bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Structure and Composition of the Branchial Filters in Suspension Feeding Elasmobranchs
Authors: Misty Paig‐Tran E.W. , Summers A.P.
Published: June 2014

The four, evolutionarily independent, lineages of suspension feeding elasmobranchs have two types of branchial filters. The first is a robust, flattened filter pad akin to a colander (e.g., whale sharks, mantas and devil rays) while the second more closely resembles the comb‐like gill raker structure found in bony fishes (e.g., basking and megamouth sharks). The structure and the presence of mucus on the filter elements will determine the mechanical function of the filter and subsequent particle transport. Using histology and scanning electron microscopy, we investigated the anatomy of the branchial filters in 12 of the 14 species of Chondrichthyian filter‐feeding fishes. We hypothesized that mucus producing cells would be abundant along the filter epithelium and perform as a sticky mechanism to retain and transport particles; however, we found that only three species had mucus producing goblet cells. Two of these (Mobula kuhlii and Mobula tarapacana) also had branchial cilia, indicating sticky retention and transport. The remaining filter‐feeding elasmobranchs did not have a sticky surface along the filter for particles to collect and instead must employ alternative mechanisms of filtration (e.g., direct sieving, inertial impaction or cross‐flow). With the exception of basking sharks, the branchial filter is composed of a hyaline cartilage skeleton surrounded by a layer of highly organized connective tissue that may function as a support. Megamouth sharks and most of the mobulid rays have denticles along the surface of the filter, presumably to protect against damage from large particle impactions. Basking sharks have branchial filters that lack a cartilaginous core; instead they are composed entirely of smooth keratin. Anat Rec, 297:701–715, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relict Endemism of Extant Rhineuridae (Amphisbaenia): Testing for Phylogenetic Niche Conservatism in the Fossil Record
Authors: Hipsley Christy A. , Müller Johannes
Published: June 2014

Rhineurid amphisbaenians are represented by a rich Cenozoic fossil record in North America, but today conisist of a single living species restricted to the Florida Peninsula. Such relict endemism may be the result of phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC), the retention of ancestral traits preventing expansion into new environments. Most tests of PNC derive ancestral niche preferences from species' extant ecologies, while ignoring valuable paleontological information. To test if PNC contributes to the restricted distribution of modern Rhineura floridana, we compare the species' current environmental preferences (temperature, precipitation and soil) to paleoenvironmental data from the rhineurid fossil record. We find no evidence of PNC in modern R. floridana, as it also occurred in Florida during drier glacial periods. Ancient rhineurids also exhibit tolerance to changing climates, having undergone a shift from subtropical‐humid to semi‐arid savanna conditions during the Eocene‐Oligocene transition. However, rhineurids nearly disappear from North America after the middle Miocene, potentially due to the onset of prolonged freezing temperatures following the mid‐Miocene Climatic Optimum. This physiological limit of environmental tolerances could be interpreted as PNC for the entire family, but also characterizes much of Amphisbaenia, emphasizing the relevance of the temporal as well as phylogenetic scale at which PNC is investigated. Anat Rec, 297:473–481, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Model of the Anterior Esophagus in Snakes, with Functional and Developmental Implications
Authors: Cundall David , Tuttman Cassandra , Close Matthew
Published: June 2014

The gross anatomy of the mouth of snakes has always been interpreted as an evolutionary response to feeding demands. In most alethinophidian species, their anatomy allows limited functional independence of right and left sides and the roof and floor of the mouth as well as wide separation of the tips of the mandibles. However, locations of the tongue and glottis in snakes suggest extraordinary rearrangement of pharyngeal structures characteristic of all vertebrates. Serial histological sections through the heads of a number of colubroid species show muscularis mucosal smooth muscle fibers appearing in the paratracheal gutter of the lower jaw at varying levels between the eye and ear regions. Incomplete muscularis externa elements appear beneath the paratracheal gutter more caudally but typically at otic levels. Both muscle layers encompass more of the gut wall at more posterior levels, encircling the gut at the level of the atlas or axis. The pattern in snakes suggests developmental dissociation of dorsal and ventral splanchnic derivatives and extensive topological rearrangements of some ventral pharyngeal arch derivatives typical of most tetrapods. When snakes swallow large prey, the effective oral cavity becomes extremely short ventrally. The palatomaxillary arches function as ratchets packing the prey almost directly into the esophagus. Our findings raise questions about germ layer origins and regulation of differentiation of gut regions and derivatives in snakes and suggest that significant aspects of the evolution of lepidosaurs may be difficult to recover from bones or molecular sequence data alone. Anat Rec, 297:586–598, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postnatal Development of the Skull of Dinilysia patagonica (Squamata‐Stem Serpentes)
Authors: Scanferla Agustín , Bhullar Bhart‐Anjan S.
Published: June 2014

The snake skull represents a profound transformation of the ancestral squamate cranium in which dermal skull roof bones were integrated with the braincase, in a manner convergent with that which occurred during the origin of mammals. However, the ontogeny of snake characters at the origin of the clade has until now been inaccessible. Here we describe a postnatal ontogenetic series of the Late Cretaceous stem snake Dinilysia patagonica and compare it to that of extant lizards and snakes. Comparative analysis indicates notable ontogenetic changes, including advanced state of ossification, isometric growth of the otic capsule, fusion of the stylohyal to the quadrate, and great posterior elongation of the supratemporal. Of these transformations, the unfused condition of braincase bones and the retention of a large otic capsule in adults are examples of paedomorphic and peramorphic processes, respectively. Some ontogenetic transformations detected, in particular those present in middle ear, skull roof and suspensorium, are strikingly similar to those present in extant snakes. Nevertheless, Dinilysia retains a lizard‐like paroccipital process without an epiphyseal extremity, and a calcified epiphysis that caps the sphenoccipital tubercle. Finally, the integration of the dermal skull roof with the braincase is similar to that seen in mammals with regard to the overall closure of the braincase, but the two evolutionary and developmental modules appear less integrated in snakes in that the parietal bone of the dermal skull roof progressively overlaps the supraoccipital of the chondrocranial braincase. Anat Rec, 297:560–573, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computed Tomography and Gross Anatomical Studies on the Head of One‐Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Alsafy Mohamed A.M. , El‐gendy Samir A.A. , Abumandour Mohamed M.A.
Published: June 2014

The current study aimed to document by computed tomography (CT) the anatomical structures of the one‐Humped camel head relative to their adaptability to living environments. Seven adult one‐Humped camels' heads were used in this study. The structures of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, orbit, and cranium were investigated using computed tomographic scans, cross, and sagittal sections of the head cadavers, and skulls. The study showed the nasal conchae had special properties where the dorsal nasal concha contained the dorsal conchal sinus, the middle nasal concha contained the middle conchal sinus, while the ventral nasal concha did not contain a sinus. The middle nasal concha was large and extended rostral between the dorsal and ventral nasal concha. The nasal meatuses were narrow spaces that suggested adaptability to a desert environment. The paranasal sinuses comprised maxillary, frontal, sphenoidal, lacrimal, and ethmoidal that were identified and labeled according to cheek teeth landmarks. The topographic description and relationship between nasal, oral, orbital, cranial cavities, pharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses were demonstrated. The articular disc, articular surface, and joint capsule of the temporomandibular joint were described by CT and cross sectional images. The current CT, cross, and sagittal sections images provide a reference for normal camel head anatomy. Anat Rec, 297:630–642, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unusual Soft‐Tissue Preservation of a Crocodile Lizard (Squamata, Shinisauria) From the Green River Formation (Eocene) and Shinisaur Relationships
Authors: Conrad Jack L. , Head Jason J. , Carrano Matthew T.
Published: June 2014

We describe an unusual squamate fossil from the Green River Formation (Uintan, Eocene) from the Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado, USA. The new specimen, USNM PAL 540708, is a small fossil squamate skin lacking skeletal elements. It is preserved as a part and counterpart in fine‐grained limestone. Recovery of a fossil organism's skin (not a shed, but a true skin) is unusual and is most often accompanied by bone preservation. Phylogenetic analysis of a combined morphology (phenotype) and genetic data set reveals that USNM PAL 540708 is a shinisaur and reaffirms that shinisaurs are more closely related to varanids than to Xenosaurus. Shinisaur fossils are very rare, with only three species having been described (Dalinghosaurus longidigitus, Bahndwivici ammoskius, and Merkurosaurus ornatus). Despite differences in the relative size of scales, the new fossil demonstrates that shinisaurs have remained unchanged in the distribution of scales and patterns of scale size during the Cenozoic. This, paired with the osteological similarity between another Green River fossil (Bahndwivici ammoskius) demonstrates considerable overall conservatism within shinisaurs over the past 50 million years. Anat Rec, 297:545–559, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BMP4/Smad Signaling Pathway Induces the Differentiation of Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cells via Upregulation of Sohlh2
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Yuecun , Zhang Xiaoli , Sun Jinhao , Hao Jing
Published: June 2014

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) capable of self‐renewal and differentiation are the foundation for spermatogenesis. Although several factors that govern these processes have been investigated, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of BMP4 in mouse SSC differentiation, and found that SSCs cultured in the presence of BMP4 underwent differentiation, characterized by downregulation of SSC self‐renewal markers, Plzf, and upregulation of SSC differentiation marker, c‐kit. Smad1/5/8 proteins were phosphorylated during BMP4‐induced differentiation. The effects of BMP4 on SSCs were blocked by BMP4 inhibitor (Dorsomorphin). The activation of BMP4/Smad signaling pathway in SSCs increased the expression of Sohlh2, which is involved in the early differentiation of spermatogonia. Knockdown sohlh2 expression by RNA interference abolished the effect of BMP4 on SSC differentiation and the upregulation of c‐kit expression. Overall, our results suggest that BMP4 plays an important role during the early differentiation of SSCs via upregulation of sohlh2. Anat Rec, 297:749–757, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The supreme intercostal artery includes the last cervical intersegmental artery (C7) ‐ angiographic validation of the intersegmental nomenclature proposed by Dorcas Padget in 1954
Authors: Gailloud Philippe
Published: June 2014

In 1954, Dorcas Padget wrote a note that settled the debate over the labeling of the intersegmental arteries (ISAs) and the level of origin of the subclavian artery (SubA), in agreement with earlier observations made by Hochstetter in the rabbit (1890) and Schmeidel in man (1932). In her proposed nomenclature, Padget introduced the name of proatlantal artery and confirmed that the SubA was associated with the sixth ISA rather than the seventh. However, a generally unnoticed consequence of this now widely accepted terminology lays in its incompatibility with the traditional view of the costocervical trunk (CT), regarding in particular the anatomy of the supreme intercostal artery (SIA). If the SubA derives from the sixth cervical ISA (ISA 6), and the CT provides the first and second posterior IAs (ISA 8 and 9), the seventh cervical ISA (ISA 7) then remains unaccounted for. The purpose of this study was to examine Padget's nomenclature in the light of modern angiographic material to identify the missing seventh ISA. Our findings validate the terminology used by Padget, including the addition of a pro‐atlantal artery and the identification of the ISA most commonly associated with the SubA as the sixth ISA, but they also emphasize the need to redefine the anatomy of the SIA to incorporate the seventh cervical ISA. Anat Rec, 297:810–818, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Berbamine Enhances the Antineoplastic Activity of Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Activating Transforming Growth Factor‐β/Smad Signaling
Authors: Jin Xiaoli , Wu Yulian
Published: June 2014

Drug‐resistance to gemcitabine chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer is still an unsolved problem. Combinations of other chemotherapy drugs with gemcitabine have been shown to increase the efficacy of gemcitabine‐based treatment. In this study, the effect of berbamine on the antitumor activity of gemcitabine was evaluated in human pancreatic cancer cell lines Bxpc‐3 and Panc‐1, and the underlying mechanisms were explored. Our results demonstrated that berbamine exhibited a time‐ and dose‐dependent inhibitory effect in the pancreatic cancer cell lines. Berbamine enhanced gemcitabine‐induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in these cells. Combined treatment of berbamine and gemcitabine resulted in down‐regulation of anti‐apoptotic proteins (Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL) and up‐regulation of pro‐apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bid). More importantly, berbamine treatment in combination with gemcitabine activated the transforming growth factor‐β/Smad (TGF‐β/Smad) signaling pathway, as a result of a decrease in Smad7 and an increase in transforming growth factor‐β receptor II (TβRII) expression. Changes in downstream targets of Smad7, such as up‐regulation of p21 and down‐regulation of c‐Myc and Cyclin D1 were also observed. Therefore, berbamine could enhance the antitumor activity of gemcitabine by inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis, possibly through the regulation of the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins and the activation of TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway. Our study indicates that berbamine may be a promising candidate to be used in combination with gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer treatment. Anat Rec, 297:802–809, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Craniofacial Shape Variation in Twist1+/− Mutant Mice
Authors: Parsons Trish E. , Weinberg Seth M. , Khaksarfard Kameron , Howie R. Nicole , Elsalanty Mohammed , Yu Jack C. , Cray James J.
Published: June 2014

Craniosynostosis (CS) is a relatively common birth defect resulting from the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. Human genetic studies have identified several genes in association with CS. One such gene that has been implicated in both syndromic (Saethre–Chotzen syndrome) and nonsyndromic forms of CS in humans is TWIST1. In this study, a heterozygous Twist1 knock out (Twist1+/−) mouse model was used to study the craniofacial shape changes associated with the partial loss of function. A geometric morphometric approach was used to analyze landmark data derived from microcomputed tomography scans to compare craniofacial shape between 17 Twist1+/− mice and 26 of their Twist1+/+ (wild type) littermate controls at 15 days of age. The results show that despite the purported wide variation in synostotic severity, Twist1+/− mice have a consistent pattern of craniofacial dysmorphology affecting all major regions of the skull. Similar to Saethre–Chotzen, the calvarium is acrocephalic and wide with an overall brachycephalic shape. Mutant mice also exhibited a shortened cranial base and a wider and shorted face, consistent with coronal CS associated phenotypes. The results suggest that these differences are at least partially the direct result of the Twist1 haploinsufficiency on the developing craniofacial skeleton. This study provides a quantitative phenotype complement to the developmental and molecular genetic research previously done on Twist1. These results can be used to generate further hypotheses about the effect of Twist1 and premature suture fusion on the entire craniofacial skeleton. Anat Rec, 297:826–833, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computed Tomography and Cross‐Sectional Anatomy of the Thorax of the Live Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Ivančić Marina , Solano Mauricio , Smith Cynthia R.
Published: June 2014

Pulmonary disease is one of the leading causes of cetacean morbidity and mortality in the wild and in managed collections. The purpose of this study was to present the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of the thorax of the live bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) out‐of‐water and to describe the technical and logistical parameters involved in CT image acquisition in this species. Six thoracic CT evaluations of four conscious adult bottlenose dolphins were performed between April 2007 and May 2012. Animals were trained to slide out of the water onto foam pads and were transported in covered trucks to a human CT facility. Under light sedation, animals were secured in sternal recumbency for acquisition of CT data. Non‐contrast helical images were obtained during an end‐inspiratory breath hold. Diagnostic, high quality images were obtained in all cases. Respiratory motion was largely insignificant due to the species' apneustic respiratory pattern. CT findings characteristic of this species include the presence of a bronchus trachealis, absence of lung lobation, cranial cervical extension of the lung, lack of conspicuity of intrathoracic lymph nodes, and presence of retia mirabilia. Dorsoventral narrowing of the heart relative to the thorax was seen in all animals and is suspected to be an artifact of gravity loading. Diagnostic thoracic computed tomography of live cetaceans is feasible and likely to prove clinically valuable. A detailed series of cross‐sectional reference images is provided. Anat Rec, 297:901–915, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrastructural Features of Vagina at Different Phases of the Oestrous Cycle in the Female African Giant Rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse)
Authors: Akinloye Adebayo K. , Oke Bankole O.
Published: June 2014

The ultrastructures of the vagina at various stages of the oestrous cycle in female African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse) were described in the present study. At mid‐proestrus, late proestrus (LP)/early estrus (EE) and mid‐estrus (ME) as well as late metestrus (LM)/early diestrus (ED) and mid‐diestrus (MD), complex interface of epithelium and lamina propria were observed. Cells of the stratum basale formed finger‐like extensions into the underlying lamina propria and tips of the extensions displayed hemidesmosome while basal lamina followed the contour of the extensions. At mid‐metestrus (MM) and late diestrus/early proestrus, well developed, relatively straight basal lamina interfaced between the stratum basale and the lamina propria without finger‐like projections. Polygonal cells with indented nuclei and, cytoplasm containing ribosomes, polysomes, intermediate filaments, and mitochondria were observed in stratum spinosum at all the phases of the oestrus cycle. At MM, LM/ED, and MD, the stratum spinosum had numerous desmosomes with tonofilaments, large microvilli that intermingled at the intercellular spaces and evidence of trapped/migrating neutrophils and lymphocytes. The superficial layer displayed short microvilli at mid‐proestrus, cornification at LP/EE and desquamation at ME while it showed condensation of intermediate filaments; projections of large microvilli into the luminal surface at MM, and embeddement of neutrophils at LM/ED as well as MD. This study looked into the reproductive biology of female African giant rats to produce baseline information on its reproductive organs and represented the first comprehensive description of the vagina at the ultrastructural level during oestrous cycle. Anat Rec, 297:1131–1136, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is Salamander Limb Regeneration Really Perfect? Anatomical and Morphogenetic Analysis of Forelimb Muscle Regeneration in GFP‐Transgenic Axolotls as a Basis for Regenerative, Developmental, and Evolutionary Studies
Authors: Diogo R. , Nacu E. , Tanaka E.M.
Published: June 2014

The axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum is one of the most commonly used model organisms in developmental and regenerative studies because it can reconstitute what is believed to be a completely normal anatomical and functional forelimb/hindlimb after amputation. However, to date it has not been confirmed whether each regenerated forelimb muscle is really a “perfect” copy of the original muscle. This study describes the regeneration of the arm, forearm, hand, and some pectoral muscles (e.g., coracoradialis) in transgenic axolotls that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in muscle fibers. The observations found that: (1) there were muscle anomalies in 43% of the regenerated forelimbs; (2) however, on average in each regenerated forelimb there are anomalies in only 2.5% of the total number of muscles examined, and there were no significant differences observed in the specific insertion and origin of the other muscles analyzed; (3) one of the most notable and common anomalies (seen in 35% of the regenerated forelimbs) was the presence of a fleshy coracoradialis at the level of the arm; this is a particularly outstanding configuration because in axolotls and in urodeles in general this muscle only has a thin tendon at the level of the arm, and the additional fleshy belly in the regenerated arms is strikingly similar to the fleshy biceps brachii of amniotes, suggesting a remarkable parallel between a regeneration defect and a major phenotypic change that occurred during tetrapod limb evolution; (4) during forelimb muscle regeneration there was a clear proximo‐distal and radio‐ulnar morphogenetic gradient, as seen in normal development, but also a ventro‐dorsal gradient in the order of regeneration, which was not previously described in the literature. These results have broader implications for regenerative, evolutionary, developmental and morphogenetic studies. Anat Rec, 297:1076–1089, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterns of Morphological Variation of Extant Sloth Skulls and their Implication for Future Conservation Efforts
Authors: Hautier Lionel , Billet Guillaume , Eastwood Bethany , Lane Jemima
Published: June 2014

Several studies have shown an increased morphological variability of sloths from mammalian norms, affecting varied phenotypic traits from skeletal parts to soft tissues. We present here the first descriptive comparison of the whole skull morphology within the two extant sloth genera, combining geometric morphometric approaches with comparative anatomy. We used these methods to explore the patterns of the intra‐ and interspecific morphological variation of the skull with regard to several factors such as phylogeny, geography, allometry, or sexual dimorphism. Our study first revealed strong phylogenetic and geographical imprints on the cranial and mandibular morphological traits. This result demonstrates the importance of accurate knowledge of species and their geographical distributions; here we show from an example pertaining toBradypus variegatuspopulations the implications this has on conservation management. Moreover, in order to control the amount of this detected variation, we tentatively compared sloths to a wide range of mammalian species. Our analysis found no significant increase in the average deviation of skull shape within each investigated sloth species compared to other mammals. This suggests that the intraspecific cranial variation in sloths does not depart significantly from the variation observed in other mammals. This result has positive implications for the demarcation of anatomical regions that maintain high levels of morphological variation in sloths. Anat Rec, 297:979–1008, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aberrant Tissue Positioning of Metallophilic Macrophages in the Thymus of XCL1‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Milićević Novica M. , Lalić Ivana M. , Despotović Sanja Z. , Ćirić Darko N. , Westermann Jűrgen , De Waal Malefyt Rene , Milićević Živana
Published: June 2014

Metallophilic macrophages hold a strategic position within the thymic tissue and play a considerable function in thymic physiology. The development and positioning of these cells within thymic tissue are regulated by complex molecular mechanisms involving different cytokine/chemokine axes. Herein, we studied the role of XCL1 signaling in these processes. We show that in the XCL1‐deficient thymus numerous metallophilic macrophages are aberrantly positioned in the thymic cortex, instead of their normal location in the cortico‐medullary zone. Still, these cells retain their normal appearance: very large size with prominent, ramifying cytoplasmic prolongations. This shows that XCL1 signaling is not involved in morphological development, but rather in correct positioning of metallophilic macrophages within the thymic tissue. In contrast to thymic metallophilic macrophages, the positioning of splenic marginal metallophilic macrophages is not affected by XCL1‐deficiency. Anat Rec, 297:1472–1477, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lymphocyte Subpopulations in the Liver, Spleen, Intestines, and Mesenteric Nodes: An Immunohistochemical Study Using Human Fetuses at 15–16 Weeks
Authors: Hwang Si Eun , Kim Ji Hyun , Yu Hee Chul , Murakami Gen , Cho Baik Hwan
Published: June 2014

The roles of the liver and intestines in lymphocyte differentiation in human fetuses were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis of the thymus, bone marrow, liver, spleen, intestines, and lymph nodes of 15–16 week human fetuses using primary antibodies against IgM, CD3, CD7, CD8, CD10, CD20, CD45RO, HLA‐DR, and CD68. The density of immunoreactive lymphocytes was high in the thymus and lymph nodes, but much lower in the bones, liver, spleen, and intestines. The medulla of the thymus contained IgM‐positive mature B lymphocytes as well as CD20‐positve B lymphocytes. In contrast, CD10‐positive immature B lymphocytes were restricted in the cortex. There were no site‐dependent differences among axillary, mediastinal, mesenteric, and pelvic lymph nodes. CD68‐positive cells were observed at all sites examined. Many HLA‐DR‐positive round cells were present in the thymus, with fewer in the liver and spleen. The absolute number of lymphocytes was estimated to be ≥10‐fold higher in lymph nodes than in liver. Although limited by analysis of only one fetal stage, these findings suggest that mesenteric nodes are likely to be more important than the liver, spleen, and intestines for lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation in human mid‐term fetuses. Anat Rec, 297:1478–1489, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A histological investigation into the correlation of central retinal artery atherosclerosis with the systemic circulation
Authors: Schear Matthew J. , Beatty Brian Lee
Published: June 2014

Current research suggests that retinal arterial changes such as arteriovenous nicking and arterial narrowing are pathologically distinct from atherosclerosis. Other studies have found a positive correlation between retinal changes and systemic atherosclerosis. However, limited recent histopathologic evidence assessing atherosclerosis in the central retinal artery exists. We investigated atherosclerosis in the central retinal artery and how it correlates to atherosclerosis in the carotid and coronary arteries. Twenty‐two cadavers (12 males, 10 females) were dissected, obtaining one orbit, one carotid artery, and one coronary artery from each. The specimens were sectioned and stained for histologic analysis by light microscopy using hematoxylin and eosin, Verhoeff's elastic, and Gomori's trichrome stains. The degree of atherosclerosis was graded from absent, or I (least severe) to VIII (most severe) based on the current American Heart Association guidelines. Atherosclerotic changes were present in the central retinal, coronary, and carotid arteries. A positive correlation was found between the central retinal artery and the carotid artery (r = 0.23, P = 0.15), the central retinal artery and the coronary artery (r = 0.31, P = 0.08), and the carotid artery and the coronary artery (r = 0.45, P = 0.02). The presence of low‐grade atherosclerosis in the central retinal artery is prevalent in a population of advanced vascular disease. However, central retinal artery atherosclerotic lesion severity is poorly correlated with disease severity in the carotid and coronary arteries. Anat Rec, 297:1430–1434, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Lateral Line System in Anuran Tadpoles: Neuromast Morphology, Arrangement, and Innervation
Authors: Quinzio Silvia , Fabrezi Marissa
Published: June 2014

Anuran larvae have been classified into four morphological types which reflect intraordinal macroevolution. At present, complete characterizations of the lateral line system are only available for Xenopus laevis (Type I) and Discoglossus pictus (Type III). We analyzed the morphology, arrangement, and innervation of neuromasts related to the anterodorsal and anteroventral lateral line nerves in 10 anuran species representing Types I, II, and IV with the aim of interpreting the existing variation and discussing the evolution of the lateral line in anuran larvae. We found: (1) the presence of two orbital and three mandibular neuromast lines in all anuran larvae studied, (2) the ventral arrangement of mandibular neuromast lines appears to have evolved convergently in Larval Types I and II, and the lateroventral arrangement of mandibular lines of neuromasts appears to have evolved in Larval Types III and IV; (3) interspecific variation in the organization, size, and number of sensory cells per neuromast within the lines; and (4) the supralabial extension of the Angular line in Lepidobatrachus spp. and the tentacular location of the Oral neuromasts in X. laevis are concomitant with their particular morphologies. Based on the variation described we find that the lateral line system in anuran larvae seems to have been maintained without significant changes, with the exception of Lepidobatrachus spp. and Xenopus. These unique features added to other of Lepidobatrachus tadpoles are sufficient to propose a new Larval Type (V). Anat Rec, 297:1508–1522, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial of pancreaticogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy on the rate and severity of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Figueras J , Sabater L , Planellas P , Muñoz-Forner E , Lopez-Ben S , Falgueras L , Sala-Palau C , Albiol M , Ortega-Serrano J , Castro-Gutierrez E
Published: June 2014

Background

Anastomotic leakage of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) remains the single most important source of morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The primary aim of this randomized clinical trial comparing PG with PJ after PD was to test the hypothesis that invaginated PG would result in a lower rate and severity of pancreatic fistula.

Methods

Patients undergoing PD were randomized to receive either a duct-to-duct PJ or a double-layer invaginated PG. The primary endpoint was the rate of pancreatic fistula, using the definition of the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula. Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of severe abdominal complications (Clavien–Dindo grade IIIa or above), endocrine and exocrine function.

Results

Of 123 patients randomized, 58 underwent PJ and 65 had PG. The incidence of pancreatic fistula was significantly higher following PJ than for PG (20 of 58 versus 10 of 65 respectively; P = 0·014), as was the severity of pancreatic fistula (grade A: 2 versus 5 per cent; grade B–C: 33 versus 11 per cent; P = 0·006). The hospital readmission rate for complications was significantly lower after PG (6 versus 24 per cent; P = 0·005), weight loss was lower (P = 0·025) and exocrine function better (P = 0·022).

Conclusion

The rate and severity of pancreatic fistula was significantly lower with this PG technique compared with that following PJ. Registration number: ISRCTN58328599 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Systematic review of chimney and periscope grafts for endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Wilson A , Zhou S , Bachoo P , Tambyraja A L
Published: June 2014

Background

Conventional endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) needs a proximal aortic seal zone that is free from aortic branch vessels. The modified application of conventional EVAR devices using adjuvant chimney or periscope grafts is described as a pragmatic alternative to custom-made fenestrated and branched endografts. This systematic review examined the application and outcomes of chimney or periscope grafts for aortic aneurysm.

Methods

A search was performed for all studies of chimney or periscope grafts for EVAR. Clinical details and outcome in terms of technical success, survival, freedom from endoleak and branch vessel patency were examined.

Results

Twenty-four studies describing 234 patients who underwent EVAR with one or more chimney or periscope grafts for aortic branch vessels were identified. Most procedures were elective; only 62 (26·5 per cent) were performed urgently. There were 176 patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm and 58 with a thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Three hundred and seventy-six branch vessels were perfused. Twelve patients (5·1 per cent) died within 30 days of aneurysm repair. Twenty-seven patients (11·5 per cent) developed a type I endoleak. After a mean(s.d.) follow-up of 12(5) months, seven branch vessels stents had occluded.

Conclusion

These highly selected data support the potential value of chimney and periscope graft techniques for patients with challenging aortic aneurysm morphology. There is a lack of medium- and long-term follow-up data.

Presented to the Annual Meeting of the British Society of Endovascular Therapy, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK, June 2012
GFP‐SCFV: Expression and possible applications as a tool for experimental investigations of atherosclerosis
Authors: Faulin Tanize do Espirito Santo , Guilherme Daniel Ferreira , Silva Aldacilene Souza , Abdalla Dulcineia Saes Parra , Hering Vitor Renaux , Politi Mario José , Maranhão Andrea Queiroz
Published: June 2014

Experimental studies on atherosclerosis are crucial for investigating its pathophysiology, defining new therapeutic targets, and developing new drugs and diagnostic tools. Thus, many imaging markers have been developed and introduced in experimental studies. The main advantage of these new tools is that they allow the noninvasive diagnosis of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Here, we describe the cloning, expression, purification, and stabilization of a chimeric protein specifically designed to probe cells and tissues for the presence of LDL(−), a relevant marker of atherosclerosis. The DNA sequence that encodes the anti‐LDL(−) scFv, previously obtained from a hybridoma secreting an anti‐LDL(−) monoclonal antibody, was inserted into the bacterial vector pET‐28a(+) in tandem with a DNA sequence encoding GFP. The recombinant protein was expressed in high yields in E. coli as inclusion bodies. The applicability of GFP‐scFv was assessed by ELISA, which determined its affinity for LDL(−) and confocal microscopy, that showed macrophage uptake of the protein along with LDL(−). In conclusion, our data suggest that the anti‐LDL(−) GFP‐scFv chimeric protein could be useful in studies on atherogenesis as well as for developing diagnostic tools for atherosclerosis. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1206–1213, 2014
Using social bonding theory to examine ‘recovery’ in a forensic mental health hospital: A qualitative study
Authors: Nijdam‐Jones Alicia , Livingston James D. , Verdun‐Jones Simon , Brink Johann
Published: June 2014

Background

For people living with mental illness, recovery involves learning to overcome and manage their symptoms and striving to live fulfilling lives. The literature on achieving recovery emphasises the importance of social connections and positive role models. Hirschi's social bonding theory posits that an individual's attachment to others, belief in social norms, and their commitment and involvement in conventional activities are the major contributors to normalising social behaviour.

Aims

The aim of this study is to understand the qualities of service identified by patients in a forensic hospital as being important and meaningful to recovery.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 30 inpatients in a forensic mental health hospital in British Columbia, Canada, were audio recorded, and the transcriptions were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes emerged: involvement in programmes, belief in rules and social norms, attachment to supportive individuals, commitment to work‐related activities and concern about indeterminacy of stay.

Conclusions

The first four themes map closely onto Hirschi's criminologically derived social bonding theory; however, indeterminacy of stay also arose as a common theme. In addition, the theory was too simple in its separation of elements; our data suggested the complex integration of themes. Our findings may be useful for informing evaluation of forensic mental health services. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individuals in the criminal justice system show differences in cooperative behaviour: Implications from cooperative games
Authors: Clark BRENDAN C. , Thorne Christopher B. , Hendricks Peter S. , Sharp Carla , Clark Shane K. , Cropsey Karen L.
Published: June 2014

Background

The high rate of incarceration in the USA warrants continued exploration into understanding and ameliorating criminal behaviour. The growing use of cooperative games to measure developing prosocial behaviours has never been explored in a US criminal justice population.

Aims

The aim of this study is to examine cooperative game play among offenders under supervision in the community. We hypothesised that the offenders would use more guarded and self‐preserving strategies and be more likely to excel in short‐lived interactions than law‐abiding community citizens.

Methods

Community supervised offenders (83) and general population comparison participants (41) were recruited by town centre adverts placed in popular shops. Using the supervision centres as venues, all participants were asked to complete four cooperative games (prisoner's dilemma, public goods game, ultimatum game and trust game), not knowing the identity of the other player who was always, in fact, the experimenter.

Results

The offender and general population groups were similar in age (early 30s), sex (2/3 men), race (45% white) and IQ distribution (low average range). Offenders made lower offers in the ultimatum game, had lower scores in the prisoner's dilemma, made lower investments and offered lower returns in the trust game and contributed less in the public goods game.

Conclusions

Even community‐based offenders thus seem to have deficits in the kinds of gameplay, which are informed by theories of social cooperation, but the direction of relationship with offending remains unclear. The apparent deficits may reflect adaptation to a hostile environment where trust and reciprocity are not rewarded. It is also important to recognise that these community‐based offenders did develop play indicative of trust and reciprocity, they just did so more slowly than the comparison group. This may have implications for allowing time for rapport to develop in supervisory relationships. Finally, offenders may benefit from learning that although more guarded behaviours may be adaptive in a rough neighbourhood or in jail, they may be maladaptive and limit their success in other settings such as the work place. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiac Platypnea‐Orthodeoxia Syndrome: An Often Unrecognized Malady
Authors: Knapper Joseph T. , Schultz Jason , Das Gladwin , Sperling Laurence S.
Published: June 2014

Platypnea‐orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare but clinically important form of dyspnea. The syndrome is characterized by dyspnea and arterial oxygen desaturation that occurs in the upright position and improves with recumbency. In cardiac POS, an atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale allows communication between the right‐ and left‐sided circulations. A second defect, such as a dilated aorta, prominent eustachian valve, or pneumonectomy, then contributes to right‐to‐left shunting through the interatrial connection. Diagnosis is made through pulse oximetry to confirm orthodeoxia and through transesophageal echocardiography with bubble study to visualize the shunt. Although data are limited for this rare syndrome, percutaneous closure has thus far proven safe and effective.
A new two‐stage algorithm for solving power flow tracing
Authors: Maleksaeedi Iman , Khiav Behzad Esazadeh , Germi Masoud Bakhshi , Ghadimi Noradin
Published: June 2014

This article proposed a new hybrid algorithm for solving power flow tracing (PFT) through the comparison by other techniques. This proposed hybrid strategy in detail discuses over the achieved results. Both methods use the active and reactive power balance equations at each bus to solve the tracing problem, where the first method considers the proportional sharing assumption and the second one considers the circuit laws to find the relationship between power inflows and outflows through each line, generator, and load connected to each bus of the network. Both algorithms are able to handle loop flow and loss issues in tracing the problem. A mathematical formulation is also introduced to find the share of each unit in provision of each load. These algorithms are employed to find the producer and consumer's shares on the cost of transmission for each line in different case studies. As the results of these studies show, both algorithms can effectively solve the PFT problem. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 187–194, 2015
Optimal location and optimized parameters for robust power system stabilizer using honeybee mating optimization
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen , Ghadimi Noradin
Published: June 2014

A honeybee mating optimization technique is used to tune the power system stabilizer (PSS) parameters and find optimal location of PSSs in this article. The PSS parameters and placement are computed to assure maximum damping performance under different operating conditions. One of the main advantages of the proposed approach is its robustness to the initial parameter settings. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on two case studies as; 10‐machine 39‐buses New England (NE) power system in comparison with Tabu Search (TS) and 16 machines and 68 buses‐modified reduced order model of the NE New York interconnected system by genetic algorithm through some performance indices under different operating condition. The proposed method of tuning the PSS is an attractive alternative to conventional fixed gain stabilizer design as it retains the simplicity of the conventional PSS and at the same time guarantees a robust acceptable performance over a wide range of operating and system condition. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 242–258, 2015
Naturalistic rodent models of chronic early‐life stress
Authors: Molet Jenny , Maras Pamela M. , Avishai‐Eliner Sarit , Baram Tallie Z.
Published: June 2014

A close association between early‐life experience and cognitive and emotional outcomes is found in humans. In experimental models, early‐life experience can directly influence a number of brain functions long‐term. Specifically, and often in concert with genetic background, experience regulates structural and functional maturation of brain circuits and alters individual neuronal function via large‐scale changes in gene expression. Because adverse experience during sensitive developmental periods is often associated with neuropsychiatric disease, there is an impetus to create realistic models of distinct early‐life experiences. These can then be used to study causality between early‐life experiential factors and cognitive and emotional outcomes, and to probe the underlying mechanisms. Although chronic early‐life stress has been linked to the emergence of emotional and cognitive disorders later in life, most commonly used rodent models of involve daily maternal separation and hence intermittent early‐life stress. We describe here a naturalistic and robust chronic early‐life stress model that potently influences cognitive and emotional outcomes. Mice and rats undergoing this stress develop structural and functional deficits in a number of limbic‐cortical circuits. Whereas overt pathological memory impairments appear during adulthood, emotional and cognitive vulnerabilities emerge already during adolescence. This naturalistic paradigm, widely adopted around the world, significantly enriches the repertoire of experimental tools available for the study of normal brain maturation and of cognitive and stress‐related disorders including depression, autism, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and dementia. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1675–1688, 2014.
The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chamberlain Catherine , Joshy Grace , Li Hang , Oats Jeremy , Eades Sandra , Banks Emily
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an important and increasing health problem. This study aims to investigate and explain the marked variation in reported GDM prevalence among Australian Indigenous women.

Materials and methods

We searched five databases to August 2013 for studies of GDM prevalence; two people independently assessed search results, extracted data, and appraised risk of bias. Meta‐analysis was conducted, and between‐study heterogeneity examined using subgroup analyses. Within‐study findings were synthesized narratively.

Results

The pooled GDM prevalence from 23 of the 25 total studies (5.74%, 4.78–6.71) was similar to that reported in national studies, but heterogeneity was substantial (I2 = 97%), making conclusions from between‐study comparisons difficult. The greatest reductions in heterogeneity were seen within subgroups using localized diagnostic criteria (I2 = 43%, 3 studies), universal screening (I2 = 58%) and some jurisdictions, probably reflecting proxy measures of increased consistency in diagnostic and screening methods. Insufficient data were available to assess the effect of factors such as rurality, diagnostic criteria, study design and data sources on prevalence. Synthesis of within‐study findings showed: higher age‐adjusted prevalences of GDM in Indigenous versus non‐Indigenous women; Indigenous women have greater increases in prevalence with maternal age; and non‐Indigenous women appear to have a steeper increase in GDM prevalence over time. Prevalence increased almost fourfold in two studies following introduction of universal screening when compared with selective risk‐based screening, although numbers were small.

Discussion/conclusions

The published GDM prevalence among Indigenous women varies markedly, probably due to variation in diagnostic and screening practices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.