Anatomical Study Research Articles

Potential of the Thoracoepigastric Vein as a Drainage Vein in Breast Reconstruction With a Free Flap: An Anatomical Study Using Computed Tomography.

The recipient vessel choice is very important when performing free-flap breast reconstructions. Usually, the concomitant vein of the recipient artery is anastomosed, and mismatches in the diameter are occasionally observed. We consider the thoracoepigastric vein (TEV) as a potential useful recipient vein. The use of the TEV is not a novel technique. It has been used by surgeons for free-flap anastomoses in the axillary region, but usually as an anastomotic site for the second vein. However, anatomical findings such as TEV diameter, its deficiency rate, and influence on mastectomy are not clear. In this study, computed tomography (CT) was performed to evaluate the use of the TEV as a recipient vein for breast reconstruction. The medical records of patients who underwent breast reconstruction with free-flap transfer were retrospectively evaluated. In most cases, CT was performed using a tissue expander inserted after mastectomy. The TEV was considered suitable if its diameter on the mastectomy side was >1 mm and the vertical distance from the most distal slice level where the TEV could be seen at the third costal cartilage height of the parasternal region was <50 mm. Sixty-six sides of 33 patients were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 49.3 ± 5.1 years. The TEV was used in five flaps. TEV diameters were not significantly different between the left and right sides (1.85 ± 0.53 vs. 1.82 ± 0.6, respectively, p = 0.836). On the mastectomy side, eight (25%) TEVs were injured, but only three (8.6%) were considered unavailable. On the healthy side, 96.4% TEVs were available. TEVs may be a good choice as vein anastomosis targets for breast reconstruction with a free flap because of their relatively large vessel diameter. UMIN-CTR: R000061573.

Taxonomic and Anatomic Studies on Some Ferns of District KOTLI, AZAD JAMMU and KASHMIR

Taxonomic and Anatomic Studies on Some Ferns of District KOTLI, AZAD JAMMU and KASHMIR

Mid-Term Migration Pattern of a Cemented Collared Anatomical Stem-A Retrospective Study Using EBRA-FCA.

Background: Aseptic loosening is one of the leading causes of stem revision. Einzel Bild Röntgen Analyse-Femoral Component Analysis allows for the detection of distal stem migration, which is used as a predictive factor for implant longevity. This study aims to demonstrate the migration behavior of a cemented collared anatomical stem. Methods: This study retrospectively examined all patients who received a cemented Lubinus SP II stem (Waldemar Link, Hamburg, Germany) between 2003 and 2019. We used the EBRA-FCA software (University of Innsbruck, Austria) to determine the migration patterns and thoroughly examined the patients' medical histories. In addition, the potential influence of femoral configuration and BMI on the migration behavior was assessed. Results: This study included 61 patients (48 females and 13 males) with a total of 61 stems that met our inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery was 76 years (ranging from 30 to 93 years). According to EBRA-FCA migration analysis, a median subsidence of 0.7 mm was observed at 24 months and at the final follow-up (median 78 months). Distal stem migration was significantly higher at the 6-month time point in patients with Dorr type A femurs compared to Dorr type B femurs (p = 0.016). Body mass index (BMI) had no significant effect on stem migration. Conclusions: The measured subsidence of the Lubinus SP 2 stem using EBRA-FCA was below established thresholds, indicating excellent long-term outcomes. Although there was significantly increased subsidence in Dorr type A femurs during the initial 6 months, thereafter, no statistically significant difference was observed compared to Dorr type B femurs.

The oculomotor cistern and pituitary adenomas: anatomical and clinical study.

The oculomotor cistern (OMC) is a meningeal cuff filled with CSF that contains the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve [CN] III) at the level of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. Only a few studies have investigated the involvement of the OMC by pituitary adenomas (pituitary neuroendocrine tumors [PitNETs]), mainly with relatively small case series. The aim of this study was to perform a histomorphological description of the OMC and systematically analyze its involvement by PitNETs from radiological, clinical, and surgical perspectives. Ten hemisellae from formalin-fixed specimens were studied with 3-µm sections. Digital image analysis software was used for morphological and quantitative assessments. Clinical, radiological, surgical, and histological data of patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for PitNETs at the University of Brescia, Italy, between 2014 and 2021 were recorded. OMC involvement was graded as not compressed, compressed, and invaded. The same surgical team operated on all patients. The OMC had an elliptical shape with an average area of 3.1 mm2 and a length of 5.5 mm. No cisternal points of weakness were recognized in the histomorphological study. Of 315 patients, 246 had complete data: apoplexy and CN III palsy were documented in 6.9% and 8.5%, respectively. OMC compression and invasion were recorded in 106 (43.1%) and 23 (9.3%) patients. Significant associations between OMC involvement and PitNET dimensions (p < 0.001), Knosp grade (p < 0.001), preoperative oculomotor palsy (p < 0.001), Ki-67 percentage (p = 0.009), and recurrence/progression of residual tumor (p = 0.008) were found. A new postoperative CN III palsy was evident in 2%: transient in 4 cases, and persistent in 1 patient treated for a recurrent PitNET who experienced a local infection complication. Preoperative CN III palsy improved in 10 cases. Significant OMC involvement by PitNETs might be underrecognized, but it can be treated using the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, and it affects patient outcomes.

Acute Stress Affects the Relaxin/Insulin-Like Family Peptide Receptor 3 mRNA Expression in Brain of Pubertal Male Wistar Rats.

The current literature suggests that relaxin-3/relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 3 (RLN-3/RXFP-3) system is involved in the pathophysiology of affective disorders because the results of anatomical and pharmacological studies have shown that the RLN-3 signaling pathway plays a role in modulating the stress response, anxiety, arousal, depression-like behavior, and neuroendocrine homeostasis. The risk of developing mental illnesses in adulthood is increased by exposure to stress in early periods of life. The available data indicate that puberty is especially characterized by the development of the neural system and emotionality and is a "stress-sensitive" period. The presented study assessed the short-term changes in the expression of RLN-3 and RXFP-3 mRNA in the stress-dependent brain regions in male pubertal Wistar rats that had been subjected to acute stress. Three stressors were applied from 42 to 44 postnatal days (first day: a single forced swim; second day: stress on an elevated platform that was repeated three times; third day: restraint stress three times). Anxiety (open field, elevated plus maze test) and anhedonic-like behavior (sucrose preference test) were estimated during these tests. The corticosterone (CORT) levels and blood morphology were estimated. We found that the RXFP-3 mRNA expression decreased in the brainstem, whereas it increased in the hypothalamus 72h after acute stress. These molecular changes were accompanied by the increased levels of CORT and anxiety-like behavior detected in the open field test that had been conducted earlier, that is, 24h after the stress procedure. These findings shed new light on the neurochemical changes that are involved in the compensatory response to adverse events in pubertal male rats and support other data that suggest a regulatory interplay between the RLN-3 pathway and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in the mechanisms of anxiety-like behavior.

Gross anatomical and morphometric studies of bones of the pectoral limb of wild boar (Sus scrofa cristatus)

Gross anatomical and morphometric studies of bones of the pectoral limb of wild boar (Sus scrofa cristatus)

Morphometric evaluation of middle ear anatomical structures using full volume (12 × 9) CBCT scans: A retrospective study in Navi Mumbai

Introduction: The tympanic cavity contains three tiny bones, the malleus, incus, and stapes, which have a fundamental role in the transmission of sound. Recent research emphasizes the use of CBCT for the anatomic study of the temporal bone. The information about middle ear anatomy on CBCT scans is meager; hence, this retrospective study was conducted to identify and determine the various morphometrical parameters of the malleus using CBCT which can be helpful during reconstructive procedures for the otologic surgeon. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study was performed on 200 subjects (101 M and 99 F) in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. CBCT images of 200 subjects were studied in all planes to identify ossicular chain and the malleus to investigate the morphometric parameters in Indian Subjects. Result: The average of morphometric parameters shows that the mean length of the malleus is 7.2 mm, the mean width of the head of the malleus is 3.02 mm, length of superior semicircular canal is 4.90 mm, and length of external auditory canal is 19.15 mm in Navi Mumbai population. Conclusion: The obtained morphometric data of the malleus through our study will help the prosthesis maker in the formation of various implants and grafts required to treat various ear diseases.

Transorbital Approach Clipping of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: A Virtual Reality Morphometric Anatomic Study

The transorbital approach (TOA) has a unique advantage to the more common lateral approaches as it provides direct access to the anterior middle fossa and medial sylvian fissure (SF) without significant dissection or retraction. However, when to use the TOA for surgical treatment of MCA aneurysms remains unclear. This study details the feasibility of clipping unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms via the TOA by highlighting the anatomic features that either facilitate or hinder the approach. Virtual reality (VR) models of 25 MCA aneurysms from CT angiograms of actual patients were rendered with the relevant anatomic structures, including the neighboring temporal lobe and SF. TOA was performed on the models in VR and the globe was translated medially and inferiorly, replicating retraction used intraoperatively. Anatomic data, including the area of surgical freedom (AOF) at the aneurysm, were recorded. Trials of aneurysm clipping were conducted in VR and each aneurysm was classified as "possible" or "impossible" candidates for clipping via TOA. Separately, the relationship between surgical view and SF visualized was analyzed. Sixteen aneurysms were eliminated as candidates for TOA treatment either through VR clip trial and/or because the SF was inaccessible. The remaining 9 (36%) were candidates for TOA. Comparing the details of these two aneurysm categories with Mann Whitney U tests, there was a statistically significant difference in the AOF of the TOA approach and the width of the aneurysm dome. A clinical case report is also provided highlighting the VR rehearsal similarity with surgery. Given the minimally-invasive, technically-challenging approach, the feasibility and safety of TOA for MCA aneurysms must be evaluated before wide clinical adoption. This study identified AOF, aneurysm width, and SF accessibility as three features that may significantly impact the possibility of clipping MCA aneurysms via TOA.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation in the Upper Arm: A Functional Anatomical Study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to accurately locate the neural fascicle controlling hand movement in the upper arm, to enhance expression of motor intention after targeted muscle reinnervation. MethodsThe right sides of the median, ulnar and radial nerves were dissected from distal to proximal in 6 fresh cadaver specimens. The sectional location and diameter of the functional fascicle were measured at 10 and 20 cm below the acromion. The diameter of the main muscle branches of muscle reinnervation target muscles was measured. ResultsThe median nerve branch of finger and wrist flexion was mainly located between the 9 and 12 o’clock positions in the plane 10 and 20 cm below the acromion, where the diameter of the nerve fascicle was 2.07 and 2.04 mm, respectively. The ulnar nerve branch of finger and wrist flexion was mainly located between the 8 and 12 o’clock positions, with a diameter of respectively 1.80 and 1.99 mm. The radial branch of finger and wrist extension was mainly located between the 10 and 2 o’clock positions in the plane 10 cm below the acromion and between 6 and 12 o’clock in the plane 20 cm below the acromion, with a diameter of respectively 2.57 and 3.03 mm. ConclusionsThe nerve fascicles innervating the flexor and extensor fingers were distributed in relatively constant regions of the median, ulnar and radial nerve trunks, and their diameters closely matched the muscle branches of the target muscle.

Anatomical study of variations in the configurations of the circle of Willis in relation to age, sex, and diameters of the components.

The circle of Willis (COW) refers to the anastomotic arterial network found on the brain base, tasked with provision of collateral circulation aimed at prevention of ischemia. The COW is of immense clinical importance especially with regard to the assessment of neurovascular diseases. Individuals portray significant variations in the COW's anatomical configuration. The present study seeks to evaluate the existing anatomical variations of the COW and within the anterior and posterior segments of the COW. Thus, the study seeks to evaluate the different anatomical variations of the COW and its segments and components within the study population. To attain the set objectives, the present study has utilized the angiographic images for studying the COW variants in patients who underwent cerebral angiography during assessment of different types of cerebral anomalies and conditions. Therefore, this study used conventional angiography as an important tool in the evaluation of the different variations in the COW, and is most appropriate for evaluation of smaller anatomical variations owing to its perfect spatial resolution and portrayal of COW anatomy. The study findings indicated the existence between age and sex, and anatomical variations of the COW, particularly with regard to diameters of COW components like basilar artery (BA), P1, and internal carotid arterys (ICAs). Males had bigger BA, P1 and ICA diameters than females, while individuals aged below 40 years had bigger BA, A1, posterior communicating artery, and ICA diameters than those aged above 40 years.

Application of Topographical Anatomy of the Trochlear Nerve in Transtentorial Approaches: An Anatomic Study.

Transection of the free edge of tentorium (FET) might be necessary when approaching cavernous sinus lesions, clip placement in certain posterior communicating artery aneurysms, or during transpetrosal and retrosigmoid transtentorial approaches. No anatomic study has investigated the relationship of the trochlear and oculomotor nerve and FET in an attempt to identify a safe zone for such maneuver. Ten embalmed specimens (20 sides) were studied and the following morphometric measurements were taken using digital microcalipers: trochlear (TP) to oculomotor porus (OP), length of the intratentorial segment of cranial nerve (CN) IV, nerve free FET, and distance along the oculomotor (CN III) from its OP to CN III/trochlear (CN IV) crossing and angle between the long-axis petrous ridge and TP (petrotrochlear angle). The CN IV pierced the deep layer of the FET in all cases at a mean distance 8.11 mm (4.43-11.33) posterior to the OP, measured along the FET. CN IV continued within the tentorial edge for a mean of 6.17 mm (3.18-11.33) before entering the cavernous sinus at a mean distance of 1.9 mm (0-5.46 mm) from the posterior-most aspect of the OP. A nerve-free portion of FET was 1.93 mm (mean) (0-5.46). No nerve-free FET segment (<1 mm) was observed in 4 sides (20%), and a nerve-free FET segment <2.00 mm was seen in 55% of cases. The mean distance from OP to the CN III/IV crossing was 10.17 mm (1.00-15.57). The mean petrotrochlear angle was 164.49° (140.01-183.85), and >175° in 4 specimens (20%). Our data confirm presence of the intratentorial segment of CN IV. Transection of the FET carries the lowest risk of CN IV injury if performed < 2 mm or >10 mm posterior to the OP, or posterior to intersection of the FET and a virtual extension of a petrous ridge.

The Foraminal Indices of the Rat Scapula.

The nutritive arteries of bones may be injured due to fracture or surgical procedures. Therefore, there are some studies focused on the location of the nutrient foramen (NF) of bones. Rats are the most preferred animals in experimental studies. The purpose of this study is to expose the locational variations of the NF on the rat (Sprague Dawley) scapula. A total of 60 adult rat scapulae (from 16 male and 14 female rats) were used. The diameters of NFs were measured. The length, width, and distances of the NF to the proximal and cranial edges were measured. Foraminal indices were also calculated. It was determined that the average number of NF per scapula was 1.8. The location of the NFs was 52% on the medial aspect and 48% on the lateral aspect. On the medial aspect of the scapula, NFs were frequently found ventrally, on the neck region of the scapula. Laterally, 40 NFs were found in the ventral region of the infraspinatus fossa and only 12 in the ventral region of the supraspinatus fossa. Longitudinal foraminal index 95% confidence intervals were 74.25-79.18 (lateral) and 71.70-75.97 (medial). Transversal foraminal index 95% confidence intervals were 40.98-45.02 (lateral) and 42.91-46.07 (medial). Diameter of the NF 95% confidence interval was 0.21-0.39 mm. The locational knowledge of the NF can be utilized in anatomical or experimental surgery studies. The cranial and proximal edges of the rat scapula may be palpable; surgeons may palpate these regions and easily evaluate the location of the NFs.

New taxa of giant caimans from the southernmost hyperdiverse wetlands of the South American late Miocene

Here we present a comparative anatomical study of large late Miocene alligatorids of Argentina (Ituzaingó Formation), in which we analyse their taxonomy, morphological disparity, and phylogenetic relationships. ‘Caiman lutescens’ and Caiman gasparinae are two giant Miocene Argentinean caimanines that are assigned to the genus Caiman. ‘Caiman lutescens’ was originally described based on the large size of several isolated cranial and postcranial elements. In this study we consider that the lectotype of ‘C. lutescens’, an articulated left premaxilla and maxilla (MACN-Pv 5416), is morphologically indistinguishable from rostral morphotypes present in other jacarean caimanines, like Caiman latirostris and Caiman wannlangstoni, and therefore ‘C. lutescens’ is here considered a nomen dubium while MACN-Pv 5416 is an indeterminate Jacarea. A partial skull table, MACN-Pv 13551, was originally and historically referred to ‘C. lutescens’, and even wrongly considered its holotype, but it is here redescribed and reinterpreted as the holotype of a new genus and species. Additionally, after the comparative anatomical study of the holotype of C. gasparinae (MLP-Pv 73-IV-15-1), we conclude that it shows a distinctive combination of skull morphological features that allows it to be distinguished from other caimanines, including extant Caiman species. This situation and the results of the phylogenetic analyses lead us to erect a new genus for this species, which results in a new nomenclatorial combination. These new results support the idea that the alligatorid assemblages of the South American late Miocene wetlands were highly diverse at high latitudes (c. 30–35°S), as evidenced by the taxonomic diversity and morphological disparity present in the crocodylian assemblage of the Ituzaingó Formation in Paraná. The close relationship between the two new taxa + Mourasuchus spp. with Purussaurus spp. recovered in the present study reinstates the question of how to define the Caiman genus, as well as when and where it originated. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6096F826-7CCA-4795-B4CF-5AFF87D6EBCC

Male genitalia, hierarchical homology, and the anatomy of the bullet ant (Paraponera clavata; Hymenoptera, Formicidae).

The male genitalia of insects are among the most variable, complex, and informative character systems for evolutionary analysis and taxonomic purposes. Because of these general properties, many generations of systematists have struggled to develop a theory of homology and alignment of parts. This struggle continues to the present day, where fundamentally different models and nomenclatures for the male genitalia of Hymenoptera, for example, are applied. Here, we take a multimodal approach to digitalize and comprehensively document the genital skeletomuscular anatomy of the bullet ant (Paraponera clavata; Hymenoptera: Formicidae), including hand dissection, synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography, microphotography, scanning electron microscopy,confocal laser scanning microscopy,and 3D-printing. Through this work, we generate several new concepts for the structure and form of the male genitalia of Hymenoptera, such as for the endophallic sclerite (=fibula ducti), which we were able to evaluate in detail for the first time for any species. Based on this phenomic anatomical study and comparison with other Holometabola and Hexapoda, we reconsider the homologies of insect genitalia more broadly, and propose a series of clarifications in support of the penis-gonopod theory of male genital identity. Specifically, we use the male genitalia of Paraponera and insects more broadly as an empirical case for hierarchical homology by applying and refining the 5-category classification of serial homologs from DiFriscoet al.(2023) (DLW23) to all of our formalized concepts. Through this, we find that: (1) geometry is a critical attribute to account for in ontology, especially as all individually identifiable attributes are positionally indexed hence can be recognized as homomorphic; (2) the definition of "structure" proposed by DLW23 is difficult to apply, and likely heterogeneous; and (3) formative elements, or spatially defined foldings or in- or evaginations of the epidermis and cuticle, are an important yet overlooked class of homomorphs. We propose a morphogenetic model for male and female insect genitalia, and a model analogous to gene-tree species-tree mappings for the hierarchical homology of male genitalia specifically. For all of the structures evaluated in the present study, we provide 3D-printable models - with and without musculature, and in various states of digital dissection - to facilitate the development of a tactile understanding. Our treatment of the male genitalia of P. clavata serves as a basic template for future phenomic studies of male insect genitalia, which will be substantially improved with the development of automation and collections-based data processing pipelines, that is,collectomics. The Hymenoptera Anatomy Ontology will be a critical resource to include in this effort, and in best practice concepts should be linked.

Carotid Plexus Sympathetic Nerves as a Landmark for the Abducens Nerve Within the Cavernous Sinus During Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: Cadaveric Anatomic Study and Surgical Consideration.

The abducens nerve (CN VI) is vulnerable to injury during endoscopic endonasal transcavernous surgery. In this study, the authors aimed to develop the surgical anatomic landmark and explore the relationship between the sympathetic nerves (SNs) around the internal carotid artery (ICA) and CN VI within the cavernous sinus (CS). The relationship and patterns between the SNs and CN VI were investigated in 15 cadaveric specimens. The intraoperative examples of anatomic landmark were presented. There were SNs around the ICA running into the CN VI, classified into ascending SNs and accessory sympathetic branches. The ascending SNs were divided into 3 types: (1) Type I had a single ascending SN. There were 2 subtypes of Type I (Type IA [17/30, 56.7%] was defined as a single ascending branch that ran into the CN VI, and Type IB [4/30, 13.3%] was defined as a single ascending branch with a terminal bifurcation before merging into the CN VI or lateral CS wall), (2) Type II (7/30, 23.3%) was defined as 2 ascending branches that ran into the CN VI and the lateral CS wall, and (3) Type III (2/30, 6.7%) was defined as 3 ascending branches that ran into the CN VIs and the lateral wall of the CS. The accessory branches of the SNs were defined by sympathetic branches from the posterior genu or horizontal ICA and found in 6/30 sides (20%). The authors propose a classification of the relationship between paraclival ICA SNs and the CN VI within the CS, as approached during endoscopic endonasal surgery. The consistent relationship of the ascending SN and CN VI within the CS provides a reliable anatomic landmark during the endonasal approach to the CS.

Revisiting morphology of xiphoid process of the sternum in human: a comprehensive anatomical study.

The xiphoid process (XP) in animals such as sheep and rats are well known to have cartilage called xiphoidal cartilage (XC). In humans, the cartilage in the xiphoid process is considered an anatomical variant and is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology of the XP. A total of twenty embalmed European descendant cadaveric sterna (aged 52 to 98 years) were used. Transilluminated XPs and midsagittal sections of XPs were used to examine the bone and cartilage. Subsequently, a sagittally-sectioned XP was harvested for histology and stained with Masson's trichrome. The results of the transillumination and histological examinations were compared qualitatively. The dark area visible in transilluminated XPs was consistent with the bony part in the midsagittal XP sections, which contained bone marrow; the bright area was consistent with the cartilage part in the midsagittal XP sections. This was all demonstrated histologically. Most of the XPs (85%) had some portion of cartilage. The XP was classified into four types based on its proportions of bone and cartilage: Type I, no ossification (< 1/3 ossification) 45%; Type II, minor ossification (1/3 - 1/2 ossification) 20%; Type III, major ossification (1/2-2/3 ossification) 20%; Type IV, complete ossification (> 2/3 ossification) 15%. Most of the XPs (85%) had bone and cartilage, which could have been overlooked in studies using skeletons or CT. Previous studies probably underestimated or overestimated the size of the XP. The XC needs to be considered as normal anatomy.

Native root hemiparasites form haustorial attachments with multiple invasive and expansive species

Parasitic plants are known for shaping plant communities, mainly by suppressing dominant species. This suppression, in some cases, fosters species coexistence and boosts overall diversity. Recent studies reveal that certain parasitic plants can curb invasive alien plants or expansive native species. In this study, we followed previous case studies, investigating the ability of three common Central European hemiparasitic species to attach to roots and form functional haustoria across a broad range of invasive and expansive hosts. For each host-hemiparasite pair, we posed two questions: (i) Do the hemiparasites produce haustoria on the host's roots or rhizomes? (ii) Does the anatomical structure of the haustoria include all features necessary for their functionality? We cultivated three hemiparasitic species, Melampyrum arvense L., Rhinanthus alectorolophus (Scop.) Pollich, and Odontites vernus subsp. serotinus (Dumort.) Corb., in pots with 18 candidate hosts. After cultivation, we dissected the root systems to determine haustoria abundance and to collect them for anatomical study to assess their functionality. Hemiparasite individuals in each pot were also counted. The hemiparasitic species produced haustoria on the majority of tested hosts (37 out of 44 combinations), with little difference between native expansive and alien invasive plant species. In 13 host-hemiparasite combinations (including eight combinations with invasive species), we identified abundant functional haustoria and good establishment of the hemiparasites. Remarkably, all three hemiparasitic species formed functional haustoria on invasive Asteraceae hosts. By contrast, Melampyrum arvense performed poorly when cultivated with grasses. We identified a series of hemiparasite-host combinations, which should be further tested for the potential hemiparasite effect on host fitness in the field. The abundance and anatomical structure of the haustoria indicates that the recognised low specificity of the hemiparasitic interactions applies also to associations with alien invasive species, with which they do not share a common evolutionary history.

A safe zone of dorsal scaphoid approach: an anatomic study of proximal dorsal vessel foramina.

The dorsal approach to the scaphoid carries a risk of injuring its nutrient vessels. This cadaveric study identified a safe zone dorsally, which extends from the proximal pole to 11.3 mm distally along the scaphoid axis.Level of evidence: Level V.

Investigating properties of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) flower buds that help promote freezing avoidance by supercooling.

Mechanisms involved in the supercooling of plant tissues as a means of low temperature survival are still not fully understood. We investigated properties that may promote supercooling in overwintering sweet cherry (Prunus avium) flower buds. We conducted experiments on sweet cherry flower buds using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and observed locations of ice formation in the bud structure. We also used anatomical development and water-soluble dye uptake throughout the overwintering period to identify changes that correlate with gain and loss of supercooling capacity. Our results revealed barriers to ice propagation are likely unique to each primordium, as inferred from exotherms produced from buds subjected to DTA, although multiple primordia may freeze simultaneously. Ice is accommodated between the bud scales and within the bud axis; however, full expression of supercooling was not dependent on the presence of scales. Anatomical and DTA studies revealed a correlation between vascular differentiation in primordia and loss of supercooling in the spring; these observations were at a higher temporal resolution than previously described for Prunus. Furthermore, disturbing tissues subtending the primordia interfered with typical patterns of supercooling, indicated more erratic and numerous exotherms produced during DTA. In summary, sweet cherry flower buds undergo extra-organ freezing. In winter, a barrier to ice propagation in the region directly subtending primordia protects the flower from freezing damage, but in the spring xylem differentiation in primordia provides a conduit for ice propagation that compromises supercooling.

ANATOMICAL STUDY OF PERCUTANEOUS TENOTOMY OF THE ILIOPSOAS TENDON GUIDED BY ULTRASOUND IN CADAVERS: A VIABLE TECHNIQUE?

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous tenotomy of the iliopsoas tendon with the aid of ultrasound in cadavers.An anatomical and descriptive study of the technique of percutaneous tenotomy of the iliopsoas tendon guided by ultrasound and to share our experience in performing it and its reproducibility in clinical practice.Out of 20 tenotomies, 17 were total, performed at the level of the superior border of the acetabulum. Three tenotomies were partial, with more than 75% of the tendon being sectioned in all three. During one of the tenotomies, there was a partial injury to the femoral nerve. Measurements were made of the distance between the site where the blade was inserted and the femoral nerve, a noble structure that would be at greater risk during the procedure, with an average distance of 8.4 millimeters.Ultrasound-guided iliopsoas tendon release procedures have the ability to be performed in a cadaveric model, consistently achieving complete tendon release, except in cases of obesity, with minimal repercussions on adjacent structures, and require approximately 4 minutes to complete.