Caudal Border Research Articles

Anatomy of the nasal latero-lateral cartilage articulation: a micro-MRI study in human specimens.

To study the anatomy of the latero-lateral joint (LLJ) between the upper lateral (ULC) and lower lateral (LLC) crus of the nasal cartilages, usually described as a scroll articulation. Six nasal pyramids were taken in monobloc from fresh cadavers and imaged on micro-MRI with 0.4mm slice thickness. Images were jointly interpreted by two head and neck radiologists and one surgeon. The junction between the ULC and LLC, the presence of ligaments and of sesamoid or accessory cartilages were assessed. Eight LLJs could be analyzed, with four types of junctions: hook-shaped cephalic border of the LLC turned towards the nasal fossa and linear caudal border of the ULC (n = 3), hook-shaped caudal border of the ULC and linear cephalic border of the LLC lateral crus (n = 1), hook-shaped border of both cartilaginous edges with clinging (n = 1) (scroll articulation) or without clinging (n = 3). No ligament or sesamoid cartilage was found, but posterior accessory cartilages were seen in 75% of the cases. The classical scroll articulation of the LLJ has been observed in only 1/8 cases on micro-MRI images. The anatomy of the LLJ could explain the surgical difficulty in raising the tip of the nose in some patients and not in others.

Early Wnt Signaling Activation Promotes Inner Ear Differentiation via Cell Caudalization in Mouse Stem Cell-Derived Organoids.

The inner ear is derived from the otic placode, one of the numerous cranial sensory placodes that emerges from the pre-placodal ectoderm (PPE) along its anterior-posterior axis. However, the molecular dynamics underlying how the PPE is regionalized are poorly resolved. We used stem cell-derived organoids to investigate the effects of Wnt signaling on early PPE differentiation and found that modulating Wnt signaling significantly increased inner ear organoid induction efficiency and reproducibility. Alongside single-cell RNA sequencing, our data reveal that the canonical Wnt signaling pathway leads to PPE regionalization and, more specifically, medium Wnt levels during the early stage induce (1) expansion of the caudal neural plate border (NPB), which serves as a precursor for the posterior PPE, and (2) a caudal microenvironment that is required for otic specification. Our data further demonstrate Wnt-mediated induction of rostral and caudal cells in organoids and more broadly suggest that Wnt signaling is critical for anterior-posterior patterning in the PPE.

Measurement of tracheal diameters using ultrasonography versus computed tomography in Beagle dogs

ObjectiveTo compare ultrasonography with computed tomography (CT) for assessment of tracheal diameter as a feasibility study for endotracheal tube selection. Study designProspective study. AnimalsA total of nine Beagle dogs with a median (interquartile range) weight of 7.4 (7.2–7.7) kg. MethodsTracheal diameter measurements were obtained at two locations: 1 cm proximal to caudal border of the cricoid cartilage (sublaryngeal; SL) and dorsal to above cranial border of the manubrium (thoracic inlet; TI). For CT, dogs were anesthetized with propofol and sevoflurane, in sternal recumbency, and measurements obtained after controlled ventilation–induced apnea and the endotracheal tube cuff was deflated. Transverse diameter, right and left 45° oblique diameters were measured. For ultrasonography, unsedated dogs were standing with slight neck extension, and images obtained in ventrodorsal, 45° right and left oblique ways after expiration. Diameters between the tracheal lumen mucosal borders were measured. The degree of agreement between the tracheal diameters measured at SL and TI locations with CT (TDCT-SL and TDCT-TI) and ultrasonography (TDUS-SL and TDUS-TI) was verified using the Bland-Altman method. ResultsThe agreement between the measurements obtained with CT and ultrasonography was revealed by Bland-Altman analyses, although ultrasonography tended to slightly underestimate the tracheal diameter. Conclusions and clinical relevanceUltrasonography can be applied for tracheal diameter measurement. Although further studies are required, an endotracheal tube selection method, using ultrasonography, could be proposed.

Re-interpreting mesenteric vascular anatomy on 3D virtual and/or physical models, part II: anatomy of relevance to surgeons operating splenic flexure cancer

BackgroundThe splenic flexure is irrigated from two vascular areas, both from the middle colic and the left colic artery. The challenge for the surgeon is to connect these two vascular areas in an oncological safe procedure.Materials and methodsThe vascular anatomy, manually 3D reconstructed from 32 preoperative high-resolution CT datasets using Osirix MD, Mimics Medical and 3-matic Medical Datasets, were exported as STL-files, video clips, stills and supplemented with 3D printed models.ResultsOur first major finding was the difference in level between the middle colic and the inferior mesenteric artery origins. We have named this relationship a mesenteric inter-arterial stair. The middle colic artery origin could be found cranial (median 3.38 cm) or caudal (median 0.58 cm) to the inferior mesenteric artery. The lateral distance between the two origins was 2.63 cm (median), and the straight distance 4.23 cm (median). The second finding was the different trajectories and confluence pattern of the inferior mesenteric vein. This vein ended in the superior mesenteric/jejunal vein (21 patients) or in the splenic vein (11 patients). The inferior mesenteric vein confluence could be infrapancreatic (17 patients), infrapancreatic with retropancreatic arch (7 patients) or retropancreatic (8 patients). Lastly, the accessory middle colic artery was present in ten patients presenting another pathway for lymphatic dissemination.ConclusionThe IMV trajectory when accessible, is the solution to the mesenteric inter-arterial stair. The surgeon could safely follow the IMV to its confluence. When the IMV trajectory is not accessible, the surgeon could follow the caudal border of the pancreas.Graphical abstract

Axial skeletal morphological studies on the helmeted Guinea fowl (Numida meleagridis).

This study on the morphological features of bones of the helmeted guinea fowl (Numidia meleagridis) specifically the axial skeleton was conducted for documentation and valuable information on differences when compared with other species of the same order. Ten (10) Helmeted guinea fowls (5 females and 5 males) with an average weight of 3.0 kg were euthanized via jugular vein severance with bone preparation achieved via the use of insect larvae. The skull presented an elongated structure made up of paired and unpaired flat, short and long bones with distinctive features. The frontal bone projected caudodorsally to form a horn like structure, the frontal process at its middle while the vomer was absent. The cervical vertebrae were 14 in number starting from the first (Atlas) to the last vertebra without a rib. Specific distinguishing features were evident in the Atlas, Axis, 3rd to 5th, 6th to 11th and 12th to 14th cervical vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae presented 7 bones comprising the 1st single free vertebra; notarium (fused 2nd to 5th), 6th single free vertebra and the last 7th vertebrae that fused with the synsacrum which was an ankylosis of the lumbar and sacral vertebrae. The caudal vertebrae were 7 with the last; the pygostyle being distinct in appearance. The ribs were 7 pairs, of which the first two were asternal while the remaining five were sternal and consisted of proximal vertebral and distal sternal portions. The curved uncinate process articulated to the caudal border of the 2nd and vertebral portions of the 3rd to 5th ribs. The guinea fowl proved to be a carinate by presenting a single sternum with dorsolateral processes and a ventral carina. In conclusion, this study revealed that except for the skull, the axial skeleton of the Helmeted Guinea fowl presented similarities to that of the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

Form and function in the avian pelvis.

The avian pelvis plays a critical role in the hindlimb function of birds, connecting the hindlimb and axial skeleton and serving as the major attachment site for proximal hindlimb musculature. To assess how diversification of locomotor modes in birds has impacted the evolution of avian pelvic morphology, we conducted a two-dimensional geometric morphometric analysis of bird pelves in dorsal and lateral views from 163 species (n = 261) across Aves. We investigated the relationships among pelvic shape and ecology, phylogeny, and allometry, and conducted disparity analyses to understand how pelvic morphospace has been explored through the diversification of Aves. We found that while phylogeny was correlated with shape, locomotor categories were significantly discriminated in morphospace in phylogenetically corrected analyses, as was pelvic size. Major shape trends across Aves distinguishing locomotor categories included the relative area of the preacetabular versus postacetabular ilium, how squat or narrow the pelvis is, and the extent of the caudal pelvic border. Birds adapted for hind limb-propelled swimming had particularly distinctive pelves, with narrow, elongated ilia likely useful for holding the hindlimbs close to the body midline and reducing drag. However, ecology and allometry only account for a small proportion of morphological variation, and in general locomotor groups overlapped substantially in morphospace. These results, alongside disparity through time analyses showing widespread convergence in pelvic morphology throughout the Cenozoic, suggest that avian lineages and ecotypes have extensively explored pelvic morphospace, perhaps aided by a loosening of evolutionary constraints following the evolution of forelimb-powered flight.

Mapping of Level I Axillary Lymph Nodes in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer: Optimal Target Delineation and Treatment Techniques for Breast and Level I Axilla Irradiation

PurposeTo map the locations of level I axilla (Ax-L1) lymph nodes (LNs), evaluate the clinical target volume (CTV) coverage defined by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Breast Cancer Atlas, and assess the optimal techniques for whole-breast and Ax-L1 irradiation (WBI + Ax-L1). Methods and MaterialsWe identified 76 patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer with 1 to 4 positive LNs confirmed by axillary dissection. The locations of 116 involved Ax-L1 LNs on diagnostic computed tomography (CT) were mapped onto simulated CT images of a standard patient. Ax-L1 LN coverage by the RTOG atlas was evaluated, and a modified Ax-L1 CTV with better coverage was proposed. Treatment plans were designed for WBI + Ax-L1 with high tangential simplified intensity modulated radiation therapy (HT-sIMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and for WBI + RTOG Ax-L1 with VMAT with a prescription dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions, respectively. The differences in dosimetric parameters were compared. ResultsThe RTOG Atlas missed 29.3% of LNs. Modification by extending 1 cm caudal and 0.5 cm anterior to the RTOG-defined CTV borders allowed the modified Ax-L1 CTV to encompass 90.5% of LNs. All plans met the required prescription dose to WBI and Ax-L1. The mean dose and the V20 and V5 (percentage volume receiving 20 Gy and 5 Gy) of the ipsilateral lung were 11.7 Gy, 23.0%, and 38.1% for HT-sIMRT WBI + Ax-L1 and 8.9 Gy, 16.4%, and 32.5% for VMAT WBI + Ax-L1 plans, respectively. The mean heart doses in the left-sided plans were 3.2 Gy and 3.0 Gy, respectively. The V30 of the humeral head and the minimum dose to the axillary-lateral thoracic vessel junction were 2.0% versus 1.8% and 45.5 Gy versus 45.7 Gy for VMAT WBI + Ax-L1 and VMAT WBI + RTOG Ax-L1 plans, respectively. ConclusionsA modified Ax-L1 CTV with expansion of the caudal and anterior borders might provide better coverage. Compared with HT-sIMRT WBI + Ax-L1, VMAT WBI + Ax-L1 provided an adequate dose to the Ax-L1 while decreasing the doses to most normal tissues. Coverage of the modified Ax-L1 did not increase the dose to organs at risk compared with coverage of RTOG Ax-L1.

Ultrastructural adaptation of the oropharyngeal cavity of the Eurasian common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus): Specific adaptive dietary implications.

The present investigation represents the first morphological description of the oropharyngeal cavity of Eurasian common moorhen. Nine oropharyngeal cavities were examined grossly and by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations. The tongue had a rounded apex with multiple acicular processes on its rostral and lateral borders. The dorsal lingual surface of the apex and body had a median sulcus. The papillary crest carried four caudally directed triangular conical papillae on its median part and four triangular conical papillae on each lateral part. The filiform papillary system; small papillae on apex and long papillae on the rostral part of the body while broad papillae on the caudal part of the body. The lingual root had a special appearance by presence of three areas: mucosal fossa, two lateral ridges, and rhomboidal elevated central part. The caudal border of the mound carried heart-shaped pharyngeal papillae that possessed three papillary rows. The palate had a median palatine ridge rostrally that surrounded by two lateral palatine ridges. The choanae had two equal parts: rostral tapering and wide caudal. The rostral tapering choanal part was surrounded by two longitudinal rows of caudally directed conical papillae, one on each side. There was a single transverse row of conical papillae on each side of the caudal part of the rostral tapering choanal part. The caudal wide choanal part did not encircle by any papillae. Our conclusion exhibited unique structural and functional specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity with the tongue that evident with nutritional behavior.

Locoregional Extension Patterns of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Detected by FDG PET/MR.

PurposeWe sought to define the locoregional extension patterns of nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs) by positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to improve clinical target volume (CTV) delineation.MethodsBetween May 2017 and March 2021, 331 consecutive patients with nonmetastatic NPCs who underwent pretreatment, simultaneous whole-body PET/MRI for staging were included in this study.ResultsThe high-risk regions included the base of the sphenoid bone, the prestyloid compartment, prevertebral muscle, foramen lacerum, medial pterygoid plate, sphenoidal sinus, clivus, petrous apex, and foramen ovale. When the high-risk regions were invaded, the incidence rates of tumor invasion into the medium-risk regions increased. In contrast, when the high-risk regions were not involved, the incidence rates of tumor invasion into the medium-risk regions were mostly less than 10%, excluding the post-styloid compartment and oropharynx. According to the updated consensus guidelines of the neck node levels for head and neck tumors from 2013, level IIa (77.3%, 256/331), level IIb (75.8%, 251/331), and level VIIa (71.3%, 236/331) were the most frequently involved levels, followed by levels III (42.6%), Va (13.9%), IVa (8.8%), IVb (3.6%), Ib (3.6%), Vb (2.4%), VIIb (2.4%), VIII (1.8%), Vc (0.9%), and Xa (0.3%). Skip lymph node metastasis occurred in only 1.9% of patients.ConclusionsFor NPCs, primary disease and regional lymph node spread follow an orderly pattern, and a skip pattern of lymph node metastasis was unusual. Involved level radiotherapy might be feasible for cervical lymph node levels below the caudal border of cricoid cartilage and level VIIb.

Anatomical Study of the Duodenojejunal Uncinate Process Vein: A Key Landmark for Mesopancreatoduodenal Resection During Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BackgroundThe mesopancreas or mesopancreatoduodenum is an important anatomical concept during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with periampullary carcinoma. This study investigated whether the duodenojejunal uncinate process vein (DJUV), which is defined as the vein draining from the upper jejunum to the superior mesenteric vein adjacent to the uncinate process, is a useful anatomical landmark for the caudal border of mesopancreatoduodenum resection during PD.MethodsThis study enrolled 100 adult patients with hepatobiliary pancreatic disease who underwent preoperative multidetector‐computed tomography (CT). The anatomy of the key blood vessels involved during PD, and the relationship between these vessels and the DJUV, were analyzed by preoperative CT.ResultsThe first jejunal vein was the DJUV in 85 cases, whereas the second jejunal vein was the DJUV in 15 cases. Furthermore, the DJUV was classified into two subtypes depending on its positional relationship with the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery and vein were located on the cranial side of the DJUV in all cases. The distance between the middle colonic artery, used as a guide for regional lymph nodes, and the point where the DJUV intersected the SMA was within 10 mm in 80% of cases. These results imply that using the DJUV as a landmark for the caudal border of the mesopancreatoduodenum provides a safe approach and enables sufficient dissection of regional lymph nodes and tissues around the SMA.ConclusionThe DJUV may be a useful anatomical landmark for the caudal border of the mesopancreatoduodenum resection during PD.

The relationship between sternum variation and mode of locomotion in birds

BackgroundThe origin of powered avian flight was a locomotor innovation that expanded the ecological potential of maniraptoran dinosaurs, leading to remarkable variation in modern birds (Neornithes). The avian sternum is the anchor for the major flight muscles and, despite varying widely in morphology, has not been extensively studied from evolutionary or functional perspectives. We quantify sternal variation across a broad phylogenetic scope of birds using 3D geometric morphometrics methods. Using this comprehensive dataset, we apply phylogenetically informed regression approaches to test hypotheses of sternum size allometry and the correlation of sternal shape with both size and locomotory capabilities, including flightlessness and the highly varying flight and swimming styles of Neornithes.ResultsWe find evidence for isometry of sternal size relative to body mass and document significant allometry of sternal shape alongside important correlations with locomotory capability, reflecting the effects of both body shape and musculoskeletal variation. Among these, we show that a large sternum with a deep or cranially projected sternal keel is necessary for powered flight in modern birds, that deeper sternal keels are correlated with slower but stronger flight, robust caudal sternal borders are associated with faster flapping styles, and that narrower sterna are associated with running abilities. Correlations between shape and locomotion are significant but show weak explanatory power, indicating that although sternal shape is broadly associated with locomotory ecology, other unexplored factors are also important.ConclusionsThese results display the ecological importance of the avian sternum for flight and locomotion by providing a novel understanding of sternum form and function in Neornithes. Our study lays the groundwork for estimating the locomotory abilities of paravian dinosaurs, the ancestors to Neornithes, by highlighting the importance of this critical element for avian flight, and will be useful for future work on the origin of flight along the dinosaur-bird lineage.

A specialized myodural bridge named occipital-dural muscle in the narrow-ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis)

A dense bridge-like tissue named the myodural bridge (MDB) connecting the suboccipital muscles to the spinal dura mater was originally discovered in humans. However, recent animal studies have revealed that the MDB appears to be an evolutionarily conserved anatomic structure which may have significant physiological functions. Our previous investigations have confirmed the existence of the MDB in finless porpoises. The present authors conducted research to expound on the specificity of the MDB in the porpoise Neophocana asiaeorientalis (N.asiaeorientalis). Five carcasses of N.asiaeorientalis, with formalin fixation, were used for the present study. Two of the carcasses were used for head and neck CT scanning, three-dimensional reconstructions, and gross dissection of the suboccipital region. Another carcass was used for a P45 plastination study. Also, a carcass was used for a histological analysis of the suboccipital region and also one was used for a Scanning Electron Microscopy study. The results revealed that the MDB of the N.asiaeorientalis is actually an independent muscle originating from the caudal border of the occiput, passing through the posterior atlanto-occipital interspace, and then attaches to the cervical spinal dura mater. Thus the so called MDB of the N.asiaeorientalis is actually an independent and uniquely specialized muscle. Based on the origin and insertion of this muscle, the present authors name it the ‘Occipital-Dural Muscle’. It appears that the direct pull of this muscle on the cervical spinal dura mater may affect the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid by altering the volume of the subarachnoid space via a pumping action.

Scanning electron microscopy of the palatine mucosa with connective tissue papillae of the Egyptian red fox (Vulpes vulpes aegyptiaca, Linnaeus, 1758).

The present study investigated the morphological, as well as the histological features of the Egyptian red fox's palate, in addition to the three-dimensional characteristics of the connective tissue papillae (CTP) of the palate by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hard palate was narrow rostrally and its width increased caudally. The maximum width was located at the caudal border of the upper fourth premolar tooth. The incisive papilla was represented by a rounded median elevation surrounded on each side by a groove on which the oral openings of the incisive ducts opened. The rostral part of the hard palate had 9-10 caudally concave transverse palatine ridges while the caudal part appeared smooth without ridges. The palatine raphe was indistinct rostrally but formed a groove caudally. By SEM, the palatine ridges had low projections. Different microplicae systems were present on the epithelial surface of the incisive papilla, palatine rugae, interrugal areas, and the smooth part. The CTP of the incisive papilla, palatine ridges, and soft palate were conical-shaped, cylindrical-shaped, and parallel serrated ridges, respectively. Histologically, the hard palate was lined by a cornified stratified squamous epithelium resting on a dense connective layer of lamina propria while the soft palate was lined by a noncornified stratified squamous epithelium. The palatine salivary glands were present in the smooth part of the hard palate and the soft palate. The information presented in the current study might serve as a reference guide for the interpretation of pathological conditions of the palate of red fox.

Radiographic assessment of splenic size and correlation with splenic measurements estimated by use of computed tomography in healthy cats.

To investigate radiographic variables for correlation with splenic size as estimated with CT in cats. 38 healthy adult cats. The width and height of the splenic head and total length, segmental length, and width of the spleen were measured on radiographic and CT images obtained from 10 cats in prospective, exploratory experiments. Distance between the splenic head and left kidney, anatomic locations of the head and tail of the spleen, and CT-derived splenic volume were also assessed. Correlation and agreement between radiographic and CT measurements and interobserver agreement for measurements with each method were determined. A retrospective evaluation of radiographs obtained without sedation or anesthesia for 28 cats was performed to establish preliminary guidelines for the measurement deemed the most reliable estimator of splenic size. Radiographic measurements of total and segmental splenic length were significantly correlated with the respective CT measurements and with splenic volume. Agreement between radiographic and CT measurements of segmental length was good; interobserver agreement was excellent for all variables. In retrospective evaluations, median segmental length of the spleen was 57.87 mm (range, 34.72 to 105.44 mm) on radiographs; the caudal border of the splenic head on lateral views was located from the cranial part of L1 to the caudal part of L2, and the caudal border of the splenic tail on ventrodorsal views was located from the caudal part of L2 to the caudal part of L5. Results indicated that segmental length of the spleen on radiographs is a reliable estimator of splenic size in healthy cats.

Development and Validation of Prognostic Nomograms Based on Gross Tumor Volume and Cervical Nodal Volume for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients With Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy.

PurposeOur study aimed to establish and validate prognostic nomograms based on gross tumor volume (GTV) and cervical nodal volume (CNV) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with two cycles of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).MethodsFrom 2012 to 2015, 620 eligible patients who received radical treatment at the Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College were recruited for a nomogram study. Variables were determined in a training set of 463 patients from 2012 to 2014 by X-tile analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Another cohort of 157 patients in 2015 was validated with bootstrap resampling. The concordance index (C-index) and calibration curves were applied to assess its predictive discriminative and accuracy ability, while decision curve analysis (DCA), X-tile analysis and Kaplan–Meier curve for clinical application.ResultsIndependent prognostic variables for overall survival (OS) were age, GTV, CNV, cranial nerve, positive cervical lymph node laterality below the caudal border of cricoid cartilage (LNBC), and were selected for the nomogram. Optimal prognostic factors including Karnofsky performance status (KPS), age, GTV, CNV, LNBC were incorporated in the nomogram for progression-free survival (PFS). In the training set, the C-index of our nomograms for OS and PFS were 0.755 (95% CI, 0.704 to 0.807) and 0.698 (95% CI, 0.652 to 0.744). The calibration curve showed good agreement between nomogram-predicted and actual survival. DCA indicated that our nomograms were of clinical benefit.ConclusionOur nomograms are capable of effective prognostic prediction for patients with NPC.

Caudal Step Maneuver: A Reliable Control of the Tip Projection and Rotation.

Caudal Step Maneuver: A Reliable Control of the Tip Projection and Rotation.

Study the Thorax Ossification Centers in Partridge Embryos by Alizarin Red and Alcian Blue Double Staining Techniques

The current study was aimed to determine the onset of vertebral ossification, ribs, and sternum, and to evaluate ossification centers using the alizarin red and alcian blue staining techniques in the partridge embryos. One-hundred fertilized eggs of the partridge were placed in a hatching machine. From day 8 of incubation, three egg samples were randomly selected daily for staining until hatching. After staining, ossification centers in various parts of thorax were evaluated by a stereomicroscope. Data from examination of different thoracic parts of the partridge embryos indicated that cartilaginous thoracic vertebrae was were formed in the embryo on the 8th day, but the ribs and sternum were not visible. Cartilaginous ribs were formed on the 9th day of embryo. A cartilaginous sternum began to form on the 10thday of embryo. On the 13th day, cartilaginous uncinate processes were observed at the caudal border of embryonic ribs. From the 16th day, the first ossification center was detected in the body of ribs. The embryonic development process was progressive on the 17th and 18th days. The first ossification centers in the embryo of the 22nd and 23rd days were detectable in the cranio-lateral process of sternum and in the uncinate process of the first thoracic rib, respectively. On the 25th day, the cranio-medial process of sternum was the first ossification center in the embryos. The emergence of ossification centers in different parts of thorax and the developmental process were not observed at the pre-hatching time.

Posthatching developmental studies on the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix, Linnaeus, 1758) in different five age-stages.

The present study represents the first trial to characterize the ultrastructural of five ages of Coturnix coturnix. Lingual nail had membrane that differ in number among five studied ages. Filiform papillary system had four caudally directed papillae types; small (apex, rostral, and median part of body in 1 day, body in 10 and 20 days), long (apex and rostral part of body in 10 days, tip and two lateral area in 20, 30, 40-days, lateral border in 1 and 10 days, two lateral area of body in 40 days), broad (median area of body in 20, 30, 40 days). Scales on the ventral surface of apex, mound. Lingual sulci on the apex and body without reaching tip in 10, 20, 30, 40-days while, in 1 day the body had ridge caudally. Three papillae on posterior part of lateral border of body. W-shape crest had papillae on its median part while, its lateral part had two giant papillae on each side. Dorsal giant papillae terminated caudally with six processes, while ventral papillae terminated caudally with three processes. The unique root appearance, at 1 day had four papillae while in 10-day, it had one papilla however in 20, 30, 40 days, it had T-shaped ridge. Mound had one longitudinal row on each side of cleft and two transverse papillary rows at its caudal border and additional row at 40-days. Our findings exposed unique structural and functional characterizations of lingual and laryngeal entrance that reflected with feeding behavior.

Percutaneous Cervical Cordotomy for the Treatment of Cancer Pain: A Prospective Case Series of 52 Patients with a Long-Term Follow-Up.

The aim of this study is to describe the effects of percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) on pain, opioid consumption, adverse events, and satisfaction in palliative care patients with cancer pain after PCC until end of life. This is a prospective observational case series of 58 PCCs in 52 consecutive patients. Indication for PCC was unilateral cancer pain with a maximum numeric rating scale (NRS) of pain above 5 despite maximal conservative treatment. The PCC was fluoroscopy guided. A radiofrequency lesion was made at 95°C for 20seconds. The pain location and pain scores, analgesic medication, the cranial and caudal borders of dermatomes hypoesthetic for pin pricks, dysesthesia, urinary retention, Horner's syndrome, muscle strength, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score, patient satisfaction, hospital anxiety and distress score (HADS), and RAND 36 score were evaluated at 1day; 1 and 6weeks; and 3, 6, 9, 12 18, and 24months after PCC, or until death if death occurred during the follow-up period. Pain relief after PCC was intense (change in median maximum NRS from 9 to 0) and persistent. Median opioid use per day was 240mg (145 to 565mg) before PCC and 55mg (0 to 120mg) after PCC. The upper and lower borders of dermatomes hypoesthetic for pin pricks were stable over time. The most common side effects were short-term (<1week) neck pain (28%), dysesthesia (40%), and mild loss of muscle strength (11%). Approximately 83% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the results of PCC 1week after the procedure, and this percentage remained high in the long term. There was no significant change in the KPS score, HADS, and RAND 36 score. Percutaneous cervical cordotomy is an effective treatment for unilateral cancer pain. The reduction in pain, reduction in opioid consumption, and hypoesthetic area remain stable until death.

Biometrical study of developing heart in prenatal Goat

A study was conducted on 28 healthy and normal goat foetuses collected from the local slaughterhouses of Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) during January 2014 to December 2015 to know the biometry of heart at different stages of prenatal life. The weight (0.06 -10.37 g) and volume (0.05 10.10 cc) of heart increased from 46 to 148 days of gestation continuously in a co-linear manner; however, the maximum gain in weight (0.17g/day) and volume (0.17cc/day) of heart occurred during the late prenatal period (101 to 148 days of gestation). Heart weight as per cent of total body weight was reduced with the advancement of age. Length (5.78 -36.60 mm), width (4.61 -21.28 mm), thickness (3.50 -24.90 mm) and circumference (14.00 -73.00 mm) of heart increased with increase in gestation period. Length of cranial and caudal borders of heart continuously increased from 46 to 148 days of gestation; however, the increase in the length of cranial border was more than the caudal border. Therefore, during late gestation period, the cranial border of heart was strongly convex and caudal border was almost straight. The study revealed that all the components of heart increased in size particularly during the late prenatal period of goat foetuses.