Dorsal End Research Articles

Comparative Study of Urethral Plate and Glans Characteristics in Experimentally Created Hypospadias and Clinical Cases Undergoing Snodgrass Repair

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study was to study the urethral plate and glans configuration in experimentally created hypospadias in male human cadavers and its comparison with hypospadias patients planned for tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty. Materials and Methods: In five fresh human cadavers, hypospadias was created by placing one blade of scissors in the urethra and the other onto the ventral median raphe and cutting through the skin, penile dartos, and urethra and laying open urethral edges were sutured to edges of penile skin to create hypospadias. Urethral plate characteristics were recorded using Likert scale and the glans groove using the Plate Objective Scoring Tool (POST). The characters were compared with fifty hypospadias planned for TIP. Results: In experimentally created hypospadias, all urethral plates were very favorable with POST ratio being >1.5. In 50 hypospadias, cleft urethral plate with POST ratio >1.2 was recorded in 5 (10%). Flat urethral plate was recorded in 20 with 12 showing POST ratio >1.2 and 8 had <1.2. Narrow urethral plate was recorded in 25 with 15 showing POST ratio of >1.2 while 10 had <1.2. In all patients of POST ratio <1.2, ventral migration of dorsal end of glans meatus was present. Conclusions: Only 10% of hypospadias match the configuration of experimentally created hypospadias and are suitable for classic TIP. Patients with narrow urethral plates are suitable for TIP with the inclusion of paraurethral plate penile skin strip. All categories with POST score <1.2 are suitable for TIP with inner prepucial graft in incised glans bed and incised urethral plate.

Characterization of the Unarmored Dinoflagellate Karlodinium decipiens (Dinophyceae) from Jiaozhou Bay, China

The dinoflagellate genus Karlodinium J. Larsen is well known to form harmful algal blooms (HABs), some of which can produce karlotoxins or other ichthyotoxins and thus cause fish-killing events. Among the 16 currently accepted species of Karlodinium (about half of which are reported to be toxic), six species (K. australe, K. decipiens, K. digitatum, K. elegans, K. veneficum, and K. zhouanum) have been reported or described in the coastal waters of China. However, a fine morphological and molecular characterization of the seldom-observed species K. decipiens has not been conducted; moreover, the negative effects of this species on aquatic animals have not been investigated. This work reports the morphological and phylogenetic characterization of a strain of K. decipiens isolated from Jiaozhou Bay, China, in 2019. The characterization of the strain was conducted using light and scanning electron microscopy, LSU, SSU rDNA, and ITS sequences-based systematic analyses, pigment analysis, and a detailed investigation of its potential toxic/harmful activity on aquatic animals. We observed the typical diagnostic features of K. decipiens, including its relatively large size, ellipsoidal or ovoid cell shape, ventral pore, ventral ridge connecting the two displaced ends of the cingulum, cingulum with a displacement of about one-third of the cell length, numerous polyhedral or slightly elongated chloroplasts distributed peripherally, and large nucleus located centrally. However, we also observed a large amphiesmal vesicle at the dorsal end of the ASC at the dorsal epicone, which is a novel feature that has never been reported from any species of the genus. Based on the results of this study, it is not clear whether this feature is a specific structure of the species or a common characteristic of the genus; therefore, this novel feature is worthy of further examination. Fucoxanthin was the most abundant pigment among all the carotenoids detected. The phylogenies inferred using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) techniques confirmed the conspecificity of our isolate with the holotype K. decipiens (accession no. EF469236). In molecular trees, K. decipiens and K. antarcticum form a separate clade from other species of Karlodinium, and it should be examined whether a large amphiesma vesicle may be a characteristic of this clade. The exposure bioassays using brine shrimp (Artemia salina) indicated that K. decipiens exhibited toxicity to zooplankton, with 100% and 68% mortality observed in brine shrimp using live cell cultures and cell culture lysates over 120 h, respectively. Our work provides a detailed morphological and molecular characterization of K. decipiens from China. The results of this study broaden the known geographical distribution of this species and demonstrate it to be a harmful dinoflagellate.

MACRO- AND MICROMORPHOLOGY OF INDOOS SPLEEN (CAIRINA MOSCHATUM)

This article deals with the research of indoos spleen macroand micromorphology. The basic anatomical features of the organ, such as size, mass, shape, color, are described. A microscopic evaluation of the splenic tissue, including the capsule, and the vascular system were conducted. The absolute mass of the spleen is found to be 0.92±0.11 g in ducks, 1.73±0.16 g in drakes, and relative 0.035 and 0.040 %. The organ is located in close to the liver between the glandular and muscle stomachs. The length of the spleen is 21±1.04 mm, width 11±0.25, thickness 6±0.01, spleen 30±0.59, width 13±0.39, thickness 8±3.07. Its parietal surface is oriented to the abdominal wall and the visceral is attached to the muscular stomach. The dorsal end is pointed and the ventral end is rounded. The caudal edge is convex and rounded, and the cranial edge is almost flat. Microstructure of the longitudinal and transverse spleen histosis shows a well-defined capsule (35±3.30 μm), clear separation into red and white pulp (relative area of white pulp – 68 %, red – 32 %), trabecular and pulsar arteries presence and markedly pronounced the lymph node zones B and T. The obtained data can be used to further study the functional features of indoos spleen and its role in the body of birds.

The earliest-diverging avemetatarsalian: a new osteoderm-bearing taxon from the Triassic (?Earliest Late Triassic) of Madagascar and the composition of avemetatarsalian assemblages prior to the radiation of dinosaurs

AbstractUnderstanding the evolution of the earliest avemetatarsalian (bird-line) archosaurs and inferring the morphology of the last common ancestor of Archosauria are hampered by a poor fossil record in critical temporal intervals. Here we describe an early-diverging avemetatarsalian from the ?Earliest Late Triassic (~235 Ma) ‘basal Isalo II’/Makay Formation of Madagascar, which helps bridge these gaps. This taxon, Mambachiton fiandohana gen. et sp. nov., is represented by well-preserved postcranial material and possibly a postfrontal bone. Features of the neck region include anteroposteriorly elongated vertebrae with laterally expanded dorsal ends of the neural spines with three pairs of osteoderms per cervical vertebra, lying dorsal to those vertebrae. Inclusion of Mambachiton in a phylogenetic analysis of archosauromorphs recovers it at the base of Avemetatarsalia, outside of the aphanosaur + ornithodiran clade. This new specimen indicates that osteoderms were present in the earliest avemetatarsalians, but were lost in more crownward lineages. The plesiomorphic morphology of the taxon also underscores the difficulty of identifying early avemetatarsalians from incomplete skeletons. This early-diverging avemetatarsalian occurring together with a lagerpetid and silesaurid in the ‘basal Isalo II’/Makay Formation of Madagascar documents the co-occurrence of multiple non-dinosaurian avemetatarsalian clades in Gondwana near the Middle–Late Triassic transition. Translated abstract (Malagasy and French) is provided in the Supplementary information.

Histological confinement of transglutaminase-mediated nit sheath crosslinking is essential for proper oviposition and egg coating in the human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis

BackgroundHead louse females secrete liquid gel, which is mainly composed of the louse nit sheath protein 1 (LNSP1) and LNSP2, when they lay eggs. The gel is crosslinked by transglutaminase (TG) to form the nit sheath, which covers most of the egg except the top operculum area where breathing holes are located. Knowledge on the selective mechanism of nit sheath solidification to avoid uncontrolled crosslinking could lead to designing a novel method of louse control, but no information is available yet.MethodsTo elucidate the crosslinking mechanisms of nit sheath gel inside the reproductive system of head louse females, in situ hybridization in conjunction with microscopic observation of the oviposition process was conducted.ResultsHistochemical analysis revealed that LNSP1 and LNSP2 are expressed over the entire area of the accessory gland and uterus, whereas TG expression site is confined to a highly localized area around the opening of posterior oviduct. Detailed microscopic observations of oviposition process uncovered that a mature egg is positioned in the uterus after ovulation. Once aligned inside the uterus, the mature egg is redirected so that its operculum side is tightly held by the ventral end of the uterus being positioned toward the head again and its pointed bottom end being positioned toward the dorsal end of the uterus, which functions as a reservoir for the nit sheath gel.ConclusionsPhysical separation of the TG-mediated crosslinking site from the ventral end of the uterus is necessary to avoid uncontrolled crosslinking inside the uterus and to ensure selective crosslinking over only the lower part of egg without any unwanted crosslinking over the operculum during oviposition.Graphical

Laparoscopic Nerve-Sparing Sacropexy: Tips and Tricks for a Safe and Anatomical Surgical Procedure

Study Objective to demonstrate a nerve-sparing technique during laparoscopic sacropexy (LSP) for treatment of multicompartment pelvic organ prolapse. Design A step-by-step demonstration of our surgical procedure of laparoscopic sacropexy (LSP). Setting Sacropexy is the 'gold standard' procedure for apical prolapse. This procedure is characterized by a complete dissection of the avascular spaces and is nerve sparing technique saving superior and inferior hypogastric plexus and the hypogastric nerves. Patients or Participants Patients with POP-Q Stage III and IV/prolapse of uterine Interventions Our surgical nerve-sparing LSP technique proceeds in 10 steps: Step 1: Suspension of the sigma to the abdominal wall. Step 2: Opening the peritoneum and exposure of sacral promontory and of the longitudinal anterior vertebral ligament. Step 3: Dissection of the right medial pararectal space (Okabayashi's Space), respecting the integrity of the presacral fascia and of the rHN contained within it. Step 4: Dissection of the rectovaginal space with a latero-medial approach expecting the integrity of the rectal fascia. The lateral limits were defined by the uterosacral and rectovaginal ligaments, and the base was represented by the perineal body and levator ani muscle. Step 5: Dissection of the vesicovaginal space through the creation of an avascular space with the apex at the dorsal end of the bladder trigone and laterally limited by the vesicouterine ligaments. Step 6: Subtotal hysterectomy. Step 7: A first synthetic mesh (posterior) fixed with a total of five no. 3–0 non-absorbable sutures. Step 8: A second synthetic mesh (anterior) fixed with five no. 3–0 non-absorbable sutures. Step 9: Mesh fixation on the cervical stump and ligamentum longitudinale. Step 10: Mesh peritonealization. Measurements and Main Results LSP combines the high efficacy of reconstructive surgery using non-absorbable mesh with the fast recovery and low complication rate resulting from minimal tissue trauma and laparoscopicalprocedure precision. Conclusion A nerve-sparing approach to pelvic spaces during LSP is feasible following well-defined surgical steps. to demonstrate a nerve-sparing technique during laparoscopic sacropexy (LSP) for treatment of multicompartment pelvic organ prolapse. A step-by-step demonstration of our surgical procedure of laparoscopic sacropexy (LSP). Sacropexy is the 'gold standard' procedure for apical prolapse. This procedure is characterized by a complete dissection of the avascular spaces and is nerve sparing technique saving superior and inferior hypogastric plexus and the hypogastric nerves. Patients with POP-Q Stage III and IV/prolapse of uterine Our surgical nerve-sparing LSP technique proceeds in 10 steps: Step 1: Suspension of the sigma to the abdominal wall. Step 2: Opening the peritoneum and exposure of sacral promontory and of the longitudinal anterior vertebral ligament. Step 3: Dissection of the right medial pararectal space (Okabayashi's Space), respecting the integrity of the presacral fascia and of the rHN contained within it. Step 4: Dissection of the rectovaginal space with a latero-medial approach expecting the integrity of the rectal fascia. The lateral limits were defined by the uterosacral and rectovaginal ligaments, and the base was represented by the perineal body and levator ani muscle. Step 5: Dissection of the vesicovaginal space through the creation of an avascular space with the apex at the dorsal end of the bladder trigone and laterally limited by the vesicouterine ligaments. Step 6: Subtotal hysterectomy. Step 7: A first synthetic mesh (posterior) fixed with a total of five no. 3–0 non-absorbable sutures. Step 8: A second synthetic mesh (anterior) fixed with five no. 3–0 non-absorbable sutures. Step 9: Mesh fixation on the cervical stump and ligamentum longitudinale. Step 10: Mesh peritonealization. LSP combines the high efficacy of reconstructive surgery using non-absorbable mesh with the fast recovery and low complication rate resulting from minimal tissue trauma and laparoscopicalprocedure precision. A nerve-sparing approach to pelvic spaces during LSP is feasible following well-defined surgical steps.

A new juvenile Yamaceratops (Dinosauria, Ceratopsia) from the Javkhlant Formation (Upper Cretaceous) of Mongolia.

Here we report a new articulated skeleton of Yamaceratops dorngobiensis (MPC-D 100/553) from the Khugenetjavkhlant locality at the Shine Us Khudag (Javkhlant Formation, ?Santonian-Campanian) of the eastern Gobi Desert, Mongolia, which represents the first substantially complete skeleton and the first juvenile individual of this taxon. The specimen includes a nearly complete cranium and large portions of the vertebral column and appendicular skeleton. Its skull is about 2/3 the size of the holotype specimen, based on mandibular length. Its juvenile ontogenetic stage is confirmed by multiple indicators of skeletal and morphological immaturity known in ceratopsians, such as the long-grained surface texture on the long bones, the smooth external surface on the postorbital, open neurocentral sutures of all caudal vertebrae, a large orbit relative to the postorbital and jugal, the low angle of the lacrimal ventral ramus relative to the maxillary teeth row, narrow frontal, and straight ventral edge of the dentary. Osteohistological analysis of MPC-D 100/553 recovered three lines of arrested growth, implying around 3 years of age when it died, and verified this specimen’s immature ontogenetic stage. The specimen adds a new autapomorphy of Yamaceratops, the anteroventral margin of the fungiform dorsal end of the lacrimal being excluded from the antorbital fossa. Furthermore, it shows a unique combination of diagnostic features of some other basal neoceratopsians: the ventrally hooked rostral bone as in Aquilops americanus and very tall middle caudal neural spines about or more than four times as high as the centrum as in Koreaceratops hwaseongensis, Montanoceratops cerorhynchus, and Protoceratops andrewsi. The jugal with the subtemporal ramus deeper than the suborbital ramus as in the holotype specimen is also shared with A. americanus, Liaoceratops yanzigouensis, and juvenile P. andrewsi. Adding 38 new scorings into the recent comprehensive data matrix of basal Neoceratopsia and taking into account the ontogenetically variable characters recovered Y. dorngobiensis as the sister taxon to Euceratopsia (Leptoceratopsidae plus Coronosauria). A second phylogenetic analysis with another matrix for Ceratopsia also supported this position. The new phylogenetic position of Y. dorngobiensis is important in ceratopsian evolution, as this taxon represents one of the basalmost neoceratopsians with a broad, thin frill and hyper-elongated middle caudal neural spines while still being bipedal.

Redescription of Ektaphelenchoides compsi Baujard, 1984 (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) isolated from Pinus massoniana in Fujian Province, China

Summary Ektaphelenchoides compsi is redescribed morphologically with new molecular characterisation. It was isolated from a dead Pinus massoniana tree in Ningde City, Fujian Province, China. Detailed morphology of the spicule, female gonad, hemizonid position, arrangement of male caudal papillae and female tail terminus shape are documented. It is characterised by a lateral field with three lines (forming two bands), tripartite stylet 17.8 (17.0-19.4) μm long without basal thickenings, metacorpus rectangular with anterior 40% granular and posterior part weakly muscular, metacorpal valve slightly posterior to middle of metacorpus, excretory pore at level of nerve ring, vagina with thickened walls and strongly developed muscular bundles, vulval lips slightly protuberant, vulval flap absent, distal region of post-vulval uterine sac appearing as a weakly developed oogonia, anus and rectum indistinct, female posterior part (‘tail’) dorsally convex, conical, terminal region contracted into a bluntly pointed tip. The spicules are arcuate, 15.6 (14.3-16.3) μm along the chord, lamina smoothly curved to distal end, capitulum slightly concave, condylus well-developed with broadly rounded tip and slightly depressed at dorsal end, rostrum triangular with finely rounded tip, cucullus absent, and with seven caudal papillae present. The near full length 18S and 28S D2-D3 regions of rRNA genes sequences were characterised. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Fujian population of E. compsi grouped with the Zhejiang population of E. compsi, both being morphologically identical.

Histopathology Findings of the Lunate in Stage III Kienböck's Disease.

Background: The etiology and natural history of Kienböck's disease remain unclear. Traditionally it has been defined as avascular necrosis of the lunate. The authors tried to demonstrate different tissue distribution, the area ratio of necrotic tissue and vessel counts inside the whole Kienböck lunate to reveal a dynamic process of the lunate collapse. Methods: Five lunates from patients with stage III Kienböck's disease and one cadaveric lunate not involved by Kienböck's disease were sampled. They were sectioned, H&E stained, and evaluated. The thickness of trabecular bone and the area of necrotic tissue were measured with Image-Pro Plus. The number of vessels was counted manually. Results: In the normal lunate, the bone trabeculae showed a uniform distribution with fatty marrow filled the interspace between the trabeculae. In the lunates with Kienböck disease, the trabeculae fracture and necrosis located in the central part with massive fibrous granular tissue proliferation. There were also some chondroid metaplasia at the palmar and dorsal ends. The trabeculae of the lunates of the Kienböck's disease [0.188 mm (0.153 mm, 0.236 mm)] was significantly thicker than the normal lunates [0.146 mm (0.124 mm, 0.164 mm)]. The necrosis was localized around the fracture sites instead of the whole lunate. The mean necrosis area only accounts for 16.3% ± 8.9% of the whole section. Such kind of focal necrosis is quite similar to those around the traumatic fracture ends of other bones. Even in stage III Kienböck lunates, the vessels are quite abundant (221 ± 42 in one sagittal section), while the vessels inside the normal lunate were 352 ± 28. Conclusions: There is neither massive nor obvious generalized avascular bone necrosis in our histopathology observations. The focal necrosis and vessel damage were more likely associated with the broken trabeculae inside the lunate. Based on our histopathology observations, we suggested that the progressive process of Kienböck's disease could be described as lunate nonunion advanced collapse instead of avascular necrosis.

Human larynx motor cortices coordinate respiration for vocal-motor control

Vocal flexibility is a hallmark of the human species, most particularly the capacity to speak and sing. This ability is supported in part by the evolution of a direct neural pathway linking the motor cortex to the brainstem nucleus that controls the larynx the primary sound source for communication. Early brain imaging studies demonstrated that larynx motor cortex at the dorsal end of the orofacial division of motor cortex (dLMC) integrated laryngeal and respiratory control, thereby coordinating two major muscular systems that are necessary for vocalization. Neurosurgical studies have since demonstrated the existence of a second larynx motor area at the ventral extent of the orofacial motor division (vLMC) of motor cortex. The vLMC has been presumed to be less relevant to speech motor control, but its functional role remains unknown. We employed a novel ultra-high field (7T) magnetic resonance imaging paradigm that combined singing and whistling simple melodies to localise the larynx motor cortices and test their involvement in respiratory motor control. Surprisingly, whistling activated both ‘larynx areas’ more strongly than singing despite the reduced involvement of the larynx during whistling. We provide further evidence for the existence of two larynx motor areas in the human brain, and the first evidence that laryngeal-respiratory integration is a shared property of both larynx motor areas. We outline explicit predictions about the descending motor pathways that give these cortical areas access to both the laryngeal and respiratory systems and discuss the implications for the evolution of speech.

Arthroscopy-Assisted Reconstruction of the Coracoclavicular and Acromioclavicular Ligaments Using a Tendon Graft and Knot-Hiding Clavicular Implants in Chronic Acromioclavicular Separations

The purpose of this study is to introduce an arthroscopy-assisted technique to treat chronic acromioclavicular (AC) dislocation. The method involves reconstructing both the coracoclavicular (CC) and AC ligaments in a practical and reliable way using a semi-tendon graft and knot-hiding implants. In the CC reconstruction, the anterior graft limb replaces the trapezoid ligament, whereas the dorsal limb is wrapped around the dorsal edge of the clavicle to reconstruct the conoid ligament. One 5.5-mm drill hole is needed in the clavicle since the semitendinosus graft and the interconnecting supportive suture share the same drill hole. A 2.4-mm drill hole through the coracoid is needed for the interconnective suture. The technique uses knot-hiding titanium implants that are designed to be used with a tendon graft. After finishing the arthroscopic CC reconstruction, the dorsal end of the tendon graft is openly taken over the AC joint to openly reconstruct the superior AC ligament. The AC capsule is then plicated over the reconstruction. The arthroscopic part of the reconstruction is not technically difficult for an experienced arthroscopic shoulder surgeon. For success, it is essential to achieve a tension-free reduction of the distal clavicle and to provide sufficient recovery time postoperatively.

Morphology, pollen preferences and DNA-barcoding of five Austrian species in the Colletes succinctus group (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

Most species of the Colletes succinctus group sensu Noskiewicz, 1936 are taxonomically uncertain. This study has chosen an integrative approach, including pollen analysis, morphology, male genitalia, morphometry, cuticle sculpture and DNA-barcoding (CO1) to investigate the five species that were reported from Austria. It includes a detailed analysis of the male genitalia and the first description of the C. pannonicus male. A syntype male from the island of Crete was designated as the lectotype of Colletes succinctus brevigena Noskiewicz, 1936 to fix the species identity. New distinguishing characters were found: in females the shape of the dorsal end of the fovea facialis and, in both sexes, the structure of maxillary palpi, as well as the different puncturation on the mesopleura. Unknown structures on sterna and genitalia of the males proved to be reliable morphological characters. An identification key is provided for all studied species. Morphometry of females did not allow a clear distinction of species. CO1 sequencing confirmed previous studies that only C. collaris clearly deviates from the other species, including C. pannonicus that was analysed for the first time. Pollen analysis showed polylectic, as well as oligolectic, pollen-collecting behaviour. The collected pollen of C. pannonicus confirmed the field observations that this species is strictly oligolectic on Tripolium pannonicum. Due to pronounced intraspecific variation, it is assumed that the species of the C. succinctus group are either species in statu nascendi or very young species. Therefore, it remains important to include ecological data in species identification.

Minor Physical Anomalies in Bipolar Disorder

ObjectiveHigh-arched palate is more frequent in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD). Upto 40% of patients develop schizophrenia in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome manifested with cleft lip and palate, which originate from the first pharyngeal arch in embryo. The auricle also originates from the dorsal ends of the first and second pharyngeal arches; hence, we aimed to determine the associations between auricular anomalies and BD. Methods: We screened for 36 minor physical anomalies of the auricle in 146 patients with BD. Results: 7 out of the of 36 assessed anomalies highly differed between healthy subjects and BD patients. A regression model including the differing anomalies predicted healthy subjects and BD-patients by 78.8% and 68.5%, respectively. ConclusionsAssessing minor anomalies in psychiatric disorders may help to discover novel pathogenesis pathways and even new endophenotypes.

Temporal Modulations of NODAL, BMP, and WNT Signals Guide the Spatial Patterning in Self-Organized Human Ectoderm Tissues

Summary Developmental biology studies using model organisms suggest that the emergence of spatial patterning in the ectoderm is mediated by the morphogen gradients. However, it is still unclear whether the morphogen gradient is necessary and dominates the cell spatial patterning, particularly in human genetic background. Here, we demonstrate that human pluripotent stem cells can self-organize to concentric rings of all major cell types in ectoderm when cultured on micropatterned surfaces in a chemically defined condition. We reveal that modulating the dynamics of NODAL, BMP, and WNT signals is sufficient to control the spatial order of different cell types. Our mathematical model suggests that changes in wavelength and phase of signaling patterns formed via reaction-diffusion may be the mechanism by which temporal information is translated into spatial information. Together, our work demonstrates that in vitro human ectoderm microtissues have great potential in understanding the mechanisms of early-stage human development.

Morphometry of the mandibular foramen applied to local anesthesia in hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus)

ABSTRACT: Great part of the veterinary care in wild carnivores is intended to treat the dental disorders, and oral cavity disorders may generally affect the animal health as a whole. It is factual that knowing the location of the mandibular foramen is vital for local anesthetic block of the inferior alveolar nerve, however, there is still no data on the morphometry of the hoary fox mandibular foramen. The aim was describing morphometry of the mandibular foramen of this species and associating its position with anatomic reference points in the mandible, thus providing support for more effective local anesthetic block of the inferior alveolar nerve in such species. Four adult jaws of Lycalopex vetulus were used. Radiography and biometrics of the hemimandibulas were performed. The rostral third of the jaw body in a lateral view presented three mental foramens, being a rostral, a medium and a caudal. Each hemimandibula presented I3/C1/PM4/M3. The angle of the mandible was marked by the masseteric fossa, the angular incisure, the angular process and the mandibular foramen, and this last one located perpendicularly to the dorsal edge of the angular incisures in medial view. In this view, the crevice to the milohyoid nerve, projected in the caudodorso rostral direction, was also evidenced. The ramus of the mandible was characterized by the presence of the condylar and coronoid processes, and by the dorsal and ventral mandibular incisions. Statistical analyzes did not present significant differences between the antimeres of the studied animals, and the penetration of the needle perpendicularly to the dorsal end of the angular incision on average 8.79mm, overlapped to the medial face of the angle of the mandible could be indicated. Alternatively, the access may also be achieved by inserting the needle in an average of 17.69mm perpendicular to the dorsal end of the angular process, in contact with the medial aspect of the angle of the mandible, and in caudo-rostral projection, also allowing a better anesthetic blockade of the inferior alveolar nerve in L. vetulus. It can also be concluded that the masseteric fossa, the dorsal and ventral mandibular angles, the crevice to the milohyoid nerve, the ramus of the mandible and the mandibular foramen presented differences in their topographic descriptions when compared to the other canids.

Description of Henneguya jaczoi sp. n. (myxosporea, myxobolidae) from Perca fluviatilis (L.) (pisces, percidae) with some remarks on the systematics of Henneguya spp. of european fishes.

A new Henneguya species, H. jaczoi sp. n., is described from perch (Perca fluviatilis) from Lake Balaton, Hungary. This species infects the palatal region of the fish, forming large plasmodia in the thickened caudal part of the buccal cavity and at the dorsal ends of the cartilaginous gill arches. The species differs from the gill-dwelling Henneguya species of perch and pike (Esox lucius) both morphologically and in molecular aspects. The authors conclude that the type species H. psorospermica Thélohan is a specific parasite of pike, while the species forming plasmodia in the gills of perch corresponds to H. texta Cohn, which was hitherto regarded as a synonym of H. psorospermica. Besides the above-mentioned species, H. creplini was frequently found in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) and Volga pikeperch (Sander volgensis), but no Henneguya infection has been recorded in ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua), which is a common percid fish of the lake and is known to be the type host species for H. creplini.

Setup and initial testing of an endoscope manipulator system for assistance in transoral endoscopic surgery.

Purpose For the treatment of malignant diseases of the oral cavity and the larynx, a total or partial resection is the standard therapy, while in special cases chemo- and/or external radiation therapy is considered. Transoral access reduces trauma and hospitalization time. Transoral surgery is usually executed using external microscopic imaging. Therefore, the microscope is placed in the visual line of the opening of the mouth and throat. However, specific anatomical structures like the posterior commissure (dorsal end of the vocal cords) are not visible in these procedures. An endoscopic approach can improve this problem. We introduce a new prototype system for endoscopic assisted transoral surgery. Methods Based on clinical observation and discussions with professional users and surgeons, the clinical need was identified and specified. A general concept or an endoscopic manipulator to assist microlaryngeal surgery was designed. For that a steerable rigid endoscope was combined with an actuator that allows translational and rotational movement. A quick release fastener was designed allowing for fast change of the endoscope and independence from its shape and type. The actuator was fixed on a commercially available, semi-active medical holding arm for easy positioning. The holder can be fixed to the standard rails of the surgical table. The piezoelectric drives integrated in the actuator are activated with a foot pedal. This allows easy and fast fine positioning, while the hands are free to perform the surgery with standard instruments for microlaryngeal surgery. Results A prototype of the system for endoscopic assisted transoral surgery was developed. The entire technical setup was tested in terms of usability and performance in a simulated surgical scenario. A basic phantom, representing the throat and vocal cords was created and placed on a surgical table. The system was installed on the table and the clinical workflow of a simulated endoscopic assisted surgery on the vocal cords was performed. The performance of the setup and the procedure success was evaluated by clinical users. Conclusion Fixture of the system on the surgical table is fast and easy due to its low weight and compact design. The medical holder allows a fast initial positioning of the system in front of the phantom patient. An easy insertion and removal of the endoscope was realized using the quick release fastener. The developed endoscope fixation is universally adaptable and not limited to a single type of endoscope. The piezoelectric drives, combined with the foot pedal, allow a precise placement and readjustment of the endoscope during surgery. The use of a multi view endoscope enables a variable view on the surgical situs. The size and shape of the whole setup offer excellent access to the targeted structures. The development was classified beneficial by the clinical users.

Hessebius luculentus, a new species of the genus Hessebius Verhoeff, 1941 from China (Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae).

Hessebius luculentus sp. n. (Lithobiomorpha: Lithobiidae), recently discovered from Shandan County, Zhangye City, Province Gansu, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China, is described. Morphologically it resembles H. jangtseanus (Verhoeff, 1942), but can be easily distinguished from the latter by size of Tömösváry’s organ’s, the morphological characters of a protuberance on the dorsal end of the second article of the female gonopods; and obvious differences in the dorsal plectrotaxy of both the 14th and 15th legs. The main morphological characters and a key to the known Chinese species of genus Hessebius based on adult specimens are presented.

The gross anatomy of the male reproductive system of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus Europaeus).

Hedgehogs are small spiny-coated insectivores. Due to their low body weight, calm character, and easy maintenance, they are kept as pets. It is therefore worthwhile to care about hedgehogs' health problems and to provide pet owners with information about their reproduction. Moreover, it is necessary to be familiar with their anatomy so as to satisfy the need to improve nutrition and medical care, even surgery. This study was carried out on five adult male European hedgehogs euthanased in a chloroform chamber. The European hedgehog's oval testes are invisible in inguinal region because they have no true scrotal sac. The testes are located in the craniocaudal direction with dorsolateral epididymal attachments. The vesicular glands, the European hedgehog's largest accessory sex glands, are lobulated structures containing dorsomedial and ventrolateral parts on each side. The prostate is an oval gland with right and left lobes. The paired bulbourethral glands are laid on the ischiocavernosus muscle. Histologically the vesicular, prostate gland ducts and ductus deferens as well as urethra separately were discharged in a diverticlum at the level of the pelvic urethra end. A sigmoid flexure exists in the proximal part of shaft body of the penis. There are two retractor penile muscles. In dorsal end of the penile glans, there is a small urethral process with two nail- -like, needle-shaped structures. They are on both sides of the urethral process. Furthermore, there are two intromittent sacs (Sacculus urethralis) in the ventral part of the end of the penis. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 1: 36-43).

The costal skeleton of the Regourdou 1 Neandertal

The morphology and size of the Neandertal thorax is a subject of growing interest due to its link to general aspects of body size and shape, including physiological aspects related to bioenergetics and activity budgets. However, the number of well-preserved adult Neandertal costal remains is still low. The recent finding of new additional costal remains from the Regourdou 1 (R1) skeleton has rendered this skeleton as one of the most complete Neandertal costal skeletons with a minimum of 18 ribs represented, five of which are complete or virtually complete. Here we describe for the first time all the rib remains from R1 and compare them to a large modern Euroamerican male sample as well as to other published Neandertal individuals. The costal skeleton of this individual shows significant metric and morphological differences from our modern human male comparative sample. The perceived differences include: dorsoventrally large 1st and 2nd ribs, 3rd ribs with a very closed dorsal curvature and large maximum diameters at the posterior angle, a large tubercle-iliocostal line distance in the 4th rib, thick shafts at the dorsal end of its 6th ribs, thick mid-shafts of the 8th ribs, large articular tubercles at the 9th ribs, and thick shafts of the 11th and 12th ribs. Here we also describe a new mesosternal fragment: the left lateral half of sternebral segments 4 and 5. This portion reveals that the mesosternum of R1 had a sternal foramen in its inferiormost preserved sternal segment and supports previous estimation of the total length of this mesosternum.The new costal remains from R1 support the view that Neandertals, when compared with modern humans, show a significantly different thorax, consistent with differences found in other anatomical regions such as the vertebral column and pelvis.