Thoracic Morphology Research Articles

Chest wall deformities in CDH survivors Children with CDH are at high risk for pectus excavatum deformity and progressive thoracic asymmetry

BackgroundCongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors exhibit an increased risk for developing musculoskeletal anomalies. This prospective long-term cohort study investigates the characteristics, predictors and dynamic changes of different chest wall deformities in a large cohort of CDH patients. MethodsAll children diagnosed with CDH and treated at the University Hospital Mannheim from 2010 to 2023 were included. Thoracic morphology was evaluated based on 740 CT or MRI scans and statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney-U-Test, Fisher’s Exact Test and Spearman’s correlation. P-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant. ResultsOut of 1,216 children with CDH, 548 received cross-sectional imaging examinations of the chest within the follow-up program. Mean Haller Index was 2.62 ± 0.55 and pectus excavatum deformity was present in 34.09% of CDH patients. Thoracic asymmetry in favor of the right hemithorax was present in 45.90% and showed a pronounced age-related progression. The severity of chest wall deformities showed a significant correlation with prenatal diagnosis, liver herniation, lower lung to head ratio and fetal relative lung volume, use of ECMO and inhaled nitric oxide, diaphragmatic patch closure and laparotomy. ConclusionChildren with CDH show an increased incidence of chest wall deformities, including pectus deformity and asymmetry with the potential for significant age-related progression. Measurement of thoracic morphology using standardized parameters based on MRI or CT scans should be implemented as an essential component of standardized follow-up programs. Rigorous randomized, controlled intervention trials are required to evaluate whether certain therapies can alter the trajectory of these chest wall deformities.

A review of the genus Eugaster Serville, 1838 (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Hetrodinae): a multifaceted approach

Overall coloration, size and thoracic morphology have formed the basis for taxonomic differentiation of taxa within the genus Eugaster at specific or subspecific levels over the years. The present study employs a range of methods to examine the morphology of 58 specimens (18♂♂ and 40♀♀) from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, collected from altitudes varying between 10 and 1795 metres AMSL. Moroccan sampling sites include localities on both the north and south of the High Atlas and from either side of the Middle Atlas, i.e., the Anti-Atlas, Western Meseta and High Plateau. The various techniques involve the characterisation of the five key colour forms and an investigation to examine links between colour form and geographical location and altitude, biometric analysis comprising selected variables, thoracic structure examination through feature extraction and edge detection, microscopy to examine male stridulatory files, an examination of the male genital sclerite structure for the presence of titillators, as well as molecular and phylogenetic analysis. Statistical tests are performed for results pertaining to biometrics, thoracic skeletisation, and the number of pegs on stridulatory organs. From results obtained, this study finds no basis to support the notion of the various taxa described in the past being assigned the rank of species and considers these to be infraspecific variants or forms. Consequently, the present authors propose to synonymise Eugaster guyoni (Serville, 1838) with Eugaster spinulosa (Johannson, 1763), resulting in the genus Eugaster being represented in North Africa by a unique but highly variable taxon, in terms of coloration, size and thoracic morphology.

Thoracic canal morphology on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in spinal cord stimulation patients.

In high-frequency spinal cord stimulation anatomic placement targeting of the T9-10 disc space is based on "empiric" results that are best replicated with coverage broadly from T8 to T10. This study contains the largest cohort of patients evaluating low thoracic morphology and seeks to address the lack of MRI morphological analysis in literature. This study was a retrospective review of a database of 101 consecutive patients undergoing permanent implant of thoracic SCS for chronic pain. Measurements were carried out on preoperative MRI imaging. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral dimensions of the spinal cord as well as dural sac were measured. In addition, dorsal cerebrospinal fluid thickness and paddle depression distance were also measured. When comparing morphological dimensions by level, dorsal CSF thickness was smaller at T9-10 than T7-8 (p = 0.018). In addition, lateral dural and spinal cord diameters were larger at T10-11 than T9-10, contributing to larger dural surface area at T10-11 (p = 0.028). While trends of dorsal CSF thickness tend to decrease with lower thoracic levels, the ratio of surface area of spinal cord to dural sac appeared to remain relatively constant. Dorsal CSF thickness is smaller at T9-10 than T7-8 in chronic pain patients in this cohort. More ellipsoid, cord, and spinal canal diameter measurements were noted at lower levels of the thoracic spinal cord, particularly at T10-11. This may correlate with anatomical SCS placement. Future studies should evaluate efficacy of SCS therapy for pain based on these anatomical considerations.

Characterizing thoracic morphology variation to develop representative 3D models for applications in chest trauma

BackgroundRib fracture(s) occurs in 85% of blunt chest trauma cases. Increasing evidence supports that surgical intervention, particularly for multiple fractures, may improve outcomes. Thoracic morphology diversity across ages and sexes is important to consider in the design and use of surgical intervention devices in chest trauma. However, research on non-average thoracic morphology is lacking. MethodsThe rib cage was segmented from patient computed tomography (CT) scans to create 3D point clouds. These point clouds were uniformly oriented and chest height, width, and depth were measured. Size categorization was determined by grouping each dimension into small, medium, and large tertiles. From small and large size combinations, subgroups were extracted to develop thoracic 3D models of the rib cage and surrounding soft tissue. ResultsThe study population included 141 subjects (48% male) ranging from age 10–80 with ∼20 subjects/age decade. Mean chest volume increased with age by 26% from the age groups 10–20 to 60–70, with 11% of this increase occurring between the youngest groups of 10–20 and 20–30. Across all ages, chest dimensions were ∼10% smaller in females and chest volume was highly variable (SD: ±3936.5 cm3). Representative thoracic models of four males (ages 16, 24, 44, 48) and three females (ages 19, 50, 53) were developed to characterize morphology associated with combinations of small and large chest dimensions. ConclusionsThe seven models developed cover a broad range of non-average thoracic morphologies and can serve as a basis for informing device design, surgical planning, and injury risk assessments.

RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT OF VERTEBRAL HEART SCALE IN KOREAN WILD RACCOON DOGS (NYCTEREUTES PROCYONOIDES KOREENSIS).

Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis), which belong to the Canidae family, are the second most injured wildlife animals rescued by the Gangwon Wildlife Medical Rescue Center. Various imaging evaluation methods including echocardiography have been developed, but thoracic radiography remains essential for the diagnosis and management of heart disease in dogs. In particular, vertebral heart scale (VHS) measurement is usually used to evaluate the dimensions of the heart silhouette on thoracic radiographs and can measure cardiomegaly more objectively. The VHS of 50 raccoon dogs without cardiac diseases were measured using thoracic radiography in right lateral (RL) and ventrodorsal (VD) recumbent positions. The VHS in the RL view of 50 raccoon dogs was 9.03 ± 0.52 vertebrae (v), which was slightly smaller than the VHS measured in the VD view of 46 raccoon dogs (9.79 ± 0.84 v). In addition, the thoracic morphology of raccoon dogs was determined to be intermediate (thoracic depth-to-width ratio, 0.75-1.25), and thoracic morphology, gender, and weight were not significantly correlated with VHS. The VHS of raccoon dogs in this study will help veterinarians diagnose potential cardiac diseases in raccoon dogs.

Thoracic configuration in patients ageing with cystic fibrosis: A retrospective single-blinded cohort study

BackgroundIn patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), thoracic morphology and its role in respiratory function is conditioned by anthropometric factors, as well as by pathological changes. While the lungs are continuously monitored, examinations of potential thoracic cage adaptations to the disease are rare. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate thoracic configuration, and its correlation to spirometry measures over time. MethodsIn total, 344 high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) examinations from 90 patients were assessed and analysed. Those results were subsequently related to spirometry measurements performed within the same period. ResultsThe cohort displayed no homogenous change in thoracic configuration over time, and correlation between thoracic area and spirometry variables could not be supported statistically. ConclusionsAlthough the current study included a larger cohort of patients with CF compared to previous studies on thoracic morphology, no patient group-specific changes in thoracic configuration were revealed. Furthermore, no correlations between structural findings and functional respiratory measurements were found.

Surgical treatment of spinal deformities in spinal muscular atrophy: a single-center experience from China.

To report the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of scoliosis in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) from Mainland China. Nineteen patients were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, anthropometric and respiratory parameters were collected preoperatively. Surgical program was analyzed. Radiographic data were measured perioperatively. Motor status, ventilation support, sitting ability and respiratory symptoms were evaluated preoperatively and at final follow-up. Age at surgery was 17.08 (12.83, 20.08) years. More than 40% of patients were diagnosed with low weight. Pulmonary dysfunction was observed in all patients. All patients received posterior spinal fusion (PSF). Sacroiliac fixation with sacral-2 alar iliac technique was used in 16 patients. Major curve correction rate was 54.87 ± 16.14%. Pelvic obliquity correction rate was 63.84 ± 23.70%. T1-T12 height, space-available-for-lung ratio and thoracic transverse diameter were increased (p < 0.001). Percentage of patients capable of sitting independently increased from 26.32% preoperatively to 73.68% at final follow-up. Cumulative scores of sitting-related items in muscular dystrophy spine questionnaire improved from 19.11 ± 5.40 preoperatively to 26.21 ± 5.20 at final follow-up. Total scores of symptomatic domains in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire decreased from 4 (2, 12) preoperatively to 1 (0, 3) at final follow-up. SMA patients in China always present severe scoliosis at late adolescence, accompanied with high proportion of low weight and pulmonary dysfunction. PSF is effective for the correction of scoliosis and pelvic obliquity and the improvement of thoracic morphology. Sitting ability and respiratory symptoms were improved postoperatively.

Mesozoic insect fossils reveal the early evolution of twig mimicry

Twig mimicry is common and diversified within Phasmatodea (stick and leaf insects). However, the fossil record of Phasmatodea is scant, especially evidence for the early evolution of twig mimicry. Herein, Yang et al. describe several stick insects from the Middle Jurassic (∼165 Ma) and mid-Cretaceous (∼99 Ma), and reconstruct the transitions in thoracic morphology relating to their overall twig form. Based on the phylogenetic relationships within Phasmatodea, the new findings suggest a possible evolutionary scenario for the phenomenon of twig mimicry.

Ischnura praematura sp. nov. (Odonata: Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae): a species from Yunnan (China) whose females mate in the teneral state.

Ischnura praematura sp. nov. (Holotype , China, Yunnan, Lijiang, 263103.54N, 1001338.89E, 2396 m, 04 xii 2015, I. Sanmartn-Villar H. Zhang leg.) is morphologically described, illustrated and compared with close species of the genus. Ischnura praematura can be mainly distinguished from its congeners I. aurora, I. rubilio and I. asiatica by its abdominal and thoracic morphology and colouration. The posterior lobe of the prothorax is elevated in I. praematura and the mesostigmal plates possess dorsal triangular protuberances. Ischnura praematura shows pointed paraprocts, internalised wide cerci and lacks a dorsal tuberculum in the tenth abdominal segment. The blue abdominal colouration is present in the last three segments (incomplete for segment eight and ten in some individuals). No female polychromatism was detected and all females observed possessed different colouration than male (gynochrome). Morphological distinctiveness of the species is supported by genetic analyses, which show that I. praematura forms a well-supported, monophyletic clade, with I. asiatica, I. ezoin and I. pumilio as the most closely related species. In the field, mature females show strong reluctance to mate, and males were observed mating with newly emerged females.

Thoracic Morphology and Bronchial Narrowing Are Related to Pulmonary Function in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), lung function impairment is not necessarily related to the coronal spinal deformity. Recently, right-sided bronchial narrowing has been reported in thoracic AIS. The aim of this study was to describe the relation of chest and spinal deformity parameters, bronchial narrowing, and lung volumes with pulmonary function in preoperative AIS. Spinal radiographs, low-dose computed tomographic (CT) scans of the spine including the chest, and pulmonary function tests were retrospectively collected for 85 preoperative patients with thoracic AIS in 2 centers and were compared with 14 matched controls. Three-dimensional lung and airway reconstructions were acquired. Correlation analysis was performed in which radiographic spinal parameters, CT-based thoracic deformity parameters (rib-hump index [RHi], spinal penetration index, endothoracic hump ratio, hemithoracic-width ratio), lung volume asymmetry, and bronchial cross-sectional area were compared with percent-of-predicted spirometry results. Forty-one patients (48%) had a percent-of-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%) or percent-of-predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) of <65%, and 17 patients (20%) had obstructive lung disease. All thoracic deformity parameters correlated significantly with FEV1% and FVC%; RHi was found to be the best correlate (rs = -0.52 for FEV1% and -0.54 for FVC%). Patients with AIS with impaired pulmonary function had hypokyphosis, a larger rib hump, increased spinal and thoracic rotation, a narrower right hemithorax, and increased intrusion of the spine into the chest. Spinal intrusion correlated with right-sided bronchial narrowing, relative right lung volume loss, and decreased FEV1% and FVC%. Multivariate regression including spinal and thoracic deformity parameters, lung volume asymmetry, and airway parameters could explain 57% of the variance in FEV1% and 54% of the variance in FVC%. Chest intrusion by the endothoracic hump is related to right-sided bronchial narrowing and lung function loss in preoperative AIS. The findings support the theory that ventilatory dysfunction in thoracic AIS is not only restrictive but frequently has an obstructive component, especially in patients with hypokyphosis. RHi is the most predictive chest parameter for lung function loss. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Predictive formulae of ideal lumbar lordosis determined by individual pelvic incidence and thoracic kyphosis in asymptomatic adults

BackgroundThe precise prediction of ideal lumbar lordosis (LL) has become increasingly important in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanisms of sagittal spinopelvic alignment and to predict ideal LL based on individual pelvic incidence (PI) and thoracic kyphosis (TK) parameters in asymptomatic adults. MethodsA total of 233 asymptomatic subjects older than 18 years were consecutively enrolled in our study between April 2017 and December 2019. A full-spine, standing X-ray was performed for each subject. The following parameters were measured in the sagittal plane: the apex of lumbar lordosis (LLA), the distance between the plumb line of the lumbar apex (LAPL) and the gravity plumb line, the inflection point (IP), LL, the upper arc and lower arc of lumbar lordosis (LLUA and LLLA, respectively), PI and TK. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were conducted, and the statistical significance level was P < 0.05. ResultsBoth PI and TK were two important predictive variables for LLA, LAPL, IP and LL. In addition, the LLUA was mainly explained by TK, while the LLLA was explained by PI. The corresponding predictive models are listed as follows: LLA = 17.110 − 0.040∗PI + 0.023∗TK (R2 = 0.380), LAPL = 31.296 + 0.467∗PI − 0.126∗TK (R2 = 0.309), IP = 10.437 + 0.091∗TK − 0.029∗PI (R2 = 0.227), LL = 2.035 + 0.618∗PI + 0.430∗TK (R2 = 0.595), LLUA = 0.893 + 0.418∗TK (R2 = 0.598), LLLA = 3.543 + 0.576∗PI (R2 = 0.433). ConclusionThe specific sagittal lumbar profile should be regulated by both pelvic and thoracic morphology. Such predictive models for lumbar parameters determined by individual PI and TK parameters have been established, which are meaningful for surgeons to better understand the regulatory mechanisms of sagittal spinopelvic alignment and reconstruct a satisfactory lumbar alignment.

Effects of the posterior pelvic tilt sitting posture on thoracic morphology and respiratory function.

[Purpose] We investigated how differences in pelvic angle in the posterior pelvic tilt sitting posture simultaneously affect the thoracic morphology and the respiratory function. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 18 healthy young males. We positioned the pelvis at 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30° of posterior tilt, following which the thoracic expansion volume ratio, thoracic spine tilt angle, and respiratory function were measured. We calculated the thoracic volume and thoracic spine tilt angle by measuring the amount of displacement of reflective markers attached to the thoracic area using the Vicon MX 3D-analysis system. Respiratory function was measured by spirometry. [Results] The expansion volume ratio decreased significantly in response to 10–30° posterior pelvic tilt sitting at the mid-thorax and 30° posterior pelvic tilt sitting at the lowest thorax. The upper thoracic spine level showed a change in anterior tilt at 10–30° posterior pelvic tilt sitting, whereas the lower thoracic spine level showed a change in posterior tilt at 30° posterior pelvic tilt sitting. Respiratory function was significantly lower at 30° posterior pelvic tilt sitting than at 0° posterior pelvic tilt sitting. A positive correlation between thoracic expansion volume ratio and respiratory function was found at 30° posterior pelvic tilt sitting. [Conclusion] Changes in thoracic spine tilt angle due to posterior pelvic tilt sitting may restrict the expansion of thoracic motion during respiration, thereby affecting respiratory function.

Outcomes of the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum in adults

Limited data exist with regard to the outcome of the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum repair in adults. Here, we analysed changes in lung capacity and thoracic morphology based on computed tomography (CT) imaging in adults with pectus excavatum before surgery, during bar insertion and after bar removal. Patients who underwent the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum after the age of 20 were included in this study. Chest CT scans of the included participants were taken before the Nuss procedure, immediately before removal of the pectus bar and 6 months after removal of the pectus bar. Lung capacity and thoracic morphology measurements were made from the CT scans. Six patients aged 24-43 years were included in this study. After the Nuss procedure, lung capacity was decreased in all patients. Although the pectus bar was removed, lung capacity had not significantly increased and was almost the same volume as before the Nuss procedure. After the Nuss procedure, the funnel chest shape had improved in all cases, patients' thoracic spine had also moved forward as the thorax moved forward and patients' stoop had improved. Despite a lack of change in lung capacity, surgical modification should be considered to reduce stress on the thoracic spine and in turn, reduce pain in patients with pectus excavatum. However, further long-term observation seems necessary.

Relationship Between Pulmonary Function and Thoracic Morphology in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A New Index, the "Apical Vertebra Deviation Ratio", as a Predictive Factor for Pulmonary Function Impairment.

A retrospective study. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thoracic morphology (TM) and pulmonary function (PF) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and the feasibility of the "apical vertebra deviation ratio (AVDR)" as a predictor of PF impairment. The PF of AIS is one of the key focuses of clinicians' attention. Early identification of AIS patients who are at risk of developing impaired PF is important for improving patient management. Preoperative PF and radiographic examination data of 108 patients with thoracic AIS were collected. The following TM data were collected: the costophrenic angle distance (CAD), distance between T1 and mean diaphragm height (T1-diaphragm), T1-T12 height, and AVDR. The correlation coefficient between PF and TM measurements was analyzed, and univariable and multivariable linear regressions were used to determine whether the TM measurements could predict PF. The CAD, T1-diaphragm, and T1-T12 height were significantly positively correlated with forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), vital capacity, and total lung capacity (r = 0.54-0.74, P < 0.01). A linear equation between CAD and pulmonary volume could be established: FVC (L) = -3.46 + CAD (cm) × 0.27 (R2 = 0.54). If T1-T12 height is included, the correlation is further enhanced (R2 = 0.68). There was a significant negative correlation between the AVDR and predicted values of forced vital capacity (FVC%), FEV1%, predicted values of vital capacity, and predicted values of total lung capacity (r = -0.46 to -0.52, P < 0.01). The AVDR could predict the value of each of these variables. One of the linear equations is as follows: FVC% = 110.70-99.73 × AVDR (R2 = 0.272). The two novel, two-dimensional TM measurements, CAD and AVDR, can be used as moderate to strong predictors of PF outcome in statistical terms. An AVDR >0.2 suggests that the patient may suffer from moderate or severe PF damage.Level of Evidence: 4.

Canadian Spine SocietyPresentation CPSS1: Spinal insufficiency fracture in the geriatric pediatric spinePresentation CPSS2: The clinical significance of tether breakages in anterior vertebral body growth modulation: a 2-year postoperative analysisPresentation CPSS3: Anterior vertebral body growth modulation for idiopathic scoliosis: early, mid-term and late complicationsPresentation CPSS4: Ovine model of congenital chest wall and spine deformity with alterations of respiratory mechanics: follow-up from

Canadian Spine SocietyPresentation CPSS1: Spinal insufficiency fracture in the geriatric pediatric spinePresentation CPSS2: The clinical significance of tether breakages in anterior vertebral body growth modulation: a 2-year postoperative analysisPresentation CPSS3: Anterior vertebral body growth modulation for idiopathic scoliosis: early, mid-term and late complicationsPresentation CPSS4: Ovine model of congenital chest wall and spine deformity with alterations of respiratory mechanics: follow-up from

Predicting preoperative pulmonary function in patients with thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis from spinal and thoracic radiographic parameters

PurposeThe objective was to analyse the effect of thoracic morphology on pulmonary function in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) to predict preoperative lung function.MethodsA total of 170 consecutive preoperative patients (average age 15.1 years) with Lenke 1 and 2 AIS underwent pulmonary function testing. Thirteen deformity parameters, including rib hump size, rib asymmetry, spinal intrusion and thoracic/lung dimensions in the sagittal and coronal plane, were measured on whole-spine radiographs. Lung function parameters were expressed as z-scores. Correlation and regression analysis of these parameters with lung function were performed.ResultsMean thoracic Cobb (MT) was 69.1°, and mean T5–T12 thoracic kyphosis (TK) was 21.8°. MT correlated significantly with FEV1 and FVC (rs = − 0.40 and − 0.38). TK correlated weakly with FEV1 and FEV1/FVC (rs = 0.23 and 0.25). FEV1 and FVC were best predicted by the inverse apical vertebra body–rib ratio (AVBRr−1, rs = 0.46 and 0.42), rib hump depth index (RHDi, rs = − 0.52 and − 0.50) and spinal intrusion ratio (SIr, rs = − 0.50 and − 0.45). The kyphosis–lordosis index (KLi) correlated with FEV1/FVC (rs = 0.29). Multivariate regression analysis of coronal and sagittal Cobb angles produced a model which explained 35% and 30% of the variance in FEV1 and FVC, whilst a regression model consisting of AVBRr−1 and SIr was able to predict 54% and 48%.ConclusionAVBRr−1, RHDi and SIr measured on posterior–anterior and lateral radiographs provide better estimations of lung function in preoperative AIS patients than Cobb measurements. KLi was an indicator of airway obstruction as measured by FEV1/FVC.

The thoracic morphology of the troglobiontic cholevine species Troglocharinus ferreri (Coleoptera, Leiodidae)

The thoracic morphology of the troglobiontic leiodid species Troglocharinus ferreri (Cholevinae, Leptodirini) is described and documented in detail. The features are mainly discussed with respect to modifications linked with subterranean habits. Troglocharinus is assigned to the moderately modified pholeuonoid morphotype. The body is elongated and slender compared to epigean leiodids and also cave-dwelling species of Ptomaphagini. The legs are elongated, especially the hindlegs, though to a lesser degree than in the most advanced troglobiontic species. The prothorax is moderately elongated but otherwise largely unmodified. Its muscular system is strongly developed, with more muscle bundles that in free-living staphylinoid or hydrophiloid species. The pterothorax is greatly modified, especially the metathoracic flight apparatus. The meso- and metathoracic elements of the elytral locking device are well-developed, whereas the other notal parts are largely reduced. The mesonotum is simplified, with the triangular scutellar shield as the only distinctly developed part. The mesothoracic musculature is strongly reduced, with only 6 muscles compared to 12 or 13 in free-living staphylinoid or hydrophiloid species. The metanotum is greatly reduced, without a recognizable subdivision into prescutum scutum and scutellum. It is strongly narrowing laterally and lacks notal wing processes and other wing-related elements, but well-developed alacristae are present. The wings are reduced to small membranous flap-like structures inserted at the posterior end of the metanotum. A metapostnotum is not developed. Like in the case of the head, cave dwelling species of the related Ptomaphagini and Leptodirini show different trends of adaptations, with a compact ovoid or navicular body shape in the former, and a distinct trend towards elongation of the body and appendages in the latter tribe. Structural affinities of the thoraces of T. ferreri and the troglobiontic trechine carabid Sinaphaenops wangorum are mainly due to the reduced flight apparatus. The degree of muscle reduction in the pterothorax is very similar in both species.

Amelioration of Aorta Morphology in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rat (SHR) by Syzygium Polyanthum

Background: Prolonged uncontrolled hypertension can lead to vessels damage; manifested as abnormal morphology changes. Sygyzium polyanthum has been shown to has blood pressure lowering effects in SHR rats. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the improvement effects of S. polyanthum aqueous leave extracts (AESP) on the descending thoracic aorta morphology damaged secondary to hypertension. Material & Methods: Twenty-one rats were used in this study, with 7 rats in each group. Group 1: normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat, Group 2: untreated SHR, Group 3: SHR on AESP (2250 mg/kg). AESP was orally administered daily for 3 months. The descending thoracic aorta was harvested at the end of the study. The aorta morphology was evaluated using Hematoxylin and Eosin stain (H&E stain) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) were also recorded every 2 weeks during the study. Results: On HE stained, treatment with AESP increased the endothelial cell lining on the surface of aortic tunica intima. The endothelial lining also notably smoother. The elastic laminae were not discontinued and more regular pattern of vascular smooth muscle cells with elongated nuclei. The thickness ratio of tunica media to tunica intima was also reduced. Under SEM, the surface of the aorta was smoother and there were no crater-like defects as compared to untreated SHR. There were also no inflammatory cells or fibrinogen seen as on the aortic surface of untreated SHR. The SBP in AESP-treated SHR was significantly reduced (107.00 + 1.68 mmHg) as compared to untreated SHR (199.75 + 2.86 mmHg, p<0.001). Conclusion: S. polyanthum improves the morphology of aorta and also significantly reduces the blood pressure.

3D virtual reconstruction of the Kebara 2 Neandertal thorax

The size and shape of the Neandertal thorax has been debated since the first discovery of Neandertal ribs more than 150 years ago, with workers proposing different interpretations ranging from a Neandertal thoracic morphology that is indistinguishable from modern humans, to one that was significantly different from them. Here, we provide a virtual 3D reconstruction of the thorax of the adult male Kebara 2 Neandertal. Our analyses reveal that the Kebara 2 thorax is significantly different but not larger from that of modern humans, wider in its lower segment, which parallels his wide bi-iliac breadth, and with a more invaginated vertebral column. Kinematic analyses show that rib cages that are wider in their lower segment produce greater overall size increments (respiratory capacity) during inspiration. We hypothesize that Neandertals may have had a subtle, but somewhat different breathing mechanism compared to modern humans.

The thoracic morphology of cave-dwelling and free-living ground beetles from China (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae)

External and internal thoracic structures of two carabid species (Trechini) were examined and documented with different techniques. The study has a main focus on the eyeless cave-dwelling specialist Sinaphaenops wangorum, but detailed information is also provided for a species occurring in cave entrances. The phylogenetic background of the structural features of the thoracic skeletomuscular system was addressed. The thoracic morphology of the examined species was compared to conditions observed in previously studied carabids and non-related subterranean leiodids (Staphylinoidea) in order to identify cave adaptations. Main thoracic character complexes linked with cavernicolous habits in Trechini are elongation of the pro- and mesothorax and the legs, and a complete and irreversible reduction of the flight apparatus. The lost flight capacity is linked with a far reaching modification of skeletal elements of the metathorax including a strongly shortened and simplified metanotum, a shortened metaventrite, and completely reduced wings and sclerites of the wing base. The elongate prothorax together with the long and slender head and elongated legs distinctly increases the activity range in the subterranean lightless environment, which likely facilitates foraging of the carnivorous beetles. Some of the observed features like wing loss and elongation of the anterior thorax and legs are also found in some cave-dwelling Leiodidae (Leptodirini), whereas some other subterranean members of the staphylinoid family have a compact body and legs of normal length. In contrast to the predaceous Trechini, Leptodirini are scavengers.