Ventral Neck Research Articles

Congenital midline cervical cleft: A retrospective case series of 8 children

ObjectivesCongenital midline cervical cleft is a rare developmental abnormality of the ventral neck of unclear etiology. It consists of a midline skin defect. This study reports a case series of 8 patients with congenital midline cervical cleft. MethodsRetrospective review chart including all children referred with congenital midline cervical cleft over 5 years in tertiary center. The study was conducted to determine the presence of associated malformations, to specify the cleft pathology, to analyze the nature of associated cysts, and to discuss surgical procedure. ResultsEight patients ranged from 3 days to 5 years. Two had an associated cervical midline cyst, 3 had a significant micrognatia. Pathological observations were in favor of a branchial origin. There was no recurrence of cervical contraction after a mean follow-up of 20 months. ConclusionCongenital midline cervical cleft is a rare and generally isolated congenital malformation. It does not require either extensive assessment or specific genetic. Described associated cysts might be part of the cleft and not bronchogenic or thyroglossal cysts. Early surgical excision reduces cervical contracture, but linear or Z-plasty closure is still debated.

Recurrent Malassezia dermatitis due to hypothyroidism in a dog and its management

Malassezia pachydermatis is the most common causative organism for development of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs. An adult pug was presented to the clinic with chronic skin abnormalities, rancid odour from the body and pruritus. Lesion distribution was noticed on the ventral chin, neck, abdomen and inner surface of the legs. Skin scrapings, hair plucks and tape impression smears were examined, and footprint-shaped Malassezia organisms were identified in impression smears. Blood was collected to diagnose underlying factor for development of chronic recurrent Malassezia dermatitis. Up on blood tests, lowered total T4 (2.02 μg/dL) and free T4 (0.68 ng/dL) were detected. Treatment was given with oral ketoconazole (5-mg/kg body weight) resulted in improvement of clinical signs within two weeks of therapy. Thyroxine (at 20-μg/kg body weight BID, PO) was administered, and thyroxine levels in blood were in between the normal range after 2 months. No recurrence of dermatitis and pruritus was observed during the observatory period of six months.

Clinical Importance and Surgical Outcomes of Green Type III Cystocele in Women With Anterior Vaginal Prolapse

To explore the clinical importance and surgical outcomes of Green type III cystocele in women with anterior vaginal prolapse. A database of 336 women with a Ba point higher than -3 cm on the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system was retrospectively reviewed. Investigated data comprised those obtained from a clinical interview, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, and sonography. Initially, the baseline data between women with (n = 126) and without (n = 210) Green type III cystocele on sonography were compared. Subsequently, 6-month postoperative data between women who had Green type III cystocele on sonography and underwent either anterior colporrhaphy (n = 25) or a Perigee procedure (n = 76) were compared. Women with Green type III cystocele had symptoms of voiding dysfunction more frequently, stress urinary incontinence less frequently, and more bulging (mean ± SD, 2.7 ± 1.2 versus 1.9 ± 1.5 for women with versus without Green type III cystocele; P = .001), a greater likelihood of stage II or higher cystocele (86.5% versus 60.0% for women with versus without Green type III cystocele; P < .001), as well as more caudodorsal bladder neck and genitohiatal positions and a wider genital hiatus on sonography. Women with Green type III cystocele had a greater likelihood of stage 0 cystocele (64.0% versus 89.5% for anterior colporrhaphy versus Perigee; P< .001) and more ventral bladder neck positions after Perigee procedures. The presence of Green type III cystocele in women with anterior vaginal prolapse is associated with more functional impairments and anatomic defects. Despite comparable functional outcomes, Perigee procedures provide better anatomic outcomes for the anterior vagina in women with Green type III cystocele than anterior colporrhaphy does in the short term.

Novel insights into the interplay between ventral neck muscles in individuals with whiplash-associated disorders.

Chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is common after whiplash injury, with considerable personal, social, and economic burden. Despite decades of research, factors responsible for continuing pain and disability are largely unknown, and diagnostic tools are lacking. Here, we report a novel model of mechanical ventral neck muscle function recorded from non-invasive, real-time, ultrasound measurements. We calculated the deformation area and deformation rate in 23 individuals with persistent WAD and compared them to 23 sex- and age-matched controls. Multivariate statistics were used to analyse interactions between ventral neck muscles, revealing different interplay between muscles in individuals with WAD and healthy controls. Although the cause and effect relation cannot be established from this data, for the first time, we reveal a novel method capable of detecting different neck muscle interplay in people with WAD. This non-invasive method stands to make a major breakthrough in the assessment and diagnosis of people following a whiplash trauma.

Management of apposing, full‐thickness tracheal perforations in two horses

SummaryTwo horses, one 15‐year‐old Arabian gelding and one 10‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding, presented with a history of marked subcutaneous emphysema. The first case exhibited no external wound, although there was a depression noted on the ventral neck. The second case had a laceration on the ventral aspect of the neck over the trachea. Endoscopic examination revealed both horses to have concurrent dorsal and ventral perforations of the trachea. The horses were managed by placing a short, cuffed, J‐shaped tracheostomy tube in the ventral perforation, while the dorsal perforation healed. The dorsal perforation in the first horse was allowed to heal by second intention, whereas sutures were placed in the dorsal perforation in the second case to reduce the healing time. Both horses were maintained on oral antimicrobial and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory medications throughout treatment. The dorsal perforation healed after 13 days in the first horse, and 22 days in the second horse. The ventral perforation healed in both horses by second intention following tracheostomy removal, giving a cosmetically acceptable result. In addition to facilitating tracheal healing, the tracheostomy tubes prevented the progression of subcutaneous emphysema, and promoted its resolution.

Neck motion in turtles and its relation to the shape of the temporal skull region

Extant turtles are characterized by diverse marginal reductions in their temporal skull region. Among other minor factors, their modes of neck retraction were hypothesized to have a key influence for shaping that region through evolution. A recent study on the mobility of the turtle neck highlighted the possibility that stem turtles, such as Proganochelys quenstedti were able to easily retract their necks by laterally tucking the skull under the anterior edge of the shell. A small emargination in the “cheek” of this species could be correlated to its mode of neck retraction. In the present study, by using a geometric morphometric approach, I correlated the curve shapes of retracted necks and other neck positions with the expansion of marginal reductions in turtle skulls. I hypothesize based on morphospace distributions that neck retraction evolved only once within turtle evolution and that pleurodiran and cryptodiran turtle retraction are directly and independently derived from ancestral neck tucking. Pleurodires evolved a middle kink in their elongated neck for lateral retraction. At the dawn of turtle evolution, associated to the ancestrally retracted (laterally rotated) neck, the cervicals were less specialized than in extant taxa. For cryptodires, that condition may have permitted a transitional, intervertebral rotation towards the vertical neck orientation found in that group during retraction. It retained the ancestral characteristically oriented curvature of the cervical column. I found that the cryptodiran mode of retraction and the ventral neck flexion in all turtles are strongly correlated to the expansion of the occiput emargination. Pleurodiran retraction, however, does not influence skull shape to such a degree. The “cheek” emargination is correlated with the expansion of the “occiput” emargination and appears to occur in correlation to the fixation of the palatoquadrate to the braincase in crown turtles. Neck related forces acting on the skull and ventral neck flexion are also hypothesized to be crucial factors for the reduction of a potential temporal fenestration inherited from a potentially fenestrated turtle ancestor.

Cranial Morphology of the Brachystelechid 'Microsaur' Quasicaecilia texana Carroll Provides New Insights into the Diversity and Evolution of Braincase Morphology in Recumbirostran 'Microsaurs'.

Recumbirostran ‘microsaurs,’ a group of early tetrapods from the Late Carboniferous and Early Permian, are the earliest known example of adaptation to head-first burrowing in the tetrapod fossil record. However, understanding of the diversity of fossorial adaptation within the Recumbirostra has been hindered by poor anatomical knowledge of the more divergent forms within the group. Here we report the results of μCT study of Quasicaecilia texana, a poorly-known recumbirostran with a unique, broad, shovel-like snout. The organization of the skull roof and braincase of Quasicaecilia is found to be more in line with that of other recumbirostrans than previously described, despite differences in overall shape. The braincase is found to be broadly comparable to Carrolla craddocki, with a large presphenoid that encompasses much of the interorbital septum and the columella ethmoidalis, and a single compound ossification encompassing the sphenoid, otic, and occipital regions. The recumbirostran braincase conserves general structure and topology of braincase regions and cranial nerve foramina, but it is highly variable in the number of ossifications and their extent, likely associated with the reliance on braincase ossifications to resist compression during sediment compaction and mechanical manipulation by epaxial and hypaxial musculature. Expansion of the deep ventral neck musculature in Quasicaecilia, autapomorphic among recumbirostrans, may reflect unique biomechanical function, and underscores the importance of future attention to the role of the cervical musculature in contextualizing the origin and evolution of fossoriality in recumbirostrans.

First detection of Pasteurella multocida type B:2 in Hungary associated with systemic pasteurellosis in backyard pigs.

This is the first report of Pasteurella multocida type B in Hungarian pigs. This disease was observed in backyard-raised pigs in three households within a small area. Neither the source of the infection nor the epidemiological connection between any of the premises could be determined. The most consistent lesion was dark red discolouration of the skin of the ventral neck and brisket, with accompanying oedema and haemorrhages. The morbidity was low and lethality relatively high, with three dead (50%) and two euthanised (33%) out of six affected animals. A total of three isolates of P. multocida (P55, P56 and P57) were cultured from these cases and examined in detail. These were identified as P. multocida ssp. multocida biovar 3. All were toxA negative and belonged to serotype B:2. Multilocus sequence typing was used to assign these to a new sequence type (ST61) that is closely related to other haemorrhagic septicaemia causing strains of P. multocida regardless of the host. M13 polymerase chain reaction and virulence-associated gene typing also show that type B strains form a highly homogeneous, distinct phylogenic group within P. multocida.

Differences in coordination of ventral neck muscles for individuals with whiplash-associated disorder and healthy controls

G. Peterson1,2, D. Nilsson3, A. Dedering 4, J. Trygg5, T. Wallman1, A. Peolsson2 1Uppsala University, Centre for Clinical Research Sormland, Eskilstuna, Sweden; 2 Linkoping University, Department of Medical and Health, Linkoping, Sweden; 3 Umea University, Department of Chemistry, Computational Life Science Cluster, Umea, Sweden; 4 Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Stockholm, Sweden; 5 Umea University, Department of Chemistry, Computational Life Science Cluster, Unea, Sweden

Altered ventral neck muscle function in chronic whiplash compared to neck healthy controls. An ultrasound investigation

Altered ventral neck muscle function in chronic whiplash compared to neck healthy controls. An ultrasound investigation

Guidelines for Assessing Mouse Endothelial Function via Ultrasound Imaging: a Report from the International Society of Cardiovascular Translational Research

The study is to establish a novel method to determine the endothelial function in mouse carotid arteries in vivo by using high-resolution ultrasound images. Atherosclerosis in carotid arteries is induced in ApoE(-/-) mice with a Western diet. The ultrasound of the ventral neck generates clear pictures of the common carotid arteries. Acetylcholine at the range from 5 to 20 μg/kg/min (iv) is able to induce a dose-dependent relaxation as shown by the increased diameter of these normal mouse carotid arteries, which is impaired in atherosclerotic arteries. The endothelial function determined by ultrasound images in vivo matches well with that determined in isolated carotid arterial rings in vitro. All animals survived after the endothelial function measurement. In this study, we have established a standard method to determine the mouse endothelial function in vivo. It is a reliable, safe, and survival method that could be used repetitively in mouse arteries.

Canine alopecia secondary to human topical hormone replacement therapy in six dogs.

Alopecia is a common presenting complaint in veterinary medicine and is known to occur secondary to numerous primary conditions. In this report, six unrelated dogs from three households were subsequently determined to have developed alopecia as a result of accidental transdermal exposure to their owners' topical hormone replacement therapy (THRT). All cases presented with alopecia ranging in duration from 2 mo to 2.5 yr. All dogs demonstrated alopecia affecting the ventral neck, thoracic and abdominal surfaces, proximal lateral extremities, and lateral trunk. At the time of initial presentation, five of six dogs were also noted to have physical exam findings suggestive of feminization. In all cases, serum total thyroxine was within normal reference range. Affected skin was biopsied in five dogs, and all samples demonstrated four similar histological characteristics: basal melanosis, epidermal and infundibular follicular hyperkeratosis, kenogen hair follicles, and small sebaceous glands. All dogs had elevated baseline estradiol levels, and four dogs had concurrent elevations of baseline progesterone. Average time to onset of clinical signs in those dogs was 5.5 mo after the owners started THRT. Following discontinuation of THRT by the owners, all dogs had complete resolution of their clinical signs by 5.5 mo.

Clinical Management of Chronic Atopic Dermatitis in a Goat: A Case Report

A 4 years old Jamnapari cross buck weighing 50 kg was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, with a primary complaint of dry crusty and alopecic skin lesions on the ventral neck, thoracic, abdominal, scrotal, perianal, and interdigital regions. The animal was physically sound with normal appetite and was managed intensively for breeding purposes. Hematological analysis showed a marked leucocytosis characterized by eosinophilia and netrophilia with degenerative left shift. Skin scrappings taken showed no ectoparasites and the vital parameters were within the normal range. Other systems appeared normal except the integumentary system which showed crusty and alopecic skin lesions on different parts of the body. The case was first tentatively diagnosed as dermatitis and effectively managed following a gradual change of feed and the administration of a single intradermal injection of 50 mg (10 mg/kg) chlorpheniramine maleate, 50 mg of long acting oxytetracycline hydroxide (20 mg/kg, I.M) repeated four days later and multivitamin injection, 10 mg/kg for five days. This report highlights the significance of atopic dermatitis among goats and the need for its early and effective management in breeder farms and to provide a simple systematic approach for veterinarians and animal scientists in diagnosing and managing the condition.

Difficult airway after late postoperative bleeding in a case of total thyroidectomy, tracheal resection and reconstruction.

Difficult airway after late postoperative bleeding in a case of total thyroidectomy, tracheal resection and reconstruction.

Altered ventral neck muscle deformation for individuals with whiplash associated disorder compared to healthy controls – A case-control ultrasound study

Previous studies have shown altered neck muscle function in individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorder (WAD). However, we lack real-time investigations with non-invasive methods that can distinguish between the different ventral neck muscle layers. This study investigated deformations and deformation rates in the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), longus capitis (Lcap), and longus colli (Lco) muscles with real-time ultrasonography. Twenty-six individuals with WAD were compared with 26 controls, matched for age and sex. Ultrasound imaging of the SCM, Lcap, and Lco were recorded during 10 repetitive arm elevations. The first and tenth arm elevations were post-process analyzed with speckle tracking. There were few significant differences in the deformations or deformation rates in the SCM, Lcap, and Lco between the WAD and control group. In controls, deformations and deformation rates showed linear positive relationships between SCM/Lcap, SCM/Lco, and Lcap/Lco which increased from the first arm elevation (R2 = 0.14–0.70); to the tenth arm elevation (R2 = 0.51–0.71). The WAD group showed similar or weaker linear relationship (R2 < 0.19) during the tenth compared to the first (R2 < 0.44) arm elevation except for deformations in Lcap/Lco (R2 = 0.13–0.57). This result indicated that deformations and deformation rates in one muscle were correlated by similar deformations and deformation rates in other neck muscles in the control group, but this interplay between muscles was not found in the WAD group.

Jaw function in Smilodon fatalis: a reevaluation of the canine shear-bite and a proposal for a new forelimb-powered Class 1 Lever Model.

The jaw function of Smilodon fatalis has long been a source of debate. Although modern-day lions subdue large prey through the use of a suffocating throat bite, the dramatically elongated maxillary canines of S. fatalis suggest an alternative bite mechanism. The current literature favors a “canine shear-bite,” in which the depression of the cranium by the ventral neck flexors assists the mandibular adductors in closing the jaws. Although the model makes intuitive sense and appears to be supported by scientific data, the mechanical feasibility of “neck-powered” biting has not been experimentally demonstrated. In the present study, the computer-assisted manipulation of digitized images of a high-quality replica of an S. fatalis neck and skull shows that a rotation of the cranium by the ventral neck flexors will not result in jaw closure. Instead, the cranium and mandible rotate ventrally together (at the atlantooccipital joint), and the jaws remain in an open configuration. The only manner by which rotation of the cranium can simultaneously result in jaw closure is by an anterior rotation at the temporomandibular joint. Based on this finding, the author proposes a new Class 1 lever mechanism for S. fatalis jaw function. In this model, the mandible is immobilized against the neck of the prey and a dorsally directed force from the extension of the forelimbs rotates the cranium anteriorly at the temporomandibular joint. The maxillary canines pierce the prey’s neck and assist in clamping the ventral neck structures. The model is based on a maximum gape angle of approximately 90° and incorporates a secondary virtual point of rotation located slightly anteroventral to the temporomandibular joint. The Class 1 Lever Model is mechanically feasible, consistent with current data on S. fatalis anatomy and ecology, and may provide a basis for similar studies on other fossil taxa.

Myofascial Kinetic Lines in Horses

IntroductionMyofascial lines are chains of interconnected anatomical structures that functionally direct the basic motion patterns of the musculoskeletal system. They have previously been dissected in humans, where they describe the overall spinal motion of flexion, extension, lateral flexion and axial rotation. They are believed to play a role in functionality, connection, and balance of the body. The aim of this study was to investigate whether similar myofascial lines could be identified in the horse.MethodsFive myofascial kinetic lines were dissected in 22 horses euthanized for unrelated reasons. The lines were the Superficial Dorsal Line (SDL), Superficial Ventral Line (SVL), Lateral Line (LL), Spiral Line (SL), and Functional Line (FL).ResultsSDL included hind limb flexors and the errector spinae group, which extend the hip and spine. SVL included hind limb extensors, abdominal muscles, and ventral neck muscles, which are structures with antagonistic functions to SDL. LL followed myofascial tissues along the side of the abdomen and produced latero‐flexion of the spine. FL and SL formed helical lines concerned with spinal axial rotation. FL connected the front limb to the contralateral hind limb by crossing over the midline at the thoraco‐lumbar level dorsal and ventral on the trunk. SL connected one side of the neck with the contralateral front limb and ipsilateral hind limb by a helical course around the body crossing over at the cervico‐thoracic and lumbo‐sacral junctions.ConclusionsThe SBL, SVL and LL complete a functional anatomical ring, which balances the dorsal, ventral and lateral motion patterns of the horse. The helical FL and SL determine the spinal axial rotation. With minor exceptions all lines mirrored the human lines.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was performed on material collected during post‐mortem examination. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: IVCA and The Danish Society for Promotion of Veterinary Science. Competing interests: none.

Longitudinal Changes in Ventral and Dorsal Neck Muscle Layers During Loading Against Gravity in Healthy Volunteers Using Speckle Tracking

ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe and compare the longitudinal mechanical activity, deformation, and deformation rate of the different layers of dorsal and ventral neck muscles in healthy volunteers during head lifts against gravity. MethodsThe cross-sectional study included 19 healthy volunteers (mean age, 28 years; SD, 7 years). Ultrasound with speckle-tracking analysis was used to investigate longitudinal mechanical activation, deformation, and deformation rate of dorsal and ventral neck muscles in real time during a head lift. Significance levels were set as P = .025 or P = .0125, depending on the number of comparisons. ResultsThe dorsal neck muscles did not significantly differ in deformation (P > .04); however, the multifidus had a higher deformation rate than all other dorsal muscles (P < .003). The sternocleidomastoid had significantly higher deformation than the longus capitis (P = .005) and colli (P = .001) but a lower deformation rate than the longus colli (P = .02). ConclusionThe sternocleidomastoid deformed more than the deeper muscles, but it did significantly slower than the longus colli. Among the dorsal muscles, the deepest (the multifidus) had the highest deformation rate.

Evaluation of Physical Function in Individuals 11 to 14 Years After Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Surgery—A Comparison Between Patients and Healthy Reference Samples and Between 2 Surgical Techniques

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate neck-related physical function in individuals 11 to 14 years after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) surgery for degenerative cervical disk disease and to compare the long-term outcome of 2 surgical techniques, including the Cloward procedure and cervical intervertebral fusion cage. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 51 individuals, 11 years or more after ACDF, underwent testing of cervical active range of motion, hand-grip strength, static and dynamic balance, neck muscle endurance, and completed pain ratings. The participants' values were compared with values of age- and sex-matched healthy individuals to evaluate impairments. Correlations between different test scores and pain were performed. Group differences were analyzed between the 2 surgical techniques. ResultsSixty-five percent and 82% exhibited impairment in ventral and dorsal neck muscle endurance, respectively. Impairment rates of 18% to 39% for cervical active range of motion, 27% to 43% for hand-grip strength, 37% for standing balance, and 35% for dynamic balance were recorded. Twenty-nine percent of the participants had impairment (>30 mm visual analog scale) in pain. There were no significant differences in physical function between the 2 surgical treatment groups (Cloward procedure or cervical intervertebral fusion cage) (P = .10-.92). ConclusionsIn those studied, a large percentage of patients who had anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery have impairments in neck-related physical function when compared 11 to 14 years after surgery with age- and sex-matched healthy reference individuals. Neck-specific function, but not balance, was statistically correlated to pain. Neck muscle endurance was most affected, and balance impairments were also present in one-third of the individuals. There were no differences in long-term physical function between the 2 surgical techniques.

IN VITRO PROPERTIES OF NEURAL CREST-DERIVED MULTIPOTENT STEM CELLS FROM A BULGE REGION OF WHISKER FOLLICLE

71 The neural crest (NC), a transient structure in embryo development, is unique to vertebrates. NC is derived from the ectoderm and formed at the border of neuroectoderm and somatic ectoderm. Originally NC is represented by a cell population lying in the form of epithelial cords emerging from both sides of the neural tube. At the neurulation process end the NC cells undergo an epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) and migrate distantly in various tissues and organs of the developing embryo, where they give rise to the multiple differentiated cell types [1, 2]. In adult vertebrate organism the NC derivatives are represented by the following cell types: neurons and glial cells of the peripheral nervous system, the majority of sensory neurons, melanocytes, Merkel cells, odontoblasts, stromal and endothelial cells of cornea, C cells of thyroid gland, the adrenal medulla, a part of thymic stroma [1, 2]. The most plastic are the cells of cranial NC. In addition to the above mentioned differentiated cell types, they form a part of the bone, cartilage and connective tissues of the face, forehead and ventral neck [3, 4]. Unusually wide differentiation potential of the NC cells suggests an existence of multipotent stem cells. Stemple and Anderson firstly revealed the existence of multipotent stem cells in the NC in early embryonic stage of mammalian development [5]. A long time it was thought that, like NC per se, neural crestderived multipotent stem cells (NC-MSCs) have a transient nature. Consequently, the NCMSCs exist only at the premigratory (from the NC specification moment until the beginning of its cell migration) and migratory stages (from the NC cell delamination until their incoming into the sites of final destination), and further, within migration to sites of its final localization, undergo a process of commitment, turning into the progenitor cells with limited proliferative and/or differentiation potential [6, 7]. An example is the transition of NC-MSCs into the melanocyte precursors — melanoblasts. In the last decades, NC-derived cells have been isolated from a number of tissues and organs of the adult mammalians. These cells demonstrate the ability to self-renewal and multilineage differentiation, at least in vitro, i.e., they are multipotent stem cells [8–11]. The origin of these cells from NC was proved by creating special lines of transgenic mice [12, 13], as well as by means of their transplantation in the developing chick embryo, where the NC-MSCs migrated via the UDC 576.3+612.014.2/3