Automated pelvic anatomical coordinate system is reproducible for determination of anterior pelvic plane

Most of computer-assisted planning systems need to determine the anatomical axis based on the anterior pelvic plane (APP). We analysed that our new system is more reproducible for determination of APP than previous methods. A pelvic model bone and two subjects suffering from hip osteoarthritis were evaluated. Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) images were scanned with various rotations by MDCT scanner. The pelvic rotation was calibrated using silhouette images. APP was determined by an optimisation technique. The values of variation of APP caused by pelvic rotation were analysed with statistical analysis. APP determination with calibration and optimisation was most reproducible.The values of variance of APP were within 0.05° in model bone and 0.2° even in patient pelvis. Furthermore, the values of variance of APP with calibration/optimisation were significantly lower in comparison without calibration/optimisation. Both calibration and optimisation are actually required for determination of APP. This system could contribute to the evaluation of hip joint kinematics and computer-assisted surgery.     

An alternative miRISC targets a cancer‐associated coding sequence mutation in FOXL2

Recent evidence suggests that animal microRNAs (miRNAs) can target coding sequences (CDSs); however, the pathophysiological importance of such targeting remains unknown. Here, we show that a somatic heterozygous missense mutation (c.402C>G; p.C134W) in FOXL2, a feature shared by virtually all adult‐type granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs), introduces a target site for miR‐1236, which causes haploinsufficiency of the tumor‐suppressor FOXL2. This miR‐1236‐mediated selective degradation of the variant FOXL2 mRNA is preferentially conducted by a distinct miRNA‐loaded RNA‐induced silencing complex (miRISC) directed by the Argonaute3 (AGO3) and DHX9 proteins. In both patients and a mouse model of AGCT, abundance of the inversely regulated variant FOXL2 with miR‐1236 levels is highly correlated with malignant features of AGCT. Our study provides a molecular basis for understanding the conserved FOXL2 CDS mutation‐mediated etiology of AGCT, revealing the existence of a previously unidentified mechanism of miRNA‐targeting disease‐associated mutations in the CDS by forming a non‐canonical miRISC.     

Microscopy in Infectious Disease Research—Imaging Across Scales

A comprehensive understanding of host–pathogen interactions requires quantitative assessment of molecular events across a wide range of spatiotemporal scales and organizational complexities. Due to recent technical developments, this is currently only achievable with microscopy. This article is providing a general perspective on the importance of microscopy in infectious disease research, with a focus on new imaging modalities that promise to have a major impact in biomedical research in the years to come. Every major technological breakthrough in light microscopy depends on, and is supported by, advancements in computing and information technologies. Bioimage acquisition and analysis based on machine learning will pave the way toward more robust, automated and objective implementation of new imaging modalities and in biomedical research in general. The combination of novel imaging technologies with machine learning and near-physiological model systems promises to accelerate discoveries and breakthroughs in our understanding of infectious diseases, from basic research all the way to clinical applications.     

Technical note: Enhancement of Scott's molar wear scoring method

A method is described for orienting maxillary and mandibular molars in order to standardize the reporting of wear scores on quadrants of the occlusal surfaces (Scott: Am J Phys Anthropol 51 (1979) 213–217). The method, which was developed on an archeological sample from ancient Mendes, Egypt, further requires that quadrant scores be reported individually and sequentially for each tooth, rather than summed, in order to identify more easily differential and directional wear patterns. Intraobserver and interobserver error was found to be negligible when the appropriate diagrams and instructions were consulted. Thus, observer error does not add further to the potential for error associated with Scott's original scoring method. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopic imaging investigation into an animal model exhibiting glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant human brain tumour for which no cure is available at present. Numerous clinical studies as well as animal experiments are under way with the goal being to understand tumour biology and develop potential therapeutic approaches. C6 cell glioma in the adult rat is a frequently used and well accepted animal model for the malignant human glial tumour. By combining standard analytical methods such as histology and immunohistochemistry with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopic imaging and multivariate statistical approaches, we are developing a novel approach to tumour diagnosis which allows us to obtain information about the structure and composition of tumour tissues that could not be obtained easily with either method alone. We have used a “Stingray” FTIR imaging spectrometer to analyse and compare the compositions of coronal brain tissue sections of a tumour-bearing animal and those from a healthy animal. We have found that the tumour tissue has a characteristic chemical signature, which distinguishes it from tumour-free brain tissue. The physical-chemical differences, determined by image and spectral comparison are consistent with changes in total protein absorbance, phosphodiester absorbance and physical dispersive artefacts. The results indicate that FTIR imaging analysis could become a valuable analytic method in brain tumour research and possibly in the diagnosis of human brain tumours.     

Juxtaligamental system of the disc and oral frame of the ophiuroid Amphipholis kochii (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) and its role in autotomy

Abstract. The ophiuroid Amphipholis kochii is able to detach its central disc from the underlying oral frame in response to external stimuli. In this article we supply new observations on the microanatomy and ultrastructure of the autotomy plane, and of the juxtaligamental system which is believed to bring about connective tissue changes that underpin the detachment process. We correct previous confusion over the innervation of juxtaligamental nodes involved in disc autotomy, provide evidence that juxtaligamental cells are a population of specialized nerve cells, and present observations on changes in the ultrastructure of juxtaligamental cells during autotomy, which support the view that they are responsible for connective tissue disruption.