, the flap can be safely elevated as far as the inferior border of the 12th rib where perforating branches of the subcostal artery are distributed. At the same time, skin above the muscle can be safely harvested up to the iliac crest. It is essential, however, that the skin paddle includes perforating branches of the ninth intercostal artery or perforating branches of the 10th intercostal artery in the lateral part of the muscle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three bifidobacterial Gram-stain-positive, non-spore forming and fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase-positive strains, SMA1T, SMB2 and SMA15T were isolated from the faeces of two adult males of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the type strain of Bifidobacterium primatium DSM 100687T (99.3%; similarity) was the closest neighbour to strains SMA1T and SMB2, whereas the type strain of Bifidobacterium stellenboschense DSM 23968T (96.5%) was the closest neighbour to strain SMA15T. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of SMA1T and SAM15T with the closely related type strains were 93.7% and 88.1%, respectively. The in silico DNA‒DNA hybridization values with the closest neighbours were 53.1% and 36.9%, respectively. GC contents of strains SMA1T and SMA15T were 63.6 and 66.4 mol%, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic, genotypic and phenotypic data obtained, the strains SMA1T and SMA15T clearly represent two novel taxa within the genus Bifidobacterium for which the names Bifidobacterium saimiriisciurei sp. nov. (type strain SMA1T = BCRC 81223T = NBRC 114049T = DSM 106020T) and Bifidobacterium platyrrhinorum sp. nov. (type strain SMA15T = BCRC 81224T = NBRC 114051T = DSM 106029T) are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen bifidobacterial strains were obtained from faeces of Rousettus aegyptiacus; after grouping them by RAPD PCR only eight were selected and characterized. Analysis of 16S rRNA and of five housekeeping (hsp 60, rpo B, clp C, dna J, dna G) genes revealed that these eight strains were classified into five clusters: Cluster I (RST 8 and RST 16T), Cluster II (RST 9T and RST 27), Cluster III (RST 7 and RST 11), Cluster IV (RST 19), Cluster V (RST 17) were closest to Bifidobacterium avesanii DSM 100685T (96.3%), Bifidobacterium callitrichos DSM 23973T (99.2% and 99.7%), Bifidobacterium tissieri DSM 100201T (99.7 and 99.2%), Bifidobacterium reuteri DSM 23975 T (98.9%) and Bifidobacterium myosotis DSM 100196T (99.3%), respectively. Strains in Cluster I and strain RST 9 in Cluster II could not be placed within any recognized species while the other ones were identified as known species. The average nucleotide identity values between two novel strains, RST 16T and RST 9T and their closest relatives were lower than 79% and 89%, respectively. In silico DNA–DNA hybridization values for those closest relatives were 32.5 and 42.1%, respectively. Phenotypic and genotypic tests demonstrated that strains in Cluster I and RST 9T in Cluster II represent two novel species for which the names Bifidobacterium vespertilionis sp. nov. (RST 16T = BCRC 81138T = NBRC 113380T = DSM 106025T ; RST 8 = BCRC 81135 = NBRC 113377) and Bifidobacterium rousetti sp. nov. (RST 9T = BCRC 81136T = NBRC 113378T = DSM 106027T) are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind solar towers constitute a fairly new scheme for harvesting renewable energy from solar and wind energy sources. In such a tower, solar radiation is collected and hot air is enforced to go fast through the tower, a process called thermal updraft, which fuels a wind turbine to generate power. Using vortex generators at the top of the tower creates a pressure difference, which increases the thermal updraft. In this work, we describe the setup of a wind solar tower system established at Kyushu University in Japan. Then, we demonstrate how data was collected from this system in order to train regression models for thermal updraft prediction. The feature selection process was guided by sensitivity analysis. After that, several machine learning models were investigated and the most suitable model was selected based on quality and time metrics. The linear regression model was particularly examined in detail, and was shown to have a satisfactory high accuracy of thermal updraft prediction graphically and numerically with a coefficient of determination of R 2 = 0.981. We also evaluated a reduced prediction model based on the six most essential features, which could be a reduced model description for the WST. This reduced model showed little performance degradation (R 2 = 0.974), with significant reduction in the needed effort and resources, as well as data collection requirements. [Display omitted] • Wind solar tower: renewable energy technique that combines powers from solar & wind. • Machine learning methods gained research momentum because of their prediction capabilities. • The linear regression model was accurately sufficient in predicting thermal updraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The digastric branch is the second branch of the facial nerve after emerging from the stylomastoid foramen. To the best of our knowledge, few detailed anatomic studies of the digastric branch have been performed. Moreover, the use of the digastric branch for facial nerve reanimation has not been explored.Materials and Methods: Nine sides of 5 fresh frozen cadavers were dissected for anatomic observation of the digastric branch and exploration of the feasibility of the digastric branch as a donor for facial nerve reanimation. The facial nerve trunk (FNT) and digastric branch were readily found by dissection using the tragal cartilage and tragal pointer as landmarks. The length and diameter of the digastric branch were measured, and the digastric branch was repositioned anterior to the FNT and the 2 major extracranial divisions of the FNT.Results: On all sides, the digastric branch existed as a single branch and innervated only the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. The available length of the digastric branch was 13.28 ± 2.47 mm (range, 8.87 to 16.38 mm), and the mean diameter was 0.98 ± 0.31 mm (range, 0.64 to 1.64 mm). The digastric branch reached the FNT and its 2 major divisions without tension.Conclusions: The results of the present study have clarified the anatomic findings of the digastric branch in detail and the feasibility of using the digastric branch as a potential donor for facial nerve reanimation. The surgeon might consider the use of the digastric branch as a feasible donor for facial nerve reanimation based on the findings from our cadaveric study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Facial nerve paralysis can result in critical complications, including those to the visual, respiratory, and digestive systems. The facial nerve has been reanimated using various nerves, but the posterior auricular nerve (PAN) branching off the facial nerve has not been explored for this purpose.Materials and Methods: Ten sides from 6 fresh-frozen adult cadavers were used for dissection of the PAN to explore its potential as a donor for facial nerve reanimation. The facial nerve trunk (FNT) and PAN were consistently and readily identified by deep dissection using the tragal cartilage and tragal pointer as landmarks. The PAN was transected at the point of insertion of its innervated muscles. Its length and diameter were measured, and it was transposed anteriorly to the FNT and its 2 major extracranial divisions.Results: The PAN was observed on all sides. Its available length was 27.11 ± 5.02 mm and its mean diameter was 0.85 ± 0.20 mm. In all specimens, the PAN readily reached the FNT and its 2 major divisions without tension.Conclusion: No previous study has explored the use of the PAN as a donor for facial nerve reanimation. Based on the present cadaveric study, surgeons might consider it for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sacral dorsal rami form the posterior sacrococcygeal plexus (PSCP), which has been scantly studied. This study's goal was to clarify the PSCP s detailed anatomy and discuss its clinical relevance. Ten sides of 5 fresh-frozen cadavers were dissected for this research. After the muscles covering the sacrum were removed, the PSCP was identified and traced under the operating microscope until the entire plexus was exposed. The contributions to this plexus and its relations to surrounding anatomic structures were recorded. The PSCP was found on all sides and was composed of a medial trunk (MT), communicating branches, and a lateral trunk. Each sacral dorsal ramus's MT formed a series of loops created by adjacent sacral dorsal rami placed between the transverse tubercles and the posterior sacral foramina. The MT, communicating branches, and lateral trunk demonstrated potential entrapment sites. To our knowledge, this is the first anatomic study that provides detailed images that indicate 3 potential sites where surrounding structures could entrap the PSCP. Knowledge of its detailed anatomy might help in better understanding low-back pain, targeting pain sources and guide spine surgeons for avoiding injury to these nerves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumors of the greater sciatic foramen remain difficult to treat. They often have both intrapelvic and extrapelvic components that may limit visualization and make safe resection of the tumor difficult. Therefore the goal of the present anatomic study was to quantitate how much additional surgical working space could be gained by transection of the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments. Sixteen sides from 9 fresh-frozen Caucasian cadaveric torsos underwent transgluteal dissection and exposure of the greater sciatic foramen and associated liagments. With the piriformis in place, the vertical and horizontal diameters of the greater sciatic foramen were measured. Next, the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments were cut at their ischial attachments. The vertical diameter of the now confluent greater and lesser sciatic foramina (V 2) was measured. The mean vertical diameter of the greater sciatic foramen (V 1) was 54.8 ± 9.7 mm. The horizontal diameter of the greater sciatic foramen had a mean of 44.3 ± 6.1 mm with a range of 30–52 mm. After transection of the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments, the vertical distance of the greater and lesser sciatic foramina (V 2) had a mean of 74.8 ± 6.8 mm with a range of 60.1–90 mm. The mean ratio of V 2 to V 1 was 1.40. The vertical length of the greater sciatic foramen increased, on average, 40% after resection of the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments. The results of this study support an alternative technique for resecting large intrapelvic tumors via a transgluteal approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The middle cluneal nerves (MCNs) are stated to arise from the sacral dorsal rami of S1 to S3 and supply the gluteal skin, but their detailed anatomy is unclear and often variably depicted and described. Therefore, the goal of this study was to revisit the anatomy of the MCNs and provide a clearer picture of their morphology. Five fresh-frozen Caucasian cadavers (10 sides) (2 men and 3 women) were dissected for this study. The sacral dorsal rami from each posterior sacral foramen were identified and traced laterally to identify the MCNs. The contribution, pathway, and distribution of the MCNs were investigated. Each sacral dorsal ramus joined to form the posterior sacrococcygeal plexus. A total of 25 MCNs were identified. The MCNs were formed by the sacral dorsal rami of S1-2 in 48% (12/25), S1-3 in 4% (1/25), S1-4 in 20% (5/25), S2-3 in 8% (2/25), and S2-4 in 20% (5/25). The MCNs pierced the gluteus maximus by 2 different pathways and supplied the gluteal skin or the gluteus maximus muscle. We clarified the anatomy and variations of the MCNs and revisited its current nomenclature. Such knowledge might improve diagnoses and invasive procedure outcomes in patients with pathology in the region of the MCNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We anatomically investigated an approach in which the skin incision is made directly above the dorsal column of the acetabulum. • The area from the greater sciatic notch to the base of the ischial tuberosity could be exposed using this approach. • An 8-hole plate could be placed from the gluteal ridge to the base of the ischium through a 9.3 ± 0.7 cm skin incision. • This approach can be a useful minimally invasive approach for acetabular fractures. In this study, we investigated the area that can be addressed with an approach in which the skin incision is made directly above the dorsal column with Thiel cadaveric specimens. Six Thiel cadaveric specimens were prepared. A skin incision was made directly above the dorsal column. The accessible proximal end from the proximal part of the greater sciatic notch to the gluteal ridge and the accessible distal end of the ischium were marked with a flat chisel. A molded 8-hole reconstruction plate was placed from the base of the ischium toward the gluteal ridge and fixed with 3 screws proximally and 2 screws distally. The length of the skin incision and the distance from each reference point on the bone to the reachable markings were assessed after the muscles were removed. Mean skin incision length was 9.3 ± 0.7 (range, 8.0–10.0) cm. In 3 of 6 cases, proximal screws were inserted through different spaces between muscle fibers. In all cases, we were able to reach at least the greater sciatic notch, the gluteal ridge at the level of superior border of the acetabulum, and the base of the ischial tuberosity. In all cases, an 8-hole plate could be placed from the gluteal ridge to the base of the ischium. There were no superior gluteal artery or sciatic nerve injuries in any of the cases. We anatomically investigated the area that can be addressed with an approach in which the skin incision was made directly above the dorsal column. In all cases, we were able to access the areas needed to reduce the fracture and place the plates necessary to stabilize the fracture through a 9.3 ± 0.7 cm skin incision. This approach can be a useful minimally invasive posterior approach for acetabular fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The influence of sulfur deficiency on biomass production was analyzed in the four Chlorellaceae species, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella lobophora, and Parachlorella kessleri. Culturing under sulfur-deficient conditions promoted transient accumulation of starch followed by a steady increase in lipid storage. Transmission electron microscopy indicated an increase and decrease in starch granules and subsequent enlargement of lipid droplets under sulfur-deficient conditions. Chlorellaceae spp. accumulated 1.5–2.7-fold higher amounts of starch and 1.5–2.4-fold higher amounts of lipid under sulfur-deficient conditions than under sulfur-sufficient conditions. More than 75% of the fatty acids that accumulated in Chlorellaceae spp. under the sulfur-sufficient condition were unsaturated and culturing under sulfur-deficient conditions increased the saturated fatty acid content from 24.3% to 59.7% only in P. kessleri. These results indicate that the sequential accumulation of starch and lipid is a response to the sulfur depletion that commonly occurs in Chlorellaceae spp. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The specific isobaric heat capacity (cp ) was measured for R125 (pentafluoroethane) in the gas phase by using a flow calorimeter. Twelve measurements for R125 were obtained at temperatures from 313 to 333K and at pressures from 0.8 to 2.4MPa. Some of them are close to the saturation curve. The expanded uncertainty (k =2) of the temperature measurements is estimated to be less than 23mK, and that of the pressure measurements is less than 14kPa. The expanded uncertainty for cp is estimated to range from 12 to 22Jkg−1 K−1. Also, the experimental data were compared with available equations of state. From the results, it became clear that these data will be essential to improve available models so as to represent more reliable thermodynamic properties of R125 and refrigerant mixtures with R125 that are used for refrigeration and air conditioning systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Yeast contamination is a problem in the food industry as a cause of spoilage. Moreover, various species of yeasts are known to be capable of causing opportunistic infections in humans. We have developed a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to directly detect and quantify nine emerging opportunistic yeast species (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Clavispora lusitaniae, Filobasidiella neoformans, Issatchenkia orientalis, Trichosporon asahii, and Trichosporon jirovecii) in dairy product samples. We designed six primer pairs, conserved sequences of the variable D1/D2 domains of the 26S rRNA gene, to detect the yeasts and demonstrated their specificity. The qPCR assay could accurately quantify emerging opportunistic yeasts in an artificially contaminated dairy product. qPCR with the primer pairs we designed, was very sensitive and will allow producers to enumerate contaminating yeasts and identify whether they are opportunistic pathogens, in only 4 to 5h. This assay can easily be extended to other food items and to a variety of food-monitoring initiatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]