Cranial Side Research Articles

RA01.04: A METHOD FOR TOTALLY MEDIASTINOSCOPIC TRANSHIATAL MIDDLE AND LOWER MEDIASTINAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract Description Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is performed via different approaches at each hospital. In order to reduce the thoracoscopic operative time, we perform mediastinal lymph node dissection via the cervical and transhiatal approach whenever possible before thoracoscopic approach. Recently totally mediastinoscopic transhiatal middle and lower lymph node dissection has been performed, and we will report the method involving constant esophageal traction and esophageal transection in the mediastinum. The mediastinal operational field obtains a clear view by transecting the esophagus on the cranial side. Futhermore, towing the thread sutured the transected esophagus to outside the abdominal cavity makes it possible to achieve good visualization of the mediastinum using the assistant's two retractors. The median total operative time was 507 minutes, and the median thoracoscopic operative time after transhiatal approach was 105 minutes. It is possible to safely perform totally mediastinoscopic middle and lower lymph node dissection with this method. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Double purse-string telescoped pancreaticogastrostomy using an atraumatic self-retaining ring retractor following pancreaticoduodenectomy – Details of surgical procedure and early postoperative outcome

Background: Since May 2012, pancreatico-gastrostomy (PG) using an atraumatic self-retaining ring retractor (Alexis Wound Retractor®) has been used in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in our department. Aim: The present study shows our surgical technique with video and evaluates early postoperative outcome of our procedures. Patients and methods: Between May 2012 and December 2017, 71 patients with peri-ampullary tumors underwent PG. PG was performed as following; the anterior wall of upper stomach was incised and opened by Alexis Wound Retractor®. The remnant pancreas was inserted into the gastric cavity through the posterior wall of stomach and sutured circumferentially with running stitches to fix on the gastric muco-muscular layer. After closure of the anterior wall of stomach, purse-string sutures were tightened. Closed suction drains were placed at the site of Winslow's foramen, and both cranial and caudal sides of the PG. Pancreatic fistula (PF) was defined according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. Results: Pancreatic cancer, extrahepatic bile duct cancer, cancer of ampulla of Vater, and other diseases were in 27, 23, 14, and 7 patients, respectively. Fifty-five patients had soft pancreatic texture. Grade BL and B/C PF were observed in 14 and 11 patients, and all patients who had Grade B/C PF had soft pancreatic texture. Serious complications associated with PF including intraabdominal hemorrhage and infectious portal vein thrombosis occurred in 4 and 2 patients. Postoperative mortality was nil. Conclusions: Early postoperative outcome of PG was acceptable. PG would be safe and easy applicable procedure.

Metastatic cardiophrenic lymph node resection following full-thickness resection of right diaphragm for advanced ovarian carcinoma

ObjectiveOvarian carcinomas sometimes metastasize to the cardiophrenic lymph node. We present a surgical technique for metastatic cardiophrenic lymph node resection following full-thickness resection of the right diaphragm. MethodsA 51-year-old woman presented with ovarian carcinoma and cardiophrenic lymph node metastasis with peritoneal dissemination. The surgical procedure for metastatic cardiophrenic lymph node resection following full-thickness resection of the right diaphragm was as follows. (1) Stripping of the right diaphragm peritoneum was started from the ventral side toward the dorsal side. At the area where stripping was ceased due to tendon or muscle invasion, the thoracic cavity was opened. Full-thickness resection of the diaphragm was proceeded in the left-right direction. (2) The bare area was exposed. Full-thickness resection of the diaphragm was continued along the bare area. (3) After the right diaphragm resection was completed, the remaining right diaphragm was cut toward the cranial side. The metastatic cardiophrenic lymph node was grasped and pulled by forceps, and subsequently resected using a vessel-sealing device. (4) After thoracic chest tube placement, the diaphragmatic defect was closed by continuous non-absorbable sutures. ResultsWe successfully achieved metastatic cardiophrenic lymph node resection following full-thickness resection of the right diaphragm without intra- or postoperative complications. ConclusionMetastatic cardiophrenic lymph node resection is a simple procedure for gynecologic surgeons who are able to perform full-thickness resection of the diaphragm.

Quantitative analysis of cranial-orbital changes in infants with anterior synostotic plagiocephaly.

The effects of premature fusion of one coronal suture cause skull and orbital alterations in term of side-to-side asymmetry. This study aimed to quantify the cranio-orbital complex changes related to the severity of skull base dysmorphology in patients with unicoronal synostosis. Twenty-four infants affected by unicoronal synostosis were subdivided in three subgroups according to the severity of skull base deformity and their high-resolution CT images were quantitatively analyzed (groups IIa, IIb, III). Dimensions of cranial fossae, intracranial volume (ICV), ICV synostotic and ICV non synostotic side, whole brain volume (WBV), orbital volumes (OV), ICV/WBV, ICVsynostotic/ICVnon-synostotic, and OVsynostotic/OVnon-synostotic were evaluated. Asymmetry and reduction in the growth of the anterior and middle fossae were found in all groups while asymmetry of the posterior cranial fossa was found only in IIb and III groups. In all groups, ICV, WBV, and ICV/WBV were not significantly different while ICVsynostotic/ICVnon-synostotic and OVsynostotic/OVnon-synostotic resulted significant difference (p < 0.05). ICVsynostotic side resulted reduction only in group III. OV on the synostotic side was not significantly reduced although a trend in progressively reducing volumes was noted according to the severity of the group. Skull and orbital changes revealed a side-to-side asymmetry but the effects of the premature synostosis were more severe in group III suggesting an earlier timing of premature unicoronal synostosis in group III with respect to the other groups. The assessment of the skull base deformity might be an indirect parameter of severity of skull orbital changes and it might be useful for surgical planning.

Comparison of subdermal and perforator delay techniques on a rat flap model.

Background:In this study, we investigated the subdermal and perforator delay phenomena as a method to improve flap survival.Materials and Methods:In this experimental study, we used 24 rats in three groups. In the control group, the dorsal flaps were elevated and reinserted back to their place. In the experimental groups, we practiced the delay phenomena with two different techniques. In the first experimental group, cranial and lateral side incisions were performed; however, the flaps were not cut-off from the underlying fascia. In the second experimental group, we placed a silicon sheet under the planned flap to cut-off the circulation from the perforator vessels. Four weeks after the delay procedure, the flaps were raised completely and reinserted back to their place.Results:The average of necrotic area in the control group was 21.9% (±7.70). There was no necrosis in both experimental groups (P < 0.0001). Histological examination revealed that collagen density in both of the experimental groups was increased in comparison to the control group, it has only been found a significant first experimental group (P = 0.0315). We have not found any significant difference in lymphocyte density between the groups. Angiographic imaging has showed an increase in the vascular density in the flaps of the first experimental group.Conclusion:We believe that both of these delay techniques can be adapted to clinical applications and used safely to increase flap survival.

Finite element analysis of occipital condylar screw in treatment of occipitocervical instability

Objective To explore the biomechanical properties of posterior occipital condyle screws compared with common occipitocervical fusion internal fixation and it's impacts upon stress of hypoglossal canals. Methods Finite element models based on the occipitocervical CT data of one 28-year-old male healthy volunteer were built, including normal model, instability model, internal fixation model by occipital condyle screws, internal fixation model by occipital plate screws, and internal fixation model by transarticular screws. Fifty N gravity and 1.5 N·m torque were exerted upon the surface of occipital bone so that the models could perform lateral bending, flexion, extension, and rotational motions. The motion range and stress distribution of internal fixation were compared under varying conditions among different occipitocervical fusion models. In addition, the impact of occipital condyle screw upon hypoglossal canals was examined. Results Compared with instability model, the motion range in the internal fixation model by occipital condyle screws declined by 96.8%, 95.6%, 95.0% and 98.5% respectively in lateral bending, flexion, extension and rotation. In the internal fixation by occipital plate screws, the motion range decreased by 96.3%, 95.7%, 98.4% and 99.6% respectively. In the internal fixation by transarticular screws, the motion range exhibited a decline of 95.7%, 94.0%, 94.3% and 98.9%, respectively. The stress peaks in the occipital condyle screw were 192.4 MPa, 201.6 MPa and 187.6 MPa under lateral bending, flexion, and rotation conditions, respectively. The stress peaks in the occipital plate screw were 279.6 MPa, 213.7 MPa, and 154.1 MPa, respectively. The stress peaks in the transarticular screw were 232.4 MPa, 220.9 MPa, and 224.5 MPa, respectively. The stress impact peak of occipital condyle screw on the hypoglossal canals wall was 12.96 MPa, and the content deformation under the hypoglossal canal was 0.64%. Conclusions The occipital condyle screw internal fixation has similar stability with common occipitocervical fusion fixations. The occipital condyle screw has more uniform stress distribution and less effect on the hypoglossal canals, and hence is safe and reliable as anchor point on the cranial side in occipitocervical fusion. Key words: Cervical vertebrae; Internal fixators; Finite element analysis; Spinal fusion

Evaluation of a new biphasic calcium phosphate for maxillary sinus floor elevation: Micro‐CT and histomorphometrical analyses

ObjectivesSynthetic biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) with a hydroxyapatite/ß‐tricalcium phosphate (HA/ß‐TCP) ratio of 60/40 (BCP60/40) is successfully used as alternative for autologous bone in patients undergoing maxillary sinus floor elevation (MSFE) for dental implant placement. A high percentage of HA in BCP60/40 may hamper efficient scaffold remodeling. Osteogenesis and neovascularization are pivotal in effective bone regeneration. We aimed to investigate whether differences exist in osteogenic and/or vasculogenic potential of BCP60/40 and BCP20/80 in patients undergoing MSFE.Materials and methodsTwenty patients undergoing MSFE were treated with BCP60/40 (n = 10) or BCP20/80 (n = 10). Bone and graft volumes were determined by micro‐computed tomography and histomorphometrical analysis of biopsies of the augmented region. Osteoid volumes, number of osteoclasts, and blood vessels were determined by histomorphometrical analysis. The biopsies were taken 6.5 months (26 weeks) postoperatively prior to dental implant placement.ResultsBone and osteoid volumes were 9.7% and 0.8% higher at the most cranial side of the BCP20/80 biopsies compared to the BCP60/40 biopsies. Graft volumes, number of osteoclasts, and blood vessels were similar in both groups.Conclusions BCP20/80 showed enhanced osteogenic potential in patients undergoing MSFE compared to BCP60/40, due to either a faster bone remodeling rate or an earlier start of bone formation in BCP20/80‐treated patients, suggesting that a higher TCP content positively contributes to the bone remodeling rate. Therefore, BCP20/80 might perform better, at least in the short term, as a scaffold for bone augmentation in the MSFE model than BCP60/40 as more bone is formed, and more osteoid is deposited at the cranial side in BCP20/80‐treated patients compared to BCP60/40‐treated patients. However, catch‐up of BCP60/40 in the long term cannot be ruled out.

Morphological Variation in the Posterior Margin of the Frontal Process of the Zygomatic Bone

Based on the observation that some crania exhibit a pronounced marginal tubercle, whereas others do not, this study assessed the contour of the zygomatic bone hypothesizing that female and male crania would exhibit different contours. The study included 616 norma lateralis images of a mixed sample of female (n=252) and male (n=318) cranial sides. Images from crania of questionable sex and were excluded from analysis between sexes. The linear distance from the zygomaticofrontal suture to the jugale was calculated in addition to the length of the posterior border of the frontal process of the zygomatic bone to determine the degree of deviation from a straight line. The contour length between males and females did not differ (t=1.577(593); p=0.12) nor did the degree of deviation from a straight line (t=1.808(593); p=0.07). Independent of sex, however, there were significant differences in the aforementioned parameters with regard to side (t=5.589(614); p&lt;0.0001 and t=3.742(614); p=0.0002, respectively). Procrustes superimposition demonstrated the average contour which can be given as y≈44.074x4 + 0.7995x3 −2.6286x2 −0.0122x + 0.0182. Principle component analysis explained 74.6% of shape variation with the first two principle components (PC1=48.8%; PC2=25.8%). With regard to differences in the shape of the contour between sides or sexes, discriminant function analysis revealed no significant shape difference (T2=338.7; p=0.15 and T2=244.3; p=0.94, respectively). However, canonical variate analysis demonstrated statistically significant shape differences among sexes with regard to side. Female right and left sides demonstrated the most shape difference (Mahalanobis distance=2.33) whereas the least shape difference was found among right sides between males and females (Mahalanobis distance=1.83). The results of this study reveal morphological variation in the posterior margin of the frontal process of the zygomatic bone that distinguishes crania based upon sex and laterality.Support or Funding InformationWV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.17.06] and [HEPC.dsr.14.13]This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Pure Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy Using Modified Liver Hanging Maneuver: Technical Evolution from Caudal Approach Toward Ventral Approach

BackgroundThe liver hanging maneuver during right hepatectomy is a useful technique for parenchymal transection. The laparoscopic caudal approach is totally different from the laparoscopic ventral approach because of the direction of parenchymal transection. There are differences in the application and effectiveness of liver hanging maneuver between two approaches. This study evaluated the surgical techniques and outcomes of the ventral approach comparison with the caudal approach in laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy using liver hanging maneuver. MethodsFrom February 2013 to February 2018, 16 patients underwent laparoscopic right hepatectomy using liver hanging maneuver. The caudal approach was used in 10 patients and the ventral approach in six. We adopted a different avascular plane located between the right adrenal gland and the vena cava for the hanging tape placement. In the caudal approach, the liver parenchyma were transected from the caudal to cranial side, pulling the hanging tape caudally. In the ventral approach, the parenchyma were transected from the ventral to the dorsal side, pulling the hanging tape superiorly. ResultsThe clinical data and patient characteristics of both groups were similar. The median operation time was comparable between the two groups (275 vs. 278 min, p=0.958). The median blood loss was significantly lower using the ventral approach group than the caudal approach group (375 vs. 190 ml, p=0.016). The difference in median postoperative hospital stay was not statistically significant (9 vs. 8 days, p=0.713). ConclusionThis ventral approach with liver hanging maneuver is a feasible and useful technique for laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy.

Влияние микроинъекций обогащённой тромбоцитами плазмы на приживление и гистоструктуру продлённых кожно-фасциальных лоскутов с осевым кровоснабжением

Purpose To reveal a possible effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on healing and histostructure of extended fasciocutaneous flaps with axial blood supply. Materials and methods A flap based on the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) and extended to the cranial side according to a template with an area of 18 cm2 was produced in 24 rats. After one-and-half hour femoral artery clipping for temporary ischemia, it was re-perfused and re-planted at the site of SIEA origination. After the operation, six microinjections of platelet-rich plasma (0.1 ml) were performed subdermally that were equally distributed on the flap. Comparison group had injections of saline in the similar number and zones. Control group had flaps without injections. Reference norm sites were skin contralateral areas. Twelve days after the operation, the animals are euthanized. Methods of the study were computer planimetry, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry. Results When compared with the control and placebo groups, a more than ten-fold reduction in the area of epidermal defects that were associated with delayed wound healing and necrotic complications was achieved. Polymorphic cell infiltration of the dermis decreased 1.7 times under the conditions of PRP microinjections when compared with the control group. Numerical density of capillaries in the subpapillary plexus doubled, and the number of dermal papillae increased 1.5 times. Discussion Enhancement of capillarization of the superficial skin structures proceeded with inhibition of inflammatory reactions and was probably caused by direct action of growth factors of platelets on endothelial cells. Conclusion PRP microinjections are able to effectively prevent partial necrosis of the extended fasciocutaneous flap based on axial blood supply, accelerate epithelization of the wound along the flap perimeter, and maintain the normal plasticity of the epidermis. There was no significant effect of the drug on the state of deep flap structures (subcutaneous fat and skin appendages).

Sympathetic ganglionectomy for facial blushing using application of laser speckle flow graph

ObjectiveEndoscopic thoracic sympathectomy at the second rib level is considered effective as a therapeutic treatment for facial blushing. However, 10% to 15% of patients do not benefit from this intervention. No additional procedure has been developed for this disorder. Recently, ganglionectomy using application of laser speckle flow graph has been evaluated for the treatment of compensatory sweating. We report our results of ganglionectomy for facial blushing as a redo surgery. MethodsBetween August 2012 and April 2017, 8 patients with facial blushing who underwent an initial sympathectomy reported symptom recurrence. Seven patients had undergone transection of the sympathetic trunk at the second rib and 1 patient had undergone transection of the sympathetic trunk at the second and third ribs. These patients were treated using ganglionectomy guided by application of laser speckle flow graph. After temporary decreases in facial skin blood perfusion were confirmed by stimulating the sympathetic ganglions, ganglionectomy was performed. ResultsAll patients' symptoms improved. There were no side effects, including deterioration of compensatory sweating, worsening of gustatory sweating, or Horner syndrome. There were no cases of mortality or conversion to open surgery. ConclusionsThis study shows the effectiveness of ganglionectomy for the treatment of facial blushing, representing a new treatment option for this condition. Considering the mechanism of facial blushing, it is important to recognize that ganglionectomy is effective after the interception of the sympathetic trunk on the cranial side.

Reconstruction of abdominal wall defects using extended trilobed rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects is difficult in many cases. We performed peritoneal reconstruction by free fascia lata transplantation and abdominal wall reconstruction with an extended trilobed rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. Firstly, the peritoneum is closed by free fascia lata transplantation. Then, the rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is prepared adjacent to the abdominal wall defect and centering on the rectus abdominis muscle body on the contralateral side. The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is elevated with the first flap toward the xiphoid process on the cranial side, the second flap toward the middle axillary line on the lateral side, and the third flap toward the lower abdominal region on caudal side as an extended trilobed rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap with a deep inferior epigastric arteriovenous pedicle and transposed to the abdominal wall defect. This method was applied to a full-thickness abdominal wall defect produced by colon cancer resection in two patients. Case 1 was a 10 × 15-cm full-thickness right abdominal wall defect, and case 2 was an 8 × 14-cm full-thickness left abdominal wall defect. The postoperative course was favorable, and no complication, such as abdominal incisional hernia, developed. The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap could be collected from the same surgical field, and its preparation as an extended musculocutaneous flap widely beyond the range of the muscle body was possible. By preparing a trilobed flap, the flap-donor region could also be easily closed. This method may be useful for reconstruction of extensive full-thickness abdominal wall defects.

Recent Surgical Methods of Double-door Laminoplasty of the Cervical Spine (Kurokawa's Method).

Introduction Double-door laminoplasty (DDL) of the cervical spine (Kurokawa's method) was developed as one of posterior decompression surgical methods in the late 1970s and after then has been modified by adding various procedures such as the posterior muscle handling and the use of artificial spacers. There are three principles of DDL: First, to decompress the cervical spinal cord by central splitting of the spinous processes and laminae, preserving those lengths as much as possible and widening the spinal canal space symmetrically. Second, to maintain the widened spinal canal space steadily by fixing spacers made of hydroxyapatite the contour is almost the same as the widened space. Third, to re-suture the semispinalis muscles to the C2 spinous process to restore the strength of the posterior cervical muscles. Technical note The important technical points in performing osteotomy are as follows: At each vertebra, osteotomy is performed from the caudal side and gradually proceeds to the cranial side because there is a space between the lamina and the dura mater at the caudal side and the osteotomy can be safely made. The surgeon must pay attention to the changes in color of the osteotomy site from red of cancellous bone, to white of the inner cortex, and finally to yellow of the yellow ligament and extradural fat tissue. Attention must be paid to the changes in sound and tactile sensation delivered from the air-drill when completing osteotomy of the inner cortex of lamina. By moving an air-drill slowly, tactile sensation can be more sensitive. During osteotomy, the process must be checked frequently by touching the inner cortex of the lamina with a probe. Conclusion At present, DDL is a useful surgical method for cervical myelopathy at multiple level lesions.

Microtia and anotia in a dog

The aim of this case presentation is to report microtia and anotia in a 3 ‑ year ‑ old female dog. Owner complained about hearing loss and absence of auricles. There were no auricles in both control ears in clinical examination. Degree of the hearing problem was nearly deafness. A fistula was determined in left lateral cranial side. Grade III microtia and grade IV anotia were diagnosed in the ear canal of the left and right sides, respectively. Under general anesthesia, the dog underwent auricular reconstructive surgery for microtia on the left side. Two weeks after operation, the owner evaluated the patient’s hearing as moderate. This finding was clinically confirmed through performance of the Pyror’s reflex. In conclusion, grade III microtia can be treated surgically to improve the conductive hearing of the patient.

Характеристика приживления и гистоструктуры васкуляризованных кожно-фасциальных лоскутов в условиях применения микроинъекций лиофилизата мозговой ткани

Purpose To reveal a possible effect of subdermal injections of cerebrolysin on the parameters of healing and histomorphometric characteristics of the biological model of an extended fasciocutaneous flap with axial blood supply. Materials and methods A flap based on the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) and extended to the cranial side according to a template with an area of 18 cm2 was formed in 29 rats. After 90 minutes of femoral artery clipping, it was re-planted at the site of SIEA origination. After the operation, microinjections of cerebrolysin (0.1 ml) were performed subdermally. Four of them were injected in the mezhangiosomal zone in group Cer 1, and six were uniformly distributed over the area of the flap in group Cer 2. Comparison groups (Comp 1 and Comp 2) had injections of saline in similar number and zones. Negative control group had flaps without injections. Conditional normal sites were contralateral areas of the skin. Twelve days after the operation, the animals are euthanized. The methods of the study were computer planimetry, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry. Results In groups Cer 1 and Cer2, when compared with the negative control and placebo, relative areas of the epidermal defects associated with partial flap necrosis or delayed wound healing (2.15 % and 0.23 % vs. 13.72 % and 11.33 %, respectively) were reliably reduced. In Cer 1, hypovascularization of the hypodermis, thinning of the epidermis and dermis were noted. In Cer 2, compared with the control and Cer 1, the largest thickness and capillarity of the dermis and hypodermis were revealed, as well as the thickness of the epidermis and the numerical density of the skin appendages. Discussion The pronounced decrease in polymorphic cell infiltration of the dermis and hypodermis in the experimental groups indicates that the angiogenesis in the dermis stimulated by subdermal microinjections of cerebrolysin occurred by inhibition of inflammatory reactions and was caused by the direct action on endothelial cells. Conclusion To optimize the healing of fasciocutaneous flaps with axial blood supply in cases where their area exceeds the territory of the blood supplying artery, it is advisable to use microinjections of cerebrolysin uniformly distributed over the entire area of the flap, including its angiosomal and interangiosomal zones.

Detection of heat produced during roughage digestion in ruminants by using infrared thermography

The present study aimed to establish the relationship of infrared thermography (IRT) with fermentation dynamics in ruminants, and to initiate the development of a method that allows associating these images with the heat produced during feed digestion. The experiment was conducted at APTA, Brazil. Twenty-four Jersey heifers (mean liveweight of 221.25 ± 59.41 kg) were subjected to the following treatments: 30R (30% corn silage and 70% concentrate), 50R (50% corn silage and 50% concentrate) and 70R (70% corn silage and 30% concentrate) in a Latin square design. The diet (corn silage + concentrate) was offered at 3% of liveweight from 0800 hours to 1400 hours. Infrared images were collected from the whole body on the left and right sides, from the eyes, from the left foreleg on the cranial and caudal side, and from the forehead. IRT images were taken at 2-h intervals for 12 h (from 0600 hours to 1800 hours) and 24 h (0600 hours of the following day) after the beginning of feeding and so on. Physiological parameters were obtained at the same time as the IRT were taken. Ruminal parameters were collected after 4 h of feeding. The thermograms of the right (P &lt; 0.001) and left flank (P &lt; 0.001) differed among sampling times, with an increase in temperature until 1400 hours and a reduction thereafter. The temperatures on the right (P = 0.037) and left (P = 0.017) flank were higher in animals consuming the 50R diet and lower in those consuming the 70R diet. When the 50R diet was offered, the heifers exhibited higher dry-matter intake (P &lt; 0.001), neutral detergent fibre (P &lt; 0.001), non-fibrous carbohydrates (P &lt; 0.001) and total digestible nutrients (P &lt; 0.001). A decrease in the concentrations of butyric acid (P = 0.042), isobutyric acid (P = 0.001), isovaleric acid (P = 0.019) and ammonia nitrogen (P = 0.001) in the rumen fluid of heifers was observed with an increasing dietary roughage level. Infrared thermography was able to detect differences in the body temperature of animals associated with different fibre proportions in the diets. However, the magnitude of these differences was small and further research is needed to investigate the application of IRT to the detection of possible differences in the body temperature of ruminants as part of the digestive process.

The development of curvature in the porcine radioulna.

Long bone curvature in animal limbs has long been a subject of interest and much work has explored why long bones should be curved. However, the ‘when’ and ‘how’ of curvature development is poorly understood. It has been shown that the rat tibia fails to attain its normal curvature if the action of muscles is removed early in life, but it is not clear if this is because the curvature fails to develop or if the bone becomes straighter without the action of muscles. No studies have examined the development of bone curvature in a normally developing quadruped, so this study tracks the course of curvature formation in the radioulna in a series of growing pigs. We also histologically examined the epiphyseal growth plates of these bones to determine if they contribute to the formation of curvature. In all three epiphyseal plates examined, the proliferative zone is thicker and more densely populated with chondrocytes on the cranial (convex) side than the caudal (concave) side. Frost’s chondral modelling theory would suggest that the cranial side of the bone is under more compression than the caudal side, and we conclude that this is due to the action of triceps extending the elbow by pulling on the olecranon process. These results support the idea that bone curvature is an adaptation to habitual loading, where longitudinal loads acting on the curved bone cause bending strains that counter the bending resulting from the habitual muscle action.

Forelimb bone curvature in terrestrial and arboreal mammals.

It has recently been proposed that the caudal curvature (concave caudal side) observed in the radioulna of terrestrial quadrupeds is an adaptation to the habitual action of the triceps muscle which causes cranial bending strains (compression on cranial side). The caudal curvature is proposed to be adaptive because longitudinal loading induces caudal bending strains (increased compression on the caudal side), and these opposing bending strains counteract each other leaving the radioulna less strained. If this is true for terrestrial quadrupeds, where triceps is required for habitual elbow extension, then we might expect that in arboreal species, where brachialis is habitually required to maintain elbow flexion, the radioulna should instead be cranially curved. This study measures sagittal curvature of the ulna in a range of terrestrial and arboreal primates and marsupials, and finds that their ulnae are curved in opposite directions in these two locomotor categories. This study also examines sagittal curvature in the humerus in the same species, and finds differences that can be attributed to similar adaptations: the bone is curved to counter the habitual muscle action required by the animal’s lifestyle, the difference being mainly in the distal part of the humerus, where arboreal animals tend have a cranial concavity, thought to be in response the carpal and digital muscles that pull cranially on the distal humerus.

Fresh Color and pH of Damaged Strip Loins

ObjectivesDamage on beef cuts is usually caused during dressing or trimming of unacceptable superficial areas. On strip loins, subcutaneous fat removal and exposure of lean are the most important causes of damage. Industry quotes obtained in January 2016 revealed that damaged strip loins are approximately marked down US $2.30, US $1.40, and US $1.20 per pound, for USDA Prime, Choice, and Select, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of damage on fresh quality attributes of strip loins.Materials and MethodsTwo different sets of data were collected for this experiment. Set 1– Strip loins (n = 1,149) were allocated to 3 USDA grade treatments (Prime, Choice, and Select) and 2 damage treatments (Damaged and Not Damaged) to evaluate fabrication pH and subjective color. Set 2– Strip loins (n = 256) were allocated to 2 USDA grade treatments (Choice and Select) and 2 damage treatments (Damaged and Not Damaged) to evaluate objective color. For both sets, strip loins were evaluated during fabrication from 18 to 24 h post mortem. Color analysis was performed on the cranial side of the m. Longissimus dorsi. Subjective evaluation was performed according to the Japanese Beef Color Standards (BCS; Japan Meat Grade Association). Objective color was assessed by taking the average of three readings from different areas, acquired with a HunterLab Miniscan XE (CIE L*, a*, and b*). For pH analysis, a Hanna HI99163 pH meter was used. Probe was directly inserted into the m. Longissimus dorsi after taking color evaluation. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC).ResultsHigher percentage of damaged strip loins was observed on USDA Choice, followed by Prime, and Select, 15.99%, 10.20%, and 7.66%, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). No differences were observed on pH from damaged and not damaged strip loins, 5.58 and 5.57, respectively (P = 0.54). Damaged strip loins had brighter color based on BCS when compared to not damaged, 3.7 and 4.1, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). No interaction between main effects USDA grade and damage was observed for objective color. However, damaged strip loins had significant lower values of a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) when compared with not damaged (a* = 26.75 and 24.72; b* = 22.99 and 21.55; for not damaged and damaged, respectively). No significant difference was observed for L* values (lightness).ConclusionMinimal differences on fresh quality attributes were observed between damaged and not damaged strip loins. Differences on color do not impact visual preference. New alternatives about how to optimize the use of damage cuts such as portioning for case ready or creating center cut portions from a damaged strip loin, can eliminate economic losses and still add value on final products.

Vascular Supply of the Auricle: Anatomical Study and Applications to External Ear Reconstruction.

Reliable reconstructive flaps require convenient vascular supply. Thus, precise description of the vascular patterns of external ear is not completely elucidated. This anatomical study aims to provide comprehensive data of the arterial network of the auricular region, anastomosis, and patterns of arterial dependence regarding external ear subunits. After dyed latex injections in the external carotid artery, eleven auricles have been carefully dissected to examine the vascular network of the auricular region. In all cases, the posterior auricular artery (PAA) supplied the cranial side of the auricle, as well as the concha on the lateral side through consistent perforating branches. The superficial temporal artery (STA) network supplied the upper third of the lateral aspect of the auricle. The authors' dissections showed a clear dominance of the PAA supply. However, the two arteries consistently developed anastomoses particularly in the cranial upper third of the auricle. Consistent branches and anastomoses between the PAA and the STA network provide reliable pedicles for auricular and facial reconstruction.