Branching Pattern Research Articles

Tree architecture: A strigolactone-deficient mutant reveals a connection between branching order and auxin gradient along the tree stem.

Due to their long lifespan, trees and bushes develop higher order of branches in a perennial manner. In contrast to a tall tree, with a clearly defined main stem and branching order, a bush is shorter and has a less apparent main stem and branching pattern. To address the developmental basis of these two forms, we studied several naturally occurring architectural variants in silver birch (Betula pendula). Using a candidate gene approach, we identified a bushy kanttarelli variant with a loss-of-function mutation in the BpMAX1 gene required for strigolactone (SL) biosynthesis. While kanttarelli is shorter than the wild type (WT), it has the same number of primary branches, whereas the number of secondary branches is increased, contributing to its bush-like phenotype. To confirm that the identified mutation was responsible for the phenotype, we phenocopied kanttarelli in transgenic BpMAX1::RNAi birch lines. SL profiling confirmed that both kanttarelli and the transgenic lines produced very limited amounts of SL. Interestingly, the auxin (IAA) distribution along the main stem differed between WT and BpMAX1::RNAi. In the WT, the auxin concentration formed a gradient, being higher in the uppermost internodes and decreasing toward the basal part of the stem, whereas in the transgenic line, this gradient was not observed. Through modeling, we showed that the different IAA distribution patterns may result from the difference in the number of higher-order branches and plant height. Future studies will determine whether the IAA gradient itself regulates aspects of plant architecture.

Identification of Box Scale and Root Placement for Paddy–Wheat Root System Architecture Using the Box Counting Method

Root fractal analysis is instrumental in comprehending the intricate structures of plant root systems, offering insights into root morphology, branching patterns, and resource acquisition efficiency. We conducted a field experiment on paddy–wheat root systems under varying nitrogen fertilizer strategies to address the need for quantitative standardization in root fractal analysis. The study evaluated the impact of nitrogen fertilizer heterogeneity on root length and number. We established functional relationships and correlations among root fractal characteristics and root length across different box dimension scales and various root placement angles at 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 box dimension scales. Results indicated that nitrogen fertilizer had a limited impact on paddy–wheat axile roots, with a coefficient of variation below 0.35 among samples. Box dimension scale influenced 3D fractal dimension (FD) and fractal abundance (FA), with strong correlations (>78%) among 3D fractal features and low sample errors (<6%). The linear correlation coefficient exceeded 72% between 3D FA and root length and 50% between FA and FD. Different axile root placement angles significantly impacted planar fractal results, particularly at a 10° angle. This stability was maintained throughout the sampling period, with high correlation coefficients (>0.76 for FA and >0.5 for FD) and low sample errors (<1.5% for FA and <4.5% for FD). In conclusion, for calculating the 3D fractal characteristics of paddy–wheat axile roots during the seedling stage, box dimension scales of 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80, as well as 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 and 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96, were suitable. When computing the planar fractal characteristics of paddy–wheat axile roots during this stage, a 10° placement angle between axile root systems yields lower errors. These findings enhance root quantification methods, standardize root analysis, and promote the comparability of crop root system fractal data across different varieties and regions, thereby advancing root-related research.

Morphology and variability of the facial nerve trunk depending on the branching pattern, gender, anthropometric type and side of the head in Moldovan population.

Knowledge concerning variability of the facial nerve trunk (FNT) direction after its exit through the stylomastoid foramen is of a great clinical significance for maxillofacial surgeons, otorhinolaryngologists, oncologists, specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery. The aim of our study was to establish the variation of the FNT direction and its peculiarities depending on the branching pattern, gender, anthropometric type and side of the head. The direction of the FNT and its branching pattern were studied on 75 dissected hemifaces of adult formalised cadavers (59 male/ /16 female), and the morphometry of the FNT length, width and bifurcation angle was carried out. Seven branching patterns of the facial nerve were established: type I - 18.7%, type II - 14.7%, type III - 20%, type IV - 14.6%, type V - 5.3%, type VI - 18.7%, and type NI - 8% (bizarre types). The FNT had a descending direction in 73.3% of cases; ascending FNT - 9.3% (including 5.3% of very short diffuse branching trunks and 1.3% of arch-shaped FNT); horizontal FNT - 10.7%; number variants - 6.7%. The male/female ratio of the descending FNT was 69.5%/87.4%; ascending - 10.2%/6.3%; horizontal - 11.9%/6.3%; number variants - 8.4% (only in male). The right/left ratio of the descending FNT was 62.9%/82.5%; ascending - 11.4%/7.5%; horizontal - 11.4%/10%; number variants - 14.3% (only on the right side). The ratio of the descending FNT in mesocephalic type (MCT)/brachycephalic type (BCT)/dolichocephalic type (DCT) was respectively 70.6%/100%/66.7%; ascending - 12.1%/0%/0%; horizontal - 12.1/0%/11.1%. Numerical variants in MCT - 5.2%, in DCT - 22.2%. The mean number of FNT in MCT/BCT/DCT was respectively 1.07/1.0/1.22. Three main directions are characteristic of the FNT: the descending, ascending and horizontal ones, which vary depending on the branching pattern, gender, shape and side of the head.

Comprehensive anatomical study of meningeal arteries in dromedaries

This study provides a detailed, in-depth analysis of the anatomy, topography, and branching patterns of the meningeal arteries in dromedary camels, a subject that has not previously been thoroughly studied in animals, providing insight into the intricate biological adaptations that allow them to survive in harsh environments. By precisely examining 20 heads obtained from freshly slaughtered dromedaries, we revealed the origins and topologies of the rostral, middle, and caudal meningeal arteries using advanced casting techniques for precise rendering. Our findings indicate that the rostral meningeal artery derives from the external ethmoidal artery and primarily supplies the rostrodorsal region of the frontal lobe. The middle meningeal artery provides blood to approximately two-thirds of the brain meninges. The caudal meningeal artery is derived from the occipital artery and supplies the meninges covering the cerebellum, caudal part of the falx cerebri, and tentorium cerebelli. Significantly, our study revealed the presence of accessory branches originating from the rostral epidural rete mirabile, a finding not previously described in the existing literature. These branches supply the meninges of the frontal and lateral regions of the frontal lobes. This novel study advances our understanding of the meningeal arteries in dromedaries and has significant implications for advancements in veterinary neuroscience.

Revisiting the taxonomy of Populus lasiocarpa × P. wilsonii hybrids

Although hybrids between Populus lasiocarpa and P. wilsonii have been known for many years, they have not been given a valid nothospecies name. Resolving the classification issue of these bigleaf poplars is now even more necessary because they are known not only from cultivation, but recent evidence confirms their spontaneous occurrence in Hubei Province, China (Zhang, unpublished information). The two species were first artificially crossed in 1956 in Poland and again independently in 1974 in Sweden. Initially, this taxon was described as P. ×wilsocarpa (Bartkowiak & Bugała, 1978). However, this name was invalid due to the lack of Latin diagnosis (which was required at that time) and lack of type designation. In 1996, Böcker and Koltzenburg proposed the name P. ×kornicensis for this hybrid, but it too was invalid for similar reasons and lack of description. In our work, we revisited these poplars and validated the name proposed by Böcker and Koltzenburg by providing a description and type designation. Considering the overall appearance of these hybrid poplars (silhouette, branching pattern), they bear a closer resemblance to P. wilsonii. Other analyzed morphological features are mostly intermediate compared to the parent species, but overall, they lean slightly more towards P. lasiocarpa. We highlight the main diagnostic characteristics that distinguish these species.

Boosting Triticeae crop grain yield by manipulating molecular modules to regulate inflorescence architecture: insights and knowledge from other cereal crops.

One of the challenges for global food security is to reliably and sustainably improve the grain yield of cereal crops. One solution is to modify the architecture of the grain-bearing inflorescence to optimize for grain number and size. Cereal inflorescences are complex structures, with determinacy, branching patterns, and spikelet/floret growth patterns that vary by species. Recent decades have witnessed rapid advancements in our understanding of the genetic regulation of inflorescence architecture in rice, maize, wheat, and barley. Here, we summarize current knowledge on key genetic factors underlying the different inflorescence morphologies of these crops and model plants (Arabidopsis and tomato), focusing particularly on the regulation of inflorescence meristem determinacy and spikelet meristem identity and determinacy. We also discuss strategies to identify and utilize these superior alleles to optimize inflorescence architecture and, ultimately, improve crop grain yield.

Factors associated with the laterality of Cardio-Embolic stroke

ObjectiveUnderstanding the lateralization factors, including the anatomic and hemodynamic mechanisms, is essential for diagnosing cardio-embolic stroke. This study aims to investigate the elements, for the first time together, that could affect the laterality of stroke. MethodsWe performed a monocentric retrospective case-control study based on prospective registries of acute ischemic stroke patients in the comprehensive stroke center of the RWTH University hospital of Aachen for three years (June 2018–June 2021). We enrolled 222 patients with cardioembolic stroke (136 left stroke and 86 right stroke) admitted for first-ever acute ischemic stroke with unilateral large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation. The peak systolic velocity (PSV) asymmetry of middle cerebral artery (MCA) was assessed by doppler as well as internal carotid artery (ICA) angle, aortic arch (AA) branching pattern and anatomy were assessed by CT-Angiography. ResultsWe found that the increasing left ICA angle (p = 0.047), presence of bovine type AA anatomy (p = 0.041) as well as slow PSV of the right MCA with a value of >15% than left (p = 0.005) were the predictors for left stroke lateralization, while the latter was an independent predictor for the left stroke (OR=3.341 [1.415–7.887]). Inter-Rater Reliability ranged from moderate to perfect agreement. ConclusionThe predictors for left stroke lateralization include the higher values of left ICA angle, presence of the bovine type AA and the slow right MCA PSV.

Topographical Systematization of Human Placenta Model for Training in Microneurosurgery

BackgroundNeurosurgical training continuously seeks innovative methods to enhance the acquisition of essential technical skills for neurosurgeons worldwide. While various training models have been employed, few truly replicate real-life conditions optimally. Human placenta is a good model for neurosurgical microsurgery training due to its anatomical similarities to neurovascular structures. Placental vessels exhibit a branching pattern and caliber comparable to intracranial vessels, making them suitable for practicing microsurgical techniques. ObjectiveThe study aims to delineate the anatomical zones of the placenta and propose a segmented training model, resulting in a reproducible, cost-effective, and realistic neurosurgical microsurgery training environment. MethodsTwenty human placentas were meticulously prepared, injected with dyes, and categorized into zones based on anatomical features. Measurements of placental vessels were recorded and compared to cerebral vessels. The placenta was divided into four quadrants to facilitate specific training techniques. ResultsOur results revealed varying vessel diameters across placental zones, closely resembling cerebral vessels. Different microsurgical techniques were applied to specific placental zones, thereby optimizing training scenarios. The applicability section described exercises such as membrane dissection, vessel skeletonization, aneurysm creation, vascular bypass, and tumor dissection within the placental model, providing detailed guidance on the zones suitable for each exercise. ConclusionHuman placenta serves as an effective microsurgical training model for neurosurgery, enhancing neurosurgeons’ skills through anatomical segmentation. Integrating this model into training programs can significantly contribute to skill acquisition and improved surgical outcomes. Further research is warranted to refine and expand its utilization, complemented by clinical experiences and other simulation tools.

Gelidiella papillosa sp. nov. (Gelidiellaceae, Rhodophyta) from Veracruz, Mexico, in the context of the worldwide distribution of G. acerosa

Abstract Gelidiella acerosa is a widely distributed species, with type locality in Yemen, whose morphology has been characterized by decumbent axes from which numerous abundantly branched erect axes emerge, pectinate, alternate or radial. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed the presence of genetically independent groups throughout its distribution range. However, these groups cannot be described as independent since there are no sequences from the type locality that allow us to establish the genetic group to which the true G. acerosa belongs, generating a complex of cryptic species. In the present study, from COI-5P and rbcL sequence data, we detected six genetically differentiated groups, one of which is represented only by specimens from the Western Atlantic region. Given the allopatric pattern, it is possible to describe the Atlantic group as an independent species of the cryptic complex in the Indo-Pacific. Gelidiella papillosa sp. nov. shares several morphological features with other specimens previously identified as G. acerosa in other countries, like the appearance of the thallus, branching patterns, the presence of multiple superficial hairs on the branches or cell measurements. However, these characters have not been evaluated in detail among the different genetic groups within Gelidiella acerosa, consequently, G. papillosa can be supported only by its genetic independence and allopatric distribution.

Polyphenolic Carbon Quantum Dots with Intrinsic Reactive Oxygen Species Amplification for Two-Photon Bioimaging and In Vivo Tumor Therapy.

Recent studies indicate that mitochondrial dysfunctions and DNA damage have a critical influence on cell survival, which is considered one of the therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. In this study, we demonstrated a comparative study of the effect of polyphenolic carbon quantum dots (CQDs) on in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy. Dual emissive (green and yellow) shape specific polyphenolic CQDs (G-CQDs and Y-CQDs) were synthesized from easily available nontoxic precursors (phloroglucinol), and the antitumor property of the as-synthesized probe was investigated as compared to round-shaped blue emissive CQDs (B-CQDs) derived from well-reported precursor citric acid and urea. The B-CQDs had a nuclei-targeting property, and G-CQDs and Y-CQDs had mitochondria-targeting properties. We have found that the polyphenol containing CQDs (at a dose of 100 μg mL-1) specifically attack mitochondria by excess accumulation, altering the metabolism, inhibiting branching pattern, imbalanced Bax/Bcl-2 homeostasis, and ultimately generating oxidative stress levels, leading to oxidative stress-induced cell death in cancer cells in vitro. We show that G-CQDs are the main cause of oxidative stress in cancer cells because of their ability to produce sufficient •OH- and 1O2 radicals, evidenced by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and a terephthalic acid test. Moreover, the near-infrared absorption properties of the CQDs were exhibited in two-photon (TP) emission, which was utilized for TP cellular imaging of cancer cells without photobleaching. The in vivo antitumor test further discloses that intratumoral injection of G-CQDs can significantly augment the treatment efficacy of subcutaneous tumors without any adverse effects on BalB/c nude mice. We believe that shape-specific polyphenolic CQD-based nanotheranostic agents have a potential role in tumor therapy, thus proving an insight on treatment of malignant cancers.

Prevalence of Axillary Artery Variants and Their Clinical Significance: A Scoping Review.

Axillary artery (AA) variants occurred quite commonly, presenting clinical implications. A literature search yielded 523 resultsfrom which 13 parameters were extracted. Some of the AA variants found were the fusion of two or more branches into common trunks, like the fusion of anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries. Moreover, several branches were found to emerge from different points than expected, like the lateral thoracic artery's origin from the subscapular artery instead of the second part of the AA. The importance of the knowledge of the AA variations in clinical practice is undeniable and very useful when planning interventional procedures, as in the case of AA aneurysm treatment or in cases of fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus. The heterogeneity of data limited the possibility of a quantitative summary of data. Therefore, a more systemic study of AA variants based on the origin, course, and branching pattern is suggested. The aim of the current review is to summarize current data literatureregarding the AA typical anatomy and its variants, with a focus on their prevalence and possible clinical implications.

Evaluation of Uterine Artery Origins on Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Images

Background/Aims: The origin of the uterine artery varies widely. The branching patterns of the internal iliac artery are also quite variable. Branching of the internal iliac artery in different ways is important in pelvic surgery. In our study, fertile and infertile groups were created, and the arteries that gave rise to the uterine artery were examined. Methods: A total of 152 uterine arteries (n = 152) were evaluated retrospectively on 3D contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images. Based on the study of Gomez-Jorge, the types of origin of the uterine artery were obtained. With regards to the incidence of types, differences between the fertile and infertile groups were examined. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the incidence of origin types (p = 0.214). Based on the study of Gomez-Jorge, five different types of origins were obtained. The most common was type I (the uterine artery being the first branch of the inferior gluteal artery) origination. Conclusions: There are studies investigating the origin of the uterine artery in literature. We believe that our findings will also contribute to the body of knowledge available.

Molecular Marker-Assisted Mapping, Candidate Gene Identification, and Breeding in Melon (Cucumis melo L.): A Review.

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an important crop that is cultivated worldwide for its fleshy fruit. Understanding the genetic basis of a plant's qualitative and quantitative traits is essential for developing consumer-favored varieties. This review presents genetic and molecular advances related to qualitative and quantitative phenotypic traits and biochemical compounds in melons. This information guides trait incorporation and the production of novel varieties with desirable horticultural and economic characteristics and yield performance. This review summarizes the quantitative trait loci, candidate genes, and development of molecular markers related to plant architecture, branching patterns, floral attributes (sex expression and male sterility), fruit attributes (shape, rind and flesh color, yield, biochemical compounds, sugar content, and netting), and seed attributes (seed coat color and size). The findings discussed in this review will enhance demand-driven breeding to produce cultivars that benefit consumers and melon breeders.

Ardisiakrauensis, a new species of Primulaceae (Myrsinoideae) from Peninsular Malaysia.

Ardisiakrauensis, a new species of Primulaceae from Peninsular Malaysia, is described and illustrated. The new species is assignable into subgenus (§) Pyrgus on account of specialised lateral reproductive branches bearing a terminal inflorescence subtended by foliose bracts. Morphologically, the new species mostly resembles Ardisiarigida in having elliptic leaves. However, the new species can be distinguished by the combination of its lateral veins number, the inflorescence branching pattern, the rachis and flower colour, and the stigma shape. Ardisiakrauensis is found in an entirely protected habitat, thus, it is assessed as Least Concern (LC).

Role of magnetic resonance imaging to differentiate between borderline and malignant serous epithelial ovarian tumors.

We aimed to differentiate serous borderline ovarian tumors (SBOT) from serous epithelial ovarian carcinomas (SEOC) using morphological and functional MRI findings, to improve the patient management. We retrospectively investigated 24 ovarian lesions diagnosed with SBOT and 64 ovarian lesions diagnosed with SEOC. Additional to the demographic and morphological findings T2W signal intensity ratio, mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean) and total apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCtotal) values were analyzed and compared between two groups. Bilaterality, pelvic free fluid presence, serum CA-125 level (U/mL), presence of pelvic peritoneal implant were in favor of SEOC. Lower maximum size of solid component and solid size to maximum size ratio, dominantly cystic and solid-cystic appearance, exophytic growth pattern, presence of papiller projection and papillary architecture and internal branching pattern, higher T2W signal intensity ratio, ADCmean and ADCtotal values were in favor of SBOT. Our study revealed that morphological and functional imaging findings were valuable in differentiating BSOT from SEOC.

A rare variation in the origin of the lingual artery: thyro-linguo-laryngeal trunk.

The anatomy of the external carotid artery and its variations are of ground significance in head and neck surgery. During a dissection of a male cadaver, an undescribed common trunk between superior thyroid, superior laryngeal, and lingual arteries was found. The variations of the anterior cervical branches of the external carotid artery and their clinical implications are discussed. The described unusual branching pattern of the external carotid artery must always be considered in invasive or non-invasive procedures because it may lead to unexpected complications.

Variations in deep iliac circumflex artery perforator chimeric flap design for single-stage customized-reconstruction of composite bone and soft-tissue defect

The deep iliac circumflex artery (DICA) perforator (DICAP) chimeric flap is a valuable treatment strategy for single-stage reconstruction of composite bone and soft-tissue defects in upper and lower extremities. However, its utilization rate remains low owing to anatomical variations that lead to challenges when identifying and dissecting perforators. A comprehensive anatomical investigation was conducted on the DICA system by injecting lead oxide into 12 fresh cadavers following a standardized procedure. From January 2008 to December 2020, 30 patients with composite bone and soft-tissue defects received reconstruction surgery with DICAP chimeric flap. One of the four specified surgical techniques was used to create a modified DICAP chimeric flap for the patients based on the size, shape, and location of the defect. Two branching patterns of DICA, transverse and ascending branches, were observed, and the former gave off the osteomusculocutaneous perforators and terminal musculocutaneous perforators. Thirty DICAP chimeric flaps were elevated successfully. The size of the skin paddles measured from 9×4.5cm to 22×9cm, and the bone components ranged from 3×2.5×1.5cm to 6×3.5×2cm. All flaps survived successfully after the operation, and all patients achieved primary closure of the donor sites. No patient encountered the fracture of transferred iliac segments. The mean bone union time was 5.5 months (ranging from 4 to 8 months). The DICA system is a suitable source for harvesting the DICAP chimeric flap to reconstruct composite bone and soft-tissue defects. It provides a flexible design for individualized coverage of such defects with limited donor-site morbidity.

Median-Joining Networks and Bayesian Phylogenies Often Do Not Tell the Same Story

Inferring phylogenies among intraspecific individuals often yields unresolved relationships (i.e., polytomies). Consequently, methods that compute distance-based abstract networks, like Median-Joining Networks (MJNs), are thought to be more appropriate tools for reconstructing such relationships than traditional trees. Median-Joining Networks visualize all routes of relationships in the form of cycles, if needed, when traditional approaches cannot resolve them. However, the MJN method is a distance-based phenetic approach that does not involve character transformations and makes no reference to ancestor–descendant relationships. Although philosophical and theoretical arguments challenging the implication that MJNs reflect phylogenetic signal in the traditional sense have been presented elsewhere, an empirical comparison with a character-based approach is needed given the increasing popularity of MJN analysis in evolutionary biology. Here, we use the conservative Approximately Unbiased (AU) test to compare 85 cases of branching patterns of cycle-free MJNs and Bayesian Inference (BI) phylogenies using datasets from 55 empirical studies. By rooting the MJN analyses to provide directionality, we report substantial disagreement between computed MJNs and posterior distributions on BI phylogenies. The branching patterns in MJNs and BI phylogenies show significantly different relationships in 37.6% of cases. Among the relationships that do not significantly differ, 96.2% show alternative sets of relationships. Our results indicate that the two methods provide different measures of relatedness in a phylogenetic sense. Finally, our analyses also support previous observations of the statistical hypothesis testing by reconfirming the over-conservativeness of the Shimodaira-Hasegawa test versus the AU test.

VARIATIONS IN THE ORIGIN OF PROFUNDA BRACHII ARTERY FROM BRACHIAL ARERTY-SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Objective: The profunda brachii artery (PBA) is a chief artery in anterior compartment of the arm for the nutritional source. Knowledge of variations in the origin and branching is helpful for the surgeon during catheterization and harvesting of lateral flaps. Methods: During the routine dissection for medical undergraduate students we found variations in the branching pattern of PBA in 72 arms from 36 cadavers in the Department of Anatomy, Viswabharathi Medical College, Penchikalapadu, and Kurnool, over 5 years. We preserved all the variations carefully. Results: We observed PBA in all the cadavers, patterns of origin, branches, and termination were recorded. In 96.9% of cadavers artery arises from the brachial artery (BA), in 1.4% from the axillary artery, and in 1.7% cadavers from a common stem with the superior ulnar collateral arteries. In 11.1% and 16.7% of the cadavers showed duplication and early branching. Conclusion: Humeral fractures and BA catheterization the incidence of duplication and early branching make it vulnerable to inadvertent injury and may complicate lateral arm flaps. Pre-operative angiographic evaluation is therefore recommended.

An alternating QRS: How does it go even though it's pretty slow?

We present the case of a 42 year old patient with a history of childhood lymphoma treated with chemotherapy and radiation who underwent combined aortic and mitral valve replacements and who postoperatively developed an interesting ECG which showed complete heart block and an alternating left bundle branch and narrow complex QRS pattern at a heart rate of 69 beats per minute (bpm). We discuss potential mechanisms for this interesting pattern.