Oblique Branches Research Articles

Mối liên quan giữa lâm sàng và hình ảnh học của nhồi máu não tái phát do tổn thương động mạch não giữa

Objectives: Evaluate the relationship between clinical and imaging of recurrent cerebral infarction dued to MCA damaged. Subjects and method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study of 77 patients with recurrent cerebral infarction dued to damaged middle cerebral artery treated at the Neurological Center, Bach Mai Hospital from July 2021 to August 2022. Results: Motor paralysis of the hemibody on the opposite side of the injury, paralysis of the central VII nerve on the opposite side of the injury and decreased sensation of the hemibody on the opposite side of the injury are symptoms seen at a high rate, accounting for 100% respectively; 90.9% and 77.9%. The proportion of patients with consciousness disorders from the beginning accounted for 49.4% of patients, 2 patients were in a deep coma when hospitalized (accounting for 2.6%). Language disorders including Broca’s language disorder, Wernicke’s language disorder and mixed language disorder accounted for 20/77 patients (26.0%). Horizontal eye and head deviation, circular muscle disorders, loss of attention on one side of the body, and hemianopia account for 32.5% respectively; 26.0%; 22.1%; 26.0%. 7.8% of patients had mental disorders and 14.3% of patients had seizures when hospitalized; The symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting accounted for 45.5% and 31.2%, respectively. Patients with symptoms clustered into Gerstman syndrome and Anton - Babinski syndrome account for a low rate: 9.1% and 11.7%. The most damaged arterial branch is the M1 branch with 31 patients, accounting for 40.2%; Oblique branches of the middle cerebral artery or putamen-striatum branches account for 32.5%. Only 4 patients had damage to branches M3 - M4 (accounting for 5.2%). The number of patients with damage to the M1 branch who had consciousness disorders accounted for the highest rate of 33.8%, with no patients with damage to the deep branch having consciousness disorders. Symptoms at hospital admission: consciousness disorders, speech disorders, turning eyes and head to the damaged hemisphere have a statistically significant relationship with the location of the damaged middle cerebral artery branch (p < 0.05)Conclusion: Recurrent cerebral infarction due to damage to the middle cerebral artery has diverse clinical symptoms, depending on the damaged middle cerebral artery branch.

More potential uses of specific perforator flaps in the calf – A cadaveric study on the subdermal vascular structure of the lower leg

BackgroundThe perforator flap has garnered significant interest since its inception due to its advantage of not needing a vascular network at the deep fascial level. Perforator flaps are commonly utilized in different flap transplant surgeries, and the thigh flap is presently the most widely used perforator flap. Is it possible for the calf to replace the thigh as a more suitable site for harvesting materials? Currently, there is a lack of relevant anatomical research. This study aims to address this question from an anatomical and imaging perspective. MethodsThis study used cadavers to observe the branches and courses of perforators on the calf and the distribution of skin branches using microdissection techniques, digital X-ray photography, and micro-computed tomography techniques. ResultsThe perforators had three main branches: the vertical cutaneous branch, the oblique cutaneous branch, and the superficial fascial branch. The superficial fascial branch traveled in the superficial fascia and connected with the nearby perforators. The vertical and oblique cutaneous branches entered the subdermal layer and connected with each other to create the subdermal vascular network. ConclusionsWe observed an intact calf cutaneous branch chain between the cutaneous nerve and the perforator of the infrapopliteal main artery at the superficial vein site. Utilizing this anatomical structure, the calfskin branch has the potential to serve as a substitute for thigh skin flap transplantation and may be applied to perforator flap transplantation in more locations.

Is the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery a common variant?

The oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, a short branch of the deep femoral artery, is highly prevalent (32-46%) and is usually considered a normal variant, although this is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is a variant. We reviewed medical record data of patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the extremities who underwent flap repair using free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps at our hospital in 2019. The anatomical characteristics of the flaps were examined intraoperatively by high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound. A total of 153 ALT flaps from 146 patients were included. Among the branches, 232 (73.7%) were oblique branches, and 83 (26.4%) were descending branches. Of the 232 oblique branches, 141 (60.8%) were from septocutaneous branches, and the other 83 (39.2%) were from musculocutaneous branches. In addition, 20 (24.1%) descending branches were from septocutaneous branches, and the other 63 (75.9%) were from musculocutaneous branches. Analyzing the prevalence of the oblique branch in septocutaneous branches, more than half of the patients had oblique branches rather than descending branches. The high proportion of oblique branches from septocutaneous branches (median: 100 (0-100) vs. 0 (0-50), p=0.002) supports the understanding that the oblique branch is a normal anatomical element rather than a variant. The main type was the intramuscular branches, which required significantly less time for flap harvesting. The oblique branch may be the preferred vascular pedicle for free ALT flaps.

Clinical application of anterolateral thigh perforator flap pedicled with oblique branch in intramuscular of lateral circumflex femoral artery

To explore the characteristics and clinical application of the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with the oblique branch in the intramuscular of lateral circumflex femoral artery. The clinical data of 25 patients with skin and soft tissue defects of extremities admitted between December 2020 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 16 males and 9 females, aged 14-75 years, with the median age of 43 years. The defect site included 13 cases of hand, 2 cases of forearm, 2 cases of calf, and 8 cases of foot and ankle. The wound area ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 35 cm×22 cm. Twenty-four patients with trauma were admitted to hospital immediately after injury, and 1 patient with diabetic foot infection was transferred to the hospital after ineffective treatment in other hospital. Flap surgery was performed from 0 to 56 days (median, 22 days) after admission. A total of 26 thigh flaps were harvested in 25 patients, with unilateral flaps in size of 7 cm×5 cm to 40 cm×10 cm. The type, caliber, and location of the perforating branch were recorded during the operation, and the anatomical characteristics of the oblique branch of the intramuscular trunk were mainly observed. The flap harvesting time was recorded; the flap survival and wound healing time were observed; at last follow-up, XIAO Feipeng et al. flap comprehensive efficacy evaluation table was used to evaluate the effectiveness of flap repair from three aspects of donor site, recipient site, and subjective satisfaction of doctors and patients. After the oblique branch in intramuscular of lateral circumflex femoral artery was sent out, it ran 2-3 cm obliquely laterally and inferiorly in the intermuscular septum and then entered the vastus lateralis muscle, and sent out perforating branches to nourish the skin. A total of 61 perforating branches were marked in 26 thighs of 25 patients before operation, and 70 perforating branches were found during operation, including 9 transverse branches, 29 descending branches, and 32 oblique branches, all of the oblique branches were musculocutaneous perforators. All 25 patients were followed up 6-10 months, with an average of 8 months. The time of unilateral thigh flap harvesting ranged from 13 to 90 minutes, with an average of 48 minutes. One patient with diabetes developed disturbance of blood supply and complete necrosis of the flap at 1 month after operation, and then the flap was repaired with skin graft; 1 case developed arterial crisis after operation, which survived after timely exploration; and the rest of the flaps survived smoothly. The wound healing time of the recipient site ranged from 10 to 44 days, with an average of 19 days, and the donor site of the thigh healed by first intention. At last follow-up, the color and texture of the flap was good and the sensation recovered to S 1-S 2. Only linear scar was left in the donor site, no scar contracture, pain, and other discomfort occurred, and no other serious complications occurred. Evaluated by flap comprehensive efficacy evaluation table, the score was 74-93, with an average of 88, of which 10 cases were excellent, 13 cases were good, and 2 cases were fair, with an excellent and good rate of 92%. The intramuscular trunk oblique branch is not uncommon, and its trunk course and perforators distribution are regular. To improve the understanding of this type of oblique branch and adopt appropriate methods during operation can improve the success rate of skin flap extraction.

Comparing the Counter-beaming and Temperature Anisotropy Driven Aperiodic Electron Firehose Instabilities in Collisionless Plasma Environments

The electron firehose instabilities are among the most studied kinetic instabilities, especially in the context of space plasmas, whose dynamics is mainly controlled by collisionless wave–particle interactions. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the aperiodic electron firehose instabilities excited either by the anisotropic temperature or by the electron counter-beaming populations. Two symmetric counter-beams provide an effective kinetic anisotropy similar to the temperature anisotropy of a single (nondrifting) population, with the temperature along the magnetic field direction larger than that in the perpendicular direction. Therefore, the counter-beaming plasma is susceptible to firehose-like instabilities (FIs), parallel and oblique branches. Here we focus on the oblique beaming FI, which is also aperiodic when the free energy is provided by symmetric counter-beams. Our results show that, for relative small drifts or beaming speeds (U), not exceeding the thermal speed (α), the aperiodic FIs exist in the same interval of wavenumbers and the same range of oblique angles (with respect to the magnetic field direction), but the growth rates of counter-beaming FI (CBFI) are always higher than those of temperature anisotropy FI (TAFI). For U/α > 1, however, another electrostatic two-stream instability is also predicted, which may have growth rates higher than those of CBFI, and may dominate in that case the dynamics.

Perforating patterns of cutaneous perforator vessels in anterolateral thigh flaps for head and neck reconstruction and clinical outcomes.

BackgroundAnterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps are versatile soft tissue flaps that have become the standard soft-tissue flaps used for head and neck reconstruction. They provide a long vascular pedicle, constant vessel diameter, abundant soft tissue coverage, and minimal donor site morbidity. The ALT flap was initially designed on the basis of a septocutaneous (SC) perforator. However, more recent research has shown that a substantial number of ALT flaps are now based on musculocutaneous (MC) perforators, and the ratio between MC and SC perforators varies among studies. In this study, we analyzed the perforating pattern of ALT flaps along with their clinical outcomes during head and neck reconstruction in the Korean population.MethodsFrom October 2016 to July 2020, 68 patients who had undergone an ALT flap procedure for head and neck reconstruction were enrolled retrospectively. The perforating pattern of the cutaneous perforator vessel (MC perforator/SC perforator/oblique branch), pedicle length, and flap size were analyzed intraoperatively. Patient demographics and flap necrosis rates were also calculated.ResultsThe highest number of cutaneous perforator vessels supplying the ALT flap were the MC perforators (87%). The proportion of MC perforators was significantly higher than that of the SC perforators and oblique branches. Flap necrosis occurred in seven cases (11.86%); sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, perforator course, and history of radiotherapy did not significantly affect flap necrosis.ConclusionThe ALT free flap procedure remains popular for reconstruction of the head and neck. In this study, we observed that the majority of cutaneous vessels supplying the flaps were MC perforators (87%). When using the MC perforator during flap elevation, careful dissection of the perforator is required to achieve successful ALT flaps because intramuscular dissection is difficult. Perforator pattern and history of radiotherapy did not affect flap necrosis.

Application of modified three longitudinal and five transverse method in perforating branch location before anterolateral thigh perforator flap repair

To explore the feasibility and accuracy of modified three longitudinal and five transverse method in locating perforating branches before anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTP) repair. Between January 2019 and December 2019, 41 patients with skin and soft tissue defects were repaired with ALTP. There were 31 males and 10 females. The age ranged from 18 to 61 years, with an average of 32 years. The soft tissue defects were caused by trauma in 38 cases, and the time from injury to operation was 3-7 days, with an average of 4 days. The wounds left after excision of scar contracture deformity because of burn in 3 cases. Soft tissue defects located at upper limbs in 16 cases and lower limbs in 25 cases. The size of soft tissue defects ranged from 10 cm×4 cm to 25 cm×12 cm. Before operation, zonesⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳwere formed on the anterolateral thigh by modified three longitudinal and five transverse method. The perforating branches were detected in these four zones by Doppler ultrasound, and the skin flaps were designed according to the wound area. The perforating branches were explored during operation, and the distribution and types of perforating branches in each zone and the relationship between perforating branches and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve were observed. The ALTP with the size of 12 cm×5 cm to 30 cm×10 cm was used to repair the wound, and the donor site was sutured directly or repaired with the flap. A total of 117 perforating branches were detected in 41 patients before operation, and 111 perforating branches were found during operation, with a false positive rate of 5%. The probability of perforating branches in zonesⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ were 56%, 73%, 76%, and 66% respectively, and the false positive rates were -9%, 7%, 16%, and 4%, respectively. All perforating branches located near the trunk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, especially in posterolateral area. There were only 1 perforating branch in 6 cases, 2 perforating branches in 12 cases, 3 perforating branches in 10 cases, and 4 perforating branches in 13 cases. The main types of perforating branches in zonesⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ were transverse perforating branches, oblique perforating branches, descending perforating branches, and descending perforating branches, respectively. Partial distal necrosis occurred in 2 cases and complete necrosis occurred in 1 case after operation, and the wounds were repaired with skin grafts. The remaining 38 flaps survived successfully, and the wounds and the incisions of donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 3 to 12 months, with an average of 6 months. The appearance and texture of the skin flap were acceptable, and linear scar remained in the donor site. It can simply locate and distinguish the perforating branches and better protect the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve by using the modified three longitudinal and five transverse method before ALTP repair.

Clinical effects of retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flaps assisted with computed tomography angiography in repairing skin and soft tissue defects around the knee or in proximal lower leg

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flaps assisted with computed tomography angiography (CTA) in repairing skin and soft tissue defects around the knee or in proximal lower leg. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. From May 2015 to October 2019, 17 patients with skin and soft tissue defects around the knee or in proximal lower leg were admitted to the Department of Orthopedics of Jizhong Energy Xingtai Mig General Hospital, including 12 males and 5 females, aged 16-65 years, with an average age of 35 years. The areas of skin and soft tissue defects after debridement ranged from 6.0 cm×3.0 cm to 15.0 cm×9.0 cm. The retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flaps were designed according to the origin and distribution of the perforating branches in flaps and the length of the vascular pedicle examined with CTA and the condition of the wound to repair the wounds. The areas of resected flaps ranged from 6.5 cm×3.5 cm to 15.5 cm×9.5 cm. The wounds in donor sites of flaps were sutured directly or covered with medium-thickness skin grafts from healthy upper leg. The sources of the perforating branches in flaps were recorded. The lateral circumflex femoral artery, its branches, and the relative length of the vascular pedicle were compared between preoperative CTA detection and intraoperative observation. The survivals of the flaps were observed. At the last follow-up, the effects of flaps in repairing wounds were evaluated according to evaluation standard of efficacy satisfaction; the motion ranges of flexion and extension of the knee joint were measured, and the knee joint function was evaluated according to the Hohl knee joint function evaluation standard; the sensory function in the flap area was evaluated according to the sensory function evaluation standard formulated by the British Medical Research Council; the wound healing and the occurrence of complication affecting motor function of limb of flap donor sites was observed. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test. Results: The perforating branches in flaps originated from descending branches, oblique branches, and rectus femoris branches of lateral circumflex femoral artery in 7, 6, and 4 patients, respectively. The flaps with blood supply from descending branches, oblique branches, and rectus femoris branches of lateral circumflex femoral artery were type 1, 2, and 3 retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flaps, respectively. The preoperative CTA examination of lateral circumflex femoral artery and its branches were consistent with those observed during operation. The relative lengths of vascular pedicles of type 1, 2, and 3 retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flaps calculated after CTA examination were 0.32±0.13, 0.56±0.07, and 0.56±0.15, which were close to 0.35±0.12, 0.52±0.10, and 0.53±0.12 measured and calculated during operation, respectively (t=0.45, 0.80, 0.31, P>0.05). All flaps survived in 17 cases without vascular crisis. At the last follow-up, 16 patients were satisfied with effects of flaps in wound repair, with 1 patient feeling average about the effect; the flexion range of knee joint was 100-120°, and the extension range of knee joint was -2-0°; knee joint function was evaluated as excellent in 9 cases, good in 7 cases, and poor in 1 case; the sensory function of the flap area reached S4 level in 2 cases, S3 level in 8 cases, and S2 level in 7 cases; the wounds in flap donor sites healed well; there was no adverse effect in motor function of limbs. Conclusions: Retrograde anterolateral thigh perforator flap is an effective method for repairing skin and soft tissue defects around the knee or in proximal lower leg. Preoperative CTA examination can fully show the anatomical characteristics of the branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the perforating vessels of each branch, which can guide preoperative flap design and operation, thus shortening operation time and improving flap survival rate, with good clinical effects.

Analyzing Branch‐specific Dendritic Spikes Using an Ultrafast Laser Scalpel

Dendritic spikes facilitate neuronal computation and they have been reported to occur in various regions of the dendritic tree of cortical neurons. Spikes that occur only on a select few branches are particularly difficult to analyze especially in complex and intertwined dendritic arborizations where highly localized application of pharmacological blocking agents is not feasible. Here, we present a technique based on highly targeted dendrotomy to tease out and study dendritic spikes that occur in oblique branches of cortical layer five pyramidal neurons. We first analyze the effect of cutting dendrites in silico and then confirmed in vitro using an ultrafast laser scalpel. A dendritic spike evoked in an oblique branch manifests at the soma as an increase in the afterdepolarization (ADP). The spikes are branch-specific since not all but only a few oblique dendrites are observed to evoke spikes. Both our model and experiments show that cutting certain oblique branches, where dendritic spikes are evoked, curtailed the increase in the ADP. On the other hand, cutting neighboring oblique branches that do not evoke spikes maintained the ADP. Our results show that highly targeted dendrotomy can facilitate causal analysis of how branch-specific dendritic spikes influence neuronal output.

Defect Reconstruction Using the Propeller Flaps Based on the Perforators Derived From the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery System.

Although propeller flaps are a useful option for soft tissue defect reconstruction, reports based on the perforators of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) are rare. We aimed to present our experience in defect reconstruction using the propeller flaps based on perforators from different branches of LCFA and apply these flaps in soft tissue defect reconstruction of the lower extremities. Twenty nine patients (32 flaps) underwent defect reconstruction using propeller flaps based on the perforator of the LCFA. Defects were located from the groin to the proximal leg. According to the source vessels from which the perforator originated, flaps were categorized into types I, II, III and IV, which represented perforators from the transverse, descending, oblique, and rectus femoris branches, respectively. Type II flaps were subdivided into types IIa and IIb flaps based on antegrade and reverse flows of the descending branch. Flap sizes ranged from 12 × 6 cm to 30 × 15 cm (average, 22.69 × 9.19 cm) with the length of the vascular pedicle ranging from 3 to 7 cm (average, 4.86 cm). Flaps were rotated from 60° to 180° (average, 144.06°). There were 3 type I, 10 type IIa, 4 type IIb, 13 type III and, and 2 type IV flaps. Twenty-nine flaps survived after surgery. Total flap necrosis and venous congestion of the distal flap portion occurred in 1 and 2 patients, respectively. Reconstruction using propeller flaps based on perforators of the LCFA is a safe, reliable, and versatile option for defect reconstruction of the lower extremities; however, it requires meticulous surgical dissection and patience.

Application of venous superdrainage technique based anterolateral thigh flap based on oblique branch for the soft tissue defect of proximal shank

Objective To investigate the application of venous superdrainage technique based anterolateral thigh flap based on oblique branch for the soft tissue defect of proximal shank. Methods Between October, 2012 and March, 2017, 11 cases of the soft tissue defect in proximal shank were treated. There were 8 males and 3 females with a mean age of 43 (range, 26-59) years. Causes of injury: 7 cases of traffic injury, 3 cases of bruise, 1 case of machine wound; The defect sizes ranged from 10 cm×5 cm to 13 cm×10 cm, with fracture or plate exposure. According to the size of the defect, the distally based anterolateral thigh flap was designed to repair the defect. The flap sizes ranged from 14 cm×6 cm to 16 cm×8 cm. The oblique branch and their accompanying vein with great saphenous vein was anastomosed to construct the venous superdrainage, and the donor site suture directly. Three cases followed-up by WeChat, and 8 cases by return visit. Results Distally based anterolateral thigh flaps were derived from oblique branches, and no arteriovenous crisis occurred postoperatively. Eleven flaps healed well after operation. There were no distal end blood supply disorder. Followed-up for 6-12 months, the flaps survived well. The texture was closed to the surrounding skin, and no ulcer exposed. There were no serious complications in donor site. And the thighs were linear scars. Conclusion The distally based anterolateral thigh flap based on oblique branch have a long vascular pedicle. The venous superdrainage technique can effectively avoid venous crisis, and improve the survival quality of the flap and the survival rate. Key words: Anterolateral thigh flap; Perforator flap; Oblique branch, lateral circumflex femoral artery; Shank; Superdrainage technique

Is the Oblique Branch a Preferable Vascular Pedicle for Anterolateral Thigh Free Flaps?

The oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is considered an alternative vascular pedicle of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. However, the oblique branch has several advantages over the descending branch. A total of 61 consecutive ALT free flaps were harvested according to Yu's ABC system. Vascular pedicle dimensions and length, artery course, perforator origins, and flap harvest time with the oblique branch or the descending branch were recorded. We classified the ALT flaps with oblique branches into three types according to the origin of perforator B. Type I flaps were those where perforator B originated from the descending branch. Type II flaps were those without perforator B. Type III flaps were those where perforator B originated from the oblique branch. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) diameter of the oblique branch at its origin was 1.68 ± 0.51 mm, with an average ± SD pedicle length of 12.92 ± 3.7 cm, while that of the descending branch was 2.27 ± 0.49 mm and 18.73 ± 5.14 cm, respectively. The percentage of septocutaneous perforators from the oblique branch was 35.59%, while that from the descending branch was 15.38%. The flap harvest time with the oblique branch was 33.73 ± 11.68 minutes, while that of the descending branch was 52.27 ± 7.21 minutes. Based on the origin of perforator B, 7 cases had type I ALT flaps, 4 had type II ALT flaps, and 10 had type III ALT flaps. Various ALT flaps based on the oblique branch were harvested, and good clinical results were achieved. The oblique branch is sufficiently large and can be reliably used as the flap pedicle. It may be the preferred vascular pedicle for ALT free flaps.

Distally based anterolateral thigh flap pedicled on the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery

Background: A distally based anterolateral thigh (dALT) flap is an alternative option for reconstructing defects around the knee. This article presents our clinical experience with the use of the dALT flaps based on the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) to reconstruct defects in the genicular and popliteal regions. Methods: Between 2008 and 2016, seven patients (4 males and 3 females, between 3–58 years old, mean =34 years) underwent reconstruction of defects around the knee using a dALT flap based on the LCFA oblique branch. Defect etiologies included malignant neoplasm (3 cases) and post-burn scar contracture (4 cases). Results: Reconstruction was successfully performed in all patients. The average flap size was 16.3 cm long (range, 9–24 cm) and 7.3 cm wide (range, 6–8 cm), while the mean pedicle length was 17.7 cm (range, 12–22 cm). The oblique branches originated from the LCFA descending branch in 6 patients and the transverse branch in one patient. One patient had a severely hypoplastic LCFA descending branch and thus the flap was based on the rectus femoris branch. In another patient, the pedicled dALT flap was converted to a free flap because the oblique branch originated from the transverse branch. All flaps survived without any major complications. Conclusions: Our experience demonstrated that we can reliably raise a dALT flap based on the oblique branch when it arises from the LCFA descending branch and sends cutaneous perforators to the anterolateral thigh region.

Spider burrows in ichnological context: a review of literature data and burrows of the wolf spider Trochosa hispanica Simon, 1870 from Albania

A general review of spider burrows and history of their research in eighteenth to nineteenth centuries are provided on the basis of the literature, which is dispersed and almost forgotten by majority of ichnologists. Moreover, burrows of the wolf spider Trochosa hispanica Simon, 1870 from a mountain meadow in Albania are presented. They are composed of an almost straight through gently curved to slightly winding vertical shafts (8.2–17.2 mm in diameter) with a basal, oval chamber, which is 14.5–30.6 mm wide. Above the ground level, some of them show a low, agglutinated chimney a cone composed of soil granules. The burrows are 83–235 mm long. They are comparable with the trace fossil Macanopsis Macsotay, 1967. Other spider burrows can form a simple shaft, which may be ascribed to the ichnogenus Skolithos Haldeman, 1840, or a shaft with the side oblique branches, which is is similar to the ichnogenus Psilonichnus Fürsich, 1981. Many spider burrows show one or more chambers. Their outlet may be closed with a trapdoor or show a chimney sticking above the ground. They may show scratch traces running parallel to the burrow. The burrows are domiciles in which spiders spend a part of, or even the whole life. They protect spiders against harsh environmental conditions, foremost against too low or to high temperature, sheet floods, or predators. Moreover, they can be also a place for copulation, oviposition, parental care, placement of cocoons, or shedding the exuvia. Burrowing spider are more common in in warmer climatic zones, in open space, above the water ground level, and less common in flooded. So far, very few examples of fossil spider burrows are recognised, mostly in Cenozoic sediments, even if spiders are known since the Carboniferous.

Anatomic features of the oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery and its clinical significance

Objective This study revisits the blood supply of the oblique branches in the light of recent advances in the understanding of the vascular anatomy of the anterolateral thigh, and observes its clinical application effect. Methods From January, 2014 to January, 2016, a prospective intraoperative observational study was performed in 57 consecutive anterolateral thigh flaps, noting the dimensions and locations of the oblique and descending branches and the number and size of the muscle branches supplying the rectus femoris. Twenty-one patients were found with the oblique and descending branches and performed the free flap pedicled with collateral branch of oblique rarus of lateral circumflex femoral artery to fix the foot and ankle in 12 cases. There were 8 males and 4 females with an age range from 23 to 52 years. They were injuried by traffic accident (6 cases), by object hit from height (4 cases),or hurted by machines (2 cases). The locations were foot in 5 cases, ankle in 4 cases, and at the distal shank in 3 cases. The disease duration was 4 hours to 36 hours (mean, 16 hours). Six skin flaps, 4 fascia flap plus skin flap, 2 ramified flaps harvest were then completed as planned. The size of flaps ranged from 7 cm × 11 cm to 8 cm × 21 cm, and the donor sites were closed directly in all cases. Results On the basis of the dimensions and locations of the oblique and descending branches supplying the rectus femoris, all cases were devided into type I (descending branche, 16 cases), type II(the oblique and descending branche, 2 cases), type III(oblique branche, 3 cases). After operation, all the flaps survived, while wound dehiscence accured in 1 case and healed after dressing change and left a slash residual scar without pulling discomfort. The donor site was accompanied by a decrease in the range of peripheral sensory numbness. Early muscle strength of hip and knee arised in 3 cases, got better in 3 months and dispeared in 6 months. By way of telephone follow-up, 12 patients were followed for 3-24 months (mean, 13 months). The appearance and function of the tissue flaps were satisfactory, only linear scar was observed at the donor site, which had less damage and no effect on walking. Conclusion Blood vessels should be carefully identified, while flaps are harvested with diversity of blood supply. As it is improved that the oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator tissue flap is simple and reliable, also can perform various forms of perforator flaps. Key words: Oblique branch, lateral circumflex femoral artery; Perforator flap; Applied anatomy; Repair

Axon topography of layer 6 spiny cells to orientation map in the primary visual cortex of the cat (area 18)

To uncover the functional topography of layer 6 neurons, optical imaging was combined with three-dimensional neuronal reconstruction. Apical dendrite morphology of 23 neurons revealed three distinct types. Type Aa possessed a short apical dendrite with many oblique branches, Type Ab was characterized by a short and less branched apical dendrite, whereas Type B had a long apical dendrite with tufts in layer 2. Each type had a similar number of boutons, yet their spatial distribution differed from each other in both radial and horizontal extent. Boutons of Type Aa and Ab were almost restricted to the column of the parent soma with a laminar preference to layer 4 and 5/6, respectively. Only Type B contributed to long horizontal connections (up to 1.5 mm) mostly in deep layers. For all types, bouton distribution on orientation map showed an almost equal occurrence at iso- (52.6 ± 18.8 %) and non-iso-orientation (oblique, 27.7 ± 14.9 % and cross-orientation 19.7 ± 10.9 %) sites. Spatial convergence of axons of nearby layer 6 spiny neurons depended on soma separation of the parent cells, but only weakly on orientation preference, contrary to orientation dependence of converging axons of layer 4 spiny cells. The results show that layer 6 connections have only a weak dependence on orientation preference compared with those of layers 2/3 (Buzás et al., J Comp Neurol 499:861–881, 2006) and 4 (Karube and Kisvárday, Cereb Cortex 21:1443–1458, 2011).

Integrating locomotion, postures and morphology: The case of the tayra, Eira barbara (Carnivora, Mustelidae)

Locomotion and postures are key factors to understanding the biology of animals. However, scansorial and arboreal carnivorans remain poorly studied regarding these issues. Herein, we present a behavioral and morphological analysis of the arboreal locomotion of the tayra (Eira barbara), a neotropical forest-dwelling mustelid. Data on habitat use and locomotor and postural modes were collected from free-ranging tayras in a terra-firme forest in French Guiana. Additionally, qualitative morphological traits and linear measurements of the girdles and appendicular skeleton were analyzed through comparative anatomical descriptions, univariate tests, and a principal components and discriminant analysis. Tayras frequently used clambering, quadrupedal walking, claw climbing and quadrupedal standing, performed primarily on small and medium, oblique and horizontal branches. Furthermore, our morpho-functional analyses revealed that tayras possess autopodial specializations for navigating on arboreal substrates, while the more proximal elements present features more similar to other terrestrial or scansorial mustelids, and theoretically less modified from the hypothetical weasel-like ancestor of mustelids. This mosaic of morphological features of the tayra, a combination of phylogenetic inertia and ecological signals, very likely evolved to promote the efficient and effective exploitation of diverse habitats and resources in this versatile species.

Histomorphology and microvasculature of extrahepatic bile ducts, extrapancreatic ducts and choledocho-pancreatic duct in the adult African Clawed Toad, Xenopus laevis: Histomorphology and scanning electron microscopy of microvascular corrosion casts

The microvascular anatomy of the extrahepatic bile ducts, extrapancreatic ducts and choledocho-pancreatic duct of the adult African Clawed Toad, Xenopus laevis (Daudin) was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts (VCCs) and light microscopy of paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Branches of the hepatic artery supplied the vascular bed of the extrahepatic bile ducts with arteries running along the serosal surface of ducts. Oblique side branches gradually invaded the bile duct walls. Terminal arterioles capillarised first in the muscular layer and finally formed a dense subepithelial capillary network. Postcapillary venules from the subepithelial capillary bed merged with those from the external layers of the duct walls and formed subserosal venous plexuses. Duct veins drained into nearby veins. The choledocho-pancreatic duct opened at the crest of a duodenal fold which at this site formed a papilla. A ring-like venule was found at the apex of this papilla. A ring-like venous plexus was located around the intraduodenal portion of the choledocho-pancreatic duct at the level of the intestinal lamina propria. Apart from these structures, microvascular patterns found closely resembled those described in mammals.

New Aetheogrammatidae (Insecta: Neuroptera) from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation, China

Two new genera and three new species of the Mesozoic family Aeotheogrammatidae are described from the Lower Cretaceous of Yixian Formation (Liaoning Province, China): Cyclicogramma rotundum gen. et sp. nov. and Aetheogramma bistriatum sp. nov. from Huangbanjigou, and Curtogramma ovatum gen. et sp. nov. from Dawangzhangzi. The hind wing of Cyclicogramma rotundum gen. et sp. nov. differs from that of other species by its smaller size, its overall shape, RP bearing only two oblique radial branches, and its configurations of CuP, AA1, and AA2. Aetheogramma bistriatum sp. nov. is closely related to A. speciosum Ren and Engel, 2008, but distinguished from the latter by its distinctive configuration of RP1, and the narrower and longer AA2 space in the hind wing. Curtogramma ovatum gen. et sp. nov. is distinguished from all other species of the family by the forewing with M forking very far from the wing base.

Branch specific and spike-order specific action potential invasion in basal, oblique, and apical dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons.

In neocortical pyramidal neurons, action potentials (APs) propagate from the axon into the dendritic tree to influence distal synapses. Traditionally, AP backpropagation was studied in the thick apical trunk. Here, we used the principles of optical imaging developed by Cohen to investigate AP invasion into thin dendritic branches (basal, oblique, and tuft) of prefrontal cortical L5 pyramidal neurons. Multisite optical recordings from neighboring dendrites revealed a clear dichotomy between two seemingly equal dendritic branches belonging to the same cell ("sister branches"). We documented the variable efficacy of AP invasion in basal and oblique branches by revealing their AP voltage waveforms. Using fast multisite calcium imaging, we found that trains of APs are filtered differently between two apical tuft branches. Although one dendritic branch passes all spikes in an AP train, another branch belonging to the same neuron, same cortical layer, and same path distance from the cell body, experiences only one spike. Our data indicate that the vast differences in dendritic voltage and calcium transients, detected in dendrites of pyramidal neurons, arise from a nonuniform distribution of A-type [Formula: see text] conductance, an aggregate number of branch points in the path of the AP propagation and minute differences in dendritic diameter.