The relationship between body size and stridulatory sound production in loricariid catfishesa).

Sound production capabilities and characteristics in Loricariidae, the largest catfish family, have not been well examined. Sounds produced by three loricariid catfish species, Otocinclus affinis, Pterygoplichthys gibbiceps, and Pterygoplichthys pardalis, were recorded. Each of these species produces pulses via pectoral-fin spine stridulation by rubbing the ridged condyle of the dorsal process of the pectoral-fin spine base against a matching groove-like socket in the pectoral girdle. Light and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the dorsal process of the pectoral-fin spines of these species. Mean distances between dorsal process ridges of O. affinis, P. gibbiceps, and P. pardalis were 53, 161, and 329 µm, respectively. Stridulation sounds occurred during either abduction (type A) or adduction (type B). O. affinis produced sounds through adduction only and P. pardalis through abduction only, whereas P. gibbiceps often produced pulse trains alternating between abduction and adduction. In these species, dominant frequency was an inverse function of sound duration, fish total length, and inter-ridge distance on the dorsal process of the pectoral-fin spine and sound duration increased with fish total length. While stridulation sounds are used in many behavioral contexts in catfishes, the functional significance of sound production in Loricariidae is currently unknown.

Case of Orbital Compartment Syndrome Post Cardiac Arrest.

Orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) is a rare ophthalmic surgical emergency in the setting of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) Irreversible vision loss can occur without immediate surgical treatment consisting of lateral cantholysis. We present a case of acute OCS discovered after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with subsequent immediate lateral canthotomy and notable decrease in IOP. This in part demonstrates the importance of recognizing the clinical signs of OCS with or without trauma in the emergency department in addition with preparedness to perform a vision-saving procedure. Diagnosis is clinical and early recognition is essential. Index of suspicion for OCS in cardiac arrest without signs or history of trauma would typically be low, however, given the case presented, it was important for it to be excluded once the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Complicated by Hyperleukocytosis and Leukostasis in the Emergency Department.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other hematologic malignancies can be complicated by hyperleukocytosis, which leads to an increased risk for other severe complications such as tumor lysis syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and leukostasis. In this report, we present a case of a 65-year-old female with newly diagnosed AML complicated by leukostasis. We briefly review the clinical significance as well as initial diagnostic and therapeutic considerations pertaining to hyperleukocytosis and its associated complications.

Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure and Septic Shock Secondary to Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia Complicated by Heroin Overdose.

We present the case of a woman with a past medical history of intravenous drug use and tobacco abuse who was brought into the emergency department by emergency medical services after a heroin overdose. She was found to be in acute hypoxic respiratory failure and developed septic shock secondary to Mycoplasma pneumonia. In this case report, the presentation and management of fulminant Mycoplasma pneumonia are discussed, along with plain chest radiography findings.