Morphometric Study Research Articles

Epidemiological survey of two morphotypes of Demodex folliculorum (Prostigmata: Demodicidade) in young people from southern Spain

Different morphotypes of Demodex from humans have been described. Among them, molecular studies have made it possible to discern between the Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. Further studies showed two morphotypes of D. folliculorum harboured two different habits (human skin and human eyelashes), both of them with finger-shaped terminal opisthosoma difficult to differentiate and that can be assigned to D. folliculorum,Thus, a complete morphometric study of the species, which in this study are referred to as Demodex folliculorum species complex, was carried out. From this morphometric and meristic study two distinct morphological forms (short and long) could be identified within the Demodex folliculorum species complex. These forms differ significantly in four out of the six biometric parameters we analysed: gnathosomal length and width, podosomal width, and opisthosomal length. Moreover, a comprehensive survey of the two morphotypes from different habitats (skin and eyelashes), was carried out in young people of Southern Spain. Therefore, an analysis of 104 asymptomatic students, which were contact lens wearers, and the presence of D. folliculorum was carried out. A statistical analysis based on Bayesian zero inflated Poisson GLM has been applied to our sample data. For the age group considered (18–24 years old), the overall D. folliculorum prevalence for skin face or eye infections (at least one of them) was 19.31 % (51 people), with a statistically significant higher prevalence in males men. Furthermore, there is a slight statistical correlation between the presence of Demodex in silicone hydrogel soft contact lens wearers. This study confirms: i) the existence of two morphotypes of D. folliculorum that appear segregated due to the parasitization microhabitats,ii) a higher prevalence of mites in men than in women, iii) the existence of a high number of statistically supported double infections (skin-eyelashes). It also provides epidemiological data on the prevalence of long and short forms of D. folliculorum in a healthy young population.

Long-Term Three-Dimensional Morphometric Outcome Study of Nasal Bone in Cleft Patients.

Cleft lip nose deformities are characterized by underlying features in the bony skeleton as well as the soft tissues; however, no previous study has focused on the evaluation of the nasal bone. The aim of this study was to compare nasal bone features among adult patients with unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate, those with bilateral cleft lip and palate, and controls. Included in this retrospective study were patients aged ≥16 years with nonsyndromic cleft who underwent long-term orthodontic treatment and controls aged 18-45 years who underwent surgery for jaw deformities at Keio University Hospital. Piriform width, nasal width, and nasomaxillary angle values measured on CT were compared among the groups using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Nine patients had unilateral cleft lip and alveolar cleft, 19 had unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate, and 14 had bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLCP). There were 18 controls. Mean piriform width and mean nasomaxillary angle were significantly greater in the BCLCP group than the control group (20.1±2.54mm versus 18.8±1.35mm, P<0.05; and 105.8±8.13 degrees versus 100.4±7.95 degrees, P<0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference in mean nasal width among the groups. Nasal bone morphology was not affected by initial cleft lip alone or by the presence or absence of cleft palate. Patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate have a wider and lower nose than those without cleft deformity and might benefit more from reduction of the bony nasal width than from treatment of the soft tissues.

New age constraints for the upper zongshan Formation: a morphometric study of the late cretaceous orbitoidal foraminifera in Gamba area of southern Xizang (Tibet)

This study refines the biostratigraphic framework of the upper Zongshan Formation in southern Xizang (Tibet) by conducting a meticulous morphometric analysis of larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) from the Gamba area. Focusing on the genera Orbitoides and Omphalocyclus, we employed a comprehensive morphometric approach to delineate the stratigraphic transition within the formation. A total of 42 samples were collected across pivotal lithological intervals, leading to the identification of species groups that provide precise age constraints for the upper Zongshan Formation. Specifically, the O. tissoti–O. media group and Om. anatoliensis within Limestone II to Calcareous Marl II support a late Campanian age, while the presence of the O. megaloformis–O. gruenbachensis group and potential Om. cideensis in Limestone III suggest a younger age bracket extending into the early Maastrichtian. Our findings not only clarify the stratigraphic position of the upper Zongshan Formation but also contribute significantly to the ongoing investigations of final evolutionary stages of the eastern Neotethys.

Enlarged brain perivascular spaces correlate with blood plasma osmolality in the healthy population: A longitudinal study

Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) are increasingly recognized as an MRI detectable feature of neuroinflammatory processes and age-related neurodegenerative changes. Understanding perivascular characteristics in healthy individuals is crucial for their applicability as a reference for pathological changes. Limited data exists on the EPVS load and interhemispheric asymmetry in distribution among young healthy subjects. Despite the known impact of hydration on brain morphometric studies, blood plasma osmolality's effect on EPVS remains unexplored.This study investigated the influence of age, total intracranial volume (TIV), and blood plasma osmolality on EPVS characteristics in 59 healthy adults, each undergoing MRI and osmolality assessment twice within 14.8 months (mean ± 4 months). EPVS analysis was conducted in the centrum semiovale using high-resolution automated segmentation, followed by an optimization algorithm to enhance EPVS segmentation accuracy. Linear Mixed Effects model was used for the statistical analysis, which unveiled significant inter-individual variability in EPVS load and inter-hemispheric asymmetry. EPVS volume increased with age, higher TIV and lower blood plasma osmolality levels. Our findings offer valuable insights into EPVS characteristics among the healthy population, establishing a foundation to further explore age-related and pathological changes.

Correlations of teleroentgenometric indicators according to the Steiner method with the dimensions of teeth and dental arches in young men and young women with a physiological bite without taking into account the type of face

Annotation. The importance of teleradiographic indicators in the diagnosis and planning of orthodontic treatment is difficult to overestimate, but their relationship with the size of teeth and dental arches in different age and sex groups remains insufficiently studied. This is especially relevant for the Ukrainian population, where individual anatomical features can affect the effectiveness of orthodontic interventions, which makes the study of such relationships important for improving approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of the study is to establish the specifics of correlations between teleroentgenometric parameters according to the Steiner method with the dimensions of teeth and dental arches in Ukrainian young men and young women with a physiological bite. A morphometric study of the teeth and dental arches was carried out, and teleroentgenometric indicators were determined using the Steiner method from the primary computer tomograms of 41 Ukrainian young men (aged 17 to 21) and 68 Ukrainian young women (aged 16 to 20), which were obtained from data bank of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Research Center of the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya. The evaluation of correlations between teleroentgenometric indicators according to the Steiner method and computed tomographic dimensions of teeth and dental arches was carried out in the license package “Statistica 6.0” using Spearman's non-parametric statistics. As a result of the analysis of the reliable and average strength of unreliable correlations between teleroentgenometric parameters according to the Steiner method with the sizes of teeth and dental arches, it was established: in young men – 5.71 % of similar relationships with the sizes of the teeth of the upper jaw (mostly reliable straight lines of average strength with the sizes of incisors and canines), only 1.79 % with the dimensions of the teeth of the lower jaw and 6.60 % with the dimensions of the dental arches (mainly reliable straight and reverse of medium strength with distances characterizing the position of canines and first premolars relative to the hard palate, as well as the distance between the crowns of the central incisors and the line that connects the molars of the upper jaw); in young women – 4.82 % of similar relationships with the dimensions of the teeth of the upper jaw (mostly reliable straight lines of weak force with the dimensions of canines), 5.00 % with the dimensions of the teeth of the lower jaw (mostly reliable straight lines of weak force with the dimensions of incisors), 14.58 % with the dimensions of dental arches (mainly reliable direct and reverse medium strength with the distances between the crowns of the central incisors and the line connecting the canines, the first premolars and molars of the upper jaw, as well as the distances between the distal and medial roots of the lower first molars). Thus, in Ukrainian young men and young women with a physiological bite, the peculiarities and gender differences of the correlations between teleroentgenometric indicators according to the Steiner method and computed tomographic dimensions of teeth and dental arches were established.

Morphometrics of the mandible of Metoposaurus krasiejowensis Sulej, 2002 and its ecological implications

Amphibians, due to their ecological plasticity, are some of the best environmental indicators among vertebrates nowadays and in the fossil record. One such example is the extinct family Metoposauridae Watson, 1919. Metoposaurids were abundant amphibians in Late Triassic Pangea. The remains of the genus Metoposaurus Lydekker, 1890 have been found in Germany, Poland and Portugal with three species, respectively Metoposaurus diagnosticus (Meyer, 1842), Metoposaurus krasiejowensis Sulej, 2002 and Metoposaurus algarvensis Brusatte, Butler, Mateus and Steyer, 2015. Since the majority of studies concern the skull and the pectoral girdle, in this work M. krasiejowensis has been analysed through a morphometric study of the mandible. This was made possible by the high abundance of fossils found in Krasiejów (SW Poland) in the last 20 years. The characteristics considered are the morphology of the mandible corpus and its most relevant bones, the adaptation to stress during biting and the dermal ornamentation. The results reveal that not only do these characters have great intraspecific variability, but that at least two groups of a single population of M. krasiejowensis probably had different lifestyles, one more aquatic and the other more terrestrial.

New compounds with a dihydropyridine framework as promising hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective agents

Introduction: To solve the problem of complex and safe pharmacological correction of metabolic disorders, including hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and liver lesions is currently very important. With this in mind, the new derivatives of cyanothioacetamide with a dihydropyridine framework, with a potential effect on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the liver are of great interest. Materials and Methods: To conduct an experiment, three samples were selected from an extensive library of new cyanothioacetamide derivatives, which, according to in silico studies, proved promising towards the positive effect on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as towards the protective effect on the liver. To study the compounds in vivo, metabolic disorders were simulated in Wistar rats by long -term alimentary and subsequent dexamethasone loads. The pharmacological efficacy of new compounds AZ-383, AZ-257, AZ-020 (administered in a dose of 1 mg/kg for 14 days) was assessed in comparison with metformin (300 mg/kg for 14 days) and vildagliptin (8 mg/kg for 14 days) by determining the biochemical indicators of blood (ALT, AST, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose), morphological and morphometric studies of the liver sections, and the study of immunohistochemical indicators of hepatocyte proliferation. The experimental results were statistically processed using the recognized methods of mathematical statistics. When processing the experimental data, the average arithmetic (AA) was determined. The statistical significance of the compared options was determined on the basis of the Student’s t-test, with the critical value of the Student’s t-test equal to 2.101 and the significance level α = 0.05. Results: The study shows that all the new compounds studied in the experiment – AZ-383, AZ-257, AZ-020 – have hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective properties, which manifested in the reduced levels of liver biochemical markers of blood, which had increased after simulating metabolic disorders, in the reduced concentration of total cholesterol and triglycerides in blood, in the normalization of liver microarchitecture, as well as in the proliferative activity of hepatocytes. Discussion: The hepatoprotective and hypolypidemic properties of the new derivatives of cyanothioacetamide with a dihydropyridine framework, which were determined while conducting the experiment, can be accounted for by their effects on the biotargets, identified for AZ-383, AZ-257, and AZ-020 in silico. According to the results, the most pronounced hepatoprotective activity was found in AZ-383 (intragastrically, 1 mg/kg for 14 days). The Ki-67 proliferation index under the influence of this compound was registered at the level of 1.48±0.03%, which exceeds this indicator in the control animals and proves a significant hepatoprotective activity of AZ-383. Conclusion: The results show good prospects and high efficacy of the new studied cyanothioacetamide derivatives, such as AZ-383, AZ-257, AZ-020 (in a dose of 1 mg/kg), in terms of comprehensive correction of metabolic disorders. Further study is needed for this class of compounds.

Novel Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Ameliorative Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma against Electron Radiation-Induced Premature Ovarian Failure.

Radiotherapy is one of the risk factors for radiation-induced premature ovarian failure and infertility in cancer patients. The development of methods for ovarian radioprotection remains relevant. Moreover, electrons are a little-studied and promising method of radiation with the least toxic effect on normal tissues. The assessment of intracellular mechanisms regulating the protective effects of leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma in a model of radiation-induced premature ovarian failure caused by electron irradiation. Wistar rats were divided into four groups, namely a control group, irradiation group (electron exposure), irradiation + leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma group, and only leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma group. Fragments of ovaries were removed and hormonal, oxidant, histological, and morphometric studies were carried out. The cell cycle of ovarian follicles and the inflammatory and vascular response were assessed using immunohistochemistry. The activity of MAPK, ERK, and PI3K pathways was also assessed using the RT-qPCR. We found that electron irradiation causes a decrease in the functional activity of the ovaries and the death of follicular cells through apoptosis. The administration of LP-PRP led to a partial restoration of the cytokine balance. In addition, minor ovarian damage and mild inflammation were observed in this group. Leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma components have anti-inflammatory, angiogenetic, and radioprotective effects, reducing the activation of the NOX4, caspase and cytokine cascades, and inflammatory response severity through the MAPK/p38/JNK signaling pathway. This leads to the induction of endogenous antioxidant protection, the repair of post-radiation follicular damage, and slowing down the development of radiation-induced premature ovarian failure after electron irradiation.

Morphometric and Gonadosomatic Index Studies of Some Fish species Collected from Lake Alau Maiduguri Borno state Nigeria

Morphometric and Gonadosomatic Index Studies of Some Fish species Collected from Lake Alau Maiduguri Borno state Nigeria

Phenotypic diversity in early Australian dingoes revealed by traditional and 3D geometric morphometric analysis

The dingo is a wild dog endemic to Australia with enigmatic origins. Dingoes are one of two remaining unadmixed populations of an early East Asian dog lineage, the other being wild dogs from the New Guinea highlands, but morphological connections between these canid groups have long proved elusive. Here, we investigate this issue through a morphometric study of ancient dingo remains found at Lake Mungo and Lake Milkengay, in western New South Wales. Direct accelerated mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dates from an ancient Lake Mungo dingo demonstrate that dingoes with a considerably smaller build than the predominant modern morphotype were present in semi-arid southeastern Australia c.3000–3300 calBP. 3D geometric morphometric analysis of a near-complete Mungo cranium finds closest links to East Asian and New Guinean dogs, providing the first morphological evidence of links between early dingoes and their northern relatives. This ancient type is no longer extant within the range of modern dingo variability, but populations from nearby southeastern Australia show a closer resemblance than those to the north and west. Our results reaffirm prior characterisations of regional variability in dingo phenotype as not exclusively derived from recent domestic dog hybridisation but as having an earlier precedent, and suggest further that the dingo’s phenotype has changed over time.

Optimizing the pterional approach in medial sphenoid wing meningioma: a detailed morphometric study on anterior clinoidectomy and its effect on operability score

BackgroundMedial sphenoid wing meningiomas are best treated through pterional craniotomy, as pterional craniotomy provides wide and multidirectional exposure of the anterior and middle cranial fossa. Anterior clinoidectomy can increase the exposure potential. To delineate the role of anterior clinoidectomy (AC) in the standard pterional craniotomy approach through the evaluation of operability score measures (manoeuvrability arc, depth of surgical field, and surgical angle of attack). All patients with inner sphenoidal wing meningioma who underwent microsurgical excision between February 2022 and October 2023 were enrolled in the study. Preoperative and postoperative imaging studies (MR contrast studies and 3D thin-slice CT scans of the brain) were performed to determine the tumour size, extent, and pattern of optic canal involvement by comparing pre- and postoperative operability score parameters.ResultsTwenty-five patients met our inclusion criteria: 2 males (8%) and 23 females (92%). The mean age (SD) was 49.08 ± 6.42 years, with an age range of 39–60 years. The preoperative visual manifestations were as follows: eight patients (32%) had mild visual impairment, five patients (20%) had moderate visual impairment, six patients (24%) had severe visual impairment, and five patients (20%) had blindness. There was a significant positive correlation between the operability score and extent of resection (gross total resection was correlated with a higher operability score) (r = 0.301, n = 25, p = 0.005).ConclusionsA well-planned manoeuvrable arc allows neurosurgeons to perform surgery with precision, ultimately impacting surgical outcomes and the potential for complete tumour removal with minimal patient morbidity.

A Computerized Tomography-Based Analysis of Spinal Canal Diameter to Study Its Implication on Cervical Spine Stenosis in Western Indian Population: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Background The cervical spine is prone to various conditions necessitating early detection. Morphometric analysis through computed tomography (CT) scans plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and preventing severe diseases. This study focuses on understanding the morphometric details of the cervical canal in the West Indian population, addressing a geographical gap in existing literature. The primary objective of this study was to perform a morphometric analysis of the cervical spine to study the implications it can have on cervical canal stenosis in the West Indian population. Materials and Methods This study utilizes imaging data from the CT database of 100 individuals (73 men and 27 women). Measurements such as transverse canal diameter, sagittal canal diameter, cross-sectional canal surface area (CSA), and vertebral body diameter (VBD) were collected and the Pavlov-Torg ratio (PTR) was calculated from C2 to C7. Results Notable findings include significant differences in CSA and VBD between genders, while PTR indicated cervical damage in 40% of participants. Multinomial regression was applied which signified an association between weakness and PTR. Conclusion This study can be used to highlight the CT scan's importance in studying bony structures and the call for more region-specific morphometric studies. The variations in morphometric parameters could provide insights into understanding the vulnerabilities of a population belonging to a particular geographic area, in our case, the West Indian population.

A Morphometric Study on the Dimensions of the Vertebral Canal and Intervertebral Discs from Th1 to S1 in Cats and Their Relevance for Spinal Diseases.

As part of the spine, the vertebral canal represents a central structure protecting the spinal cord running within it. Since alterations to the spinal canal and adjacent structures can have a significant impact on the spinal cord, knowledge of the physiological vertebral canal dimensions is essential. Compression of spinal nerves at the lumbosacral junction is the primary cause of cauda equina syndrome (CES). Although CES is common in dogs, it is rarely documented in cats. Given the lack of information on normal vertebral canal dimensions in cats, it is necessary to collect data and verify currently used measurements, to determine if and to what extent comparisons with dogs are valid. In 50 cats, interpedicular (ID) and midsagittal (SD) diameters were examined from the first thoracic (Th1) to the first sacral vertebra (S1). In 28 of these animals, the intervertebral disc width (IVDW) was measured. All data were gathered through gross anatomical dissection of the cats. Significant lumen reduction was evident in all cats from L6 to S1 with the narrowest point at S1. Narrowings were also found in the thoracic spine. The widest points coincide with the spinal cord enlargements. IVDW shows relatively constant values up to Th10-Th11 and peaks at L7-S1 in 95.65% of cats. While distinct similarities to dogs were observed, differences exist. The findings allow conclusions as to whether relations between the parameters and resulting predispositions to pathological changes can be derived. This could help the understanding of the pathogenesis of feline spinal diseases, particularly compressive myelopathies. Further studies are necessary to investigate the impact of age, sex and breed.

Alterations of Liver Morphology in Senescent Rats.

Age-related liver changes can have important implications for health and metabolic function. This study aimed to describe the morphoquantitative alterations of the liver in senescent rats compared to adult rats. Twelve male rats were used, divided into 6-month-old adults (group A) and 36-month-old senescent rats (group S). Morphometric and histopathological studies, quantification of collagen types I and III, and stereological analyses were performed to determine the volume density of mononucleated (VvhepM) and binucleated (VvhepB) hepatocyte nuclei, surface area density (SvhepM), and number density (NvhepM) of mononucleated hepatocyte nuclei. The findings reveal an alteration of the normal liver tissue architecture in senescent rats and the presence of inflammatory lesions and fibrosis. In addition, there was a decrease in body and liver mass and volume. Group S showed a significant reduction in VvhepM and NvhepM; however, SvhepM was significantly higher. No significant differences were noted in the percentage of binucleated hepatocytes between the two groups. This study reveals substantial morphological changes in the aging liver, with possible functional implications. More research is needed on the underlying mechanisms and their consequences at older ages.

Caecal villi? A comparative histological and morphometric study of caecal and jejunal mucosa in adult rabbits

BackgroundRabbits are herbivores with a distinctive digestive strategy that differs significantly from other caecal fermenters (e.g., horses, guinea pigs) and ruminants. In view of this, the current study aimed to highlight distinctive histological and morphometric features of the caecal mucosa in adult rabbits that accentuate its major role in digestion. The caecal and jejunal samples were harvested from five 1-year-old domestic rabbits and processed by regular paraffin-embedding histological technique followed by Goldner’s trichrome staining. A comprehensive morphological and morphometrical analysis of the jejunal mucosa vs. caecal mucosa was performed.ResultsMicroscopically, as in the case of the jejunal mucosa, the caecal mucosa presents long and often branched finger-like villi covered by a simple columnar epithelium mostly made of enterocytes with a prominent microvillous brush border. Besides, the caecal villi include a lacteal along with the villous muscle. Statistically, except for villus length, all the parameters assessed in the caecal mucosa, including villus width, villus count, thickness of the brush border and enterocyte/goblet cells ratio, revealed a high grade of similarities with the jejunal villi.ConclusionsAccording to the obtained results, the caecal mucosa in adult domestic rabbits includes unique features, namely caecal villi, structures infrequently presented in the large intestine of other adult mammals. Those structures once more emphasize the major role of the caecum not only in fermentation but also subliminally in local absorption. To our knowledge, this is the first reliable microanatomical and morphometric report of caecal villi in adult domestic rabbits.

Is the golden ratio present in the coxal bone? An anatomical pilot study.

The coxal bone is crucial for movement, stability, and childbirth. Although most morphometric studies estimate gender and age, ratio, correlation and index calculations, there are no studies on the golden ratios in the coxal bone. Inspired by this idea, we investigated the presence of the golden ratio in the coxal bones. In this study, 95 adult dry coxal bones were measured using a digital caliper. Morphometric measurements were conducted based on 18 identified parameters. 12 of these parameters were related to the distances between two points in various parts of the bone. New ratios were determined with those measurements. In our study, we detected a constant coefficient between the following lengths: anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)- posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS)- posterior inferior iliac spine (PIIS), vertical and transverse diameters of the acetabulum (AC), ASIS-AC and AIIS-AC, PSIS-AC and PIIS-AC, ASIS-auricular surface and AIIS-auricular surface, ASIS-symphyseal surface and AIIS-symphyseal surface (respectively, 1.29, 1.05, 1.18, 2.32, 1.26, 1.32). In order to check the accuracy of this hypothesis, length of between AIIS-PIIS, transverse diameter of the acetabulum, length of between PIIS-AC, length of between AIIS-AC, shortest distance between AIIS-auricular surface, length of between AIIS-symphyseal surface were estimated with the help of new equations. We detected constant ratios between some lengths in the coxal bone. Estimated distances should be taken into account during surgical procedures to prevent complications. In this context, the constant ratios identified in our study will serve as a guide for surgeons.

Utilization of Nanotechnology in Metformin Delivery: The Morphometric Study of Pancreatic Islets of Diabetic Rat Model

Utilization of Nanotechnology in Metformin Delivery: The Morphometric Study of Pancreatic Islets of Diabetic Rat Model

Morphometric study of ostrich kidneys Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758

In recent years, avian medicine has advanced in the recognition of kidney diseases, but little is known about the morphology and renal morphometry of the common ostrich Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758. This study aimed to describe the morphometry and location of kidneys in the common ostrich. Twenty-six cadavers, aged one to seven days, which died of natural causes on a farm in the municipality of Magé, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were donated to the Department of Animal and Human Anatomy at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The specimens were identified, sexed, and fixed in a 10% aqueous solution of formaldehyde. The kidneys and renal divisions were measured using a precision digital caliper. The kidneys of S. camelus are elongated, and lobular, and have three renal divisions (cranial, middle, and caudal). The average length of the right kidney was 6.69 ± 0.83 cm, and the left kidney was 6.87 ± 0.81 cm. The body length correlated positively and significantly with the lengths of the right kidney (r = 0.8273, p = 0.0017) and left kidney (r = 0.8534, p = 0.0008) in females. The renal cranial limit was observed at the eighth lumbar vertebra (L8) in 22 kidneys (42.3%), and the caudal limit, at the eighth sacrocaudal vertebra (Sc8) in 11 kidneys (21.2%), and the second caudal vertebra (C2) in 11 kidneys (21.2%). The morphometric dimensions and skeletopy of the ostrich kidney contribute to the field of comparative avian anatomy and assist in the interpretation of imaging techniques.

Transorbital Approach Clipping of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: A Virtual Reality Morphometric Anatomic Study

The transorbital approach (TOA) has a unique advantage to the more common lateral approaches as it provides direct access to the anterior middle fossa and medial sylvian fissure (SF) without significant dissection or retraction. However, when to use the TOA for surgical treatment of MCA aneurysms remains unclear. This study details the feasibility of clipping unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms via the TOA by highlighting the anatomic features that either facilitate or hinder the approach. Virtual reality (VR) models of 25 MCA aneurysms from CT angiograms of actual patients were rendered with the relevant anatomic structures, including the neighboring temporal lobe and SF. TOA was performed on the models in VR and the globe was translated medially and inferiorly, replicating retraction used intraoperatively. Anatomic data, including the area of surgical freedom (AOF) at the aneurysm, were recorded. Trials of aneurysm clipping were conducted in VR and each aneurysm was classified as "possible" or "impossible" candidates for clipping via TOA. Separately, the relationship between surgical view and SF visualized was analyzed. Sixteen aneurysms were eliminated as candidates for TOA treatment either through VR clip trial and/or because the SF was inaccessible. The remaining 9 (36%) were candidates for TOA. Comparing the details of these two aneurysm categories with Mann Whitney U tests, there was a statistically significant difference in the AOF of the TOA approach and the width of the aneurysm dome. A clinical case report is also provided highlighting the VR rehearsal similarity with surgery. Given the minimally-invasive, technically-challenging approach, the feasibility and safety of TOA for MCA aneurysms must be evaluated before wide clinical adoption. This study identified AOF, aneurysm width, and SF accessibility as three features that may significantly impact the possibility of clipping MCA aneurysms via TOA.

A Morphometric Study of the Adult Distal Femur in the South Indian Population.

Introduction The most vital joint for locomotion is the knee joint, which is a condylar, modified hinge joint. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease commonly affecting the knee joint, which can be successfully treated by joint replacement surgeries wherein the condyles of the affected knee joints are replaced based on the measurement of the condyles for which the accurate morphometric values of the tibia and femur play an important role thereby decreasing the complications post-surgery and improving the mobility and quality of life of patients. Aim The present study aims to evaluate the morphometric data of femoral condyles andcompare the morphometric data of the left and right femurs using the direct method. Materials and methods One hundred femoral condyles of unidentified sex were used for the measurement in the study. Medial condylar anteroposterior distance (MCAPD), lateral condylar anteroposterior distance (LCAP), bicondylar width (BCW), medial condylar transverse distance (MCTD), lateral condylar transverse distance (LCTD), and intercondylar notch width (ICNW) were measured by Vernier Calliper and the values between the leftand right femurs were compared. Results The mean MCAPD is 56.88 mm, the mean LCAP is 57.72 mm, the mean BCW is 72.22 mm, the mean MCTD is 22.88 mm, the mean LCTD is 22.99 mm, and the mean ICNW is 21.58 mm, respectively. Conclusion The morphometric data obtained by direct measurement using Vernier Callipers is more accurate than indirect measurements which in turn aid biomedical engineers in designing more accurate and apt prostheses for knee replacement surgeries which in turn decrease the post-surgical complications and result in better outcomes due to surgery.