A chromosome-level Amaranthus cruentus genome assembly highlights gene family evolution and biosynthetic gene clusters that may underpin the nutritional value of this traditional crop

Traditional crops historically provided accessible and affordable nutrition to millions of rural dwellers but have been neglected, with most modern agricultural systems over reliant on a small number of internationally-traded crops. Traditional crops are typically well-adapted to local agro-ecological conditions and many are nutrient-dense. They can play a vital role in local food systems through enhanced nutrition (especially where diets are dominated by starch crops), food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers, and a climate-resilient and biodiverse agriculture. Using short-read, long-read and phased sequencing technologies we generated a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly for Amaranthus cruentus, an under-researched crop with micronutrient- and protein-rich leaves and gluten-free seed, but lacking improved varieties, with respect to productivity and quality traits. The 370.9 MB genome demonstrates a shared whole genome duplication with a related species, Amaranthus hypochondriacus. Comparative genome analysis indicates chromosomal loss and fusion events following genome duplication that are common to both species, as well as fission of chromosome 2 in A. cruentus alone, giving rise to a haploid chromosome number of 17 (versus 16 in A. hypochondriacus). Genomic features potentially underlying the nutritional value of this crop include two A. cruentus-specific genes with a likely role in phytic acid synthesis (an anti-nutrient), expansion of ion transporter gene families, and identification of biosynthetic gene clusters conserved within the amaranth lineage. The A. cruentus genome assembly will underpin much-needed research and global breeding efforts to develop improved varieties for economically viable cultivation and realisation of the benefits to global nutrition security and agrobiodiversity

How should the articular disc position be analyzed?

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Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of discal attachment of superior head of lateral pterygoid muscle in individuals with symptomatic temporomandibular joint

Objective: There has been much speculation on the role of the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement. As a result, this muscle has been the focus of many reports attempting to understand its possible role in TMJ internal derangement. Study Design: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging exams of 108 TMJ disorder patients were assessed for types of morphologic insertion of the superior head of LPM to the condyle-disc complex and possible correlation with disc position. The investigation was made on the sagittal T1-weighted MR images in closed- and open-mouth positions. Results: There was a lack of correlation between attachment pattern of the superior head of LPM and presence or absence of anterior disc displacement. Conclusions: The explanation of anterior disc displacement based on the attachment type of the superior head of LPM is unlikely; the type of muscular insertion does not appear to have a predictive or prognostic value for TMJ internal derangement. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Buccal Bifurcation Cyst: A Diagnosis Not to Miss

Buccal bifurcation cyst (BBC) is a rare odontogenic cyst of unknown etiology. It typically develops on the buccal aspect of the permanent mandibular first and second molars in younger patients (8 to 16 years old). Common clinical signs are the lack of or a delay in eruption of a mandibular first or second molar, swelling in the affected mandibular molar region, and an increase in periodontal pocket depth. Specific radiographic features include a radiolucent lesion on the buccal aspect of the tooth, tilting of the involved molar, and periosteal reaction on the buccal surface. However, the histopathologic features are inconclusive. In this report, we present a case of BBC with special emphasis on the characteristic radiographic features and differential diagnosis

The neglected anatomical and clinical aspects of pterygoid canal: CT scan study

Purpose To present the variable positions of pterygoid canal (PC) relative to sphenoid sinus floor and cavity, which may be helpful for understanding pathologic and surgical conditions related to sphenoid sinus region. Materials and methods Coronal sinonasal CT images of 300 adult patients, in the Department of Radiology at Al- Jala Traumatology Hospital, Benghazi, Libya, were investigated for the positional variation and dehiscence of PC. Of the patients, there was equal gender distribution, ages ranged between 16 and 82 years (mean age 34.6 years). The position of PC was categorized as below the sinus floor, within the floor, and within the sinus cavity (protrusion). Results Canals located under the floor were identified in 38.3% (230/600), within-the-floor canals were encountered in 39.6% (238/600); and canals protruding into the sinus cavity (i.e., within sinus cavity) were observed in 22% (132/600). Dehiscence of the bony wall of PC was recognized in 26% (157/600). Coexistence of PR and protruding PC was found in 16.5% (99/600), 7.3% (44/600) on the right side and 9.2% (55) on the left side. Statistically, there was significant association between PR and PC protrusion (p = 0.000). Conclusion The anatomical and positional variations of PC are highly encountered. Surgeons addressing vidian neurectomy must be familiar with the positional variations of PC in the preoperative CT images for easier and safer nerve identification and transection. © Springer-Verlag 2011.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Unusual cone-beam computerized tomography presentation of traumatic (simple) bone cyst: Case report and radiographic analysis

Traumatic (simple) bone cyst (TBC) is an empty nonepithelial-lined cavity of the jaws. The majority of TBCs are located in the body or symphysis of the mandible. Clinically, the lesion is asymptomatic and often discovered incidentally on routine radiographic examination as a noncorticated sharply defined radiolucent area with undulating borders. Because tissues for histologic examination may be scant or nonexistent, the definite diagnosis is invariably achieved during surgery when the lesion is empty. In this report, we present a case of unusual bilateral synchronous TBCs of the mandible with possible traumatic etiology, featuring significant buccolingual expansion of the mandibular ramus and body, presence of septa, and probable displacement of the inferior alveolar canal. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Enormous aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandible: Case report and radiologic-pathologic correlation

A 33-year-old patient with a huge aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) was imaged using cone-beam CT, MRI, and angiography. ABC is an uncommon non-neoplastic, expansile lesion of bone. Although common in the appendicular skeleton and spine, only 2% of the lesions occur in the craniofacial skeleton. The plain radiographic features of gnathic ABC may show an omni-expansile unilocular or multilocular radiolucency. Fluid-fluid levels have been reported in cystic compartments of ABCs; however, this feature is not diagnostically specific for ABC. In this article, we present a case of a rapidly growing, extraordinarily large ABC of the posterior mandible, with emphasis on comparative imaging features of this lesion in cone-beam CT, MRI, and carotid angiography.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Science (IJDOS)

Objective: To investigate frequency, anatomic location, and morphology of mental and genial spinal foramina in a group of Thai population. Materials and Methods: A total of 107 maxillofacial cone-beam computed tomography scans were collected and analyzed for frequency, anatomic location and morphology of mental and genial spinal foramina. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square test, one-way ANOVA and independent t-test. P values less than 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant. Results: The mental foramen was located at the apex of second premolar in 46% and between apices of premolars 35.8%. Round and oval mental foramina were found in 65% and 21% of patients, respectively. The superior and inferior genial spinal foramina were encountered in 80.3% and 32.7% of patients, respectively. The accessory mental foramen was identified in 6.6% of patients. The average distance from the center of mental foramen to the alveolar and basal borders of mandibular body was 11.70 ± 2.13 and 16.34 ± 3.79mm, respectively. Conclusion: This study indicates that horizontal position of mental foramen in Thai population is remarkably variable. Cone beam computerized tomography is optimal for delineating diminutive anatomical structures in the anterior mandible. High prevalence rates of superior and inferior genial spinal foramina necessitate comprehensive CBCT screening before surgery in the interforaminal region of the mandible

Cone beam CT analysis of Haller cells: Prevalence and clinical significance

Objectives: Haller cells are anterior ethmoid air cells located in the medial orbital floor immediately lateral to the maxillary infundibulum. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the prevalence and relationship between the existence and size of these cells with ipsilateral maxillary sinusitis and orbital floor dehiscence as visualized on cone beam CT (CBCT) images. Methods: CBCT image volumes of 50 patients were retrieved and analysed. All CBCT images were acquired with a 9-inch field of view scan. x2 and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests were used for statistical analysis of the obtained data, and p-values of <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: There was no statistically significant association between the existence and size of Haller cells and maxillary sinusitis. There was a significant association between Haller cells and orbital floor dehiscence. Conclusions: The explanation of maxillary sinusitis on the basis of mechanical obstruction is unlikely. This study provides evidence for the usefulness of CBCT scan in delineation of the sinonasal anatomy. © 2013 The Authors. Published by the British Institute of Radiology.link_to_subscribed_fulltex