Serial Sagittal Sections Research Articles

Neuronal nitric oxyde synthase positive neurons in human indusium griseum

The study was designed to analyze the nNOS positive neurons present in the indusium griseum by describing their distribution and morphology. To this purpose, sagittal serial sections from paraffin or frozen autopsy specimens of corpus callosum including the overlying indusium griseum were processed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, using an antibody against the neuronal form of the enzyme nitric oxyde synthase. To test the specificity of the antibody used, Western Blot was performed in the indusium griseum of the same specimens. The stainings revealed the presence of many neuronal nitric oxyde synthase-immunopositive neurons in human indusium griseum, located along both rostral-caudal and medio-lateral directions. In particular, they were more numerous 1 mm apart from the midline, and their number peaked over the body of the corpus callosum. They showed different morphologies; in some cases, they were located at the boundary between indusium griseum and corpus callosum, more densely packed in proximity to the pial arteries penetrating into the corpus callosum. The significant presence and distribution of neuronal nitric oxyde synthase-immunopositive neurons suggests that indusium griseum likely plays a functional role in the neurovascular regulation within the corpus callosum.Graphical abstractSchematic representation of human adult IG and the neurovascular unit originating from sopracallosal artery (Sca) that branches into smaller arterioles (Br) (created in PowerPoint). The arterioles cross the three layers of IG (layers I, II and III) and penetrate into the CC separated from IG by the Virchow-Robin space (VRs). As the arterioles go deeper, this space disappears and the vascular basement membrane comes into direct contact with the astrocytic end-feets (intracallosal arterioles and capillaries). nNOS-immunopositive neurons (nNOSIP N) surround the arterioles and control the vasomotore tone secreting nitric oxyde (NO). Two morphological types of nNOSIP N can be appreciated by the use of different colors: fusiform (blue) and ovoidal (pink). Also NeuN-immunopositive neurons (N) and many astrocytes (As) are present, more numerous in IG than in CC.

Anatomical Evaluation of Mandibular Premolars in Saudi Population: An In Vivo Cone-beam Computed Tomography Study

Background: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a three-dimensional (3D) image of the anatomical structures in the maxillofacial region. CBCT can provide images with sufficient spatial resolution and low radiation dose in endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the root canal morphology of mandibular premolars in a Saudi sub-population by showing the importance of cone-beam computed tomography radiographic analysis in detecting varieties of the root canal system. Methods: A total of 776 mandibular first and second premolars were analyzed. Teeth that have completed root development and apical closure were included. To accurately evaluate the external and internal morphologies of the teeth, three sections (i.e., the serial axial, coronal, and sagittal sections) were acquired for each tooth. Data are presented in terms of frequencies and percentages. The chi-squared test was used to determine the differences between two sides (right and left). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 397 mandibular first premolars, 99.5% had one root, 69.5% had one canal, and 29.5% had two canals. In terms of root canal configuration, 69.5%, 6.3%, 22.2%, and 0.3% of the teeth had Vertucci type I, type III, type V, and type VII canal configurations, respectively. Similarly, among the mandibular second premolars, 100% had one root, 96.8% had one canal, and 2.1% of teeth had two canals. Most of the samples (96.8%) had Vertucci type I canal configuration, and 1.6% and 0.8% of the teeth had Vertucci type III and type V canal configurations, respectively. In both groups of teeth, no statistically significant differences were observed between the right and left sides (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Mandibular premolars could have challenged internal morphology, and CBCT small field of view is advised in case periapical x-ray is inconclusive.

The Allantois and Urachus: Histological Study Using Human Embryo and Fetuses

Introduction: Relatively little is known about allantois and urachal development in early humans. Design: Serial sagittal histological sections from eight human embryos and fetuses were examined to determine allantois development. Results: At gestational age 6–7 weeks, the primitive allantois consists of an enlarged tube located between the umbilical cord and abdominal cavity, whereas the urachus is not yet developed. At 8 weeks, the allantois gradually withdraws from the distal to the proximal end of the umbilical cord, and both the proximal allantois and the rectum (hindgut) start to develop into the cloaca. At 10 weeks, the allantois was located mostly in the abdominal cavity. Conclusion: The urachus forms from the distal end of the allantois and develops into a closed fibrous cord between the base of the urinary bladder and the umbilicus. The urogenital sinus forms from the proximal end of the allantois.

Toxic Effects of Methotrexate on the Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C: An Electron Microscopic Study

Abstract Background: The cerebellum means the little brain which located behind the big brain. It was involvedin different functions like cognition, memory and motor activity. Meth-otrexate is anti-cancer drug widely used in chemotherapy regimens. Also, it was used as an anti-inflammatory drug. Methotrexate has serious side effects on the nervous system. Vitamin C is the most common antioxidant element; it acts as a free radical scavenger especially in the nervous tissue. Aim of Study: The aim is to identify the serious toxic effect on the fine cellular structure of the cerebellar cortex of albino rats, and to determine if vitamin C can protect against serious of methotrexate or not. Material and Methods: We used fifteen male albino rats and they were divided in to three groups. First group considered as control, the second received 10mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection as single dose weekly for four weeks. The third group received the same methotrexate dose and vitamin C as 20mg/kg through the intragastric tube every other day for four weeks. After one month of the experiments, rats were decapitated and brains were extracted and cerebella are separated and cut for different serial sagittal sections, they were processed for electron microscopic study. Results: Exposure to methotrexate resulted in pathological changes at cellular component of cerebellar cortex in the form shrinkage of Purkinje cell, karyolitic changes in granule cells and nuclear damage was viewed and photographed by the electron microscope, but when vitamin C was administrated at the same time, these changes were decreased within Purkinje and granule cells. Conclusion: Methotrexate is asharmful drug, it destroys the cortex oh cerebellum, but when vitamin C is administrated with it, it can diminish its harmful effect.

Delayed development of vacuoles and recanalization in the duodenum: a study in human fetuses to understand susceptibility to duodenal atresia/stenosis

Objective We compared the cross-sectional areas of the duodenum to the distal small intestine during early gestation to determine if there is a difference in age for recanalization. Methods Serial sagittal sections of six fetuses of gestational age (GA) 8-10 weeks were examined morphologically to compare the degree of recanalization of the duodenum with to the more distal small intestine. Results At GA 8-9 weeks, the duodenum had more epithelial plugs and vacuoles with no or narrower spaces compared to the distal small bowel. Quantitative assessment at GA 10 weeks showed that the cross-sectional area of the duodenal cavity was significantly less than the distal small bowel. Conclusion The development and recanalization of vacuoles in the duodenum occurs later than the jejunum and ileum may be involved in the more frequent development of atresia/stenosis of the duodenum compared to more distal gastrointestinal tract.

Cranial synchondroses of primates at birth.

Cranial synchondroses are cartilaginous joints between basicranial bones or between basicranial bones and septal cartilage, and have been implicated as having a potential active role in determining craniofacial form. However, few studies have examined them histologically. Using histological and immunohistochemical methods, we examined all basicranial joints in serial sagittal sections of newborn heads from nine genera of primates (five anthropoids, four strepsirrhines). Each synchondrosis was examined for characteristics of active growth centers, including a zonal distribution of proliferating and hypertrophic chondrocytes, as well as corresponding changes in matrix characteristics (i.e., density and organization of Type II collagen). Results reveal three midline and three bilateral synchondroses possess attributes of active growth centers in all species (sphenooccipital, intrasphenoidal, presphenoseptal). One midline synchondrosis (ethmoseptal) and one bilateral synchondrosis (alibasisphenoidal synchondrosis [ABS]) are active growth centers in some but not all newborn primates. ABS is oriented more anteriorly in monkeys compared to lemurs and bushbabies. The sphenoethmoidal synchondrosis (SES) varies at birth: in monkeys, it is a suture-like joint (i.e., fibrous tissue between the two bones); however, in strepsirrhines, the jugum sphenoidale is ossified while the mesethmoid remains cartilaginous. No species possesses an SES that has the organization of a growth plate. Overall, our findings demonstrate that only four midline synchondroses have the potential to actively affect basicranial angularity and facial orientation during the perinatal timeframe, while the SES of anthropoids essentially transitions toward a "suture-like" function, permitting passive growth postnatally. Loss of cartilaginous continuity at SES and reorientation of ABS distinguish monkeys from strepsirrhines.

Subchondral focal osteopenia associated with proximal sesamoid bone fracture in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fracture is the most common fatal injury in Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses in the United States. Epidemiological and pathological evidence indicates PSB fracture is likely the acute culmination of a chronic stress-related process. However, the aetiopathogenesis of PSB fracture is poorly understood. To characterise bone abnormalities that precede PSB fracture. Two retrospective case-control groups of PSBs from TB racehorses with, and without, unilateral biaxial PSB fracture. Proximal sesamoid bones were harvested post-mortem from TB racehorses subjected to euthanasia for unilateral biaxial PSB fracture (cases) or causes unrelated to PSB fracture (controls) while racing or training. The fractured medial PSB (FX-PSB) and contralateral intact medial PSB (CLI-PSB) from racehorses that sustained PSB fracture, and an intact medial PSB (CTRL-PSB) from racehorses that did not have a PSB fracture were collected as case and control specimens. Study 1 distributions of morphological features were compared among case and control groups using visual examination, photographs, radiographs and histology of whole PSBs and serial sagittal sections (10 FX-PSB, 10 CLI-PSB and 10 CTRL-PSB). Study 2 local bone volume fraction and mineral densities were compared among case and control PSBs using microcomputed tomography (9 FX-PSB, 9 CLI-PSB and 9 CTRL-PSB). A focal subchondral lesion characterised by colocalised focal discoloration, radiolucency, osteopenia, low tissue mineral density and a surrounding region of dense cancellous bone was identified in most case horses but not in controls. This subchondral lesion was found in a slightly abaxial mid-body location and was bilaterally present in most case horses. The post-mortem samples may not represent the spectrum of abnormalities that occur throughout the development of the subchondral lesion. Lateral PSBs were not examined, so their contribution to biaxial PSB fracture pathogenesis is unknown. Abaxial subchondral lesions are consistent with pre-existing injury and likely associated with PSB fracture.

Acemannan induces rapid early osseous defect healing after apical surgery: A 12-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

Background/purposeAcemannan is an osteoinductive material. This study's objective was to compare the outcomes of bone defect healing using 3-dimensional images after apical surgery with or without adding acemannan sponges. Materials and methodsTwenty-two anterior teeth from 9 males and 13 females requiring apical surgery were included in this randomized controlled trial. Post-surgery, the bone defects were randomly divided into three groups: blood clot control, 5-, or 10-mg acemannan sponge groups. CBCT scans were taken immediately (baseline), 3-, 6-, and 12-month post-surgery. Sagittal serial sections (1 mm thick slices parallel to the long axis of the tooth) of the defect image were created. The defect boundary was located and the total bone defect volume (BDV) was calculated from the sum of the volume of the serial defect sections. The bone healing was assessed by the percentage of total bone defect volume reduction (%ΔBDV). The paired t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the differences within each group and between groups, respectively. ResultsThe baseline mean BDV of the control, 5-, and 10-mg acemannan groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). After treatment, the mean BDV for each group was reduced in a time-dependent manner. Compared with the control group, the 5- and 10-mg acemannan groups had a significantly greater %ΔBDV (approximately 2- and 1.89-fold) at 3-months post-surgery, respectively (p < 0.05). However, at the 6- and 12- month follow-up, the %ΔBDV was not significantly different between the groups. ConclusionThese data suggest acemannan enhanced early bone healing after apical surgery.

Three-dimensional analysis of the segmental arrangement of lower lung lobes in human fetuses: is this arrangement a miniature version of adult morphology?

Knowledge of the lung segment system is essential for understanding human anatomy and has great clinical relevance. The arrangement of 11 segments, including the S* or subsuperior segment, and its individual variations, are considered to be the same in fetal and adult lungs. The present study assessed the topographical anatomy of lower segmental and subsegmental bronchi by computer-assisted three-dimensional imaging of serial sagittal sections of both lungs of 22 embryos and fetuses of gestational age 6-7weeks (crown-rump length 15.0-28.5mm). Long inferior courses of B8b (basal) and B10c (medial) were observed in sagittal sections of both lungs. B8a (lateral) and B10b (lateral) in the right lungs were consistently underdeveloped, with S9 occupying most of the lateral half of the lower lobe. In some samples, B6b (lateral) did not reach the lateral surface. The lateral dominance of S9 was also seen in the left lungs. Some B* candidates were present, but B7 candidates were absent. Lateral and posterior expansions of S6b, S8a and S10b to cover S9 were observed in additional midterm and near-term lung sections, indicating that the original S9 dominance was 'corrected' by an increase in lung volume. Delayed growth of the lower lateral subsegments might induce mechanical stress, resulting in aberrant notches or fissures, such as those separating an independent posterior lobe. The segmental arrangement of fetal lungs was not stable, but was altered over a long fetal period after the complete subsegmental division of the bronchi, except for the minor bronchi B* and B7.

Changes in topographical relation between the ductus arteriosus and left subclavian artery in human embryos: a study using serial sagittal sections.

At birth, the ductus arteriosus (DA) merges with the aortic arch in the slightly caudal side of the origin of the left subclavian artery (SCA). Since the SCAs (7th segmental arteries) were fixed on the level of the 7th cervical-first thoracic vertebral bodies, the confluence of DA should migrate caudally. We aimed to describe timing and sequence of the topographical change using serial sagittal sections of 36 human embryos and foetuses (CRL 8-64 mm; 5-10 weeks), Those made easy evaluation of the vertebral levels possible in a few section. The DA or 6th pharyngeal arch artery seemed to slide down in front of the sympathetic nerve trunk along 1.0-1.2 mm from the second cervical vertebral level at 5-6 weeks and, at 6 weeks (CRL 14-17 mm), the DA confluence with aorta reached the 7th cervical level. Because of the highly elongated common carotid artery, the sliding of DA confluence seemed to be much shorter than the cervical vertebrae growing from 1 mm to 2.4 mm. At the final topographical change at 6-7 weeks, the DA confluence further descended to a site 1-vertebral length below the left SCA origin. From 6 to 9 weeks, a distance from the top of the aortic arch to the left SCA origin was almost stable: 0.3-0.5 mm at 6 weeks and 0.4-0.6 mm at 9 weeks. The heart descent and the caudal extension of the trachea and bronchi, those occurred before the DA sliding, were likely to be a major driving force for the sliding.

Transient connection or origin of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor during fetal development: A study using human fetal sagittal sections

The inferior pharyngeal constrictor (IPC) originates from the thyroid and cricoid cartilages and inserts to the pharyngeal raphe. In serial sagittal sections of 37 embryos and fetuses at 6–15 weeks (crown rump length 15–115mm), we found (1) the IPC connecting to the sternothyroideus and thyrohyoideus muscles (16 fetuses at 6–11 weeks) or (2) the cricothyroideus muscle (6 fetuses at 12–15 weeks) in addition to the usual cricoid origin. These aberrant connections were most likely to be transient origins of the IPC not from a hard tissue but nearby striated muscles. In four of the latter six specimens, a tendinous band from the IPC inferior end connected to the cricothyroideus muscle to provide a digastric muscle-like appearance. These aberrant connections with nearby muscles seemed to become separated by a growing protrusion of the thyroid cartilage. Therefore, these aberrant origins were, even if developed, most likely to be “corrected” to the adult morphology during midterm or late prenatal period. The aberrant or transient origin of the IPC seemed to result from a discrepancy in growth of the cartilage and muscles. Such a discrepancy in growth seems to resemble the IPC wrapping around the superior cornu of thyroid cartilage. In addition, a final or adult-like morphology was found in two of the present 37 fetal specimens. It seemed to suggest a significant redundancy in growth rate of the laryngeal structures.

The Embryonic Ascent of the Kidney Revisited.

ABSTRACTAlthough the embryonic kidney's ascent is well established, the intermediate morphological changes that occur during the process are unclear. To evaluate the morphological events that accompany the kidney's ascent, we examined serial sagittal sections from 24 embryos at 5–7 weeks gestation. Six specimens had bilaterally ascending kidneys that were between the levels of the second to fifth lumbar vertebrae, and each kidney had a primitive renal cortex surrounding clusters of ampullae, which branched from the pelvis, and a dense tissue band that connected the renal cortex with the embryonic adrenal cortex or celiac ganglia, and there was no adipose capsule or renal artery. The tissue band contained abundant nerve twigs from the major splanchnic nerve; thus, it was conceivable that it was sufficiently rigid to support the length of the retroperitoneal tissue mass that included the embryonic adrenal cortex, celiac ganglia, and kidney. The lumbar vertebral body's height was much shorter than that of the ascending kidney. However, the lower vertebral column's curvature was often maintained, even when the kidneys had ascended. Therefore, vertebral column straightening was not the only factor required to drive the ascent. Together with the growth of the thorax and liver, the adrenal cortex, ganglia, and kidney appeared to change simultaneously at a position relative to the vertebrae. The renal artery established a connection to the renal cortex after the ascent. Evaluations of frontal sections from five additional specimens suggested that from its initial position, the kidney extended upwards between bilateral umbilical arteries. Anat Rec, 302:278–287, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

CCL2 but not CCR2 is required for articular cartilage regeneration

Purpose: Full-thickness cartilage defect (FTCD) injuries in mammals do not demonstrate regenerative capacity. Inflammation within the joint is a characteristic of acute injury and degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA), however the role of inflammation in articular cartilage regeneration (or lack thereof) remains unclear. Chemokines are cytokines that bind to and activate CC-chemokine receptors, triggering a wide variety of cellular and tissue level responses. The CCL2/CCR2 pair is one of the most potent mediators of monocyte/macrophage migration and infiltration into sites of injury. Recently, conflicting reports on the chondroprotective role of CCL2 and CCR2 in mouse models of OA have been published. Zarebska et al. reported chondropathy scores in CCL2-/- and CCR2-/- mice as being similar to wildtype controls, while Raghu et al. found that CCL2 or CCR2 deficiency protects against mouse OA. Since chemokines are known to be highly promiscuous, it is possible that other receptors/pathways might be playing a role in these single knockout studies. However, to date there are no reports on articular cartilage degeneration and/or regeneration in CCL2-/-CCR2-/- mice. Therefore, to address this gap in the literature and to determine if CCL2 and/or CCR2 play a role in articular cartilage regeneration (instead of solely inhibiting degeneration) we have investigated the ability of CCL2-/-, CCR2-/- and CCL2-/-CCR2-/- mice to regenerate cartilage after FTCD injury. Methods: C57BL/6 (C57), CCL2-/-, CCR2-/- and CCL2-/-CCR2-/- 8 week old mice were used for all experiments. FTCDs (∼0.4mm) were induced in the trochlear groove of femurs. Cartilage regeneration was assessed using a 14-point scoring scale. Immunohistochemistry was used on serial sagittal sections to identify the location of MSCs (Sca1+CD140a+) before and after cartilage injury. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used on serial sagittal sections to identify actively proliferating cells (Ki-67+). Data was collected on non-injured joints and 4 weeks and 12 weeks after FTCD injury. Results: Compared to C57 controls, CCR2-/- mice displayed increased cartilage regeneration as early as 4 weeks after FTCD injury (8.0±1.0 vs. 5.38±1.19, respectively) (Fig. 1, Fig. 2A-C, G-I, M-O).View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) Uninjured joints were examined in all animal strains to determine if increased numbers of MSCs (Sca1+ and/or CD140a+) were present before FTCD injury and no differences in MSCs (localization nor abundance) were observed (Fig. 2D, J, P). MSCs were not visualized within the FTCD area in any mouse strains at any timepoint examined (Fig. 2D-F, J-L, P-R). Cells positive for MSC markers were found to co-express Ki67 in the patella, synovium, subchondral bone, and blood vessels in all animal strains, with no overt differences in triple-positive cell numbers between animal strains at 4 or 12 weeks after injury (Fig. 2E-F, K-L, Q-R). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that CCL2 is required to activate the regenerative response in mice after FTCD injury. Furthermore, activation of the CCL2-mediated regenerative response is independent of CCR2, as mice deficient in CCR2 demonstrated an inherent healing capacity compared to CCL2-/- or CCL2-/-CCR2-/- mice. The inability of CCL2-/- or CCL2-/-CCR2-/- mice to regenerate cartilage after injury highlights some intrinsic yet unidentified mechanism through which CCL2 contributes to normal cartilage homeostasis. Additional studies are currently underway to elucidate the interplay between the CCL2/CCR2 signaling axis and macrophage recruitment/accumulation in response to cartilage injury.

Topographical anatomy of the intestines during in utero physiological herniation.

Because most malrotations of the small intestine are thought to occur during repackaging, the location of the intestine should vary less during physiological herniation than afterward. Examination of serial sagittal sections of 27 embryos and fetuses (gestational age 6-9 weeks; crown-rump length 15-45 mm) during herniation showed that the jejunum and ascending colon passed through a small opening of the hernia sac at the levels of the stomach and pancreas in 16 specimens. Below the pancreas, a definite mesentery extended between the ascending and descending colon in the abdominal cavity. In the other 11 specimens, the descending colon passed through an opening of normal size and ran posteriorly along the urinary bladder, so the entire ilium, ascending colon, and transverse colon entered the sac. In these specimens, the duodenojejunal junction was usually situated in a window of the mesentery of the colon (internal herniation). The descending colon was observed at an outside location more frequently in earlier specimens. In contrast to our working hypothesis, the locations of the intestine were abnormal in 40.7% (11/27) of samples. In addition, no abnormal colon was observed in any of the seven specimens after repackaging. An outside location of the descending colon was not directly associated with malrotation because recovery was likely. However, the delayed development of the inferior mesenteric arterial branches could cause failure, including death in utero, during or after the repackaging associated with physiological herniation. Clin. Anat. 31:583-592, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mutations of MYH14 are associated to anorectal malformations with recto-perineal fistulas in a small subset of Chinese population.

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are among the most commonly congenital abnormalities of distal hindgut development, ranging from anal stenosis to anal atresia with or without fistulas and persistent cloaca. The etiology remains elusive for most ARM cases and the majority of genetic studies on ARMs were based on a candidate gene approach. In all eight family members of a non-consanguineous Chinese family, we performed whole-exome sequencing. Subsequently, exome sequencing of MYH14 in 72 unrelated probands with ARMs was performed. The accurate distribution of non-muscle myosin II heavy chain (NMHC II) was investigated by immunohistochemistry in serial sagittal sections of E11.5-13.5 mouse cloacal regions. A homozygous mutation in MYH14 was identified in the two siblings of family 1. Compound heterozygous MYH14 changes were identified in an unrelated individual. Immunohistochemical analysis suggest stronger NMHC IIC localization in the epithelium of the murine embryonic cloaca, urorectal septum and hindgut compared with another two NMHC II isoforms. This is the first identification of mutations in MYH14 as a cause of ARMs. The stronger localization of NMHC IIC in E11.5-13.5 mouse cloacal regions further supports the role of MYH14 in anorectal development.

Neuroforaminal Bone Growth Following Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion With BMP: A Computed Tomographic Analysis.

Computed tomographic analysis. To identify radiographic patterns of symptomatic neuroforaminal bone growth (NFB) in patients who have undergone a single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) augmented with bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) utilizing computed tomography (CT). BMP induces osteoblast differentiation leading to new bone formation. The association of BMP utilization and heterotopic bone formation after an MIS-TLIF has been described. However, studies have been limited in their patient population and details regarding diagnosis and treatment of NFB. Postoperative CT scans of the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were analyzed to identify patterns of heterotopic bone growth on axial and sagittal views. The area of bone growth at the disk level, lateral recess, adjacent foramen, and retrovertebral area were measured. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the areas of bone growth between cohorts. Postoperative CT images between 18 symptomatic and 13 asymptomatic patients were compared. On axial views, the symptomatic patients demonstrated greater areas of bone growth at the disk level (164.0±92.4 vs. 77.0±104.9 mm), and lateral recess (69.6±70.5 and 5.9±12.5 mm) as well as in the total cross-sectional area (290.3±162.1 vs. 119.4±115.6 mm). On sagittal imaging, the mean bone growth at the subarticular level (148.7±185.1 vs. 35.8±37.4 mm) and the total cross-sectional area (298.4±324.4 vs. 85.8±76.3 mm) were greater in symptomatic patients (P<0.01). Amount of BMP utilized and operative levels were no different between cohorts. The findings of the present study suggest that an anatomic association exists between recalcitrant postoperative radiculopathy and NFB following an MIS-TLIF with BMP. Increased total bone growth as measured on serial axial and sagittal sections was associated with postoperative radiculopathy. The association between radiculopathy and the extension of BMP-induced bone growth toward the traversing nerve root appeared the most significant.

On Capsulodiplostomum crocodilinum n. g., n. sp. (Trematoda, Digenea), from the Indian crocodile Crocodilus palustris

The present communication deals with the description of a new genus of proterodiplostomine trematodes, collected from the intestine of a common Indian crocodile, popularly called magar in the native language. This crocodile was captured in the Robertson lake of Jabalpur. In total, five parasites were obtained, out of which three were studied in whole mounts and two in serial sagittal sections.

Changes in topographical relation between the ductus arteriosus and left subclavian artery in human embryos: a study using serial sections.

At birth, the ductus arteriosus (DA) merges with the aortic arch in the caudal side of the origin of the left subclavian artery (ltSCA). Since the SCA (seventh segmental arteries) were fixed on the levels of the seventh cervical-first thoracic vertebral bodies, the confluence of the DA should migrate caudally toward the lower level. We aimed to describe the changing topographical anatomy of the DA and SCA using serial sections. First, we examined serial sagittal sections of 11 embryos (Carnegie stage 15-18), but the specimens were clearly divided into 2 groups with and without the lower confluence of the DA. Next, we examined serial horizontal sections of 40 specimens (Carnegie stage 14-16) and we chose 5 specimens (CRL 11 mm, 3 specimen; 1, 14 mm; 1, 15 mm) including the DA near (within 1-vertebral segment from) the ltSCA. The final approach of the DA occurred during the heart descent in which the apex of the heart migrated from the level of the first to the fourth thoracic vertebral body. Thus, the DA reached the SCA level before establishment of the heart descent. The right aortic arch maintained its entire course in 2 of the 5 specimens. Therefore, the positioning of the DA along the left aortic arch might occur independently of degeneration of the right arch. Notably, the tracheal bifurcation level was higher when the DA-ltSCA distance was greater. A contribution of the increased pulmonary volume was suggested for the final approach of the DA.

Anatomical Variation of the Tarsus in Common Inbred Mouse Strains.

Rodent models are used for a variety of orthopedic research applications; however, anatomy references include mostly artistic representations. Advanced imaging techniques, including micro-computed tomography (microCT), can provide more accurate representations of subtle anatomical characteristics. A recent microCT atlas of laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) anatomy depicts the central and tarsal bone III (T3) as a single bone, differing from previous references. Fusion of tarsal bones is generally characterized as pathological secondary to mutations associated with growth factors, and normal variation has not been documented in the mouse tarsus. Therefore, it is unclear if this fusion is a normal or a pathological characteristic. The aim of this study is to characterize the tarsus of the laboratory mouse and compare it to the rat and selected outgroup species (i.e., white-footed mouse) via microCT and histology to determine if the central and T3 are separate or fused into a single bone. Laboratory mice (C57/Bl6 [n = 17] and BalbC [n = 2]) and rats (n = 5) were scanned with microCT. A representative laboratory mouse from each strain was evaluated histologically via serial sagittal sections through the mid-tarsus. General pedal anatomy was similar between all species; however, the central and T3 bones were fused in all laboratory mice but not the rat or white-footed mouse. A band of hyaline cartilage was identified within the fused bone of the laboratory mice. We conclude that the fusion found is a normal characteristic in laboratory mice, but timing of the fusion remains ambiguous. Anat Rec, 300:450-459, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Median Sacral Artery, Sympathetic Nerves, and the Coccygeal Body: A Study Using Serial Sections of Human Embryos and Fetuses.

To examine how the median sacral artery (MSA) is involved with the coccygeal body or glomus coccygeum, we studied serial frontal or sagittal sections of 14 embryos (approximately 5-6 weeks of gestation) and 12 fetuses (10-18 weeks). At five weeks, the caudal end of the dorsal aorta (i.e., MSA) accompanied putative sympathetic ganglion cells in front of the upper coccygeal and lower sacral vertebrae. At six weeks, a candidate for the initial coccygeal body was identified as a longitudinal arterial plexus involving nerve fibers and sympathetic ganglion cells between arteries. At 10-18 weeks, the MSA exhibited a highly tortuous course at the lower sacral and coccygeal levels, and was attached to and surrounded by veins, nerve fibers, and sympathetic ganglion cells near and between the bilateral origins of the levator ani muscle. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and chromogranin A in the nerves. However, throughout the stages examined, we found no evidence suggestive of an arteriovenous anastomosis, such as well-developed smooth muscle. An acute anterior flexure of the vertebrae at the lower sacrum, as well as regression of the secondary neural tube, seemed to induce arterial plexus formation from an initial straight MSA. Nerves and ganglion cells were likely to be secondarily involved with the plexus because of the close topographical relationship. However, these nerves might play a major role in the extreme change into adult morphology. An arteriovenous anastomosis along the MSA might be an overinterpretation, at least in the prenatal human. Anat Rec, 299:819-827, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.