Vascular Distribution Pattern Research Articles

Diversity and phytogeography of vascular epiphytes in a tropical–subtropical transition island, Taiwan

We present the first checklist of vascular epiphytes in Taiwan, based on herbarium specimens, literature records, and field observations. Epiphyte phytogeography was analyzed using Takhtajan's modified division in floristic regions. We ascertain the presence of 336 species of vascular epiphytes (24 families, 105 genera) in Taiwan. Pteridophytes contribute most species (171 species), followed by orchids (120 species). Epiphytes contribute 8% to Taiwanese floristic diversity and epiphyte endemism is near 21.3%. The extensive mountain system is probably the most effective driver for epiphyte diversification and endemicity in Taiwan. Phytogeographically, Taiwanese epiphytes exhibit equal affinity to the Malesian region, southern China and Indo-China and Eastern Asiatic regions. However, some species have a disjunctive distribution between Taiwan and SW China and/or E Himalaya, presumably related to low habitat similarity with adjacent China and/or the legacy of Late Quaternary climate change. Vascular epiphyte distribution patterns corroborate the phytogeographical separation of the island of Lanyu from the main island of Taiwan along Kanto's Neo-Wallace Line.

IDENTIFICAÇÃO DAS REGIÕES CORRESPONDENTES AOS LOBOS HEPÁTICOS DE CÃES POR MEIO DA ULTRA-SONOGRAFIA

Ultrasonography is an efficient method for evalu-ating the internal structure of the liver and it gives datum about size, shape and parenchymal disorders. Although the visualization and differentiation of hepatic and portal veins are possible, theirs identification is arduous and the ultrasonographic differentiation of the liver’s lobes has not been described yet. The aim of this study was the ul-trasonographic identification of the canine liver’s lobes, describing its anatomic landmarkers. Ultrasound scans of the liver were applied to 86 adult dogs. Hepatic and por-tal veins examination of 10 normal dogs and 5 dogs with right vein congestion were made. A vynil vascular cast of hepatic and portal veins was obteined. In order to study segmentation, 70 dogs (including 10 cadavers) had pre-determinated liver’s regions examined sonographically, which were certificated by color ink guided injection and further necropsy in the cadavers. The results of the pre-sent research are helpful to determinate the canine liver’s lobes. As most hepatic and portal veins are difficult to be sonographically identified in dogs, segmentation based on the vascular distribution pattern proved to be useless for their determination, althought when identified, these ves-sels are helpful to determinate the lobe. KEY-WORDS: Anatomy, dogs, live, ultrasound, veins.

Experimental Evaluation of Early and Long-Term Effects of Microparticle Embolization in Two Different Mini-Pig Models. Part I: Kidney

Using a pig model: (1) to evaluate the vascular distribution pattern, including the homogeneity and completeness of the intra-arterial microsphere distribution, of 40-120-microm trisacryl-gelatin microspheres (Embospheres) in acute whole-kidney embolization; (2) to evaluate the durability and biocompatibility of 40-120-microm trisacryl-gelatin microspheres (Embospheres) in chronic partial kidney embolization. Twenty-two animals were divided into four groups: group 1 (n = 4) underwent total arterial renal occlusion with immediate euthanasia. Groups 2-4 had chronic superselective and partial renal embolization with increasing follow-up times: group 2 (n = 2), 1 week; group 3 (n = 7), 4 weeks; and group 4 (n = 9), 14 weeks. Key endpoints in group 1 were homogeneity and completeness of acute embolizations. In groups 2-4 the key endpoints were durability of embolization and particle-related inflammation in chronic partial embolizations as assessed by quantitative angiography or histomorphometry. A numerical angiographic occlusion score (0.0 to 4.0, where 3.0 is optimal) was developed to assess and quantify the angiographic durability of superselective embolizations (groups 2-4). In group 1, a relatively homogeneous distribution of the particles from segmental arteries to the precapillary level was shown by histomorphometry. Some particles reached the glomerular vas afferens (10 microm diameter). In groups 2-4, a mild recanalization appeared during follow-up. The immediate average postembolization occlusion score of 3.18 +/- 0.73 was reduced to 1.44 +/- 0.73 (statistically significant). Microscopy revealed subtotal necrosis but no foreign body granuloma formation. The intra-arterial appearance of giant cells closely attaching to the surface of the embolic spheres inside the vessel lumen was noted. Vessel walls showed major ischemic reactions. Microspheres 40-120 microm in diameter might achieve total occlusion of the arterial kidney vasculature when injected centrally as a result of their fairly homogeneous distribution. Segmental renal infarction occurs after chronic partial embolization despite recanalizations during follow-up. Only mild specific intra-arterial foreign body reactions were found.

CT Imaging of Colitis

Computed tomography (CT) is widely used to assess patients with nonspecific abdominal pain or who are suspected of having colitis. The authors recommend multidetector CT with oral, rectal, and intravenous contrast material and thin sections, which can accurately demonstrate inflammatory changes in the colonic wall and help assess the extent of disease. In most cases, the final diagnosis of the type of colitis is based on clinical and laboratory data and colonoscopic and biopsy findings, but specific CT features help narrow the differential diagnosis. Ulcerative colitis is distinguished from granulomatous colitis (Crohn disease) in terms of location of involvement, extent and appearance of colonic wall thickening, and type of complications. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease (granulomatous colitis) are rarely associated with ascites, which is often seen in infectious, ischemic, and pseudomembranous colitis. Pseudomembranous colitis also demonstrates marked wall thickening and, occasionally, skip areas but is associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment or chemotherapy. Neutropenic colitis is characterized by right-sided colonic and ileal involvement, whereas ischemic colitis is characterized by vascular distribution pattern and history. Diverticulitis is a focal asymmetric process with fascial thickening and inflamed diverticula. Dilatation of a thick-walled appendix with increased enhancement and adjacent stranding suggests appendicitis, but inflammatory changes may extend to the cecum and terminal ileum. Epiploic appendagitis is a focal rim-enhancing area next to the colon, usually without any substantial colonic wall thickening.

Vascular distribution of contrast medium during intraosseous regional perfusion of the distal portion of the equine forelimb

To describe the vascular distribution pattern of contrast medium during intraosseous regional perfusion (IORP) of the distal portion of the equine forelimb. 13 cadaveric forelimbs from 12 horses without forelimb diseases. Serial lateromedial radiographic views were taken of the distal portion of 10 heparinized cadaveric forelimbs at 0, 1, 2, 6, 15, and 30 minutes during IORP of the third metacarpal bone (MCIII) by use of iodinated contrast medium and a tourniquet placed over the proximal portion of MCIII. Vascular regions of interest (ROI) were created for each radiograph. Reviewers identified the presence or absence of contrast medium-induced opacified vessels in all ROI on radiographs. This information was summarized to identify vessel-filling patterns over time. Vessel identification was verified by use of computed tomography angiography and latex perfusion studies on the distal portion of separate cadaveric forelimbs. During IORP, contrast medium filled the medullary cavity of the MCIII; exited via transcortical vessels; and diffused distally to the remaining arteries and veins of the forelimb, distal to the tourniquet. Maximum vessel and soft tissue opacification occurred in most specimens at 6 and 30 minutes, respectively. Serial radiography vessel patterns matched those of computed tomography images and dissected specimens. IORP provides a repeatable pattern of vascular distribution in the distal portion of the equine forelimb. To our knowledge, our study provides the first documentation of arterial perfusion by use of IORP; results of previous reports indicate that IORP delivers medications to only the venous vessels of the perfused forelimb.

Evaluating Vascular Epiphyte Abundance and Distribution Patterns in Critically Endangered Rainforest

Evaluating Vascular Epiphyte Abundance and Distribution Patterns in Critically Endangered Rainforest

Vascular flora of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Westernmost Alaska Peninsula, Alaska

The vascular flora of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), where few previous collections had been reported, was collected and recorded at sites selected to represent the totality of environmental variation. A total of 349 species (339 native and 10 introduced) was identified. To provide a comparative phytogeographic framework, we analyzed data from published reports that categorized vascular plant distribution patterns from a circumpolar, North American, and Alaskan perspective. The native flora of the Izembek NWR primarily includes species of circumpolar (38%), eastern Asian (23%), Eurasian (18%), and North American (13%) distribution. The most important longitudinal distributional classes in North America consist of transcontinental (62%) and extreme western species (31%). The annotated list of species in Izembek NWR expands the range of many species, filling a distributional gap in Hultén's Western Pacific Coast district. Forty notable range extensions are reported. The flora of Izembek NWR is primarily made up of boreal species and lacks many of the species considered to be Arctic. Comparison with the Raunkiaer life-form spectrum similarly points to the boreal.

Angiogenic potential of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of human breast

Comedo carcinoma is generally regarded as the subtype of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) most likely to progress to invasive carcinoma. Increased angiogenesis could be associated with an enhanced risk of progression and might therefore be a marker of poor prognosis, as can be demonstrated for invasive breast tumours. Therefore, the present study investigates the correlations between the expression of oncoproteins (HER2, HER1/EGFR), angiogenic growth factors (VEGF and PD-ECGF/TP) and microvessel density (MVD) in DCIS. Forty-six breast cancer specimens of DCIS were tested immunohistochemically for the expression of angiogenic factors and oncoproteins. Different vascular distribution patterns of DCIS were examined semiquantitatively. Our results showed a significantly inverse correlation between HER1/EGFR and comedo-type DCIS (P = 0.048), but HER1/EGFR expression seemed to be independent of HER2 overexpression. VEGF expression was significantly associated with endoglin expression (P = 0.031) and the cuffing phenomenon (P = 0.017). The significantly inverse correlation between HER1/EGFR and comedo-type DCIS and the observation that VEGF and the other angiogenic factors tested are independent of HER2 overexpression, suggest that progression of comedo-type DCIS and angiogenesis in breast carcinoma are not regulated via the HER1/EGFR or HER2 pathway.

Vascular epiphyte distribution patterns: explaining the mid‐elevation richness peak

Summary We examined in situ diversity and distribution of vascular epiphytes, as well as site environmental variables at six sites along a continuous elevational gradient (30–2600 m a.s.l.) of old‐growth forest in Costa Rica. A total of 555 species of vascular epiphytes from 130 genera of 53 families were identified to species or morphospecies. The ferns were the most diverse group, with 138 species, followed by orchids (112 species). Cloud forest at 1000 m was the richest site, representing the maximum of a pronounced mid‐elevation peak in epiphyte species richness. Spatial randomizations of recorded elevational ranges suggest that the overall elevational richness pattern of most epiphyte groups on this transect is substantially influenced by the mid‐domain effect (MDE, the mid‐elevation overlap of large‐ranged species). Among the environmental factors considered (rainfall, temperature and canopy light environment), only rainfall was significantly correlated with richness. Different patterns of richness for vascular epiphytes and for trees indicate that mechanisms differ between life forms. We collected 26% of the estimated epiphyte species of Costa Rica along a single mountain transect. This, together with the finding that different groups and life forms varied in the elevation at which species richness peaked, highlights the need to conserve the few remaining intact elevational gradients in Latin America.

Vascular Distribution Patterns in Monochorionic Twin Placentas

Several recent publications have focused on the association between the occurrence of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in diamniotic-monochorionic twins and the presence of a number of selected anatomic placental characteristics (distribution of vascular territory, cord insertion, type and number of inter-twin anastomoses). In contrast, the potential importance of the vascular distribution patterns of the individual twins remains to be elucidated. Based on its gross architectural distribution pattern, chorionic vasculature is traditionally described as disperse, magistral or mixed. The aim of this study was (1) to determine the relative prevalence of these vascular distribution patterns in monochorionic twin placentas, and (2) to correlate these patterns with the presence of TTTS and known anatomic placental features linked to TTTS. The placentas of 89 consecutive diamniotic-monochorionic twins (15 with TTTS, 74 without TTTS), examined at Women and Infants Hospital, were studied. Disperse vascular patterns were seen in 53% of twins, and magistral or mixed patterns in 47%. The prevalence of magistral/mixed vascular patterns was significantly higher in TTTS gestations than in non-TTTS gestations (60% versus 44%, P<0.05) and, in TTTS gestations, much higher in donor twins than in recipient twins (87% versus 33%, P<0.005). A strong association was found between the presence of magistral/mixed patterns and marginal/velamentous cord insertion, low number of inter-twin anastomoses, and uneven distribution of the vascular territories. These findings suggest that the magistral/mixed vascular distribution pattern may represent an important placental architectural feature contributing to the complex pathophysiology of TTTS.

Various immunostaining patterns of CD31, CD34 and endoglin and their relationship with lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinomas

Intratumoral blood vessels are known to play an important role in cancer growth and metastasis. The discrepancy in previous reports using various endothelial markers individually suggested us to investigate both normal and various tumor areas with a wide panel of vascular markers. Here, we used a panel of three antibodies (CD31, CD34, and endoglin) as blood vessel markers to investigate the distribution and properties of blood vessels in normal oral tissues and squamous cell carcinomas. Many microvessels with strong remodeling activity as well as undifferentiated tumoral vascular endothelial cells and immature endothelial cells were present in the cancer cell nest and marginal area of cancer infiltration. Our results showed different vascular distribution patterns using various immunostaining markers in normal and tumoral tissues. Vascular distribution and properties of endothelial cells appear to be closely associated with metastasis.

Immunolocalization of Endothelial Markers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Relationship with Metastasis

Intratumoral blood vessels are known to play an important role in cancer growth and metastasis. The discrepancy in previous reports using various endothelial markers individually suggested us to investigate both normal and various tumor areas with a wide panel of vascular markers. We used a panel of three antibodies (CD31, CD34 and endoglin) as blood vessel markers to investigate the distribution and properties of blood vessels in normal oral tissues and squamous cell carcinomas. Many microvessels with strong remodeling activity as well as undifferentiated tumoral vascular endothelial cells and immature endothelial cells were present in the cancer cell nest and marginal area of cancer infiltration. Our results showed different vascular distribution patterns using various immunostaining markers in normal and tumoral tissues. Vascular distribution and properties of endothelial cells appear to be closely associated with metastasis.

Avaliação por Doppler colorido do carcinoma da mama: correlação com dados clínicos e histopatológicos

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a capacidade da ultra-sonografia com Doppler colorido em caracterizar a vascularização de carcinomas sólidos da mama e em correlacionar padrões de vascularização com o tamanho, estádio e grau histológico destes tumores. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Sessenta e seis carcinomas da mama foram estudados com Doppler colorido. As características morfológicas e fluxométricas foram avaliadas antes da biópsia e correlações com aspectos clínicos, histopatólogicos e estadiamento tumoral foram avaliadas estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Cinqüenta e dois tumores (79%) apresentaram vasos penetrantes, 63 (95%) mostraram vasos periféricos, 33 (50%) tinham vasos centrais e em dois tumores (3%) não foi observada vascularização. O número médio de vasos nos tumores foi de 11,9 ± 7,7 e na mama contralateral foi de 1,7 ± 2,5. Nenhuma associação foi evidenciada com as características histológicas. A distribuição dos vasos foi diferente em dois grupos de tumores. Não houve diferença na velocidade diastólica, na resistência e no índice de pulsatilidade dos tumores e da mama contralateral. A velocidade sistólica nos tumores foi de 11,74 ± 0,96 e na mama contralateral foi de 9,45 ± 0,55. O número de vasos aumentou com a progressão do estadiamento dos tumores. CONCLUSÃO: O padrão vascular dos carcinomas da mama identificado pelo Doppler colorido deve ser considerado com potencial característica importante na avaliação pré-operatória destes tumores, em conjunto com outros fatores prognósticos como o tamanho tumoral e o estádio da doença.

Diagnosis and treatment of hepatic angiomyolipoma in 26 cases.

To summarize the experience of the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic angiomyolipoma (HAML). The clinical, imaging and pathological features, and treatment strategies of 26 patients with HAML treated at the authors' institute between October 1998 and January 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients received liver resection and were followed up till the study. Immunohistochemical assays were performed with a panel of antibodies. There was an obvious female predominance (21:5), and most of the patients (18/26) had no symptoms. Heterogeneous high echo was found in ultrasonography and punctiform or filiform vascular distribution pattern was found in color Doppler-sonography in most of the lesions (21/26). All of the 5 lesions further enhanced with Levovist showed early and prolonged enhancement. At contrast-enhanced spiral CT, the soft-tissue components of 24 lesions were markedly enhanced in the arterial phase and 18 lesions remained enhanced in the portal venous phase. MRI was performed in 9 patients, and showed hypointensity or hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and heterogeneous hyperintensity on T2-weighted images. Histopathologically, all lesions were composed of adipose tissues, smooth muscle and blood vessels with different proportions. Most lesions showed positive immunohistochemical staining for HMB45 (26/26), A103 (24/26) and SMA (24/26). All of the 26 patients showed a benign course with no sign of recurrence. Preoperative radiological diagnosis of HAML is possible. The demonstration of intratumoral fat and central vessels is helpful in the diagnosis. HMB45, A103 and SMA are promising markers for pathologic diagnosis of HAML, and surgical resection is effective for the treatment of HAML.

Studies of the vascular anatomy of the mesorectum support the concept of the total mesorectal excision

The relation between the mesorectal vessels and the mesorectal fascia needs to be clarified, as a total mesorectal excision (TME) probably derives its advantage from the fact that the visceral or mesorectal fascia can be regarded as a “tumor-tight packaging” and does not contain anatomically preformed perforations. The purpose of this investigation was to study both rectal arterial supply and vascular distribution pattern within the mesorectum. The arterial supply to the rectum was studied with the injection technique in 12 porcine and 28 human TME specimens. We stain-marked 12 porcine and 15 human specimens. Thirteen human specimens were angiographed after filling their arterial bed with a radio-opaque substance. The superior rectal artery is the main rectal artery. Terminal branches extend downwards and forward around the rectum to the level of the levator and muscle. The superior rectal artery and vein were found to be enclosed in a fibrous sheath. The main mesorectal vessels do not penetrate the mesorectal fascia. This study supports the hypothesis of bilateral somatic and one central visceral compartment in the pelvis and implies the absolute necessity of tumor removal within an intact mesorectal fascia.

Vascular plant distribution patterns at the low temperature limits of plant life - the alpine-nival ecotone of Mount Schrankogel (Tyrol, Austria)

Vascular plant distribution patterns at the low temperature limits of plant life - the alpine-nival ecotone of Mount Schrankogel (Tyrol, Austria)

Solid breast lesions: evaluation with power Doppler US.

To evaluate power Doppler ultrasound (US) in detection of vascularity of solid breast lesions and to correlate patterns of vascular distribution with histopathologic findings. Eighty-six solid breast masses, which were subsequently sampled for biopsy, were studied with gray-scale and power Doppler US. Patterns of vascular distribution were assigned before biopsy. There were 25 cancers, 38 fibroadenomas, and 23 other benign lesions. Seventeen (68%) cancers had penetrating vessels, four had peripheral vessels, and four had no vessels. Power Doppler US depicted no vessels in 21 fibroadenomas, peripheral vessels in 15, and penetrating vessels in two. Other benign lesions included 11 with no detectable vessels, nine with peripheral vessels, two with central vessels, and one with penetrating vessels. By using penetrating vessels to indicate malignancy, sensitivity for power Doppler US was 68%, specificity was 95%, positive predictive value was 85%, and negative predictive value was 88%. Two cancers were found to be malignant with power Doppler US only. The pattern of distribution and morphology of blood vessels in solid breast masses seen at power Doppler US is a potentially important feature to be considered along with other sonographic criteria to predict the likelihood of malignancy.

Nuclear Imaging Techniques for Equine Respiratory Disease

When performed on selected clinical cases, ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy provides valuable additional information on regional lung function that is not obtainable from conventional thoracic radiographs. This is particularly true of horses with EIPH, COPD, and those suspected of having some form of small-airway disease. For horses with EIPH, the presence of a perfusion deficit on the scan is considered a key prognostic sign, because it is likely in these cases that irreversible bronchial arterial takeover has occurred in the affected areas of lung. Findings from horses with COPD have improved our understanding of the radiographic patterns of airtrapping and vascular distribution and provided us with a sensitive means of detecting residual bronchial changes in the absence of clinical signs of the disease. Several other scintigraphic parameters such as mucociliary clearance and abscess-avid labeling show promise for future lung imaging on clinical cases but still require further research to develop appropriate techniques for delivery and image analysis.

Neural and vascular provisions of rat interscapular brown adipose tissue.

The innervation of rat interscapular brown adipose tissue has been studied by light and fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy after treatment with "false" adrenergic neurotransmitters 5- and 6-hydroxydopamine. The vascular markers neoprene latex and thioflavin S were used to define the blood vascular arrangements within the around the tissue. Catecholaminergic innervation was revealed by fluorescence microscopy at both parenchymal and vasomotor sites. In animals injected with 6-hydroxydopamine, this catecholaminergic fluorescence was extinguished in the parenchymal nerve distribution and markedly reduced in the vasomotor plexus. Identification of an extensive network of noradrenergic vasomotor and parenchymal nerve terminals was established by electron microscopy after 5- and 6-hydroxydopamine administration, but unmarked terminals were also observed in both distributions. These unmarked terminals might represent an additional nonnoradrenergic nerve supply to interscapular brown adipose tissue. The thoracodorsal veins draining the fat pads are directly tributary to a large median perforating vein, which joins the azygos vein, and are also continuous with the axillary vein. In addition to the recognized vascular distribution pattern of lobular arteries supplying an abundant capillary plexus drained by lobular veins, direct arteriovenous anastomoses were observed within the interscapular brown fat pad. It is postulated that these additional vascular arrangements are determinant in the phenomenal increase in blood flow through brown adipose tissue during metabolic stimulation.