Median Sulcus Research Articles

First and oldest Leptochirini rove beetles illuminate diverse cephalic structures in the Cretaceous (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Osoriinae)

AbstractOsoriinae is a highly diverse, globally distributed subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae), but only a single Mesozoic species, Mesallotrochus longiantennatus Cai & Huang, in mid‐Cretaceous Burmese amber is known (age c. 99 Ma). Leptochirini, which is primarily found in decaying wood in the tropics, is one of the four tribes of osoriine rove beetles. The diversity of cephalic tooth shapes in adults has attracted special research attention with regard to the evolution and classification of this group. Here, we report two well‐preserved fossils of Leptochirini for the first time from Burmese amber. Together with M. longiantennatus, they represent the oldest osoriines, highlighting the palaeodiversity of the subfamily in Burmese amber. Based on our observations and phylogenetic analyses, a remarkable new genus and species, †Cretochirus newtoni Yamamoto gen. et sp.n., is described. Additionally, a new species, †Priochirus thayerae Yamamoto sp.n., is also described and placed in the extant genus Priochirus Sharp. †Cretochirus gen.n. has a typical body plan of Leptochirini, but it retains several primitive features that have rarely, or never, been known from modern leptochirine taxa, including simple cephalic structures with a largely depressed dorsum, undeveloped cephalic teeth, and the absence of a longitudinal median sulcus of the head, together with the only slightly crenulate external margins of the protibiae. These findings demonstrate the antiquity of Leptochirini rove beetles and even suggest a much older origin of the subfamily. Morphologically diverse leptochirines from Burmese amber also illuminate the remarkable cephalic diversity of the tribe during the Mesozoic. They were already diversified during the mid‐Cretaceous in the tropical forests of Myanmar, and possibly living underneath the bark of rotten wood and logs.This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CC5E81E8‐5621‐44A6‐A247‐A776B14A9191.

Histomorphological study on the tongue of the duck in the Caribbean with relation to feeding habit.

Objective:The objective of this study was to give detailed descriptions of the morphological and histological structures of the tongue of the Muscovy duck as it relates to their feeding habit.Materials and Methods:Ten adult Muscovy ducks weighing 2–4 kg were used. The ducks were slaughtered and their oral cavities were opened to detect in situ position of the tongues. Each tongue was dissected and examined grossly. Samples of various parts of the tongue were taken for routine histological examination.Results:The tongue of the Muscovy ducks was distinguished grossly as the apex, body, and root. A dorsal median sulcus, conical papillae, and lingual prominence were observed grossly. Microscopic observations showed the tongue of the Muscovy duck was covered by stratified squamous epithelium; keratinized and non-keratinized. The lamina propria of the tongue contained lingual glands, entoglossum cartilage, lymphoid nodules, as well as blood vessels and nerves.Conclusion:The morphological and histological variations of the tongue of the Muscovy duck may infer that its unique structures are related to their feeding habits.

Microsurgery for Cervicomedullary Tumor: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

The treatment of brainstem tumors are challenging for the neurosurgeons due to the delicate nature of this region. These tumors present a bimodal incidence, with one peak occurring during childhood, where up to 18% of all tumors manifest, while the other occurs during the fourth decade of life. The classic clinical presentation for brainstem tumors is the involvement of cranial nerves. About 90% of the cases have glial etiology, allowing the radiological classification of these tumors into 4 different types: type 1, diffuse; type II, focal, limited, and slow-growing tumors; type III, exophytic tumors, mostly low-grade gliomas, and type IV, cervicomedullary tumors, which may commonly present as an exophytic lesion. We present a 52-yr-old patient with a type IV tumor. The patient reported a history of high cervical pain, which started about 2 mo after admission, and was associated with lower right limb paresthesia. Examination of the cervical and encephalic regions using magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor located in the posterior medulla oblongata medial line, near the fourth oblique ventricle. Resection of the lesion was performed using a median suboccipital approach, with subsequent entrance to the oblong medulla via the median posterior sulcus. The lesion was successfully resected. Following surgery, the patient maintained the initial evocated potentials and previous paresthesia in the lower right limb. Pathologic examination revealed that the tumor was a grade II ependymoma. Herein, we present a video demonstrating the microsurgical steps that were required to perform the cervicomedullary tumor resection. The patient signed the Institutional Consent Form, which allows the use of his/her images and videos for any medical publications in conferences and/or scientific articles.Watch now at https://academic.oup.com/ons/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/ons/opy024 {"href":"Single Video Player","role":"media-player-id","content-type":"play-in-place","position":"float","orientation":"portrait","label":"Microsurgery for Cervicomedullary Tumor: 2-Dimensional Operative Video","caption":"","object-id":[{"pub-id-type":"doi","id":""},{"pub-id-type":"other","content-type":"media-stream-id","id":"1_x4kowbwi"},{"pub-id-type":"other","content-type":"media-source","id":"Kaltura"}]} Disclosure The authors have no personal, financial, or institutional interest in any of the drugs, materials, or devices described in this article.

Tongue development in stillborns autopsied at different gestational ages

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze, through the morphometric method, the perimeter and length of the tongue, the collagen fibers, and the perimeter of blood vessels at different gestational ages and fetal weights. Material and methodsTongues (n=55) of stillborns autopsied at 23–40 weeks of gestational age were macroscopically analyzed, and their length and perimeter were measured. Fifty‐five tongue fragments were collected through a longitudinal section in the region that accompanies the median lingual sulcus and histologically processed. Slides were stained with picrosirius and immunolabeled with CD31 antibody. Quantification was performed on collagen fibers under polarized light, and on the perimeter of vessels with the CD31. ResultsA positive and significant correlation of gestational age with tongue perimeter and length was found. There was a positive and significant correlation between collagen fibers and gestational age, as well as between gestational age and the perimeter of blood vessels. Between collagen fibers and fetal weight, a positive and significant increase was observed. Regarding the correlation between the perimeter of blood vessels and the fetal weight, an increase was observed. ConclusionAs gestational age advances, there is an increase in tongue perimeter and length, in the percentage of collagen fibers, and in vascular perimeter, demonstrating that tongue formation is directly related to tongue growth and development.

Anatomical and Objective Evaluation of the Main Surgical Approaches to Pontine Intra-Axial Lesions

Apparently similar intra-axial pontine lesions may demand distinct surgical approaches. Selecting the optimal approach reduces unnecessary manipulation of tracts and nuclei. This study aims to reveal a quantitative analysis of main surgical corridors dealing with intrinsic pontine pathology. Six approaches were performed repeatedly in 10 cadaveric heads: 1) retrosigmoid, 2) retrolabyrinthine, 3) subtemporal transtentorial, 4) anterior petrosectomy, 5) combined petrosal approach, and 6) suboccipital telovelar. Six safe entry zones were studied: peritrigeminal, supratrigeminal, lateral pontine, supracollicular, infracollicular, and median sulcus of fourth ventricle. A neuronavigation device was used to collect 3-dimensional coordinates from fixed points over the edge of craniotomies and brainstem surface; 4 variables were studied: 1) angles of attack; 2) areas of exposure; 3) lengths of exposure; and 4) trajectories. The mean area of exposure generated by theretrosigmoid approach over the brainstem was 538.6 ± 161.0 mm2, whereas that yielded by the retrolabyrinthine was 475.0 ± 173.4 mm2. There were no significant differences between both when considering areas of exposure and angles. Adding a tentorial cut to the subtemporal approach exposed the superior part of the lateral surface ofpons; the area of exposure increased a mean of 33% (P<0.001). In addition to producing similar areas and angles of attack, the retrolabyrinthine yields a more orthogonal trajectory to lateral pons than the retrosigmoid approach. Adding a tentorial cut and anterior petrosectomy significantly increased areas and lengths of exposure of a regular subtemporal approach. The combined approach significantly increased angles of attack to both the supratrigeminal and lateral pontine safe zones.

Expression of ZO1, vimentin, pan-cadherin and AGTR1 in tanycyte-like cells of the sulcus medianus organum

Tanycytes are a specialized ependymal lining of brain ventricles with exceptional features of having long basal processes and junctional complexes between cell bodies. These tanycytes are present at the regions of circumventricular organs (CVOs) which possess common morphological and functional features enabling them to be described as the brain windows where the barrier systems have special properties. Previous studies detailed seven of these CVOs but little information is available regarding another putative site at the rostral part of the median sulcus of the 4th ventricle, or the sulcus medianus organum (SMO). Here we performed a pilot immunohistochemical study to support earlier observations suggesting the SMO as a novel CVO. We labeled rat brain with ZO1, vimentin, pan-cadherin and angiotensin II type 1 receptors markers which showed a morphologically distinct population of cells at the region of the SMO similar to tanycytes present in the median eminence, a known CVO. These cells had basal processes reaching the deeply seated blood vessels while the caudal part of the median sulcus did not show similar long cellular extensions. We concluded that tanycyte-like cells are present in the SMO in a pattern resembling that of other CVOs where the strategic location of the SMO is probably for signal integration between brainstem nuclei and the rostrally located neuronal centers.

Morphological reflections of evolutionary adaptations in the tongue of the white-headed duck.

During an organism's evolution, functional adaptations help species to become better suited to their ecological niches. From the morphological aspect, these adaptations are reflected in the anatomical specializations of different organs. Specializations of the lingual organ is a critical adaptation of birds, such as the white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala), that enables their nutritional requirements to be met. For optimal use of the available food resources, the white-headed duck utilizes three methods of food collection, namely pecking, grazing and filter-feeding. Since this species is classified as endangered, we conducted the present study on two carcasses of the white-headed duck (death due to natural causes) employing routine histological methods, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Our results show that the tongue of this bird shares some similarities and some differences with the tongue of other members of the family Anatidae. The results confirm that it is better adapted to the filter-feeding method rather than to other types of food intake. This adaptation is reflected by anatomical specializations of its lingual structures, including the stair-like outline shape, bi-sectional lingual body, a deep median sulcus, lateral conical papillae, mucus secreting glands, lack of serous secreting glands, cartilaginous skeleton and the triangular fibromuscular structure of the lingual body. The so-called triangular structure and cartilaginous skeleton are the major structures involved in the lingual motions during the filter-feeding method. The presence of the triangular structure and its connection with the cartilaginous skeleton and lingual mucosa have not previously been reported in any species of birds.

Tongue development in stillborns autopsied at different gestational ages

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze, through the morphometric method, the perimeter and length of the tongue, the collagen fibers, and the perimeter of blood vessels at different gestational ages and fetal weights. Material and methodsTongues (n=55) of stillborns autopsied at 23–40 weeks of gestational age were macroscopically analyzed, and their length and perimeter were measured. Fifty-five tongue fragments were collected through a longitudinal section in the region that accompanies the median lingual sulcus and histologically processed. Slides were stained with picrosirius and immunolabeled with CD31 antibody. Quantification was performed on collagen fibers under polarized light, and on the perimeter of vessels with the CD31. ResultsA positive and significant correlation of gestational age with tongue perimeter and length was found. There was a positive and significant correlation between collagen fibers and gestational age, as well as between gestational age and the perimeter of blood vessels. Between collagen fibers and fetal weight, a positive and significant increase was observed. Regarding the correlation between the perimeter of blood vessels and the fetal weight, an increase was observed. ConclusionAs gestational age advances, there is an increase in tongue perimeter and length, in the percentage of collagen fibers, and in vascular perimeter, demonstrating that tongue formation is directly related to tongue growth and development.

Sycidiphaga, a new genus of Sycophaginae Walker, 1975 (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Agaonidae) associated with Ficus subgenus Sycidium in southern China

A new genus of Sycophaginae (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae), Sycidiphaga Liu, Rasplus &amp; Huang n. gen., is described with a single new species, S. cyrtophyllae Liu, Rasplus &amp; Huang n. sp. This species was discovered in Yun Nan and Gui Zhou, China and is associated with Ficus cyrtophylla (Moraceae, Ficus, subgenus Sycidium). The new taxon is readily distinguished from other genera of Sycophaginae by: 1) the presence of a conspicuous interantennal blade-like projection that extends well above the level of the toruli; 2) an inflated parastigma surrounded by a slight infuscation of the wing membrane; 3) the presence of a long and conspicuous median sulcus on the male pronotum; and 4) the presence of dense and long pilosity on the wings. Illustrations and a diagnosis and description of Sycidiphaga are provided, as is a key to the world genera of Sycophaginae. The phylogenetic position of Sycidiphaga was demonstrated through sequencing four gene regions of COI, Cyt b, 28s D3-D5 and EF-1α genes and conducting a phylogenetic analysis of available sequences for the subfamily. Sycidiphaga cannot be placed with confidence within Sycophaginae but several discussed characters suggest a close relationship with Idarnes Walker and Sycophaga Westwood. Interactive Lucid identification keys are available online at www.figweb.org.

Evidence for convergent evolution of a neocortex-like structure in a late Permian therapsid.

The special sensory, motor, and cognitive capabilities of mammals mainly depend upon the neocortex, which is the six-layered cover of the mammalian forebrain. The origin of the neocortex is still controversial and the current view is that larger brains with neocortex first evolved in late Triassic Mammaliaformes. Here, we report the earliest evidence of a structure analogous to the mammalian neocortex in a forerunner of mammals, the fossorial anomodont Kawingasaurus fossilis from the late Permian of Tanzania. The endocranial cavity of Kawingasaurus is almost completely ossified, which allowed a less hypothetical virtual reconstruction of the brain endocast to be generated. A parietal foramen is absent. A small pit between the cerebral hemispheres is interpreted as a pineal body. The inflated cerebral hemispheres are demarcated from each other by a median sulcus and by a possible rhinal fissure from the rest of the endocast. The encephalization quotient estimated by using the method of Eisenberg is 0.52, which is 2-3 times larger than in other nonmammalian synapsids. Another remarkable feature are the extremely ramified infraorbital canals in the snout. The shape of the brain endocast, the extremely ramified maxillary canals as well as the small frontally placed eyes suggest that special sensory adaptations to the subterranean habitat such as a well developed sense of touch and binocular vision may have driven the parallel evolution of an equivalent of the mammalian neocortex and a mammal-like lemnothalamic visual system in Kawingasaurus. The gross anatomy of the brain endocast of Kawingasaurus supports the Outgroup Hypothesis, according to which the neocortex evolved from the dorsal pallium of an amphibian-like ancestor, which receives sensory projections from the lemnothalamic pathway. The enlarged brain as well as the absence of a parietal foramen may be an indication for a higher metabolic rate of Kawingasaurus compared to other nonmammalian synapsids.

The Initial Experience of Trans-Rectal Ultrasound and Biopsy in Diagnosis of Carcinoma Prostate In Gezira Hospital For Renal Disease And Surgery (GHRDS)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: Prostate cancer prevalent cancer in males above sixty-five worldwide, this lead to the introduction of screening of the PSA and using of the transrectal ultrasound scanning, and sextant biopsy of the prostate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives&lt;/strong&gt;: To compare the accuracy of the Transrectal Ultrasound guided biopsy (TRUS/BX) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in Gezira Hospital for Renal Diseases and Surgery (GHRDS), with specific considerations to the digital rectal examination (DRE) findings and prostate specific antigen (PSA) level. .&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materials and Methods&lt;/strong&gt;: This is a prospective, descriptive small-scale hospital based study. A total of 297 patients with clinically symptomatic enlarged prostate underwent transrectal ultrasound guided true cut needle biopsy of the prostate were studied in (GHRDS) in the period from June2006 to June2009. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: The majority 188 (63.3%) of patients were between 50-70 years of age. Abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) like obliteration of the median sulcus, and fixed mucosa revealed higher incidence of carcinoma prostate (CaP) with a significant value (p= 0.0000). PSA level showed significant relation (p= 0.0001) with the diagnosis of carcinoma prostate. Transrectal U/S findings well correlated to the histopathological results, where abnormal findings (like hypo-echoic lesions or calcifications and cysts) showed higher incidence of malignancy in 46 patients constitute 52.8% of the abnormal U/S findings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions and recommendations&lt;/strong&gt;: PSA level is highly sensitive but less specific in detection of prostate cancer. Normal DRE doesn’t exclude prostate cancer, fixed mucosa and obliterated median sulcus has the highest predictors of cancer prostate in DRE. Presence of calcifications and cyst on trans-rectal ultrasound has the highest liability for cancer prostate in compare to the other ultrasonic findings. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key words: &lt;/strong&gt;Prostate cancer, DRE, PSA level, TRUS/ BX (Transrectal ultra sound biopsy), sextant biopsy.&lt;/p&gt;

First record of the thread-legged assassin bug genus Proguithera from Japan, with description of a new species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae).

The thread-legged assassin bug genus Proguithera Wygodzinsky, 1966 of the emesine tribe Leistarchini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) is recorded from Japan for the first time, and a new species P. kiinugama sp. nov., the third representative of this genus, is described based on specimens from Ishigaki-jima Island in the Ryukyu Islands. This new species can be distinguished from its congeners primarily by the absence of a median longitudinal sulcus on the anterior pronotal lobe, forewing with an incomplete cross vein connecting the M+Cu vein and a submarginal vein basad of the discal cell, and the anteroventral series of the profemur consisting of about 30 spine-like setae.

New Application of Actuator-Driven Pulsed Water Jet for Spinal Cord Dissection: An Experimental Study in Pigs.

Background Surgery for intramedullary tumors is technically demanding because it requires surgical resection along with functional preservation of the spinal cord. The water jet dissector is an emerging tool in neurologic surgeries and a novel tool in spinal cord surgeries. This article evaluates the usefulness and safety of water jet dissection in an experimental study. Methods A pulsed water jet was applied to dissect the posterior median sulcus of the spinal cords of seven anesthetized pigs. In four pigs, the water jet was delivered on the dorsal spinal cord at different input voltages (5, 10, and 15 V) and for durations of either 15 or 30 seconds. The depth and dissected areas were measured histologically and compared. In three separate pigs, somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded before and after dissection (10 V for 30 seconds) to evaluate the function of the dorsal column sensory pathway. Results Increased pressure and duration of exposure to the pulsed water jet led to deeper and wider dissection of the dorsal spinal cord. Application of the water jet at 5 or 10 V allowed precise dissection along the dorsal columns along with the preservation of microvasculature. During SEP monitoring, responses were maintained after application of the water jet to the posterior column at 10 V for 30 seconds. Conclusions The pulsed water jet is a feasible option for spinal cord dissection. Characteristics of this water jet may help surgeons achieve complete resection of intramedullary tumors along with preserving satisfactory postoperative neurologic functions.

Anatomical and histological structure of the tongue and histochemical characteristics of the lingual salivary glands in the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus).

This study was carried out to describe the anatomical, histological and mucinous histochemical characteristics of the tongue in the Persian squirrel. This species is a rodent distributed all over the Middle East and recently has been considered a companion animal. Anatomical observations showed the median sulcus on the apex and absence of a lingual prominence in the body. Light and scanning electron microscopy showed that the filiform papillae cover the entire dorsal surface of the tongue, and their sizes increased approaching the root. The fungiform papillae, which contained 1-4 taste buds, were scattered on the apex, margin, body and root of the tongue. Three vallate papillae were observed on the root, each one surrounded by a groove and crescent pad with taste buds on its lateral walls. The foliate papillae on both margins of the tongue contained several laminae with taste buds. The core of the tongue was composed of lingual glands, skeletal muscles and connective tissues. These glands were confined to the body and root, which were composed of serous cells located anteriorly and mucosal and seromucosal cells placed posteriorly. The mucin histochemistry using the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB) (pH 1.0 and 2.5), PAS-AB (pH 2.5) and aldehyde fuchsin-AB (pH 2.5) techniques showed that the mucosal content included both carboxylated and sulfated acidic mucins with neutral mucins. The results of this study could contribute to the knowledge of the morphological characteristics of the wild animal tongue and provide data for comparison with other rodents.

Development of the central nervous system in guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, Rodentia, Caviidae)

Abstract: This study describes the development of the central nervous system in guinea pigs from 12th day post conception (dpc) until birth. Totally, 41 embryos and fetuses were analyzed macroscopically and by means of light and electron microscopy. The neural tube closure was observed at day 14 and the development of the spinal cord and differentiation of the primitive central nervous system vesicles was on 20th dpc. Histologically, undifferentiated brain tissue was observed as a mass of mesenchymal tissue between 18th and 20th dpc, and at 25th dpc the tissue within the medullary canal had higher density. On day 30 the brain tissue was differentiated on day 30 and the spinal cord filling throughout the spinal canal, period from which it was possible to observe cerebral and cerebellar stratums. At day 45 intumescences were visualized and cerebral hemispheres were divided, with a clear division between white and gray matter in brain and cerebellum. Median sulcus of the dorsal spinal cord and the cauda equina were only evident on day 50. There were no significant structural differences in fetuses of 50 and 60 dpc, and animals at term were all lissencephalic. In conclusion, morphological studies of the nervous system in guinea pig can provide important information for clinical studies in humans, due to its high degree of neurological maturity in relation to its short gestation period, what can provide a good tool for neurological studies.

Studies of the macroscopic and microscopic morphology (hippocampus) of brain in Vencobb broiler.

Aim:The aim of this study was to study the anatomy of different parts of brain and histology of hippocampus of Vencobb broiler chicken.Materials and Methods:A 12 adult experimental birds were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. After separation of the brain, gross anatomy features were studied. Brain tissue was fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin for 2-3 days, and then routine dehydration process in ascending grades of ethyl alcohol was done. After xylene cleaning, paraffin impregnation was prepared. Paraffin blocks were cut, and slides were stained by Harris hematoxylin and eosin. Photography was carried out both under lower (×10) and higher (×40) magnifications.Results:The brain structure (dorsal view) of Vencobb bird resembled the outline of a playing card symbol of a “spade.” The brain subdivisions are cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata. Cerebrum was devoid of usual convolutions (elevations), gyri, depressions (grooves), and sulci. The cerebral hemispheres were tightly apposed along a median sulcus called interhemispheric fissure and cerebrum and cerebellum were separated by a small transverse fissure. The olfactory bulb was small structures, and the pineal body was clearly visible. The optic lobes were partially hidden under cerebral hemispheres, but laterally, it was large, prominent rounded or spherical bodies of the midbrain. The hippocampal area appeared as dorso-medial protrusion. Different types of neurons were distinguished in the hippocampus were pyramidal neurons, pyramidal-like neurons, and multipolar neurons, etc. There was rich vascularization in the form of blood capillaries throughout the hippocampus.Conclusion:Cerebrum was pear shaped and largest part of the brain. Cerebrum hemisphere was smooth devoid of convolutions, gyri, and depressions, but in the surface of cerebellum, there was the presence of a number of transverse depression (grooves) and sulci subdividing into many folds. Olfactory bulb was poorly developed, whereas optic lobes were rounded and large. The exact boundary line of the hippocampus was not discernable. In hippocampus histology, two categories of neuron local circuit neurons and projection neurons, high vascularization and epididymal lining of lateral ventricle were observed. Hippocampal neurons were comparatively larger without any distinct layers. The afferent neurons projected to the medium septum.

Intramedullary ependymoma: Microsurgical resection technique

Spinal ependymomas are predominantly slow-growing lesions constituting approximately 30–88% of primary spinal intramedullary tumors. They usually present as circumscribed lesions, with regular margins and a clear surgical plane. Gross-total resection is often feasible and potentially curative but neurosurgeons should keep in mind that the ultimate goal of surgery is the preservation of spinal cord function. We present the surgical technique to safely resect an intramedullary ependymoma using a posterior median sulcus approach. A brief description of current management of this pathology is also presented.

Light and scanning electron microscopic features of the tongue in cattle egret.

Adult individuals of both sexes were sacrificed by decapitation and their tongues were teared out in order to be investigated. Cattle egret's tongue is distinguished into the apex, body, and root regions. A shallow median sulcus is apparently noticed on the dorsal surface of the tongue's body only. Histologically, the tongue mucosa is covered with a thick parakeratinized epithelium. The dorsal epithelia of the apex and body are densely packed with exfoliated superficial cells. However, the dorsal surface showed microridges observed on the surface epithelial cells. In the body region, the gland's outlets are integrated in glandular patches on the top of keratinized folds at both sides of the median sulcus. The ventral surface of the tongue is devoid of any glandular outlets. The egret's tongue is supported by a paraglossum cartilage wrapped up with a fibrous perichondrium and striated muscle fibers. It extends ventrally as paraglossale apex then flattened in the body giving the corpus paraglossale which bifurcates caudally in the root giving paraglossalis caudalis. The tongue exhibits certain features that are unique as an adaptation to food intake, the type of food, lifestyles and bird's habitat with no any sex-specific differences. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:595-603, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anatomical and computed tomography study of the eighth costochondral junction: topography for costochondral graft harvesting.

Costochondral grafts have long been used in maxillofacial reconstruction, but have been little used in trauma and orthopedic cases. This surgical technique requires that a graft be harvested from the thorax in the area of the eighth rib. Pleuropulmonary complications are very rare. Although the harvesting technique is simple, it needs to be demystified. This study was performed to define anatomical relationships in the eighth costochondral junction and identify topographical and anatomical landmarks that will make it easier to harvest this structure. This was a two-part study. First, an anatomical study was carried out on human cadaver thoraxes to define topographical landmarks and study the anatomical surroundings of the eighth costochondral junction. Second, an imaging study was performed using a database of existing patient computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen to confirm the topographical landmarks defined in the first part of the study. The spine was used as a reference for both studies. The location of the eighth costochondral junction was defined relative to the spinal processes along with its location on the lower rib cage hemiperimeter in the transverse plane starting at the corresponding spinous process. The eighth costochondral junction was in line with the spinal process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra in the vast majority of cases and located at two-thirds of the lower rib cage hemiperimeter from the posterior median sulcus, regardless of the patient's chest shape, age and gender. This junction was always located under a single muscle (external oblique) and protected by a thick perichondrium layer, which separates it from the intercostal pedicles, endothoracic fascia and parietal pleura. This two-part study has identified reliable landmarks for harvesting of an osteochondral graft at the eighth costochondral junction and, by describing its anatomical surroundings, helps take the mystery out of its harvesting. These landmarks were identified in supine cadavers and in free-breathing patients lying in supine for the CT portion. This position must be used when identifying these landmarks in a patient undergoing costochondral autograft harvesting for cartilage reconstruction.

Adult cervicomedullary pilocytic astrocytoma: A case report.

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a rare glioma, which generally occurs in children and young adults. In adult patients, the majority of PA tumors are supratentorial. Due to the low morbidity rate of the disease in adults, PA is frequently misdiagnosed and mistreated. In the present study, this rare disease was successfully treated. The study reported the case of a 48-year-old patient with a cervicomedullary occupying lesion, who complained of numbness and pain of the right limbs that persisted for >10 years, with aggravation for 1 month. A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a sharp cervicomedullary mass extending from the lower medulla to the cervical vertebra C3 level. Intraoperatively, the medulla and upper cervical cord were found to be well-stacked. Immediately after ingression into the spinal cord along the dorsal median sulcus, the tumor mass was detected and had a gray fish-like appearance, moderate blood supply and clear boundary. After intratumoral decompression, total excision was achieved. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed that the tumor was a PA. Following discharge, the patient did not suffer from any symptoms of the lower cranial nerves and was able to walk with limited assistance.