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Obituary for Aldo Félix Craievich.

In this work, we present the combination of two characteristics that are beneficial for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathodic performance in one material. We developed and evaluated for the first time nanostructured layered perovskites of formulae LnBaCo2O6-d with Ln = Sm and Gd (SBCO and GBCO, respectively) as SOFC cathodes, finding promising electrochemical properties in the intermediate temperature range. We obtained those nanostructures by using porous templates to confine the chemical reagents in regions of 200-800 nm. The performance of nanostructured SBCO and GBCO cathodes was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique under different operating conditions using Gd2O3-doped CeO2 as electrolyte. We found that SBCO cathodes displayed lower area-specific resistance than GBCO ones, because bulk diffusion of oxide ions is enhanced in the former. We also found that cathodes synthesized using smaller template pores exhibited better performance.

Breast cancer is among the most common cancers diagnosed in women, affecting one in eight women per year. Immediate implant-based breast reconstruction has emerged as the predominant approach for postmastectomy reconstruction, with a growing preference for the direct-to-implant (DTI) method over the traditional tissue expander technique. While conventionally, implants were typically positioned beneath the pectoralis major muscle, recent advancements have paved the way for implant placement above the muscle, in the prepectoral plane. Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) techniques can be combined with prepectoral breast reconstruction. The presence of sufficient fatty tissue coverage is considered one of the foremost independent factors influencing the success of immediate breast reconstruction and flap viability. DTI is a safe approach for prepectoral implant-based reconstruction with a number of advantages. However, careful patient selection and judicious assessment of flap perfusion help identify an appropriate subset of patients for prepectoral DTI reconstruction. Proposed breast tissue coverage classification (BTCC) and rigorous perfusion assessment techniques will aid to minimize postoperative complications and reconstruction failure. Based on the obtained range of coverage values (distance between the Cooper's ligaments and the skin) of preoperative digital mammogram evaluation, a three-type BTCC is as follows: Type 1: <1 cm (poor coverage), Type 2: between 1 and 2 cm (medium coverage), Type 3: >2 cm (good coverage). Prepectoral DTI reconstruction provides good results with complication rates similar to those of subpectoral techniques, eliminating breast animation. A meticulous surgical technique is essential to preserve the vascular network that guarantees the survival of the skin flap and nipple-areola complex (NAC). In the good coverage group (Type 3), an immediate DTI reconstruction could be safely performed. Aesthetic complications as rippling can occur if prepectoral implants are placed in Type 1 patients. Preoperative planning for prepectoral placement should not depend on breast volume, but on breast tissue coverage. Flap evaluation based on preoperative imaging measurements may be helpful when planning a conservative mastectomy. Patient selection, preoperative and intraoperative mastectomy flap evaluation, and modifications in implant technology play a critical role in this new and rapidly growing method for implant-based breast reconstruction., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://gs.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/gs-23-291/coif). The series “Hot Topics in Breast Reconstruction World Wide” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Gland Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Hybridization allows adaptations to be shared among lineages and may trigger the evolution of new species 1,2 . However, convincing examples of homoploid hybrid speciation remain rare because it is challenging to demonstrate that hybridization was crucial in generating reproductive isolation 3 . Here we combine population genomic analysis with quantitative trait locus mapping of species-specific traits to examine a case of hybrid speciation in Heliconius butterflies. We show that Heliconius elevatus is a hybrid species that is sympatric with both parents and has persisted as an independently evolving lineage for at least 180,000 years. This is despite pervasive and ongoing gene flow with one parent, Heliconius pardalinus, which homogenizes 99% of their genomes. The remaining 1% introgressed from the other parent, Heliconius melpomene, and is scattered widely across the H. elevatus genome in islands of divergence from H. pardalinus. These islands contain multiple traits that are under disruptive selection, including colour pattern, wing shape, host plant preference, sex pheromones and mate choice. Collectively, these traits place H. elevatus on its own adaptive peak and permit coexistence with both parents. Our results show that speciation was driven by introgression of ecological traits, and that speciation with gene flow is possible with a multilocus genetic architecture., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Although there have been improvements in the management of metastatic retinoblastoma, most patients do not survive, and all patients suffer from multiple short- and long-term treatment toxicities. Reliable and informative models to assist clinicians are needed. Thus we developed and comprehensively characterized a novel preclinical platform of primary cell cultures and xenograft models of metastatic retinoblastoma to provide insights into the molecular biology underlying metastases and to perform drug screening for the identification of hit candidates with the highest potential for clinical translation., Methods: Orbital tumor, bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid, and lymph node tumor infiltration specimens were obtained from seven patients with metastatic retinoblastoma at diagnosis, disease progression, or relapse. Tumor specimens were engrafted in immunodeficient animals, and primary cell lines were established. Genomic, immunohistochemical/immunocytochemical, and pharmacological analysis were performed., Results: We successfully established five primary cell lines: two derived from leptomeningeal, two from orbital, and one from lymph node tumor dissemination. After the intravitreal or intraventricular inoculation of these cells, we established cell-derived xenograft models. Both primary cell lines and xenografts accurately retained the histological and genomic features of the tumors from which they were derived and faithfully recapitulated the dissemination patterns and pharmacological sensitivity observed in the matched patients., Conclusions: Ours is an innovative and thoroughly characterized preclinical platform of metastatic retinoblastoma developed for the understanding of tumor biology of this highly aggressive tumor and has the potential to identify drug candidates to treat patients who currently lack effective treatment options.

Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) is the dominant cyanobacterial species causing harmful algal blooms in water bodies worldwide. The blooms release potent toxins and pose severe public health hazards to water bodies, animals, and humans who are in contact with or consume this water. The interaction between M. aeruginosa and heterotrophic bacteria is thought to contribute to the development of the blooms. This study strives to provide a specific answer to whether quorum sensing is also a potential mechanism mediating the interaction of different strains/species and the expression by gene luxS or gene mcyB in M. aeruginosa growth. The luxS gene in M. aeruginosa PCC7806 is associated with quorum sensing and was tested by q-PCR throughout a 30-day growth period. The same was performed for the mcyB gene. Heterotrophic bacteria were collected from local water bodies: Cibolo Creek and Leon Creek in San Antonio, Texas. Results revealed that in algal bloom scenarios, there is a similar concentration of gene luxS that is expressed by the cyanobacteria. Gene mcyB , however, is not directly associated with algal blooms, but it is related to cyanotoxin production. Toxicity levels increased in experiments with multiple algal strains, and the HSL treatment was not effective at reducing microcystin levels.

Objectives: The main aim of the study was to determine whether the perception of synkinesis by patients with peripheral facial palsy (PFP) matched their clinician's severity assessment. Secondary objectives comprised: (1) to determine whether objective measurement of synkinesis matched the patient's perception; and (2) is to identify factors influencing patients' perceptions., Methods: This retrospective study took place from January to May 2020. Forty patients (8 per PFP grade, I-V/VI; 20 women, 20 men) filled out the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and were assessed on the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS). Photographs were analyzed on MEEI-Facegram software., Results: Perceived synkinesis (total SAQ) matched objective grades (SFGS) (Z=2.89; P=0.004), especially for smiling (Z=3.84; P<0.001) and lip protrusion (Z=3.79; P<0.001). Synkinesis on lip protrusion was a more sensitive indicator of perceived synkinesis than synkinesis on smiling (Z=2.96; P=0.003). Duration (ρ=0.5137; P<0.001) and grade of PFP (Chi 2 =13.82; P=0.008) heightened the perception of synkinesis., Conclusion: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the SAQ are relevant for clinical evaluation., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Butterflies associated with xerophytic environments of the Andes have been little studied, and they exhibit high levels of endemism. Herein Dione (Agraulis) dodona Lamas & Farfán, sp. nov. (Nymphalidae; Heliconiinae) is described, distributed on the western slopes of the Andes of Peru and northern Chile, between 800 and 3,000 m elevation. Adults of both sexes, and the immature stages, are described and illustrated based on light and scanning electron microscopy. The immature stages are associated with Malesherbiatenuifolia D. Don (Passifloraceae) found in xeric environments, representing a new record of this genus as a host plant for the subfamily Heliconiinae. Conspicuous morphological differences are presented for all stages at the generic level. Based on a phylogenetic analysis of the COI barcode mitochondrial gene fragment, D. (A.) dodona Lamas & Farfán, sp. nov. is distinguished as an independent lineage within the Agraulis clade of Dione , with ca. 5% difference to congeneric species., (Jackie Farfán, José Cerdeña, Héctor A. Vargas, Gislene L. Gonçalves, Gerardo Lamas, Gilson R. P. Moreira.)

Here, we present the largest, global dataset of Lepidopteran traits, focusing initially on butterflies (ca. 12,500 species records). These traits are derived from field guides, taxonomic treatments, and other literature resources. We present traits on wing size, phenology,voltinism, diapause/overwintering stage, hostplant associations, and habitat affinities (canopy, edge, moisture, and disturbance). This dataset will facilitate comparative research on butterfly ecology and evolution and our goal is to inspire future research collaboration and the continued development of this dataset., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors of the vestibular nerve that may trigger hearing loss, tinnitus, rotatory vertigo, and dizziness in patients. Vestibular and auditory tests can determine the precise degree of impairment of the auditory nerve, and superior and inferior vestibular nerves. However, balance is often poorly quantified in patients with untreated vestibular schwannoma, for whom validated standardized assessments of balance are often lacking. Balance can be quantified with the EquiTest. However, this device was developed a long time ago and is expensive, specific, and not sensitive enough to detect early deficits because it assesses balance principally in the sagittal plane on a firm platform. In this study, we assessed postural performances in a well-defined group of VS patients. We used the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and a customized device consisting of a smartphone, a mask delivering a fixed or moving visual scene, and foam rubber. Patients were tested in four successive sessions of 25 s each: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), fixed visual scene (VR0), and visual moving scenes (VR1) delivered by the HTC VIVE mask. Postural oscillations were quantified with sensors from an android smartphone (Galaxy S9) fixed to the back. The results obtained were compared to those obtained with the EquiTest. Vestibulo-ocular deficits were also quantified with the caloric test and vHIT. The function of the utricle and saccule were assessed with ocular and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (o-VEMPs and c-VEMPs), respectively. We found that falls and abnormal postural oscillations were frequently detected in the VS patients with the VR/Foam device. We detected no correlation between falls or abnormal postural movements and horizontal canal deficit or age. In conclusion, this new method provides a simpler, quicker, and cheaper method for quantifying balance. It will be very helpful for (1) determining balance deficits in VS patients; (2) optimizing the optimal therapy indications (active follow-up, surgery, or gamma therapy) and follow-up of VS patients before and after treatment; (3) developing new rehabilitation methods based on balance training in extreme conditions with disturbed visual and proprioceptive inputs., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Oussou, Magnani, Bargiotas, Lamas, Tankere and Vidal.)

The global increase in species richness toward the tropics across continents and taxonomic groups, referred to as the latitudinal diversity gradient, stimulated the formulation of many hypotheses to explain the underlying mechanisms of this pattern. We evaluate several of these hypotheses to explain spatial diversity patterns in a butterfly family, the Nymphalidae, by assessing the contributions of speciation, extinction, and dispersal, and also the extent to which these processes differ among regions at the same latitude. We generate a time-calibrated phylogeny containing 2,866 nymphalid species (~45% of extant diversity). Neither speciation nor extinction rate variations consistently explain the latitudinal diversity gradient among regions because temporal diversification dynamics differ greatly across longitude. The Neotropical diversity results from low extinction rates, not high speciation rates, and biotic interchanges with other regions are rare. Southeast Asia is also characterized by a low speciation rate but, unlike the Neotropics, is the main source of dispersal events through time. Our results suggest that global climate change throughout the Cenozoic, combined with tropical niche conservatism, played a major role in generating the modern latitudinal diversity gradient of nymphalid butterflies., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Retinoblastoma is the most frequent intraocular malignancy in children, originating from a maturing cone precursor in the developing retina. Little is known on the molecular basis underlying the biological and clinical behavior of this cancer. Here, using multi-omics data, we demonstrate the existence of two retinoblastoma subtypes. Subtype 1, of earlier onset, includes most of the heritable forms. It harbors few genetic alterations other than the initiating RB1 inactivation and corresponds to differentiated tumors expressing mature cone markers. By contrast, subtype 2 tumors harbor frequent recurrent genetic alterations including MYCN-amplification. They express markers of less differentiated cone together with neuronal/ganglion cell markers with marked inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity. The cone dedifferentiation in subtype 2 is associated with stemness features including low immune and interferon response, E2F and MYC/MYCN activation and a higher propensity for metastasis. The recognition of these two subtypes, one maintaining a cone-differentiated state, and the other, more aggressive, associated with cone dedifferentiation and expression of neuronal markers, opens up important biological and clinical perspectives for retinoblastomas., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Male butterflies in the hyperdiverse tribe Eumaeini possess an unusually complex and diverse repertoire of secondary sexual characteristics involved in pheromone production and dissemination. Maintaining multiple sexually selected traits is likely to be metabolically costly, potentially resulting in trade-offs in the evolution of male signals. However, a phylogenetic framework to test hypotheses regarding the evolution and maintenance of male sexual traits in Eumaeini has been lacking. Here, we infer a comprehensive, time-calibrated phylogeny from 379 loci for 187 species representing 91% of the 87 described genera. Eumaeini is a monophyletic group that originated in the late Oligocene and underwent rapid radiation in the Neotropics. We examined specimens of 818 of the 1096 described species (75%) and found that secondary sexual traits are present in males of 91% of the surveyed species. Scent pads and scent patches on the wings and brush organs associated with the genitalia were probably present in the common ancestor of Eumaeini and are widespread throughout the tribe. Brush organs and scent pads are negatively correlated across the phylogeny, exhibiting a trade-off in which lineages with brush organs are unlikely to regain scent pads and vice versa . In contrast, scent patches seem to facilitate the evolution of scent pads, although they are readily lost once scent pads have evolved. Our results illustrate the complex interplay between natural and sexual selection in the origin and maintenance of multiple male secondary sexual characteristics and highlight the potential role of sexual selection spurring diversification in this lineage.

Most reports about copy number alterations (CNA) in retinoblastoma relate to patients with intraocular disease and features of children with extraocular relapse remain unknown, so we aimed to describe the CNA in this population. We evaluated 23 patients and 27 specimens from 4 centers. Seventeen cases had extraocular relapse after initial enucleation and six cases after an initial preservation attempt. We performed an analysis of CNA and BCOR gene alteration by SNP array (Single Nucleotide Polymorfism array), whole-exome sequencing, IMPACT panel and CGH array (Array-based comparative genomic hybridization). All cases presented CNA at a higher prevalence than those reported in previously published studies for intraocular cases. CNA previously reported for intraocular retinoblastoma were found at a high frequency in our cohort: gains in 1q (69.5%), 2p (60.9%) and 6p (86.9%), and 16q loss (78.2%). Other, previously less-recognized, CNA were found including loss of 11q (34.8%), gain of 17q (56.5%), loss of 19q (30.4%) and BCOR alterations were present in 72.7% of our cases. A high number of CNA including 11q deletions, 17q gains, 19q loss, and BCOR alterations, are more common in extraocular retinoblastoma. Identification of these features may be correlated with a more aggressive tumor warranting consideration for patient management.

Background: Infant medulloblastoma represents an enormous challenge in neuro-oncology, due to their simultaneous high-risk of recurrence and high risk of severe neurodevelopmental sequelae with craniospinal irradiation. Currently infant medulloblastoma are treated with intensified protocols, either comprising intraventricular methotrexate or autologous transplant, both of which carry significant morbidity and are not feasible in the majority of the world. We sought to evaluate the molecular predictors of outcome in a cohort of infants homogeneously treated with induction chemotherapy, focal radiation and maintenance chemotherapy., Methods: In a retrospective analysis, 29 young children treated with a craniospinal irradiation sparing strategy from Hospital Garrahan in Buenos Aires were profiled using Illumina HumanMethylationEPIC arrays, and correlated with survival., Results: Twenty-nine children (range, 0.3-4.6 y) were identified, comprising 17 sonic hedgehog (SHH), 10 Group 3/4, and 2 non-medulloblastomas. Progression-free survival (PFS) across the entire cohort was 0.704 (95% CI: 0.551-0.899). Analysis by t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding revealed 3 predominant groups, SHHβ, SHHγ, and Group 3. Survival by subtype was highly prognostic with SHHγ having an excellent 5-year PFS of 100% (95% CI: 0.633-1) and SHHβ having a PFS of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.42-1). Group 3 had a PFS of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.25-1). Assessment of neurocognitive outcome was performed in 11 patients; the majority of survivors fell within the low average to mild intellectual disability, with a median IQ of 73.5., Conclusions: We report a globally feasible and effective strategy avoiding craniospinal radiation in the treatment of infant medulloblastoma, including a robust molecular correlation along with neurocognitive outcomes., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

We here propose a new monotypic butterfly genus Scriptor Nakahara & Espeland, n. gen. to accommodate a new species, S. sphenophorus Lamas & Nakahara, n. sp. , described and named herein. Scriptor sphenophorus n. gen. and n. sp. is a relatively common and widespread butterfly species which is recovered as a member of the so-called " Splendeuptychia clade" in the nymphalid subtribe Euptychiina, based on our molecular phylogenetic analysis using a maximum likelihood approach. Nevertheless, its sister group is not confidently resolved in any analysis, supporting a relatively distant relationship to any described genus as well as our decision to establish a new monotypic genus. We further discuss the proposed taxonomy in the light of frequent criticism of the description of monotypic taxa, as well as emphasize the importance of incorporating multiple evidence when describing new genera, illustrated by reference to several recent generic descriptions in this subtribe., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2020 Nakahara et al.)

AQFThe authors present the guidelines of the French Society of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery (SFORL) regarding the management of Bell's palsy in adults. After a literature review by a multidisciplinary workgroup, guidelines were drawn up based on retrieved articles and group-members' experience, then read over by an independent group to edit the final version. Guidelines were graded A, B, C or "expert opinion" according to decreasing level of evidence. Thorough ENT and neurological clinical examination is recommended in all patients presenting with peripheral facial palsy to confirm diagnosis of Bell's palsy. MRI with gadolinium enhancement should explore the entire course of the facial nerve, if possible within the first month. ENMG should be performed to assess prognosis for recovery. In confirmed Bell's palsy, corticosteroid therapy should be implemented as early as possible (ideally within 72h) at a dose of 1mg/kg/day for 7-10 days. Antiviral therapy should be associated to steroids in patients with severe and early-onset disease and in Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. Isolated antiviral therapy is not recommended. To date, there is no evidence that surgical facial nerve decompression provides benefit., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

An uncommon subgroup of unilateral retinoblastomas with highly aggressive histological features, lacking aberrations in RB1 gene with high-level amplification of MYCN ( MCYN ampl RB1 +/+) has only been described as intra-ocular cases treated with initial enucleation. Here, we present a comprehensive clinical, genomic, and pharmacological analysis of two cases of MCYN ampl RB1 +/+ with orbital and cervical lymph node involvement, but no central nervous system spread, rapidly progressing to fatal disease due to chemoresistance. Both patients showed in common MYCN high amplification and chromosome 16q and 17p loss. A somatic mutation in TP53 , in homozygosis by LOH, and high chromosomal instability leading to aneuploidy was identified in the primary ocular tumor and sites of dissemination of one patient. High-throughput pharmacological screening was performed in a primary cell line derived from the lymph node dissemination of one case. This cell line showed resistance to broad spectrum chemotherapy consistent with the patient's poor response but sensitivity to the synergistic effects of panobinostat-bortezomib and carboplatin-panobinostat associations. From these cells we established a cell line derived xenograft model that closely recapitulated the tumor dissemination pattern of the patient and served to evaluate whether triple chemotherapy significantly prolonged survival of the animals. We report novel genomic alterations in two cases of metastatic MCYN ampl RB1 +/+ that may be associated with chemotherapy resistance and in vitro/in vivo models that serve as basis for tailoring therapy in these cases.

Background In 2015, there were 30.3 million patients with diabetes in the US, including 25.2% of people ages 65 or older and 108,000 hospitalizations for non-traumatic amputations. Severe diabetic limb disease includes critical limb ischemia (CLI ) due to an infrapopliteal disease with foot pain and ischemic ulcerations including gangrene. Environmentally acquired toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium, have been associated with cardiovascular disease. Thus, we designed the present unblinded pilot study to determine whether there was a signal of benefit for edetate disodium-based infusions in patients with critical limb ischemia. Methods This was an open-label pilot study in 10 patients with diabetes and critical limb ischemia. Each patient received up to 50 edetate disodium-based infusions and was assessed for safety, clinical efficacy, metal excretion, and quality of life. The primary endpoint was to assess the effect of edetate disodium-based therapy plus vitamins in patients with diabetes and infra-popliteal peripheral artery disease presenting with severe CLI and determine if there were improvements in vascular flow parameters. Results We enrolled 10 (60% male) predominantly Caucasian (90%) subjects. The mean age was 75.3 (8.0) years. Smoking was reported by 30%. There were 70% with coronary artery disease (30% had prior coronary artery bypass grafting) and 50% had a prior lower-extremity amputation, three having previous minor amputations and two major amputations. There were no major adverse cardiovascular events during the infusion phase through the one-year follow-up. Patients completing 40 infusions demonstrated complete wound healing and improvement in the quality of life. Conclusion Patients with diabetes and CLI treated with a regimen of edetate disodium-based infusions demonstrated a potential signal of benefit and preliminary evidence of safety. The Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy in Critical Limb Ischemia (TACT3a), a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial now in progress, will further test these findings., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2019, Arenas et al.)

We here propose a new, monotypic genus, Amiga Nakahara, Willmott & Espeland, gen. n. , to harbor a common Neotropical butterfly, described as Papilioarnaca Fabricius, 1776, and hitherto placed in the genus Chloreuptychia Forster, 1964. Recent and ongoing molecular phylogenetic research has shown Chloreuptychia to be polyphyletic, with C.arnaca proving to be unrelated to remaining species and not readily placed in any other described genus. Amigaarnaca gen. n. et comb. n. as treated here is a widely distributed and very common species ranging from southern Mexico to southern Brazil. A neotype is designated for the names Papilioarnaca and its junior synonym, Papilioebusa Cramer, 1780, resulting in the treatment of the latter name as a junior objective synonym of the former. A lectotype is designated for Euptychiasericeella Bates, 1865, which is treated as a subspecies, Amigaarnacasericeella (Bates, 1865), comb. n. et stat. n. , based on molecular and morphological evidence. We also describe two new taxa, Amigaarnacaadela Nakahara & Espeland, ssp. n. and Amigaarnacaindianacristoi Nakahara & Marín, ssp. n. , new subspecies from the western Andes and eastern Central America, and northern Venezuela, respectively.

The Neotropical region is the most biodiverse on Earth, in a large part due to the highly diverse tropical Andean biota. The Andes are a potentially important driver of diversification within the mountains and for neighboring regions. We compared the role of the Andes in diversification among three subtribes of Ithomiini butterflies endemic to the Neotropics, Dircennina, Oleriina, and Godyridina. The diversification patterns of Godyridina have been studied previously. Here, we generate the first time-calibrated phylogeny for the largest ithomiine subtribe, Dircennina, and we reanalyze a published phylogeny of Oleriina to test different biogeographic scenarios involving the Andes within an identical framework. We found common diversification patterns across the three subtribes, as well as major differences. In Dircennina and Oleriina, our results reveal a congruent pattern of diversification related to the Andes with an Andean origin, which contrasts with the Amazonian origin and multiple Andean colonizations of Godyridina. In each of the three subtribes, a clade diversified in the Northern Andes at a faster rate. Diversification within Amazonia occurred in Oleriina and Godyridina, while virtually no speciation occurred in Dircennina in this region. Dircennina was therefore characterized by higher diversification rates within the Andes compared to non-Andean regions, while in Oleriina and Godyridina, we found no difference between these regions. Our results and discussion highlight the importance of comparative approaches in biogeographic studies.

The Neotropics harbour the most diverse flora and fauna on Earth. The Andes are a major centre of diversification and source of diversity for adjacent areas in plants and vertebrates, but studies on insects remain scarce, even though they constitute the largest fraction of terrestrial biodiversity. Here, we combine molecular and morphological characters to generate a dated phylogeny of the butterfly genus Pteronymia (Nymphalidae: Danainae), which we use to infer spatial, elevational and temporal diversification patterns. We first propose six taxonomic changes that raise the generic species total to 53, making Pteronymia the most diverse genus of the tribe Ithomiini. Our biogeographic reconstruction shows that Pteronymia originated in the Northern Andes, where it diversified extensively. Some lineages colonized lowlands and adjacent montane areas, but diversification in those areas remained scarce. The recent colonization of lowland areas was reflected by an increase in the rate of evolution of species' elevational ranges towards present. By contrast, speciation rate decelerated with time, with no extinction. The geological history of the Andes and adjacent regions have likely contributed to Pteronymia diversification by providing compartmentalized habitats and an array of biotic and abiotic conditions, and by limiting dispersal between some areas while promoting interchange across others.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to stimulate the vagal and the recurrent laryngeal nerves during and after thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy, to record muscle responses, interpret the electrophysiological modifications and identify prognostic factors for postoperative vocal fold mobility., Patients and Methods: A prospective study monitored 151 vagal nerves and 144 recurrent laryngeal nerves in 114 patients. Seven patients (14 vagal nerves) underwent continuous monitoring via an automatic periodic stimulation (APS ® ) electrode. In 15 patients (21 vagal nerves), the stimulation threshold was studied. Muscle response was recorded on direct vagal and/or recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation by a monopolar electrode or direct repeated stimulation via an electrode on the vagal nerve. In case of signal attenuation on the first operated side, surgery was not extended to the contralateral side., Results: The vagal nerve stimulation checked inferior laryngeal nerve integrity and recurrent status, without risk of false negatives. The vagal nerve stimulation threshold, before and after dissection, that induced a muscle response of at least 100μV ranged from 0.1 to 0.8mA. Similarity between pre- and post-dissection responses to supramaximal stimulation, defined as 1mA, on the one hand, and between post-dissection vagal and laryngeal recurrent nerve responses on the other correlated with normal postoperative vocal cord mobility. Conversely, muscle response attenuation below 100μV and increased latency indicated a risk of vocal fold palsy., Conclusion: Vagal nerve stimulation allows suspicion or elimination of lesions on the inferior laryngeal nerve upstream of the stimulation point and detection of non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve. Intermittent monitoring assesses nerve function at the moment of stimulation, while continuous monitoring detects the first signs of nerve injury liable to induce postoperative recurrent nerve palsy. When total thyroidectomy is indicated, signal attenuation on the first operated side casts doubt on continuing surgery to the contralateral side in the same step., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine whether saccadic velocity in the suppression head impulse paradigm (SHIMP) test is a reliable indicator of vestibular loss at the acute and at the chronic stage in patients suffering from different vestibular pathologies., Methods: Thirty-five normal subjects and 57 patients suffering from different vestibular pathologies associated with unilateral vestibular loss (UVL) or bilateral vestibular loss (BVL) were tested in the SHIMPs paradigm. SHIMPs were performed by turning the head 10 times at high velocities to the left or right side, respectively. The patients were instructed to fixate on a red spot generated by a head-fixed laser projected on the wall. In this SHIMPs paradigm, healthy subjects made a large anti-compensatory saccade at the end of the head turn (a SHIMP saccade). The peak saccadic velocity, the percentage of the trials completed with saccades in 10 trials, and the latency of the saccades were quantified in each group. A video-head impulse test (v-HIT) was systematically performed in all of our subjects as well as a caloric test. The dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire was also given to chronic UVL and BVL patients., Results: At the acute stage after a complete UVL, patients had zero or a few anti-compensatory saccades for low velocity head turns toward the lesioned side. These saccades had lower velocity than the anti-compensatory saccades recorded during head rotation toward the intact side and/or compared with the saccades measured in control subjects. At the chronic stage, some of the patients recovered the ability to perform SHIMP saccades at each head turn toward the lesioned side, but very often these saccades were of significantly lower velocity. In BVL patients, no anti-compensatory saccades, or only significantly smaller ones, could be detected for head turns to both sides., Conclusion: SHIMP is a specific and sensitive test to detect a complete horizontal canal loss at the acute stage. In addition, it reflects the ability of patients with moderate horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex gain decrease to generate anti-compensatory saccades in the chronic stage. In association with v-HIT, it allows determination of the residual vestibular function and to detect anti-compensatory saccades.

Falls in seniors are a major public health problem. Falls lead to fear of falling, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life. Vestibular dysfunction is one of the fall risk factors. The relationship between objective measures of vestibular responses and age has been studied. However, the effects of age on vestibular perception during caloric stimulation have not been studied. Twenty senior subjects were included in the study, and separated in two groups: 10 seniors reporting postural instability (PI) and exhibiting absence of vestibular perception when they tested with caloric stimulation and 10 sex- and age-matched seniors with no such problems (controls). We assessed vestibular perception on a binary rating scale during the warm irrigation of the caloric test. The function of the various vestibular receptors was assessed using video head impulse test (vHIT), caloric tests, and cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials. The Equitest was used to evaluate balance. No horizontal canal dysfunction assessed using both caloric test and vHIT was detected in either group. No significant difference was detected between PI and control groups for the peak SPV of caloric-induced ocular nystagmus or for the HVOR gain. All the controls perceived rotation when the maximal SPV during warm irrigation was equal to or ≥15°/s. None of the subjects in the PI group perceived rotation even while the peak SPV exceeded 15°/s, providing objective evidence of normal peripheral horizontal canal function. All the PI group had abnormal Equitest results, particularly in the two last conditions. These investigations show for the first time that vestibular perception can be absent during a caloric test despite normal horizontal canal function. We call this as dissociation vestibular neglect. Patients with poor vestibular perception may not be aware of postural perturbations and so will not correct for them. Thus, falls in the elderly may result, among other factors, from a vestibular neglect due to an inappropriate central processing of normal vestibular peripheral inputs. That is, failure to perceive rotation during caloric testing when the SPV is >15°/s, should prompt the clinician to envisage preventive actions to avoid future falls such as rehabilitation.