Rc Aland

Atypical coeliomesenteric anastomosis: The presence of an anomalous fourth coeliac trunk branch.

The presence of more than three coeliac trunk branches is a commonly encountered variant. Literature occasionally describes cases of middle or left colic arteries originating from the celiac trunks or its branches; however, the presence of an anomalous arterial connection between the celiac trunk and both the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries (SMA and IMA, respectively) has yet to be reported. Routine abdominal dissection of a male Caucasian cadaver, revealed the presence of an anomalous fourth arterial branch on the 4‐cm long coeliac trunk. The course of this artery was traced, and it terminated by anastomosing with the marginal artery of the mesenteric circulation. The distal termination point of this anomalous fourth coeliac branch was the marginal artery, 5 cm medial of the splenic flexure, anastomosing almost perpendicularly. The diameter of this anomalous artery was comparable with the left gastric artery at their origins. The artery coursed inferiorlaterally toward the splenic flexure, passing immediately posterior to both the pancreas and the splenic vein. The anastomosis point of this artery, near Griffiths Point, is normally considered a watershed region with dual arterial supply from both the SMA and IMA, allowing collateral circulation. This region has a relatively higher susceptibility to irreversible damage in ischemic diseases because of lower perfusion, thus, the anastomosis of atypical coeliac branches represents a rare case for consideration. Awareness of the possibility of embryological variants will minimize the risk of complications in surgical or clinical procedures, and exploration of rare variants will benefit the understanding of vascular embryology. Clin. Anat., 2010.

Dorsal Digital Septum of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint

PURPOSE Clinical observation has led to the discovery of a distinct anatomic septum from the extensor tendon to the skin at the distal phalanx that appears to limit the proximal spread of infection from the dorsum of the distal phalanx. This study employed histology and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify this anatomic structure at the level of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. METHODS We used high-resolution (16.4-T) MRI to image and section 10 cadaveric fingers (9 female, 1 male) from both left and right hands. Once imaged, we made histologic sections using hematoxylin and eosin, or Van Giesons stain, and examined them microscopically for concordant findings. RESULTS In all 10 scans, the proposed septum was visualized using MRI with histologic confirmation. It was observed to extend from the skin creases overlying the dorsal aspect of the DIP joint to the extensor tendon. It is composed of collagen bundles arranged in a variable network that adhere extensor tendon to skin at the DIP joint. CONCLUSIONS Clinical observations proposed the existence of a distinct septum between extensor tendon and skin at the level of the DIP joint. We confirmed this structure to be a collagen septum by MRI and histology. This previously undescribed structure is called the dorsal septum.

Seasonal morphometry of the vomeronasal organ in the marsupial mouse, Antechinus subtropicus.

The vomeronasal system consists of a peripheral organ and the connected central neuronal networks. The central connections are sexually dimorphic in rodents, and in some species, parameters of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) vary with sex, hormonal exposure, body size and seasonality. The VNO of the dasyurid marsupial mouse, Antechinus subtropicus is presumed to be functional. The unusual life history (male semelparity) is marked by distinct seasonality with differences in hormonal environments both between males and females, and in males at different time points. Body size parameters (e.g., length, weight) display sexual dimorphism and, in males, a pronounced weight gain before breeding is followed by a rapid decline during the single, short reproductive season. VNO morphometry was investigated in male and female A. subtropicus to identify possible life cycle associated activity. The overall length of the VNO is positively correlated with the size of the animal. The amount of sensory epithelium exhibits a negative correlation, decreasing with increasing size of the animal. The effects of sex and breeding condition are not obvious, although they do suggest that sensory vomeronasal epithelium mass declines in the breeding period. The VNO may be more important in A. subtropicus before breeding when it may participate in synchronising reproduction and in the development of the male stress response. J. Morphol. 277:1517–1530, 2016.

The course of the obturator artery following passage through the obturator foramen into the thigh.

1 of 2 DESCRIPTION The variability of the obturator artery inside the pelvis is well known; however in the thigh only two branches encircling the obturator foramen are described. With the evolution of minimally invasive trans-obturator approaches to pelvic surgery the anatomy in this area needs to be better understood. Trans-obturator approach has been shown clinically more effective and less invasive treatment for urinary stress incontinence 1 2 ; however it may be associated with vascular complications. 3 To describe, confi rm and measure the branches of the obturator artery following passage through the obturator foramen using a single human cadaver, dissection of the course of the obturator artery from its passage through the obturator foramen in the right groin was performed (fi gure 1). Vessels were measured with calipers and the branching patterns described. The obturator artery was identifi ed piercing the obturator fascia at 7o’ clock position giving off posterior and anterior branches (2.7 mm and 1.9 mm in diameter, respectively) encircling the foramen measuring 2.7 by 5.2 cm. There was a traversing branch (1.7 mm in diameter) coming off the posterior branch 1.7 cm above the inferior border of the foramen. This branch passed the foramen medially 3.2 cm above the inferior border of the foramen. This study reveals that traversing branches of obturator artery are potentially at risk of injury during the trans-obturator surgical approach. Further dissections are required to understand how frequent this is.

The morphology and morphometry of the caudate lobe of the liver in two populations

Aim: We assessed the outcome of pegylated interferon and ribavarin in a multiethnic population in UAE, and compared outcomes to global studies. Material and methods: In this retrospective study (2002 to 2010) all successive patients with chronic hepatitis C, at two large centers, receiving therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavarin were included, all four genotypes ie, 1, 2, 3, 4 were seen. The study population was divided into two groups as high (more than 400,000 IU/ml) and low viral load (less than 400,000). Standard statistical methods were used. Results: There were a total of 112 patients, mean age was 41 ± 8.1 years, (28) type 1, (4) type 2, (45) type 3, (31) type 4, 4 patient were nontypable. 45 patients were from Pakistan, 42 from Egypt, risk factors for transmission were seen in 38.9% patients. Drug addiction, (11.6%), blood transfusion (10.7%) and dental treatment (6.3%). 70% of patients had high viral load. There was no statistical difference in the pretreatment ALT levels between the responders, relapsers or nonresponders. The responders had a lower baseline viral load, p.008 compared to the nonresponders and relapsers. There was no statistical difference in the outcomes between therapy with pegasys (86) or pegintron (26). 52% patients had some side effect with pegasys and 61% with pegintron, there was no statistical difference in this between the two outcome total responders nonresponders relapse

Quantification of medial thinning in human mesenteric arteries in relation to established morphometric parameters

This introductory paper gives an overview of Forensic Anthropology and its relationship to Anatomy. The role of the forensic anthropologist (FA) is to aid the investigating authorities by providing information on the identification of unknown individuals. A very brief account of the development of FA as a subject was given, from its tentative beginnings to its present status, both in the UK and in other countries. The aim of the FA is to establish a basic biological profile for an individual in terms of sex, age-at-death, stature and ethnic affinity but the success and accuracy of this will depend on many factors, not least of which is a thorough knowledge of human anatomy. The nature of the anatomical knowledge needed to determine each of these parameters is discussed. The different circumstances in which an FA is involved, the authorities consulting an FA and the skills needed, are outlined.

Development and Validation of a Technique for Casting Anatomical Features and Toolmarks

Time may elapse between examination of marks inflicted on the body and comparison with a potential weapon. Two‐dimensional photographs may be inadequate for effective comparison of a three‐dimensional mark with a putative instrument. Taking a cast and producing a positive image results in a lasting three‐dimensional record. This project aimed to develop and demonstrate the accuracy of an easy technique for production of long‐lasting positive images (using plaster of Paris and dental alginate). Casts of facial features of embalmed cadavers were used to produce a positive image of the face (death mask). Measurements of distances between facial anatomical landmarks were compared with measurements of distances between the same landmarks on the death masks to assess accuracy of reproduction. There were no significant differences between cadaver and death mask in 6 of 9 measurements, indicating this technique has high accuracy with less mobile facial features, but produces deformation of pliable features.

Quantitative Sex Identification of Hatchling Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas)

Abstract The histological characteristics of the gonads and paramesonephric ducts were investigated to allow a quantitative distinction among male, female, and intersex hatchling Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) from peninsular Malaysia. Hatchling sexes were identified initially as either males or females based on the incubation temperatures, and intersex hatchlings were collected from in situ nests. Traditionally, this assignment is confirmed by qualitative visual assessment of histological sections of the gonads and paramesonephric ducts. We describe a quantitative method for measuring these parameters to distinguish hatchling sex. The thickness of the paramesonephric duct epithelium area, the height of the nucleus in cells within the gonadal cortical epithelium, and the width of the gonadal ridge were measured in sections from 116 hatchlings. Upon examination of the histological material, hatchlings identified initially by incubation temperature as females were found to have significantly thicker paramesonephric duct epithelium and greater gonadal ridge width and cortical epithelium nuclear height compared with hatchlings identified as males. In addition, some hatchlings demonstrated histological characteristics of both sexes (designated here as intersex hatchlings) in some or all of the traditional histological sexing criteria. The “intersex” group could be divided into two subgroups by the quantitative measurements described here. Using this method, hatchlings could be classified as either males, females, or intersexes with a male-appearing gonad and female-appearing duct or a female-appearing gonad and male-appearing duct. The method outlined here provides a quantitative way to distinguish sex and provides insight in intersex grouping in hatchling C. mydas.

Radial nerve in the ante brachium: anatomy of alternative sites of entrapment

At U.K. medical schools, basic radiology is traditionally taught within undergraduate anatomy, a part of the curriculum that is typically very resource intensive. Time and resources available vary considerably among institutions, and despite this, electronic learning tools incorporating radiological images are scarcely used. Warwick Medical School has recently replaced cadaveric dissection with the use of plastinated prosections and axial slices. As a part of the new anatomy curriculum, students rotate through prosections and

Age- and gender-associated changes in intima to media ratio (IMR) of mesenteric and coeliac arteries

Mutations in the gene encoding a nuclear intermediate filament protein, lamin A, cause a spectra of human age-related diseases and premature ageing syndromes, affecting a number of somatic tissues including muscle, heart, adipose, bone, neurons and skin. One disease mechanism for lamin diseases proposes that lamin A mutations impair the control of adult stem cell proliferation via retinoblastoma protein (Rb) pathway, which has a critical role in the maintenance of mammalian stem cell populations. Recently, we demonstrated the role of lamin A in Rb-dependent cell cycle regulation and maintenance of proliferation in adult skin cells. To further understand the role of lamin A in longevity and maintenance of proliferation we studied its role in ageing of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) in vitro, which undergo a progressive loss of proliferative cells and an accumulation of irreversibly arrested senescent cells during ageing. Our results show that human fibroblasts aged in vitro acquire a range of aberrant nuclear phenotypes characteristic of progeroid human fibroblasts. Moreover, we show using three different biochemical techniques, including 2D-gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, glutathione blot assays and immunoprecipitation methods, that the C-terminal specific cysteine residues in lamin A undergo oxidative modifications (S-glutathiolation and other irreversible oxidative modifications) in senescent fibroblasts. These modifications inhibit the formation of higher-order disulphidelinked forms of lamin A in senescent fibroblasts as shown by cysteine cross-linking assays. In addition, during biochemical fractionation of senescent fibroblasts, these modifications led to a partial proteolysis of lamin A within its C-terminal domain. Consequently, lamin A fails to tether retinoblastoma protein (pRb) within the nuclei of senescent fibroblasts. Consistent with these findings, addition of extracts from senescent fibroblasts to a Xenopus in vitro nuclear assembly system caused oxidative modifications to C-terminal cysteine residues in Xenopus lamin LIII and inhibited nuclear lamina assembly and DNA replication. Our findings suggest that lamin A acts as an oxidative stress sensor and is a central component of senescence signalling. We propose a novel model for ageing of human fibroblasts in vitro whereby the accumulation of oxidative damage to lamin A contributes to senescence signalling by de-stabilising the nuclear architecture. This novel model of ageing by lamin A redox state may explain the impaired maintenance of cells and tissues and decreased longevity in patients with lamin A mutations and may help develop future drug treatments based on anti-oxidant therapy.