Pairs Of Ribs Research Articles

Bone histology of Broad-snouted Caiman Caiman latirostris (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae) as tool for morphophysiological inferences in Crocodylia

Bone histology is an important tool for the interpretation of life patterns in animals of the past and extant fauna. The crocodylians have been studied as important inferential models for morphophysiological characteristics. We aimed to characterize the osteohistology of captive Caiman latirostris, identifying its microanatomy related to growth rates, ontogeny, and environmental conditions. We analyzed five pairs of humeri (proximal elements of the appendicular skeleton) and ribs (axial skeleton) of females’ caiman. Ribs showed, in general, woven-fibered tissues, with low vascularization and parallel-fibered bone and many resorption and erosion cavities. It presented lines of arrested growth (LAGs) in three individuals, without skeletochronological compatibility. Humeri showed a gradient of woven-fibered to parallel-fibered and lamellar-zonal bone as the individuals aging. We observed compacted coarse cancellous bone (CCCB) and a higher number of LAGs in older specimens. Ribs remodel faster than humerus, showing an intra-individual histovariability. The humeri indicated an evident growth pattern with different ontogeny stages and growth rates in different ages. Fast-growing tissues are uncommon in crocodylians, but basal metabolism and optimal growth conditions can lead to this. Bone histology of C. latirostris shows patterns that can be used as inferential models for extant and extinct groups, but we encourage further studies for a better understanding, under different environmental conditions, such as temperature and food availability.

Mathematical modeling of the chest, its funnel-shaped deformation and thoracoplasty


 The most common method of treating of the congenital funnel-shaped chest is thoracoplasty method by D. Nuss. During this surgery, a significant mechanical effect is created on the ribs, sternum, spinal column, which act instantly and continuously for a long time and create new biomechanical conditions for the «chest – rib – spine» system. Objective. To construct a functional model of the chest with a spinal column, which takes into account the movements in the costal-vertebral joints, it allows modeling the funnel-shaped deformation in conditions close to the reality, its operative correction, predicting the results and choosing the optimal parameters of thoracoplasty. Methods. Normal and funnel-shaped chest models based on the articular connection of the ribs to the spine were created using SolidWorks. The main calculations were made using the ANSYS program. To estimate the stress-strain state (SSS), stresses are selected by Mises. Results. The created dynamic mathematical model of the chest makes it possible to conduct a reliable analysis of the biomechanical interaction of the plate with the chest, to analyze the stress-strain state of the constructed models in the norm, with and without taking into account the movements in the costal-vertebral joints. In addition, it allows to simulate the operation by D. Nuss and to study the biomechanical changes in conditions close to reality, occurring in the «chest – rib – spine» system, to determine the areas of maximum loads and safety boundaries. Conclusions. The reproduction of articular ribs rotation in the dynamic model changes the picture of the SSS distribution. In the case of modeling the correction of funnel-shaped deformation of the chest by the method by D. Nuss, the largest zone of stress concentration was found on the outer posterior surface of the sixth pair of ribs. The most tense vertebrae were ThV– ThVI, but the maximum values did not exceed the permissible values. In the case of a lower plate conduction, the correction is achieved with better SSS values in the higher elements of the «chest – ribs – spine» system.

Low back pain: a case study

As defined in the WHO Bulletin (1999), low back pain (LBP) is pain, muscle tension or stiffness localized in the back between the XII pair of ribs and the lower gluteal folds, with or without irradiation in lower limbs. The LBP syndrome is not a nosological unit, but due to its high prevalence, social and economic importance, it has a separate heading in ICD-10 – (M 54.5). Various structures can be the source of LBP: intervertebral discs, facet and sacroiliac joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, spinal cord and its roots, peripheral nerves, etc. Depending on which structure the source of pain is, the nature of the pain can have a nociceptive, neuropathic or mixed character, which affects the tactics of patient management. The variety of clinical manifestations of LBP introduces certain difficulties in the process of making a diagnosis and may entail the appointment of treatment methods that are inadequate for the patient’s condition. In such cases, it is advisable to conduct an additional consultation in order to obtain a second medical opinion. The message is devoted to the analysis of a clinical case of LBP. During the examination of the patient, the nature of the pain, initially regarded as neuropathic, began to be interpreted as nociceptive. In accordance with this, a complex treatment was prescribed, which included pharmacological preparations and methods of non-drug therapy. In order to quickly relieve the pain syndrome, the drug dexketoprofen was used according to a stepwise scheme. Obtaining effective anesthesia within 5 days made it possible to abandon further NSAID intake and to continue follow-up treatment with a preparation of B vitamins, a muscle relaxant and SYSADOA in combination with non-drug methods of treatment. The considered clinical case illustrates both the difficulties arising in the diagnosis of LBP and the possibilities of successful conservative therapy of this disease.

Waist Narrowing without Removal of Ribs.

Summary:A narrow waist is considered one of the most attractive female body features. We have developed a minimally invasive surgical method of waist narrowing without rib removal. An access to XI and XII ribs is made through small incisions at the scapular line on both sides. The dorsal cortical plates are osteotomized using a sagittal oscillator saw with a 10 mm wide blade or a piezotome. The osteoclasy is performed, “green stick” type fracture is obtained, and wounds are closed. We put a tight chest corset on a patient for 2 months until the ribs’ fractures consolidate in new position. The number of our clinical cases is 93, and 14 of them were available for follow up at 6 months or more. The average waistline reduction is about 8.0 cm. We indicated period of time, number of cases, and selection criteria. This method is atraumatic, has a short rehabilitation period, and provides for obvious clinical effect.

A New Species of Snailfishes (Liparidae) of the Genus Careproctus from the Northern Slope of the Aleutin Basin (Bering Sea)

—A new species of snailfishes Careproctus schmidti sp. nov. from the northwestern part of the Bering Sea is described. The specimen was caught in the mesobenthal of the Aleutian Basin at a depth of 852–862 m (holotype ZIN no. 56 620—female TL 194 mm). It is distinguished from the majority of congeners of the North Pacific Ocean by a set of features: a large number of vertebrae (63) and rays in the fins (D 56, A 50, P 34, C 10), the presence of two pairs of pleural ribs, a relatively elongated (21% SL) pectoral fin with a notch and short lower lobe (12% SL), two suprabranchial pores, simple teeth, naked skin, and black peritoneum. In terms of meristic features, the new species is similar to three North Pacific species, but it differs from C. colletti in a short lower lobe of the pectoral fin, a flattened disc of triangular outlines, and a longer gill slit. It differs from C. roseofuscus by a lower body, a pectoral fin ventrally located and anus which opens immediately behind the disc. It differs from C. ambustus in purple-lilac color, fewer in number simple teeth with sharp apexes, in vertical and higher disposition of gill slit, shorter lower lobe of the pectoral fin, disc shape and position of the anus. The presence of an ovipositor may indicate existence of complicated reproductive behavior (such as carcinophilia or other types of reproductive commensalism). The northwestern slope of the Aleutian Basin, where a specimen of C. schmidti was caught, is located in the zone of influence of the Bering Slope Current and seasonal upwelling associated with the rise of deep waters. The composition of the ichthyocene in the area of ​​capture is given, including up to 20 species, dominated by Macrouridae.

A Review of campomelic dysplasia syndrome

Campomelic dysplasia (CD) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder and severe skeletal dysplasia. It is characterized by a variable relationship between skeletal and extra-skeletal abnormalities: congenital tightness and long bone arches, pelvic and chest abnormalities, eleven pairs of ribs instead of the usual twelve, facial deformities, cracks and sexual ambiguity. The appearance of pelvic joints, horseshoe inversion, pulmonary hypoplasia, abnormalities of the neck and cervical spine, as well as heart and kidney abnormalities also indicate this syndrome. Other findings of the CD include sexual reversals, in which males have chromosomes, but in some individuals have female genitalia and reproductive systems. The CD is caused by a de novo mutation in the SRY box containing gene 9 (SOX9), which is the main regulator of the development of the cartilage skeleton. It plays an important role in the selection and differentiation of mesenic cells of the chondrocyte lineage of all components of the cartilage skeleton. Most affected individuals have recognizable mutations. It has been reported that heterozigosity involves mutations involving missene, meaningless mutations, deletions in the coding area, and mutations that sometimes interfere with the reorganity of chromosomes in the SOX9 regulatory area. Loss or loss of control over this regulatory area around SOX9 may explain the level of craniophaasial defects described in CD syndrome. We outline the clinical picture, treatment and spectrum of mutations involved in CD syndrome. However, more research is needed to determine the effects of SOX9 on the binding of other genes that function well or are unknown on cartilage.

Skeletal structure as taxonomic tool for identification of mullet species (Teleostei: Mugilidae) from Aceh waters, Indonesia

Many members of the mullets (family Mugilidae) are very similar morphologically, hence the possibility of taxonomic misidentification. This study involved the use of skeleton structure to distinguish four species of mullets, including Cremugil crenilabis, Liza macrolepis, Moolgarda engelii, and Mugil cephalus, harvested from Aceh waters, Indonesia. The mullets samples were collected from 10 locations, and a total of 10 samples were taken randomly as representatives of each species. The skeletal sample was prepared using the dry method. The results showed the presence of 8 pairs of ribs in C. crenilabis and L. macrolepis, while M. engelii had 9, with 10 in M. cephalus. In addition, the origin of the haemal canal of C. crenilabis is at the 12th vertebrae, extends to the 23rd, while for the other three species it starts at the 10th and extends to the 23rd. In addition, C. crenilabis possesses 12 haemal canals, but the rest have 14. The haemal canal is present in the last precaudal vertebrae of all specimens, except C. crenilabis, whose epural bone in the caudal skeleton is small and located far from the preural, while a larger and distinctly attached form is observed in the rest. Furthermore, L. macrolepis possess a pair of diapophyses, which laterally extend in the 2nd vertebrae. This bone is absent in the three other species. The presence of diapophyses, the number of ribs and haemal canals and the location of the epural bone in the caudal skeleton, and the condition of frontal attachment to the sphenotic are the important characters in distinguishing the four investigated species of mullets.

A comparative study of breed differences in the anatomical configuration of the equine vertebral column

The importance of the equine thoracolumbar vertebral column in orthopaedic disorders is well recognized and diagnostic imaging becomes more feasible, but little is known about variations in the anatomical configuration within breeds. In this descriptive post‐mortem study, anatomical variations in three widely differing breeds: Warmblood horses, Shetland ponies and semi‐feral Konik horses are described. The caudal cervical (C), thoracic (T), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) regions of the vertebral column of 30 Warmblood horses, 29 Shetland ponies and 18 Konik horses were examined using computed tomography and visualized by volume rendering. Homologous/morphologic variations in the caudal cervical area were frequently seen in Warmblood horses (43%), which was significantly more than in the other breeds (p < 0.001). The as standard described equine formula of 18 T, 6 L and 5 S vertebrae was seen in 78% of Konik horses, but only in 53% Warmblood horses and 38% Shetland ponies, which was significantly different (p < 0.05). Overall, Shetland ponies showed a higher tendency of thoracoization, lumbarization and more variations in the number of vertebrae and pairs of ribs. Ankylosed intertransverse joints (ITJs) between transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae were most common between the second last and last lumbar vertebra and prevalence was significantly higher in Shetland ponies (61%), than in Warmblood horses (38%) and Konik horses (7%) (p < 0.0001). Cranial to the second last lumbar vertebra there were fewer ITJs ankylosed (14%) in Warmblood horses (p < 0.0095), and this decrease in number of ankylosed ITJs was different compared to the change in ankylosed ITJs in Shetland ponies (p < 0.005). ITJs occurred asymmetrically in 15% (12/77) of the cases. A limitation of the study was that clinical data of the horses were only incompletely available, precluding any conclusions about the potential clinical implications of anatomical variations. Knowledge of variation in osseous anatomy of the equine thoracolumbar vertebral column is important for the interpretation of diagnostic imaging. To assess the functional importance and clinical relevance of this variation, follow‐up studies are necessary.

A dicephalus calf: anatomical, pathological and radiographic aspects

Congenital malformations are morphofunctional abnormalities of tissues and organs that can occur during embryonic or fetal development in all animal species. Among these, dicephalus is characterized by the development of an individual with two heads and two necks, due to the total duplication of facial, cranial, and brain structures. Reports of dicephalus in cattle are scarce and do not normally emphasize radiographic and bone anatomy characteristics. The objective was to describe a case of a stillborn dicephalus calf. The duplication of the head, brain, neck, and two thoracic vertebral columns, isolated from each other, with 13 vertebrae each was verified radiographically. There were 13 pairs of ribs, the ones on the right side articulated with the thoracic spine on the right and the left ones with the spine on the left. Caudally at T13, there was only one lumbar spine, sacral and coccygeal. In the ventrodorsal projection, L1, L2, L3, and L6 had the shape of a butterfly (suggestive of hemivertebrae). At necropsy, in addition to craniocervical and spinal morphological changes, collapsed lungs, duplication of the heart with anastomosis between the aortic arches of the hearts, and duplication of the upper digestive tract were observed. Additionally, there was arthrogryposis of the pelvic limbs. Corpse maceration, followed by the skeletal assembly, showed the bone changes previously observed and confirmed the suspicion of hemivertebrae.

Designing Interrupted Microchannel Heat Sink with Ribbed Microchambers by Single and Bi-objective Optimizations of Numerical Results

The heat load from electronic chips increases with betterment and diversification of their applications. This demands more innovations in designing microchannel heat sink (MCHS). Interrupted MCHS (IMCHS) with ribbed microchambers is considered here as a possible innovation. The numerical solution of the continuum equations is exploited in subsequent optimization studies. Besides the rectangular rib (RR) and its adaptation to paired rib forms of DR, CR, CDR and DCR signifying diverging, converging, converging–diverging and diverging-converging internal channel between a rib pair, one more paired structure of ODCR is considered. The latter pair with parallel internal walls possesses outwardly diverging-converging form. First, an exploratory parametric study has been carried out by employing three-dimensional finite-volume method. The structure with CR has shown the promise of yielding the highest thermal performance (TP) over an identified parameter space involving Reynolds number, number and length of the microchambers, ratio of the maximum to the minimum areas between the paired ribs as well as position of the pair. Results indicate strong role of the relative amount of discharges through and past the pair. Next, the numerical tool is used in combination with response surface method and particle swarm optimization for executing both maximization of a single-objective TP and fulfilling the conflicting objectives of maximizing heat transfer and minimizing pressure drop. By examining the results, the TP maximization design has been found to provide the design with concurrent combination of the high heat transfer and low penalty of pressure loss achieved by the IMCHS-CR design.

The Role of Flow Structures on the Thermal Performance of Microchannels With Wall Features

Abstract Innovative design of microchannel heat sinks (MCHS) remains a contemporary research need to meet the increasing cooling demand of modern electronic industries. A transient three-dimensional conjugate heat transfer study has been carried out here for different combinations of constrictors like ribs or protrusions along with cavities on the sidewalls of a microchannel (MC). A facing pair of cavities with circular arc sections, together called a fan-shaped cavity (FC), has been considered. Each in the facing pair of ribs (R) or protrusions (P) is in the form of a part of cylinder or sphere, respectively. The results include the variations of Nusselt number, friction factor, and thermal performance over a range of Reynolds numbers from 140 to 605 in microchannels with rib (MCR), protrusion (MCP), or cavity pairs alone (MCFC), as well as with cavity-rib pairs (MCFCR) or cavity–protrusion pairs (MCFCP). Contrasting the highest thermal performance of 1.6 reported in an earlier study on MCFCR, a value as high as 1.76 has been obtained around Re of 550 for MCFCP with the relative values of cavity length, width, and pitch of 0.015, 0.5, and 0.0625, respectively, along with protrusion length and width of 0.01 and 0.4, respectively. The mechanisms leading to spiraling transverse streamlines in both MCFCR and MCFCP have been explained. The superior performance of MCFCP has presumably arisen from the vortex structure with no interference with the boundary layers at the top and bottom walls.

Revision of the Eocene ‘Platyrhina’ species from the Bolca Lagerstätte (Italy) reveals the first panray (Batomorphii: Zanobatidae) in the fossil record

The fossil-Lagerstätte of Bolca (Italy) is well known for the diversity and exquisite preservation of its bony and cartilaginous fishes documenting tropical shallow-water marine environments associated with coral reefs in the western Tethys during the early Eocene. In this study, the taxonomic, systematic and phylogenetic position of two batoid species traditionally assigned to the living thornback ray genus Platyrhina is re-evaluated. †Platyrhina bolcensis Heckel, 1851 is recognized as a separate species of the Platyrhinidae because of its plate-like antorbital cartilage with an irregular outline and a small horn on the nasal capsules. Also, the rostral cartilage does not reach the anterior border of the disc. Support for the placement of this species within the new genus †Eoplatyrhina gen. nov. is based on a combination of morphological and meristic features (e.g. nasal capsules at right angles to the rostrum; large space between the hyomandibulae and mandibular arch; approximately 132 vertebral centra; 15–16 rib pairs; 81–87 pectoral radials; 18–21 pelvic radials; short, straight and stout claspers; 40–50 caudal-fin radials; thorns absent). A second species, †Platyrhina egertoni (De Zigno, 1876), is more closely related to the living panray Zanobatus than Platyrhina and is assigned here to †Plesiozanobatus gen. nov. because of a combination of characters that support its placement within the family Zanobatidae (tail stout and short, distinctly demarcated from disc; two dorsal fins and complete caudal fin; small dermal denticles and scattered thorns covering disc and tail; rostral cartilage absent; nasal capsules without horn-like processes; mesopterygium absent). The systematic position of a third taxon, †Platyrhina gigantea (Blainville, 1818), is currently impossible to establish due to the poor preservation of the only known specimen, and therefore we propose to consider it a nomen dubium. Palaeoecological and biogeographic features of the Eocene platyrhinids and zanobatids from Bolca are also discussed.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B4C7A979-7972-409B-B489-A6DDD5E35FE5

Radiographic and tomographic description of marlin sucker Remora osteochir, Pisces: Echeneidae—preliminary data of one specimen

Remoras are commensal fish of various marine species, such as sharks, swordfishes, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and whales. One specimen of marlin sucker Remora osteochir was evaluated using computed tomography for skeletal digital reconstruction, digital radiology for general evaluation and bone counting, and the double contrast technique to distinguish coelomic organs. In radiographic images, it was possible to observe otoliths in the center of the neurocranium, to count 27 vertebrae, nine pairs of ribs, and to detect the presence of the hipural and epural bones near of the caudal fin. In double contrast images, it was possible to visualize the swim bladder, gills, heart, liver, stomach and intestines. From the tomographic images and reconstructions, it was possible to identify the intercalar bones of the cephalic disc; the spine with vertebral bodies composed of neural arches and ventral ribs; and the pectoral girdle formed by posttemporal, cleithrum and scapulocoracoid bones. It was concluded that digital radiology and computed tomography were able to describe anatomical structures of marlin sucker R. osteochir without the need for dissection.

Composite wing flutter analysis with variations of ribs location

Elastic structures constructed using composite materials may be easily deformed due to low stiffness, leading to flutter phenomenon to occur during flight. In this paper, the occurrence of flutter on a composite UAV wing is investigated by considering the effect of the location and position of ribs on flutter speed. Flutter analyses are conducted using the full aeroelastic equation of motion derived from the Lagrange's equation and Theodorsen's airfoil theory. UTM CAMAR UAV composite wings are selected as case studies in which the ribs are positioned across the wing span to obtain the optimized rib position. The natural frequencies for bending and torsion at each of the rib positions is obtained using the finite element analysis, conducted using the ABAQUS software. From the study, a pair of ribs located at 33% and 67% of wing span was found to give the maximum flutter speed at 264.62 m/s.

Biomechanical comparison of monocortical and bicortical plate fixation for rib fractures in a cadaveric model using a locking plate system.

Surgical stabilization of rib fractures is an established form of treatment for complex rib fractures. Plate fixation with bicortical screws placement can cause injury to intra-thoracic organs and pleural irritation from protruding screw tips. The aim of this study is to compare the biomechanical properties of monocortical and bicortical plate fixation for rib fractures using a locking plate system. Ten pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric ribs were harvested. Native ribs were mounted onto a biomechanical tester and statically loaded to failure to induce a rib fracture. The native stiffness of the rib was measured. Next, the ribs were stabilized using the Synthes MatrixRIB (Johnson & Johnson, USA) locking plate. Left-sided ribs were fixed in a bicortical manner and right-sided ribs were fixed in a monocortical manner. The repaired ribs were subjected to cyclic loading of 50,000 cycles between 2 to 6 N to simulate physiological respiration, followed by static loading at a rate of 10 N/min until failure. The pre and post-repaired stiffness were measured. A high-speed camera was used to record the mechanism of failure. One left-sided rib was omitted from the study because the fracture occurred at the drill hole site. Left-sided ribs demonstrated a mean native stiffness of 10.0 N/mm (SD 3.71) and right-sided 11.92 N/mm (SD 3.57). After plate fixation, pre and post cyclic stiffness was 3.32 N/mm (SD 1.21) and 4.41 N/mm (SD 3.29) for the bicortical group; 3.14 N/mm (SD 1.24) and 3.91 N/mm (SD 1.98) for the monocortical group. There is no statistical difference found between the two groups (P=0.872). Our results show that there is no difference in stability between monocortical and bicortical fixation for rib fractures using a locking plate system. Monocortical fixation is recommended to avoid potential complications.

Osteological study of Titan Trigger fish, Balistoides viridescens (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) (Balistidae: Tetraodontiformes) from the Spermonde Archipelago Waters

The aim of this research was to describe the osteology of Balistoides viridescens. The specimen described was collected from the Paotere Fish Market, Makassar City. The weight and total length of the specimen were 2.85 kg and 46 cm respectively. Osteological description was conducted after the specimen had been prepared and X-rayed. The specimen was cleaned and the flesh separated from the bones (skeleton) using a boiling method. The skeleton was then dried under the sun for 2 weeks. The dried bones were then prepared and arranged for osteological description. Photographs were taken with a Samsung EK-GC100 Camera. The results show that B. viridescens has a compressed body shape, a small mouth with incisiform teeth, 7 abdominal vertebrae, 7 pairs of ribs, 9 caudal vertebrae, and one urostyle vertebra.

Radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) axial and appendicular skeleton.

Cockatiels are popular pets. Still, despite medical and surgical relevance, the radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) skeleton, like that of different wild and exotic bird species, has seldom been described. This study set out to describe the radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel skeleton. Twelve adult male and nine adult female specimens were radiographed using a digital X-ray system and different views. The radiographic anatomy of these birds was similar to that of other Psittacidae. However, some particularities inherent to the target species were detected, such as the presence of four flexion zones in the skull (craniofacial, nasal, jugal arch and palatine), complete bony orbit comprising a suborbital arch, 34-38 vertebrae (10 or 11 cervical, 8 or 9 thoracic, 9 or 10 lumbosacral, 5 or 6 caudal vertebrae and a pygostyle comprising 2 fused vertebrae), eight or nine pairs of ribs and a notarium made up of fused T2-T6 vertebrae. Poor radiopacity of the notarium, ribs and respective uncinate processes, and synsacral vertebrae made demarcation of these structures difficult. The appendicular skeleton of the cockatiel was very similar to that of other Psittacidae, and there were no gender-related differences.

Human embryonic ribs all progress through common morphological forms irrespective of their position on the axis.

We aimed to analyze the morphogenesis of all ribs from 1st to 12th rib pairs plus vertebrae to compare their differences and features according to the position along the cranial-caudal axis during the human embryonic period. Rib pair formation was analyzed using high-resolution digitalized imaging data (n = 29) between Carnegie stage (CS) 18 and CS23 (corresponding to ED13-14 in mouse; HH29-35 in chick). A total of 348 rib pairs, from 1st to 12th rib pairs of each sample were subjected to Procrustes and principal component (PC) analyses. PC1 and PC2 accounted for 76.3% and 16.4% (total 92.7%) of the total variance, respectively, indicating that two components mainly accounted for the change in shape. The distribution of PC1 and PC2 values for each rib showed a "fishhook-like shape" upon fitting to a quartic equation. PC1 and PC2 value position for each rib pair moved along the fitted curve according to the development. Thus, the change in PC1 and PC2 could be expressed by a single parameter using a fitted curve as a linear scale for shape. Human embryonic ribs all progress through common morphological forms irrespective of their position on the axis.

Rib Cage Morphogenesis in the Human Embryo: A Detailed Three-Dimensional Analysis.

Formation of the skeletal structure in the human embryo has important consequences in terms of support, protection, and function of organs and other systems. We aimed to describe the formation of the rib cage during the embryonic period, in order to detect prominent features and identify the possible factors affecting rib cage morphology. We employed high-resolution digitized imaging data (n = 34) obtained in human embryos with Carnegie stage (CS) between 17 and 23. The rib cage became detectable as cartilage formation at CS17, expanding outward from the dorsal side of the chest-abdominal region. Ribs elongated progressively to surround the chest, differentiating into the upper and lower rib cage regions by CS20. The ends of corresponding ribs in the upper region elongated toward each other, leading to their joining and sternum formation between CS21 and CS23, while the lower region of the rib cage remained widely open. The rib cage area with the largest width shifted from the 5th rib pair at CS17 to the 9th pair at CS23. The depth of the rib cage was similar across the upper region at CS17, with the major portion remaining in the middle part after CS20. The heart was located beneath the rib pairs providing the largest depth, while the liver was located beneath the rib pairs providing the largest width. Formation of the sternum, development of spinal kyphosis, and organization of larger internal organs within the thoracic and abdominal cavity are possible factors affecting rib cage morphology. Anat Rec, 302:2211-2223, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Hematological status of newly‐calved cows with mineral metabolism disturbance

In many livestock farms in Russia there is a problem of correct balancing rations by the major mineral elements. Mineral metabolism disturbance are accompanied by various pathologies from all body systems, including the reproduction function. Timely conducting clinical examination, including hematological examination of all groups of animals allows to prevent the development of negative conditions in the body of cows associated with impaired mineral metabolism. During 2018, 74 blood samples obtained from newly‐calved cows were investigated. All the animals had various signs of mineral failure ‐ lordosis of the lumbar spine, osteomalacia of the caudal vertebrae and the last pair of ribs, weakness of the ligaments of the finger joints. With biochemical research of serum determined that the concentration of total protein averaged 90.7 ± 5.9 g/l, albumin −27.3 ± 3.7 g/l, globulin −61.4 ± 3.2 g/l, which indicates hypoproteinemia with dysproteinemia, with the concentration urea increased to 9.5 ± 0.4 mmol/l. The alkaline phosphatase level in fresh cows was 122.1 ± 11.1 IU/l, AST activity was 130.8 ± 5.6 IU/l, and ALT −34.7 ± 3.9 IU/l. The concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood of the studied animals were quite high and amounted to 8.7 ± 0.3 mmol/l and 0.29 ± 0.06 mmol/l, accordingly, indicating a violation of lipid metabolism. Ca : P ratio in the cows' blood was disturbed and was often 2: 1.9. The amount of total calcium in the blood was at the level of 2.25 ± 0.03 mmol/l, and of phosphorus −2.09 ± 0.03 mmol/l. During the morphological research, it was determined that the number of red blood cells in cows was lower than the reference values and amounted to 4.3 ± 0.4 * 10^6 /μL, the hemoglobin concentration was 84.0 ± 4.8 g /l, anemia was observed in erythropenia and hypochromemia. Also, in cows with signs of impaired mineral metabolism in the postpartum period, a decrease in hematocrit to 29.0 ± 0.5% was observed. The number of white blood cells was within the reference values and was 9.7 ± 0.5 *10^9/l. In the analysis of leukograms, neutrophilia was identified with the appearance of young cell forms, which suggests a possible course of the inflammatory process. Thus, it can be concluded that carrying out timely medical examination of fresh animals in violation of mineral metabolism will allow to assess the prospects for further use of cows and, taking the necessary measures, to extend their productive longevity.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.