Trunk Length Research Articles

Abberant Root Morphology in the Permanent First Molars : Case Reports

The developmental mechanism of root formation is a complex process. Hereditary and environmental factors may affect the morphology of the developing root. A total of 12 cases was presented with permanent first molars with abberant root morphology. Clinically, these teeth appeared as a normal crown. However, radiographically, the root was slender, twisted and characterized by irregular lengths. In addition, root trunk length was shorter and pulp chamber was obliterated. In these cases, periapical radiolucency and loss of lamina dura were often observed. In 6 cases, an abnormal root of the primary second molars were also present, as well as root malformation of permanent first molars. In 3 cases, permanent central incisors also had a dysmorphic crown. These cases almost all had medical history, such as premature birth, brain infection or congenital heart disease in infants. The present paper describes cases of permanent first molars with an abnormal root that are rarely reported in literature. This case may intensify the variation in the permanent first molar and is intended to reinforce the clinician’ s awareness of rare morphology of the roots.

Associations of Leg Length, Trunk Length, and Total Adult Height With Ménière's: Cross-Sectional Analysis in the UK Biobank.

To investigate whether adverse intrauterine and/or childhood exposures, using established anthropometric measures (e.g., components of adult height, including total height, leg length, and trunk length) as a proxy for childhood exposures, are associated with self-reported Ménière's disease. Cross-sectional data from the UK Biobank were used to compare 1,327 self-reported Ménière's cases with 479,500 controls. The authors used logistic regression models to investigate the relation of Ménière's disease with the components of adult height. Models were adjusted for a range of potential confounders including age, sex, body mass index, ethnicity, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and socioeconomic status. In the UK Biobank, Ménière's was inversely associated with overall stature (odds ratio [OR] per standard deviation increase in height, 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80-0.94) and leg length (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.94) in fully adjusted models. No association was noted in adjusted models with trunk length (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-1.01). The specific association between leg length, a potential marker of adverse childhood environments, and Ménière's may suggest that early-life environmental exposures that influence skeletal growth may also influence the risk of developing Ménière's in later life.

Associations between skeletal growth in childhood and cognitive function in mid-life in a 53-year prospective birth cohort study.

BackgroundSeveral studies have found that shorter stature (height and limb length) in late life is associated with dementia and cognitive impairment. The extent to which childhood environment and early life cognitive function accounts for these associations is not clear.MethodsWe investigated associations of adult trunk height and leg length with cognitive function in middle age, analysing data from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development: a cohort followed from birth to age 53, 1677 of whom had data on all covariates. The four cognitive tests measured verbal ability, word list memory, verbal fluency and speed/concentration. Early life environmental measures included parental education, poverty, parental divorce, physical health, cognitive ability at age 15, own education and own adult social class.ResultsAfter adjusting for gender, shorter trunk length was associated with lower cognitive function on all four tests and shorter leg length with lower verbal intelligence and word list memory. These associations were only partially attenuated following adjustment for childhood adversity/health but were substantially accounted for by cognitive ability at age 15.ConclusionsShorter stature was associated with lower cognitive function at age 53, the majority of this association being accounted for by cognitive function at age 15. Reduced cognitive reserve may well account for later associations between anthropometric measures and dementia.

A Histological Examination of the Lumbar Sympathetic Trunk

Current gross anatomical and histological descriptions of the lumbar sympathetic trunk suggest that its neuronal cell bodies are located in discrete ganglia that are linked to each other by nerve fibres. Despite well‐documented variations in the macroscopic morphology of the lumbar sympathetic trunk (e.g., number and placement of ganglia), a detailed histological examination of the arrangement of the neuronal cell bodies within the trunk is lacking. Thus, the present study aims to examine the microscopic organization of the lumbar sympathetic trunk using standard histological techniques. In our preliminary investigation, a 10 cm length of the lumbar sympathetic trunk (including ganglia and interganglionic fibres) was serially‐sectioned (5 μm thick) in the longitudinal plane and then stained with Haematoxylin & Eosin to visualize the location of neuronal cell bodies throughout the 10 cm length. This examination revealed that the neuronal cell bodies are not confined to specific “ganglionic” swellings; a finding which is inconsistent with the current textbook descriptions of the lumbar sympathetic trunk. The presence of neuronal cell bodies throughout the “interganglionic” regions of the lumbar sympathetic trunk may have implications for future investigations of sympathetic activity in this region, specifically related to understanding functional deficits associated with this nerve tissue.

Examination of Growth Hormone (GH) Gene Polymorphism and its Association with Body Weight and Selected Body Dimensions in Ducks.

The main objective of the study was to assess the polymorphism in intron 2 of the GH gene and its association with some morphological traits (body weight--BW, length of trunk with neck--LTN, length of trunk--LT, chest girth--CG, length of breast bone--LBB, length of shank--LS). Polymorphism in intron 2 of the GH gene was evaluated for four duck populations (Pekin ducks AF51, Muscovy ducks from a CK and CRAMMLCFF mother and Mulard ducks). Genetic polymorphism was determined with the PCR-RFLP method using the BsmFI restriction enzyme. In the studied duck sample two alleles (GH(C) and GH(T)) and three genotypes (GH/TT, GH/CT, GH/CC) were found at locus GH/BsmFI. In both groups of Muscovies and in Mulards the dominant allele was GH(T). On the contrary in Pekin ducks AF51, the frequency of both alleles was found to be similar. The most frequent genotype in the examined ducks was GH/TT. In Pekin ducks AF51 three genotypes were observed, while in Mulard ducks and in male Muscovy ducks from a mother marked as CK, two genotypes (GH/TT and GH/CT) were identified. Muscovy duck females from a CK mother and all males and females of Muscovy duck from a CRAMMLCFF mother were monomorphic with only the GH/TTgenotype detected. The results showed that males of Pekin duck AF51 with the GH/TT genotype were characterized by higher (P < 0.01) BW value than those with the GH/CC and GH/CTgenotype. In females of Pekin ducks AF51, this same trend was observed; individuals with GH/TT genotype were superior (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) to birds with two other detected genotypes in respect to BW, CG, LBB and LS. In the case of Mulards, ducks with the GH/TT genotype were distinguished by higher values of all evaluated traits compared to ducks with GH/CT and GH/CC genotypes, however most of the recorded differences were not significant. The only trait markedly impacted (P < 0.05) by the polymorphism of the GH gene intron 2 was the LS value in males.

An anatomical study of the medial femoral circumflex artery based on three-dimensional computerized tomographic angiography

Objective To characterize the medial femoral circumflex artery based on three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3DCTA) so as to provide anatomical aids for diagnosis and treatment of hip injuries. Methods To do this research the 3DCTA data of 103 patients (206 hips) were collected who underwent 3DCTA from March 2012 to June 2014 for examination of the pelvis and lower extremities. They were 55 men (mean age, 54.7±15.9 years) and 48 women (50.0±16.1 years). ① The origin and course of the medial femoral circumflex artery was observed.② The length of the artery trunk was measured. The distances between the origin (A) of the artery to the main anatomical marks [the peak of greater trochanter (B), the inward peak of lesser trochanter (C), and the crosspoint (D) of the femoral artery and the pubic edge or the acetabulum inlet edge] were measured. Comparisons of the measurements were conducted between genders. ③ The distance between point A and point E, the starting point of the femoral profound artery, was measured. Comparisons of the measurements were conducted between genders. Results 2.9% (3/103) of the subjects had their bilateral medial femoral circumflex arteries originate from the femoral artery, 94.2% (97/103) had their bilateral medial femoral circumflex arteries originate from the femoral profound artery, and 2.9% (3/103) had one medial femoral circumflex artery originate from the femoral artery and the other from the femoral profound artery.1.9% (4/206), 76.7% (158/206) and 21.3% (44/206) of the subjects had the artery of screw type, of circuitous type and of straight type, respectively. The artery trunk goes posteriorly and medially after it is issued, divides into branches along the course, continues to go around the back of the femoral neck, and finally goes to the outward and upper direction. There were no statistical differences between males and females regarding length of the artery trunk, or distances between points AB, AC, AD or AE (P>0.05). Conclusion Since 3DCTA can clearly demonstrate the origin, course and anatomical morphology of the medial femoral circumflex artery, it can be used to provide anatomical aids for clinical evaluation and treatment of hip injury. Key words: Femoral artery; Tomography, spiral computed; Imaging, three-dimensional; Anatomy

Is leg length a biomarker of early life conditions? Evidence from a historically short population.

While one group (Positive Group) has argued that leg length is a more accurate biomarker of early life conditions than height, another group (Negative Group) has challenged this argument. Analyzing Indonesian data, we attempt to reconcile these contrasting arguments. The sample consists of 4,193 men and 4,684 women, aged 40-70. We regress leg length, trunk length, and height each on education (a proxy for early life conditions), age, and ethnicity. We also adjust for hip size and shrinkage. The relationship is statistically significant for leg length, which is generally consistent with the assertion of the Positive Group. However, the relationship is smaller than that for height, which is generally consistent with that of the Negative Group. Specifically, an additional year of schooling is associated with a 0.080 cm longer leg length for men and 0.078 cm for women. The corresponding figures for height are 0.260 cm and 0.201 cm. This remains true when the magnitude of the relationship is compared with the mean length. Small sample sizes appear to drive the Negative Group's finding that leg length is not statistically significantly related to early life conditions. However, the magnitude of the relationship confirms the Negative Group's argument that leg length is not a more accurate biomarker of early life conditions than height.

Structure of the digestive system of ducks depending on sex and genetic background

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of genotype and sex on body weight, body dimensions, intestinal length and diameter, percentage of intestinal segments, and weight and percentage of the main internal organs of ducks. The study was performed with 80 Pekin ducks, which were kept throughout rearing (1–49 days of age) in a confinement building and fed commercial waterfowl feed ad libitum. After 7 weeks of rearing, 40 ducks (10 drakes and 10 ducks of hybrid line SM3 Heavy and 10 drakes and 10 ducks of hybrid line AF51) were selected for slaughter. Birds were measured for body length and trunk length. During evisceration, the digestive tract and other internal organs were separated. At 7 weeks of age, SM3 Heavy broilers were heavier and had longer body length and trunk length compared to AF51 ducks. Significant differences were found for body weight in females and for body length in males. The AF 51 females were characterized by significantly greater intestinal length to body length and intestinal length to trunk length ratios, whereas AF51 males showed a greater (P ≤ 0.05) body length to trunk length ratio compared to SM3 Heavy birds. Genetic background of the ducks had no significant effect on the length of intestine and its segments, the diameter of different intestinal segments, and the weight and proportion of the gizzard, liver, heart and spleen. The same pattern was observed for the sex of birds except for gizzard weight, which was significantly greater in SM3 Heavy males than females.

Molecular and biometric characterization of natural bream × roach hybrids population in the Dobczyce Reservoir (S Poland)

Event Abstract Back to Event Molecular and biometric characterization of natural bream × roach hybrids population in the Dobczyce Reservoir (S Poland) Maciej K. Konopiński1* and Antoni Amirowicz1 1 Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland Natural hybrids of leuciscine cyprinids were investigated in a medium-sized submontane reservoir (49°52'N, 20°03'E, altitude 270 m) in the Carpathian part of the Vistula basin. The material included 380 hybrid specimens (TL: 24.0–39.8 cm, SL: 19.0–31.7 cm, W: 134–714 g) collected in 2006–2013. To detect their ancestry, genotypes of the 327 putative hybrids were compared to reference genotypes of 85 roaches, 115 common breams, 18 rudds, and 99 silver breams. Individuals were typed in 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci (Dubut et al. 2009), while species specific amplification of a fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was used to detect maternal origin of hybrids (Wyatt et al. 2006). Few individuals with traces of rudd and silver bream ancestry were excluded from the study. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA suggests bias towards bream maternal origin, with only 22 individuals (6,7%) with roach mitochondrial DNA. The analyzed set of hybrids was composed mostly of first generation bream × roach hybrids. Only 7 individuals (2,1%) showed a sign of backcrossing to bream, however, this finding has to be confirmed by analysis of further loci as it might result from presence of null alleles in roach. F2 generation hybrids were not detected. Biometric investigation of collected specimens comprised of selected morphometric (body height, and lengths of head, trunk, and tail) and meristic characters (counts of scales in lateral line and soft rays in anal fin) of individuals of different maternal origin. As all the analyzed differences between these categories of specimens appeared insignificant, the investigated population of hybrids may be regarded morphologically uniform. Figure 1 References Dubut, V., Martin, J.F., Gilles, A., Van Houdt, J., Chappaz, R., Costedoat, C. (2009). Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the dace complex: Leuciscus leuciscus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Mol. Ecol. Resour. 9(4): 1179-1183. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2009.02594.x. Wyatt, P.M.W. , Pitts, C.S., Butlin, R.K. (2007). A molecular approach to detect hybridization between bream Abramis brama, roach Rutlius rutilus and rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus. J. Fish Biol. 69(sa):52 - 71. doi: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2006.01104.x. Keywords: Dam reservoirs, Hybridization, Genetic, Roach, Common bream, morphometry, microsatellites Conference: XV European Congress of Ichthyology, Porto, Portugal, 7 Sep - 11 Sep, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Phylogeny, Systematics and Genetics Citation: Konopiński MK and Amirowicz A (2015). Molecular and biometric characterization of natural bream × roach hybrids population in the Dobczyce Reservoir (S Poland). Front. Mar. Sci. Conference Abstract: XV European Congress of Ichthyology. doi: 10.3389/conf.fmars.2015.03.00112 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 20 Nov 2015; Published Online: 22 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Maciej K Konopiński, Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, 31-120, Poland, konopinski@iop.krakow.pl Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Maciej K Konopiński Antoni Amirowicz Google Maciej K Konopiński Antoni Amirowicz Google Scholar Maciej K Konopiński Antoni Amirowicz PubMed Maciej K Konopiński Antoni Amirowicz Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Variants of the popliteal artery terminal branches as detected by multidetector ct angiography.

ObjectiveTo evaluate variants of the popliteal artery (PA) terminal branches with 64-multidetector computed tomographic angiography (64-MD CTA).Materials and MethodsA total of 495 extremities (251 right, 244 left) of 253 patients undergoing a 64-MD CTA examination were included in the study. Of these, 242 extremities were evaluated bilaterally, whereas 11 were evaluated unilaterally. The terminal branching pattern of the PA was classified according to the classification scheme proposed by Kim; the distance between the medial tibial plateau and the origin of the anterior tibial artery (A) and the length of the tibioperoneal trunk (B) have been measured and recorded.ResultsIn 459 cases (92.7%) branching of PA occurred distal to the knee joint (Type I); in 18 cases (2.8%) PA branching was superior to the knee joint (Type II); and hypoplasia of the PA branches was found in 27 cases (5.5%) (Type III). Among these types the most frequent branching patterns were Type IA (87.5%), Type IIIA (3.9%), and Type IB (3.8%). The ranges of A and B mean distances were 47.6 mm and 29.6 mm, respectivelyConclusionVariations in popliteal artery terminal branching pattern occurred in 7.4% to 17.6% of patients. Pre-surgical detection of these variations with MD CTA may help to reduce the risk of iatrogenic arterial injury by enabling a better surgical treatment plan.

Review of limb volume measurement techniques in assessing fetal weight by ultrasound with special reference to ImageJ package

Traditionally intrauterine nutritional status of the growing fetus is evaluated using ultrasound estimated weight, which is then compared with standardized prenatal growth chart for that particular gestational age. The fetuses belonging to less than 10 th centile groups are considered to have reduced growth, whereas those who are more than 90 th centile belong to macrosomia group. Both these extreme groups have their own characteristic obstetric problems and may have poorer outcome. The conventional fetal weight formulae incorporated in regular ultrasound machines are largely dependent on head size, abdominal circumference, and femur length and are prone to random errors as high as 15% of actual birth weight. The margin of error further increases with very small and very large fetuses, and also, these measurements are not valid when the fetus has anterior abdominal wall defects. Malnourishment and obesity studies in pediatric subjects have shown us that subcutaneous fat significantly contributes to actual weight, and mid arm circumference can be used as screening tool for nutritional disorders. The errors in fetal weight estimation can be minimized if fetal soft tissues such as arm and thigh volumes are included for nutritional assessment of the fetus. The recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography has made limb volume estimation simple, easy, and birth weight models using limb volume measurements have higher accuracy, least systematic and random errors compared with the usual two-dimensional biometry of head, trunk, and limb length alone. However, these machines incur significant cost and procurement may not be feasible for resource poor organizations. The present review discusses developments in 3D analysis of fetal limb volulmetry, the methodologies, and affordable solutions using alternative image processing tools such as ImageJ in regular sonographic practice. We have also searched various databases (PUBMED, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, GOOGLE SCHOLAR AND SCIENCE DIRECT, J-Gate Plus and ProQuest) for birth weight models using limb volume measurements and have provided 13 different birth weight equations based on arm and/or thigh volumes.

Achondroplasia Presenting with Pneumonia in a Two Months Old Boy

Achondroplasia is one of the common chondrodysplasias with an inheritance is autosomal dominant, but in around 85% the phenotype is the result of a new mutation. Achondroplasia develops as a result of dysplasia of enchondral formation due to the mutation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3. A 2-month-old boy was referred to the our hospital with cough and fever. Craniofacially the head appeared large and also frontal bossing and depressed nasal bridge was demonstrated. Narrow lumbar interpedicular distances, normal trunk length, short-wide pelvis, micromelic upper extremities and rhizomelic lower extremities were seen on x-ray examination. The clinically and radiographically diagnosis of achondroplasia with heart failure secondary to pneumonia was performed. Achondroplasia, presenting with respiratory disorders and short limb should be differentiated from metatropic dysplasia and campomelic dysplasia. Achondroplasia may had similar findings with other dwarfism and differentiate diagnosis from other achondroplasia like diseases needs team work which includes pediatry, radiology and medical genetic for better patient care and family counseling.

Achondropasia and Dentigerous Cyst- A Coincidental Finding or any Relationship?

Achondropasia and Dentigerous Cyst- A Coincidental Finding or any Relationship?

Facile Preparation of TiO2 Nanobranch/Nanoparticle Hybrid Architecture with Enhanced Light Harvesting Properties for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

We report TiO2 nanobranches/nanoparticles (NBN) hybrid architectures that can be synthesized by a facile solution phase method. The hybrid architecture simultaneously improves light harvesting and charge collection performances for a dye‐sensitized solar cell. First, TiO2 nanorods with a trunk length of 2 μm were grown on a fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/glass substrate, and then nanobranches and nanoparticles were deposited on the nanorods’ trunks through a solution method using an aqueous TiCl3 solution at 80°C. The relative amount of nanobranches and nanoparticles can be controlled by multiplying the number of TiCl3 treatments to maximize the amount of surface area. We found that the resultant TiO2 NBN hybrid architecture greatly improves the amount of dye adsorption (five times compared to bare nanorods) due to the enhanced surface area, while maintaining a fast charge collection, leading to a three times higher current density and thus tripling the maximum power conversion efficiency for a dye‐sensitized solar cell.

Is Ganga the Longest River in the Ganga Basin, India?

The length of the main trunk in a river basin is an important morphometric parameter and it depends on the size of the drainage basin. The Ganga River Basin is one of the largest basins in the world with the Ganga River considered to be the main stem. Variable lengths of this river in the literature motivated us to study its exact length and also to test whether geomorphically it is the longest river in the basin. The results show that the maximum river length of 2758 km is attained when source is considered at the headstream of the Tons River. This length is more than any of the traditional lengths of the Ganga River in the literature. We propose to call the longest segment of the river in Ganga Basin as the Himalayan Foreland River.

Acute effects of two different tennis sessions on dorsal and lumbar spine of adult players

The aim of the study was to evaluate the dorsal and lumbar spine of expert and recreational tennis players before (pre) and after (post) two different training sessions. The sample consisted of 17 male tennis players, nine expert and eight recreational males (age 21.2 ± 1.6 years). We assessed the back surface by rasterstereography pre and post two different training sessions both lasting 1.5 h: a standard training and a specific over-shoulder shots training session, respectively. Lordotic and kyphotic angle, length, imbalance, inclination for trunk, pelvic torsion, left and right lateral deviation and surface rotation were measured. Tennis expertise (expert versus recreational) significantly affected the surface rotation and right lateral deviation (P < 0.05). Trunk length was affected by intervention (pre versus post) (P < 0.05). Left lateral deviation differed both for type of session (session 1 versus session 2) and intervention (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). Expert tennis players had higher values on surface rotation and right lateral deviation, around or just above physiological values (0–5° and 0–5 mm, respectively). Type of session significantly affected left lateral deviation, indicating that over-shoulder shots lead to a higher stress for the spine; the workload produced by both single sessions led to a shortening effect on trunk length. A single training session can induce acute modifications in some parameters of dorsal and lumbar spine of players.

Relationships of maternal and paternal anthropometry with neonatal body size, proportions and adiposity in an Australian cohort.

The patterns of association between maternal or paternal and neonatal phenotype may offer insight into how neonatal characteristics are shaped by evolutionary processes, such as conflicting parental interests in fetal investment and obstetric constraints. Paternal interests are theoretically served by maximizing fetal growth, and maternal interests by managing investment in current and future offspring, but whether paternal and maternal influences act on different components of overall size is unknown. We tested whether parents' prepregnancy height and body mass index (BMI) were related to neonatal anthropometry (birthweight, head circumference, absolute and proportional limb segment and trunk lengths, subcutaneous fat) among 1,041 Australian neonates using stepwise linear regression. Maternal and paternal height and maternal BMI were associated with birthweight. Paternal height related to offspring forearm and lower leg lengths, maternal height and BMI to neonatal head circumference, and maternal BMI to offspring adiposity. Principal components analysis identified three components of variability reflecting neonatal “head and trunk skeletal size,” “adiposity,” and “limb lengths.” Regression analyses of the component scores supported the associations of head and trunk size or adiposity with maternal anthropometry, and limb lengths with paternal anthropometry. Our results suggest that while neonatal fatness reflects environmental conditions (maternal physiology), head circumference and limb and trunk lengths show differing associations with parental anthropometry. These patterns may reflect genetics, parental imprinting and environmental influences in a manner consistent with parental conflicts of interest. Paternal height may relate to neonatal limb length as a means of increasing fetal growth without exacerbating the risk of obstetric complications. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:625–636, 2015.

Celiomesenteric and hepatosplenomesenteric trunks: characterization of two rare vascular anomalies with CT.

The purpose of this retrospective investigation is to characterize and illustrate the appearances of celiomesenteric trunk (CMT) and hepatosplenomesenteric trunk (HSMT) using CT with three-dimensional volume-rendering with attention to the proximal branching patterns. We also correlate our results with an embryologic model and assess the accuracy of radiologists in recognizing these entities. CT studies on 36 adult subjects with CMT and 10 with HSMT were analyzed to determine the proximal branching patterns and lengths of the common vascular trunks. The official reports in appropriately selected cases were reviewed to ascertain if the interpreting radiologists recognized the anomalies. Two types of CMT were found. In 29 of 36 cases (81%), the CMT bifurcated into the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery (Type A CMT), while in 7 cases the left gastric artery (LGA) arose from the CMT proximal to the hepatosplenic trunk and superior mesenteric artery (Type B CMT). Type A trunks (mean length = 10.4 mm) were significantly shorter (p = 0.007) than Type B trunks (mean length = 17.8 mm). Short common trunks (less than 1.0 cm) were only seen with Type A CMT. Branching patterns in all 10 cases of HSMT were identical with no short common trunks. The CMT was not mentioned in the radiology reports in 88% of the cases assessed. The location of the LGA origin distinguishes the two variants of CMT and differentiates CMT from HSMT. These anomalies are easily overlooked during evaluation of routine clinical cases.

Revision of Leptorhynchoides thecatus (Acanthocephala: Illiosentidae), with morphometric analysis and description of six new species.

Six new species of Leptorhynchoides from the southeastern United States are described. These new species were once part of the Leptorhynchoides thecatus complex of species that was previously recognized on the basis of DNA sequence data. Multivariate morphometric analysis including discriminant function analysis and decision tree analysis indicated that each of the species is morphologically distinct. Both analyses classified more than 90% of specimens correctly and most misclassifications occurred between members of 2 pairs of species that are morphologically similar. The most discriminating continuous characters were: trunk length, number of longitudinal rows of hooks, length of the longest hook, and testes width. Hook asymmetry and missing hooks on the proboscis were also important taxonomic characters. The discriminant function and the decision tree generated from the data were used to classify new specimens, yielding a 96% and 84% correct classification rate, respectively. The new taxonomic designations account for much of the previously recognized variability in host use, habitat use, and development as determined by survey data. With the addition of these 6 new taxa, 10 species currently are recognized within the genus.

Early development and allometric growth patterns of beluga Huso huso (Linnaeus, 1758)

Summary Hatchery reared beluga (Huso huso) were observed from hatching until the juvenile stage in order to analyse their early development and allometric growth patterns using bivariate and multivariate allometric analyses for different body regions (e.g. head, trunk, tail) and test whether there existed similarities in the growth patterns of beluga compared to other fish species, especially other sturgeon species belonging to the genus Acipenser. Results from Principle Component Analysis on morphometric characters (total length, head length, head height, trunk length, rostrum length and eye diameter) in specimens showed that there were shifts in the relative growth of these characters in early development (length at metamorphosis, Lm). A first stage comprised of hatching to 17.03 ± 0.14 mm in total length (Lm1), a second stage was between 17.03 and 25.41 ± 0.21 mm (Lm2), and a third developmental stage at larger sizes (larvae larger than Lm2). Most morphological (feeding, swimming, sensorial and respiratory systems) and morphometric changes in beluga development took place during the second growth stanza, which may be considered as a transitional period from the larval to the juvenile stage, whereas at larger sized fish may be considered as early juveniles. The allometric growth of beluga matched developmental and behavioral events (e.g. swimming-up, schooling and free benthic swimming) observed in the early ontogeny of this species, and showed the priority of growth of the cephalic and tail regions in beluga pre-larvae for feeding and respiratory functions, and the tail for cruising and escape reactions prior to the full development of the digestive system. This study provides information on the ontogeny of the species, establishing a reference for its normal development that might be useful for evaluating the suitability and quality of fish produced for restocking purposes and improving the current beluga management plans.