Mean Longitudinal Length Research Articles

Morphometric analysis of internal auditory canal using CT imaging: An observational study in South Indian adult population

Abstract Background: The posterior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone, located near the anterolateral wall of the posterior cranial fossa, houses the internal auditory canal (IAC). The lateral fundus of this canal is divided into three distinct openings that accommodate the facial, cochlear, and vestibular nerves. The present study attempts to measure the dimensions of the IAC using digital image processing to understand how anatomical variations may aid in surgical planning. Materials and Methods: A morphometric analysis of the IAC was conducted at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from November 2021 to May 2022. The study included subjects aged between 25 and 86 years who underwent temporal computed tomography (CT) scans revealing characteristics of the IAC. Imaging was obtained from the supraorbitomeatal plane with the subjects in a designated head support position. The scans were performed using a Philips Secura™ 128-slice Ingenuity CT scanner. The study measured the IAC opening width (OW), longitudinal length (LL), and anteroposterior (AP) diameter in both male and female subjects. Results: Of the 70 cases included in the study, 27 were female, and 43 were male. Three distinct shapes of the IAC were identified across both genders: cylindrical, funnel-shaped, and bud-shaped. Among the 70 samples, 30 exhibited a cylindrical shape, 29 were funnel-shaped, and 11 were bud-shaped. The mean width of the IAC (OW) for both male and female subjects was 0.77 ± 0.19. The mean LL was 1.08 ± 0.20 in males and 1.02 ± 0.21 in females. The mean AP diameter was 0.44 ± 0.13 in males and 0.40 ± 0.13 in females. Conclusion: A detailed understanding of the anatomy and spatial relationships within the IAC is critical for diagnosing and treating conditions affecting this region. This space’s frequent vestibular schwannomas (auditory neuromas) underscores the canal’s clinical significance.

Role of Ultrasound in Diagnosing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Background: CKD may be defined as either kidney damage or glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/mm/1.73 m2 for more than three months. Kidney damage is defined as pathological abnormalities or marks of damage including abnormalities in blood, urine, and imaging test. Objective: To analyze the changes in cortical thickness of the kidney and, the size of the kidney with progression to CKD. Methods: This study, conducted between May 2021 to April 2022, employed a retrospective cross-sectional design within the ultrasound department of a Tertiary Hospital. The study involved 200 CKD patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of < 60 ml/min. Serum creatinine estimation was performed alongside blood tests on the same day as ultrasonography, which assessed echogenicity, parenchymal thickness, cortical thickness, and longitudinal length. All gathered data were recorded in the pro forma. Results: The patient cohort had an average age of 54.62±13.3 years. Mean serum creatinine showed significant variance across echogenicity grades (p=0.0005). Comparable trends were observed for mean parenchymal thickness (p=0.0005), mean longitudinal length (p=0.0005), and mean corticomedullary distinction (p=0.0005). A statistically significant highly positive correlation emerged between serum creatinine and cortical echogenicity grading (r=0.915, p = 0.0005). Conclusion: Renal cortical echogenicity, particularly its grading, exhibited the most substantial correlation with serum creatinine among various sonographic parameters like longitudinal length, parenchymal thickness, and cortical thickness in CKD patients. As renal cortical echogenicity's irreversible nature contrasts with serum creatinine levels, it stands as a viable parameter for renal function assessment.

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF UTERUS IN NULLIPAROUS AND MULTIPAROUS FEMALES ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Uterus is considered as a major reproductive organ in women which is responsible for pregnancy and delivery of the foetus. The dimensions of the uterus can act as the markers for the reproductive health of the women. The dimension of the uterus deviates from the normal dimensions in the presence of any anomalies. Therefore, the uterine dimensions can help in predicting the reproductive health of the women and help in the treatment. Ultrasonography is an overexploited technique due to the key advantages it provides in diagnoses purposes. The uterine dimension can easily be measured by this technique. Aims and Objectives: To measures the uterine dimension using Ultrasonography of women lying in the age group of 15-45 years. Methods- Uterine dimensions of 200 nulliparous and parous women were measured in the study and comparison were made from the normal counterparts. Results: Women lying in 15-25 years of age were having the mean longitudinal length as 6.43±0.24 cm, mean Anteroposterior diameter as 2.96±0.33 cm and mean transverse diameter as 3.77±0.45cm. In age group of 26-35 years, the mean longitudinal length was 7.72±0.630, mean anteroposterior diameter was 3.59±0.42 cm and mean transverse diameter was 4.42±0.52 cm. In age group of 36-45 years the mean longitudinal length was 8.57±0.55, mean anteroposterior diameter was 4.12±0.45cm and mean transverse diameter was 4.93±0.46cm. Conclusion: Our study showed a significant increase in uterine dimensions with Age and Parity. These values are of immense importance for predicting and later on diagnosing any uterine pathology affecting its dimensions.

Novel endoscopic treatment strategy for early esophageal cancer in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices.

The safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and radiofrequency ablation for early esophageal cancer (EEC) in cirrhotic patients has not been thoroughly investigated to date. The present study aimed to establish a standard treatment strategy for EEC in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices. Six cirrhotic patients with early flat-type EECs (high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) on or adjacent to esophageal varices were enrolled. Esophageal varix ligation (EVL) or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) were used for the initial management of esophageal varices. Follow-up endoscopy was performed two months following the initial procedure. The mean longitudinal length of the lesions was 4.3 cm (range, 2-6 cm). The average procedure time was 72.8 min (range, 34-135 min) and the average longitudinal length of the resected specimens was 45.6 mm (range, 30-90 mm). One case had a tumor-positive lateral margin with lymphovascular infiltration. Both complete and curative resection rates were 80% (4/5 lesions). Large intraoperative bleeding was detected in patients undergoing EVL compared with TIPS prior to the ESD procedure. No severe complications or mortality-associated events, including massive postoperative bleeding, perforation or hepatic failure, were observed. No recurrence and metastasis were observed during the follow-up period. The current study suggested a novel treatment strategy for EECs complicated by esophageal varices in cirrhosis with good treatment results, no neoplastic progression and an acceptable adverse event profile.

Role of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease and its Correlation with Serum Creatinine Level.

Objective: We aimed to study the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its correlation with serum creatinine level.Materials and methods: This was a retrospective cross sectional study conducted in the ultrasound department of Dr. Ziauddin Hospital Clifton campus, Karachi from April 6, 2017 to October 6, 2017 for a period of six months. A total of 200 patients with CKD and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determined to be < 60 ml/min were included in this study. Blood tests were gathered from the chosen patients, serum creatinine estimation was done for those patients and they underwent ultrasonography on the same day to assess echogenicity, parenchymal thickness, cortical thickness, and longitudinal length. This information was noted in the pro forma.Results: The average age of the patients was 54.62±13.3 years. Mean serum creatinine was significant among echogenicity grades [p=0.0005]. Mean parenchymal thickness was also significant among echogenicity grades (p=0.0005). Mean longitudinal length was also significant among echogenicity grades (p=0.0005). Mean corticomedullary distinction was also significant among echogenicity grades (p=0.0005). A statistically significant highly positive correlation was observed between serum creatinine and cortical echogenicity grading (r=0.915 P = 0.0005).Conclusion: The best sonographic parameter that correlates with serum creatinine is renal cortical echogenicity and its grading in comparison to longitudinal length, parenchymal thickness, and cortical thickness in patients of CKD. Since renal cortical echogenicity has the advantage of being irreversible in comparison to serum creatinine levels, it can be used as a parameter of renal function.

Topographic anatomical landmarks for pulley system of the thumb.

Knowledge of anatomical landmark to pulley system of the thumb is essential in successful treatment of trigger thumb release either by percutaneous or by minimally invasive technique. Though surgical release of trigger thumb is done commonly, there is paucity of data in the literature regarding its surface landmarks. The purpose of this study is to identify palmar surface anatomical landmarks to the pulley system of the thumb. Dissection was performed on 55 fresh frozen adult cadaveric thumbs. The palmar thumb creases were given names as the proximal-proximal crease (PPC) present at the metacarpophalangeal joint, the distal-proximal crease (DPC) over the middle of the proximal phalanx and the distal crease (DC) at interphalangeal joint. The distance between the proximal edges of each pulley to the three thumb creases and longitudinal length of A1, A2, oblique and Av pulley was measured using digital vernier caliper and was expressed in mean and standard deviation. The proximal edge of A1 pulley was 1.98 ± 1.61mm proximal to the PPC. The mean longitudinal length of the A1 pulley was measured to be 5.06 ± 0.87mm, so the distal edge of the A1 pulley was calculated to lie 3.08mm distal to PPC. The proximal edge of Av and oblique pulley was situated 7.78 ± 2.5 and 15.72 ± 3.22mm distal to PPC, respectively. The proximal edge of A2 pulley was very nearer and 2.88 ± 1.79mm proximal to DC. The knowledge of anatomical skin surface landmarks is helpful in the percutaneous release or minimally invasive procedure. The PPC serves as a definite landmark for A1, Av and oblique pulley whereas it is the DC for A2 pulley.

Three-dimensional morphometric properties of rod- and plate-like trabeculae in adolescent cancellous bone

SummaryBackground/ObjectiveDespite many researches have been carried out on the three-dimensional microarchitecture of cancellous bone, the morphometric properties of rod and plate trabeculae in adolescent cancellous bone have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to investigate three-dimensional morphometric properties of rod- and plate-like trabeculae in normal adolescent cancellous bone, and to compare them with adult cancellous bones to reveal morphometric changes from adolescence to adult life to obtain more insight into the subchondral bone adaptations during development and growth.MethodsThis study included 23 normal human proximal tibiae. These tibiae were divided into three groups: adolescents (9–17 years, n = 6), young adults (18–24 years, n = 9), and adults (25–30 years, n = 8). From each tibia, six cubic cancellous bone samples (dimensions 8 × 8 × 8 mm3) were sawed from each medial and lateral condyle, yielding a total of 276 samples. These samples were scanned using micro computed tomography leading to three-dimensional cubic voxel sizes of 10.5 × 10.5 × 10.5 μm3. The morphometric parameters of individual rod- and plate-like trabeculae were calculated and compared among three age groups.ResultsSignificant differences in some morphometric parameters were revealed. The mean longitudinal length of rods was significantly greater in the adolescents than in the young adults. Plate volume density showed an increasing trend with age, although not significant. Trabeculae were more plate-like in adolescents in the medial condyle of adolescents than in the lateral condyle, and changed towards more plate-like trabeculae in the adults. The single best predictor for the mechanical properties was apparent density. Apparent density alone explained 59% variations in Young’s modulus, 77% in ultimate stress and 34% in failure energy, respectively (all p < 0.01). Morphometric parameters might improve this prediction.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study has reported for the first time the morphometric parameters of rod- and plate-like trabeculae in adolescent proximal tibial cancellous bone, which will improve our understanding of morphometric changes in individual trabeculae during development and growth. Furthermore, separate analysis of individual rods and plates may also help reveal disease-related morphometric changes beyond bone mineral density.The translational potential of this articleA thorough quantification of individual trabeculae during development and growth may help understand disease-related 3-D morphometric changes beyond bone mineral density.

MRI observations at return to play of clinically recovered hamstring injuries

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that MRI of fresh hamstring injuries have diagnostic and prognostic value. The clinical relevance of MRI at return to play (RTP) has not been clarified yet. The aim of this study is to describe MRI findings of clinically recovered hamstring injuries in amateur, elite and professional athletes that were cleared for RTP.MethodsWe obtained MRI of 53 consecutive athletes with hamstring injuries within 5 days of injury and within 3 days of RTP. We assessed the following parameters: injured muscle, grading of injury, presence and extent of intramuscular signal abnormality. We recorded reinjuries within 2 months of RTP.ResultsMRIs of the initial injury showed 27 (51%) grade 1 and 26 (49%) grade 2 injuries. Median time to RTP was 28 days (range 12–76). On MRI at RTP 47 athletes (89%) had intramuscular increased signal intensity on fluid-sensitive sequences with a mean longitudinal length of 77 mm (±53) and a median cross-sectional area of 8% (range 0–90%) of the total muscle area. In 22 athletes (42%) there was abnormal intramuscular low-signal intensity. We recorded five reinjuries.Conclusions89% of the clinically recovered hamstring injuries showed intramuscular increased signal intensity on fluid-sensitive sequences on MRI. Normalisation of this increased signal intensity seems not required for a successful RTP. Low-signal intensity suggestive of newly developed fibrous tissues is observed in one-third of the clinically recovered hamstring injuries on MRI at RTP, but its clinical relevance and possible association with increased reinjury risk has to be determined.

Live anatomy of the perineal body in patients with third‐degree rectocele

In many pelvic floor disorders, the perineal body is damaged or destroyed. There is still a considerable variation in anatomical descriptions of the perineal body and even more debate with regard to its attachments and relationships. Cadaveric dissections do not always reflect the functional behaviour of structures in the pelvis and description of live anatomy on imaging studies is not always reliable. This study aimed to define the anatomy of the perineal body in patients with rectocele during the live dissection required for minimally invasive surgical repair. From January 2007 to December 2009 consecutive patients requiring surgery for third-degree rectocele and symptoms of obstructed defaecation were recruited. Participants underwent dissection of the perineal body, rectum and vagina preliminary to a tissue fixation system, an operation which inserts a tensioned tape to repair the perineal body. Thirty Caucasian female patients, mean age 61 (range 47-87) years, mean parity 2.6 (range 1-5), were included. Live dissection demonstrated that the perineal body was divided into two parts, joined by a stretched central part, anchored laterally by the deep transverse perineii muscle to the descending ramus of the pubic bone. The mean longitudinal length of the perineal body was 4.5 (3.5-5.5) cm, accounting for 50% of the posterior vaginal support. In women with low rectocele, the perineal body appears to be divided into two parts, severely displaced behind the ischial tuberosities.

Histological Analysis of Tissue Ingrowth and Organization Following Implantation of a Novel Synthetic Acellular Meniscal Scaffold for the Treatment of Irreparable Partial Meniscus Tears and/or Partial (SS-27A)

Introduction Histological analysis of biopsy tissue to assess tissue ingrowth and organization as it populates a novel, biodegradable, polyurethane meniscal scaffold designed for the treatment of painful irreparable partial meniscus tears and/or partial meniscal tissue loss. Methods This was a prospective, single-arm, multicentre clinical investigation in patients with an irreparable partial medial or lateral meniscal tear or partial meniscus loss. The scaffold is designed to support the body's own physiological pathways of tissue repair by providing a temporary three-dimensional matrix for cellular attachment and vascular ingrowth. A biopsy was obtained at 12 months (±1 month) after implantation of the Actifit scaffold in the 44 patients who had agreed to a relook arthroscopy with a biopsy. All biopsies were taken with an arthroscopic punch from the center of the inner free edge of the implanted scaffold meniscus according to a standardized protocol and fixed in 4%-buffered formol for at least 24 hours. Histochemical staining of the biopsy and cellular markers were used to enable visualization of specific cellular and extracellular structures. Results A total of, 52 patients (34 medial: 18 lateral) were treated with the polyurethane meniscal scaffold. The population recruited into the study were young (mean age, 30.8±9.4 years), and the majority (88%) had undergone 1 or 2 prior surgeries on the involved meniscus. The mean longitudinal length of the meniscal defect was 47.1±10.0 mm. All 44 biopsies showed fully vital material, with no signs of necrosis or cell death, illustrating biocompatibility and successful tissue ingrowth into the scaffold meniscus within the knee joint. Notably, in addition to a fibrous capsule, three distinctly different layers were observed: Layer 1: a superficial fibrotic vascularized, tissue layer, mainly consisting of fibroblasts and some fusiform fibrochondroblast-like cells. Layer 2: an avascular "transition" layer situated between the superficial "layer 1" and the deep "layer 3." Layer 2 consists of a mixture of cell types, of which fusiform cells with a morphology resembling fibrochondroblasts are most prominent. In some biopsies cells with a morphology resembling fibrochondroblasts of the polygonal subtype are prominent. The extracellular matrix is loosely organized with positive staining for collagen type I. Layer 3: a deep, avascular hypocellular layer consisting of cells with a morphology resembling fibrochondroblasts of the polygonal subtype with a matrix rich in fibrin. Conclusion No signs of tissue necrosis or cell death were observed and all biopsies showed complete re-population by cells and tissue that can be regarded as vital structures, illustrating the biocompatibility of the polyurethane scaffold. Importantly, the layered organization of biopsied scaffold meniscus, each with its own histological characteristics, is illustrative of an ongoing process of regeneration, maturation, and remodeling. Moreover, the above-described structures and their organization are similar to that of the native human meniscus. (Actifit Study Group: R. Verdonk, P. Beaufils, J. Bellemans, P. Colombet, R. Cugat, P. Djian, H. Laprell, P. Neyret, H. Paessler.)

Tissue Ingrowth Following Implantation of a Novel Synthetic Acellular Meniscal Scaffold for the Treatment of Irreparable Partial Meniscus Tears and/or Partial Meniscal Tissue Loss (SS-27B)

Introduction To utilize DCE-MRI and MRI to assess the tissue ingrowth, and cartilage status of a novel, biodegradable, polyurethane meniscal scaffold designed for the treatment of painful irreparable partial meniscus tears and/or partial meniscal tissue loss. Methods This was a prospective, non-randomized, single-arm, multicentre clinical investigation in patients with a painful and/or dysfunctional irreparable medial or lateral meniscal tear or partial meniscus loss, ≤3 previous surgeries on the index knee, and an International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification ≤2. Following implantation, DCE-MRI was performed to assess tissue ingrowth at 3 months, and anatomic MRI was performed to assess tissue ingrowth and cartilage scores at 1 week, and 3, 12, and 24 months. Results Overall, 52 patients (34 medial: 18 lateral) were treated with the polyurethane meniscal scaffold. The population recruited into the study were young (mean age, 30.8±9.4 years), and the majority (88%) had undergone 1 or 2 prior surgeries on the involved meniscus. The mean longitudinal length of the meniscal defect was 47.1±10.0 mm. DCE-MRI performed at 3 months post-implantation revealed tissue ingrowth in 35/43 (81.4%) subjects, as demonstrated by increased signal enhancement in the peripheral half of the scaffold. Anatomic MRI scans demonstrated articular cartilage gradings were stable, improved (n=7), or deteriorated (n=5). Importantly, there was no indication of the scaffold causing cartilage damage. Tissue gain was evident in all but one of the subjects who had data available at 3, 12, and 24 months (n= 52, 47, 39 respectively). No device related SAEs were observed and no safety concerns in addition to those already identified for arthroscopic meniscus surgery were identified. Conclusion Tissue ingrowth and stable or improved cartilage scores were demonstrated by MRI assessments performed up to 24 months. (Actifit Study Group: R. Verdonk, P. Beaufils, J. Bellemans, P. Colombet, R. Cugat, P. Djian, H. Laprell, P. Neyret, H. Paessler.)

Heterose relativa em feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The characteristic mean number of days to emergence, number of days to flowering, mean height of the first pod insertion, mean longitudinal length of pods, mean final plant height, total number of pods per plant, mean number of seeds per plant, mean number of seeds per pod, mean seed weight and grain yield were assessed to estimate the heterosis of hybrids in relation to the parental means. Six common bean cultivars Phaseolus vulgaris L. and their 15 possible diallel hybrids were assessed in a complete block randomized design with ten replications at the Center of Agricultural Research - CAR, of Universidade Estadual de Maringa , Maringa, State of Parana, Brazil, in 1997. As for the potentiality for shorter plant emergence and flowering period, the distinguishing combinations were LPSPI 93-17 x FT-Nobre and LPSPI 93-19 x FT-Nobre. As for grain yield, no negative heterotic manifestation occurred, thus indicating that the recombinations obtained may generate superior segregant genotypes. Regarding the grain yield, the highest heterotic values were found in LPSPI 93-19 x Ruda, LIPSPI 93-17 x FT-Nobre, Ruda x Campeao-1, FT-Nobre x Apore and LIPSPI 93-17 x Apore combinations with the respective following values: 23.13%, 17.37%, 16.67%, 15.38% and 14.91%, thus leading to the conclusion that precocious and more productive genotypes can be derived from segregant generations.

An Anatomic Study of the Subscapularis Insertion to the Humerus: The Subscapularis Footprint

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the morphology of the subscapularis insertion into the humerus. Using 40 cadaveric shoulders from 12 men and 8 women (mean age, 91 years), we measured the maximum longitudinal (superior-to-inferior direction) and transverse (medial-to-lateral direction) length of the subscapularis insertion. The size of the bare area between the articular cartilage edge and the most medial tendon insertion at the proximal end, at the maximum transverse distance, and at the distal end was also measured. In all cadavers the subscapularis insertion consisted of a proximal tendinous part and a distal muscular part. The mean longitudinal and transverse length of the insertion was 39.5 mm (SD, 6.7 mm) and 16.0 mm (SD, 2.2 mm), respectively. The mean longitudinal length of the tendon part was 26.3 mm (SD, 2.3 mm). The mean size of the bare area at the proximal end, at the maximum transverse distance, and at the distal end was 3.2 mm (SD, 1.7 mm), 6.5 mm (SD, 1.8 mm), and 16.8 mm (SD, 7.1 mm), respectively. The longitudinal and transverse length of the insertion and the size of the bare area at the maximum transverse distance and the distal end position were significantly greater in male specimens than in female specimens (P < .05). None of the measurements differed significantly on different sides. The subscapularis footprint was broad proximally and tapered distally, exhibiting a comma shape. It consisted of a proximal tendinous part and a distal muscular part. With the exception of the bare area at the proximal end, the measured values were significantly larger in male specimens than in female specimens. The precise anatomic measurements presented here are useful for the evaluation and repair of tears of the subscapularis.

The Early Evolution of Spinal Cord Lesions on MR Imaging following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

How early spinal cord injury (SCI) lesions evolve in patients after injury is unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize the early evolution of spinal cord edema and hemorrhage on MR imaging after acute traumatic SCI. We performed a retrospective analysis of 48 patients with clinically complete cervical spine injury. Inclusion criteria were the clear documentation of the time of injury and MR imaging before surgical intervention within 72 hours of injury. The length of intramedullary spinal cord edema and hemorrhage was assessed. The correlation between time to imaging and lesion size was determined by multiple regression analysis. Short-interval follow-up MR imaging was also available for a few patients (n = 5), which allowed the direct visualization of changes in spinal cord edema. MR imaging demonstrated cord edema in 100% of patients and cord hemorrhage in 67% of patients. The mean longitudinal length of cord edema was 10.3 +/- 4.0 U, and the mean length of cord hemorrhage was 2.6 +/- 2.0 U. Increased time to MR imaging correlated to increased spinal cord edema length (P = .002), even after accounting for the influence of other variables. A difference in time to MR imaging of 1.2 days corresponded to an average increase in cord edema by 1 full vertebral level. Hemorrhage length was not affected by time to imaging (P = .825). A temporal increase in the length of spinal cord edema was confirmed in patients with short-interval follow-up MR imaging (P = .003). Spinal cord edema increases significantly during the early time period after injury, whereas intramedullary hemorrhage is comparatively static.

Application of transarterial embolization of renal artery in rabbits with experimental hydronephrosis.

This study was performed to validate the procedure of transarterial embolization of the renal artery (TAE-RA) using iohexol-ethanol solution in rabbits with unilateral experimental hydronephrosis and to evaluate the embolized kidney and contralateral normal kidney using B-mode ultrasonography and color Doppler ultrasonography. Experimental hydronephrosis was induced at 17 days after ligation of unilateral ureter in 13 rabbits. Renal artery embolization was performed using selective catheterization in the hydronephrotic kidney of eight rabbits and electrocardiography, oxygen saturation, body temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate were within normal ranges during procedures. Iohexol-ethanol solution was used as embolic material. Average ethanol dose for renal artery embolization was 1.4 +/- 0.7 ml/kg. There were no rabbits expired after TAE-RA and no side effects associated with regurgitation of iohexol-ethanol solution. In color Doppler ultrasonographic findings, there was no blood flow into the embolized kidneys treated by TAE-RA, however, blood flow signal was found in hydronephrotic kidney not treated by TAE-RA. Ultrasonographically, the mean longitudinal length of the embolized kidney significantly decreased at 2 and 3 months after TAE-RA. No significant difference of resistive index values was found between contralateral normal kidney of rabbits treated by TAE-RA and contralateral normal kidneys of rabbits treated with nephrectomy. We may conclude that TAE-RA with iohexol-ethanol solution is a viable alternative to nephrectomy in rabbits with unilateral hydronephrosis.

Spatial distributions of phrenic and medial gastrocnemius motoneurons in the cat spinal cord

The longitudinal distributions of both phrenic and medial gastrocnemius motoneurons were quantitatively studied in the cat spinal cord. Both populations of motoneurons were retrogradely labeled by applying horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to the cut central ends of the appropriate peripheral nerves. The longitudinal positions of all labeled motoneurons in each motor column were determined; these data then were used to generate longitudinal distribution histograms and spatial interval distributions (SIDs), the latter being analyzed further by means of power spectra. In three of four cats, longitudinal clustering of phrenic motoneuronal cell bodies was revealed by the presence of a narrow central peak in the SID and the presence of subsidiary peaks. In the fourth cat, only a smaller central peak was observed. Power spectral analysis of the three SIDs having subsidiary peaks revealed that the mean longitudinal distance between clusters was 0.95 mm (range 0.52 to 1.22 mm). The analyses also revealed that on average a phrenic motoneuronal cluster contained 17 motoneurons, and the mean longitudinal length of a cluster was 450 μm. Using single, small-volume injections of HRP into the diaphragm, we concluded that not all the phrenic motoneurons with a a single cluster innervate muscle fibers in a discrete region of the diaphragm. Similar quantitative analyses of the distribution of medial gastrocnemius motoneurons did not reveal clustering in this motor column. We suggest that the fundamental differences in the spatial distributions of motoneurons within these two motor columns may be related to differences in the functional organizations of motoneurons innervating axial versus appendicular musculature, i.e., diaphragm versus medial gastrocnemius.

Prediction of Indian droughts with lower stratospheric winds

An extremely deficient summer monsoon (June to September) produces severe drought conditions in India because 75 per cent of the annual rainfall over a large part of the country occurs, during this season. The prediction of large scale monsoon failure sufficiently in advance can therefore help to forecast the occurrence of drought over India. A number of studies have indicated that the Quasi Biennial Oscillation (QBO) plays an important role in linking different layers of the atmosphere. Recently, Thapliyal 0979) bas shown that mean January circulation features at 50 mb level are able to indicate the deficient monsoon rainfall in westerly QBO years. This however does not explain fully the large scale monsoon rainfall that occurs in westerly QBO years such as 1979. An attempt has therefore, been made here to identify a few global circulation features during antecedent months which can be, used, for predicting large scale monsoon failure over India. For this purpose, the mean monthly global circulation features in the lower stratosphere have been studied for two recent years of contrasting monsoon over India, namely, 1980- a good monsoon year, and 1979- a severe drought year. During these two years, completely different circulation features have been found at 50 mb level. In winter1980 a subtropical ridges situated over the northern hemisphere around latitude 20 deg. N. On the other hand, in winter 1979 three significant large; scale circulation features are situated over the globe. The prominent among them is a pair of trough and ridge which runs parallel to the equator and is mostly situated in the tropical region pf the northern hemisphere. Simultaneously a near equatorial trough is also found in 1979 which encircles the southern hemisphere. Encouraged by this result, the mean winter circulation features during the recent 16 years (1965 to 1980) have been studied in relation to monsoon rainfall in India. The circulation features like those of winter 1980 are found in all the easterly QBO years while the features like those of winter 1979 .are found in all the westerly QBO years. It has been noted that the location and the extent of the ridge and the trough provide reliable indications regarding the deficient monsoon rainfall in India. Years, when the extent of northern hemispheric ridge and trough is small, are followed by good monsoon rain while years when the extent of these circulation features is large are followed by deficient monsoon rains. This relationship has been expressed by an exact mathematical model which has been successfully used forecasting the large scale rainfall deficiency during the recent monsoon seasons (1965 to 1980). The performance of the forecast model during recent 16 years has been found excellent. From the model it is interred that the winters, in which the mean longitudinal length of the pair of trough and ridge over northern hemisphere is more than 140 degrees longitude are followed by severe drought conditions during subsequent summer monsoon over India. Thus, severe droughts have occurred over India in westerly QBO years only. Based on this method the drought conditions due to large scale monsoon failure could, therefore, be forecast about 3 months prior to the &amp;tart of the season over India.