Grambank reveals the importance of genealogical constraints on linguistic diversity and highlights the impact of language loss

While global patterns of human genetic diversity are increasingly well characterized, the diversity of human languages remains less systematically described. Here, we outline the Grambank database. With over 400,000 data points and 2400 languages, Grambank is the largest comparative grammatical database available. The comprehensiveness of Grambank allows us to quantify the relative effects of genealogical inheritance and geographic proximity on the structural diversity of the world's languages, evaluate constraints on linguistic diversity, and identify the world's most unusual languages. An analysis of the consequences of language loss reveals that the reduction in diversity will be strikingly uneven across the major linguistic regions of the world. Without sustained efforts to document and revitalize endangered languages, our linguistic window into human history, cognition, and culture will be seriously fragmented.

The "reversed halo" sign in pneumonococcal pneumonia: a review with a case report

The "reversed halo" sign (RHS) is a distinct radiological sign representing a focal rounded area of ground-glass opacity surrounded by a more or less complete ring of consolidation. Initially, it was reported in two cases of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia and was considered to be relatively specific of the disease. Since then, it has been reported in a wide variety of clinical entities, thus reducing its specificity. We describe the reversed halo sign in a case of pneumonococcal pneumonia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in English literature. The presence of the "reversed halo" sign during the resolution phase of pneumonococcal pneumonia has serious implications. First, it further reduces its specificity. Second, it opens new areas of research regarding its significance in cases of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia.

A rare cause of dysphagia--aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA)

Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery (ARSA) is a rare vascular anomaly. It is though the most frequent anomaly involving the aortic arch, being present in about 1% of the general population. We present a case of a 71 year old male with symptoms of chronic cough and dysphagia. He was referred to our clinic for further evaluation of a mediastinal mass. A second Computed Tomography of the thorax was performed, this time with the use of i.v. contrast. The latter examination confirmed the diagnosis (ARSA), sparing the patient of invasive and potentially life threatening diagnostic procedures (invasive angiography, mediastinoscopy). This case highlights the significant pitfalls regarding the mediastinal evaluation, especially when i.v. contrast is not used. The majority of the mediastinal structures are vessels. Vessels abnormalities should be included in the differential diagnosis of a mediastinal mass.

A 77 year old male with peripheral eosinophilia, pulmonary infiltrates and a small pleural effusion

The presence of peripheral eosinophilia with lung infiltrates poses a diagnostic challenge for the clinician. The differential diagnosis includes a wide spectrum of diseases. In some of them (for example vasculitis, lymphoma) eosinophilic pneumonia represents just another "symptom" and not the final diagnosis. A thorough diagnostic procedure is required to examine all related clinical entities in order to establish a firm diagnosis. In particular, Idiopathic Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia (ICEP) is a rare disorder. In the majority of cases, it is characterized by peripheral eosinophilia, lung infiltrates, bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophilia (above 25%), exclusion of other possible causes and last but not least an impressive improvement under steroid therapy. Relapses are common but they do not seem to be related with ICEP associated mortality.