bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis by transabdominal ultrasound‐guided needle biopsy
Authors: Caspi B. , Wolach V. , Von Der Walde J. , Weiss Y. , Appelman Z. , Hagay Z.
Published: March 2003

Laparotomy and laparoscopy have been used for biopsy of pelvic masses in the differential diagnosis between abdominal tuberculosis and ovarian cancer. We suggest the use of transabdominal needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance in such cases. Two women developed abdominal distention, one of whom had been receiving medical treatment for known tuberculosis. In both cases, ultrasonography showed a pelvic mass and ascites associated with high levels of CA 125. A transabdominal ultrasonographically‐guided biopsy of the masses with a trucut needle established their tuberculous origin. The transabdominal sonographic needle biopsy is a reliable diagnostic procedure in the differential diagnosis between abdominal tuberculosis and ovarian malignancy. This minimally invasive procedure saves the patient with tuberculosis from unnecessary laparotomy. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Congenital microvillous inclusion disease presenting as antenatal bowel obstruction
Authors: Kennea N. , Norbury R. , Anderson G. , Tekay A.
Published: March 2003

Prenatal ultrasound has led to confidence in the antenatal diagnosis of intestinal obstruction allowing counseling and birth planning. We describe a male infant of a diabetic mother who had an antenatal diagnosis of distal bowel obstruction. This baby was subsequently found not to have bowel obstruction, but a congenital enteropathy – microvillous inclusion disease. The antenatal scans had demonstrated polyhydramnios as well as multiple fluid‐filled dilated loops of bowel in the fetal abdomen. To our knowledge, similar prenatal ultrasound findings have not been previously described in this condition. The baby was delivered in a pediatric surgical center and postnatally there was no evidence of bowel obstruction either clinically or on abdominal X‐ray. This baby initially fed well, but became collapsed and acidotic on his third day, having lost 26% of his birth weight due to excessive stool loss. The diagnosis of microvillous inclusion disease was made by electron microscopy of a small bowel biopsy. Congenital microvillous inclusion disease is a very rare inherited enteropathy with high mortality and morbidity. This condition, and other enteropathies, should be considered in cases in which antenatally diagnosed bowel obstruction is not confirmed after birth. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Persistent right umbilical vein in a fetus with Noonan's syndrome: a case report
Authors: Bradley E. , Kean L. , Twining P. , James D.
Published: March 2003

We present a case of persistent right umbilical vein with Noonan's syndrome. Persistence of the right umbilical vein with no intrahepatic portion is an uncommon finding with a review of the literature revealing only five other cases. In these cases drainage was directly into the right atrium, inferior vena cava (IVC) or IVC via the iliac vein. Of the reported cases Noonan's syndrome was confirmed in one case and suspected in a second. This report represents a third case of persistent right umbilical vein with confirmed Noonan's syndrome. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Reference values of fetal aortic flow velocity waveforms and associated intra‐observer reliability in normal pregnancies
Authors: Bahlmann F. , Wellek S. , Reinhardt I. , Krummenauer F. , Merz E. , Welter C.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

It was the aim of the present study to calculate new Doppler reference ranges for blood flow velocities (V
max, V
mean, V
min) and resistance indices (PI, RI) for the fetal descending aorta by automatic waveform analysis.

Design

Cross‐sectional prospective study.

Subjects

Nine hundred and twenty‐six low‐risk pregnancies at 18–41 weeks' gestation.

Methods

Aortic blood flow velocities were derived with pulsed‐wave color Doppler. Measurements were carried out at the level of the diaphragm. Reference ranges for the individual measuring parameters were constructed based on a growth function from a four‐parameter class of monotonic continuous functions according to the smallest square principle. Further investigated were intra‐observer reliability and the influence exerted by different measuring sites (aortic arch, diaphragm, below the renal vessels) on the aortic Doppler flow spectrum.

Results

Although a significant increase in aortic blood flow velocity was observed at 18–41 weeks' gestation (V
max = 48.2 cm/s to 110.3 cm/s (P < 0.001), V
mean = 20 cm/s to 47.5 cm/s (P < 0.001) and V
min = 7.6 cm/s to 18.6 cm/s (P < 0.001)), there were no significant changes in the pulsatility or resistance indices. The resistance indices PI and RI as well as absolute blood flow velocities (Vmax, Vmin) were significantly lower with increasing distance from the heart. Initial decreases were measured between the aortic arch and the diaphragm: PI, 2.34 to 1.87 (P < 0.0001); RI, 0.87 to 0.79 (P < 0.0001); V
min: 8.5 cm/s to 15.0 cm/s (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, systolic blood flow velocities (V
max) were decreased below the renal vessels from 97 cm/s to 64 cm/s (P < 0.0007). No significant changes were recorded in intensity‐weighted mean flow velocities (V
mean). The intra‐observer reliability was low, but of no clinical relevance.

Conclusions

At constant measuring conditions, the reference ranges for blood flow velocities and resistance indices in the fetal aorta calculated by the authors serve as the basis for Doppler ultrasound antenatal examinations in a normal patient population and enable the early diagnosis of fetal risk. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Three‐dimensional ultrasound of the female urethra: comparing transvaginal and transrectal scanning
Authors: Umek W. H. , Obermair A. , Stutterecker D. , Häusler G. , Leodolter S. , Hanzal E.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To compare transvaginal and transrectal three‐dimensional ultrasound in determining the morphology and measurements of the female urethra.

Design

Sixty‐five women who had not had surgery for incontinence or pelvic floor descent had transvaginal and transrectal sonography using a 7.5‐MHz mechanical sector endoprobe with three‐dimensional facilities. The multiplanar display of the scanned volumes allowed detailed morphologic assessment of the urethra and the measurement of distances and volumes. Statistical endpoints were: sagittal urethral diameter, maximum rhabdosphincter length and thickness, maximum thickness of the smooth muscle complex, and the volumes of the rhabdosphincter and the smooth muscle complex. Values were compared between the two approaches using Student's t‐test and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

Both vaginal and rectal scans were feasible. However, significant differences between the two approaches were found for the sagittal diameter of the urethra (8.4 ± 1.9 mm on vaginal vs. 11.5 ± 2.2 mm on rectal scans, P < 0.01) and the transverse diameter of the urethra's smooth muscle complex (11.2 ± 0.3 mm on vaginal vs. 8.6 ± 0.2 mm on rectal scans, P < 0.001). No other variables showed significant differences. Compression of the urethra and displacement under the symphysis pubis were observed when the ultrasound probe was applied vaginally. Bland–Altman analysis showed acceptable variability for differences of distances but considerable variability for the differences of volumes.

Conclusion

The female urethra can be examined both vaginally and rectally by three‐dimensional ultrasound. A transvaginally applied probe seems to have a compression effect on the urethra. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
First‐trimester diagnosis of fetal hepatic cyst
Authors: Berg C. , Baschat A. A. , Geipel A. , Krapp M. , Germer U. , Smrcek J. M. , Sigge W. , Gembruch U.
Published: March 2003

Fetal intra‐abdominal cysts seen on antenatal sonography pose a diagnostic problem as they may have many etiological origins. We present a case of a hepatic cyst measuring 11 × 7 × 7 mm that was diagnosed at 13 weeks' gestation by transvaginal sonography. The cyst increased in proportion with the growth of the fetus. Ultrasound‐guided needle aspiration of the cyst at 22 weeks' gestation helped to clearly identify the formerly displaced gall bladder and demonstrated the intrahepatic location of the cyst. The aspirated fluid was identified as bile. After aspiration the fluid reaccumulated rapidly. Shortly prior to delivery the cyst measured 75 × 44 × 46 mm. At 39 weeks of gestation a female infant was delivered by forceps (3610 g; Apgar 9/10/10 at 1, 5 and 10 min, respectively). Increasing cyst size and concomitant feeding problems prompted surgery on the 14th day postpartum. A large hepatic cyst was partially excised and marsupialized, confirming the prenatal diagnosis. The postoperative course was complicated by cholangitis, septicemia and recurrence of the cyst. Therefore Roux‐en‐Y hepatojejunostomy was performed in the second month of life. The postoperative period was uneventful and the child was doing well at the time of writing. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Prenatal detection of ductal‐dependent congenital heart disease: how can things be made easier?
Authors: Viñals F. , Tapia J. , Giuliano A.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To improve the detection of ductal dependence in fetuses with severe anomalies of the outflow tracts by observing, with directional power Doppler, reverse flow through the aortic arch or ductus arteriosus in a transverse view of the upper mediastinum.

Methods

A slight cranial move of the ultrasound beam from the three‐vessel view allows the transverse view of the aortic arch and ductus arteriosus to be visualized simultaneously. This view is orthogonal to the fetal body axis and parallel to the plane of the four‐chamber view. In normal fetuses, directional power Doppler interrogation at this level identifies forward flow in both oblique vessels.

Results

We examined 43 fetuses with cardiac defects. In five of the cases, there was reversed flow in the aortic arch or ductus arteriosus in addition to severe anomalies of the outflow tracts, including four with hypoplastic left ventricle and one with pulmonary atresia.

Conclusions

Prenatal detection of reversed flow in the aortic arch or ductus arteriosus is associated with complex congenital heart disease with major diminution of forward flow to the corresponding great vessels. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Sonographic features of anal atresia at 12 weeks
Authors: Lam Y. H. , Shek T. , Tang M. H. Y.
Published: March 2003

Anorectal atresia results from abnormal development of the anorectal septum. Prenatal diagnosis is difficult but the condition may be suspected by the sonographic demonstration of a dilated colon. We present the sonographic features of a fetus with anal atresia and a ventricular septal defect at 12 weeks of gestation. This case illustrates that a dilated colon may be present in association with fetal anal atresia as early as 12 weeks. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Conservative management of two ectopic pregnancies implanted in previous uterine scars
Authors: Haimov‐Kochman R. , Sciaky‐Tamir Y. , Yanai N. , Yagel S.
Published: March 2003

Cesarean section scar pregnancy is rare. A variety of interventions have been implemented to terminate the pregnancy and preserve the uterus; however, the optimal treatment is unknown. We describe two cases of this rare condition diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound. In the first case the diagnosis of an 8‐week non‐viable gestation in a uterine scar was made sonographically in a 40‐year‐old woman. The patient was treated with intramuscular methotrexate. Myometrial integrity was suggested both by ultrasound findings and laparoscopic findings. In the second case, an early cervicoisthmic pregnancy in a uterine scar was diagnosed by sonography in a 39‐year‐old woman. This patient was treated successfully with a full course of intramuscular methotrexate. Complete disappearance of the gestational sac took place 4 months following beta‐human chorionic gonadotrophin normalization. Intramuscular methotrexate may be a treatment alternative for Cesarean section scar pregnancies. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Increased nuchal translucency and pathological ductus venosus flow: two cases of TRAP sequence with different outcomes
Authors: Meyberg H. , Groß C.
Published: March 2003

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence develops in 1% of monozygotic twins. One normal twin (donor) provides circulation for itself and for a more or less incomplete twin (recipient) with a high incidence of mortality in the donor twin. However, if the condition is detected and treated early, one twin or two triplets may survive. The study of TRAP sequence helps to better understand the pathophysiological pathways of this condition. We present two cases of TRAP sequence seen in our center with different courses. In these cases the increased nuchal translucency thickness and the pathological ductus venosus flow pattern may have been prognostic of the pregnancy outcome. Copyright © 2002 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Blackfan–Diamond anemia and dyserythropoietic anemia presenting with increased nuchal translucency at 12 weeks of gestation
Authors: Souka A. P. , Bower S. , Geerts L. , Huggon I. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2003

Blackfan–Diamond anemia is a congenital hypoplastic anemia with a birth prevalence of about 1 in 200 000, usually presenting in the first few months of life and commonly associated with cardiac, urogenital and digital anomalies. Congenital dyserythropoietic anemias are a group of rare congenital anemias characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis. We report on two cases of congenital fetal anemia, one with Blackfan–Diamond anemia and one with dyserythropoietic anemia, presenting with increased nuchal translucency at 12 weeks of gestation. Copyright © 2002 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Abnormal maternal cardiac function and morphology in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine fetal growth restriction
Authors: Vasapollo B. , Valensise H. , Novelli G. P. , Larciprete G. , Di Pierro G. , Altomare F. , Casalino B. , Galante A. , Arduini D.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To explore maternal cardiac function through an echocardiographic evaluation, in a group of nulliparous patients with intrauterine fetal growth restriction during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

Twenty‐one consecutive nulliparous pregnant women who had fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI) underwent maternal echocardiographic examination during the third trimester of gestation. The data were then compared with those obtained from 21 normal nulliparous women who had fetuses with an estimated fetal weight > 10th percentile and a normal umbilical artery Doppler PI who were considered as the control group.

Results

Heart rate was slightly lower in the IUGR group, whereas blood pressure and total vascular resistance were higher compared with the control subjects. End‐diastolic volume, stroke volume and cardiac output were lower in the IUGR patients compared with normal patients. The IUGR group had smaller left atrial maximal dimensions and greater left atrial minimal areas compared with the control subjects. Left atrial function was depressed in the IUGR group. A smaller left ventricular mass was present in the IUGR patients compared with the control subjects. Isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) was prolonged in the IUGR patients compared with the controls.

Conclusions

The absence of a ‘correct’ maternal cardiovascular compensatory response to abnormal trophoblastic invasion, might be one of the factors that slowly determine the conditions of reduced placental perfusion and eventually of the development of fetal growth restriction. Copyright © 2002 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subependymal pseudocysts in the fetal brain: prenatal diagnosis of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Bats A. S. , Molho M. , Senat M. V. , Paupe A. , Bernard J. P. , Ville Y.
Published: March 2003

Subependymal pseudocysts are cerebral cysts found in 5% of all neonates. When they are isolated and typical, they result from persistence of the germinal matrix, have a good prognosis and regress spontaneously within a few months. However, associated anomalies are frequent and in such cases the prognosis is poor. They can be of infectious, vascular, metabolic or chromosomal origin. Subependymal pseudocysts have rarely been described in the antenatal period. We report the prenatal diagnosis of two cases of isolated pseudocysts at 32 and 23 weeks. Both ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging assisted in the diagnosis and there was normal postnatal outcome in both cases. Copyright © 2002 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Correspondence: World Wide Web access to the British Universities Human Embryo Database
Authors: AITON JAMES F. , MCDONOUGH ARIANA , MCLACHLAN JOHN C. , SMART STEVEN D. , WHITEN SUSAN C.
Published: March 2003

The British Universities Human Embryo Database has been created by merging information from the Walmsley Collection of Human Embryos at the School of Biological and Medical Sciences, University of St Andrews and from the Boyd Collection of Human Embryos at the Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge. The database has been made available electronically on the Internet and World Wide Web browsers can be used to implement interactive access to the information stored in the British Universities Human Embryo Database. The database can, therefore, be accessed and searched from remote sites and specific embryos can be identified in terms of their location, age, developmental stage, plane of section, staining technique, and other parameters. It is intended to add information from other similar collections in the UK as it becomes available.
Reply
Authors: ARCHER C. W. , MORRISON E. H. , BAYLISS M. T. , FERGUSON M. W. J.
Published: March 2003

In Stockwell and Scott's commentary on our papers, in which we concluded from a significant mass of data (a fraction of which was presented in the paper) that we questioned the notion of ‘global patterns’ of matrix distributions within articular cartilage. In part, this was based on the distribution of keratan sulphate and chondroitin sulphate within the knee (both tibial and femoral compartments although only the latter was illustrated in the paper when referring to adult animals) of our model, the marsupial Monodelphis domestica.
Hair follicles of young Wistar strain hairless rats: a histological study
Authors: ISHII Y. , TSUTSUI S. , DOI K. , ITAGAKI S.
Published: March 2003

The histological changes in hair follicles in hairless rats derived from the Wistar strain (hW, hairless Wistar) were examined from birth to maturity and compared with those of age‐matched normal Wistar rats. In the 1st hair cycle, the hair follicles of hW rats were shorter and less well developed than those of Wistar rats. In early anagen, eosinophilic bodies were observed in some hair follicles which showed immature histological features. By using Tdt‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) method and electron microscopic examination, these bodies were confirmed to be apoptotic bodies. These follicles seemed to disappear by abnormal regression. In late anagen phase, the follicles in which the apoptosis did not occur showed enlarged hair roots with hypertrophy of the inner root sheath. Subsequently, when the follicles in normal Wistar rats synchronously regressed in the catagen phase, most of the follicles in hW rats similarly entered the catagen phase, but a few follicles did not regress completely and showed aberrant hair root enlargement. Finally, both types of follicle in hW rats formed follicular cysts. These abnormalities in follicle development (abnormal follicular regression and follicular cyst formation) appear to be associated with the hairlessness in this rat strain.
Colocalisation of insulin and IGF‐1 receptors in cultured rat sensory and sympathetic ganglion cells
Authors: KARAGIANNIS S. N. , KING R. H. M. , THOMAS P. K.
Published: March 2003

Peripheral sensory and autonomic neurons are known to possess insulin receptors. These have been considered to be of the peripheral type, i.e. similar to those of hepatic and fat cells rather than of the brain type which show dual specificity for both insulin and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐1). We have examined the localisation of insulin and IGF‐1 receptors in cultured sensory and sympathetic ganglion cells using confocal microscopy and indirect labelling with FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) and TRITC (tetramethyl rhodamine isothiocyanate) respectively. We have shown that in cultured U266B1 multiple myeloma cells these receptors display separate localisation, whereas they are colocalised in IM‐9 lymphocytes which are known to possess hybrid receptors. We have confirmed the sequestration of insulin and IGF‐1 receptors in the cytoplasm of sensory and sympathetic neurons, consistent with a brain‐type receptor. The colocalisation of insulin and IGF‐1 receptors in sensory and sympathetic ganglion cells is consistent with the view that they are hybrid receptors, similar to those present in the CNS. The function of these receptors, as suggested for the CNS, may be related to trophic support for neurons.
Symposium on Neural Crest Development
Authors: RICHARDSON MICHAEL K. , BENNETT DOROTHY C.
Published: March 2003

The following review articles are based on presentations given at a Symposium on Neural Crest Development, held in December 1996 at St George's Hospital Medical School, London. The Symposium formed part of the Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland. There were 6 invited speakers, 5 selected short presentations, and posters. The topics ranged widely, from autocrine regulation of Schwann cell development through clinical and animal disorders involving the melanocyte lineage, the heart and other organs, to the regulation of neural crest cell differentiation by cytokines.
Growth factor action in neural crest cell diversification
Authors: SIEBER‐BLUM MAYA , ZHANG JIAN‐MIN
Published: March 2003

At the onset of their migration into the embryo, many neural crest cells are pluripotent in the sense that they have the capacity to generate progeny that consist of more than one cell type. More recently, we have found that there are pluripotent neural crest cell‐derived cells even at sites of terminal differentiation. These findings support the notion that cues originating from the microenvironment, at least in part, direct neural crest cell type specification. Based on the rationale that growth factors that are known to support survival of neural crest cell derivatives may have additional functions in progenitor cell development, we have examined the action of pertinent growth factors. Trophic, mitogenic, antiproliferative and differentiation promoting activities were found. Stem cell factor (SCF) is trophic for pluripotent neural crest cells. Contrary to expectation, SCF plus a neurotrophin, rather than SCF alone, is trophic for committed melanogenic cells. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is mitogenic both for pluripotent cells and committed melanogenic cells. However, the cells become dependent on another factor for survival. Whereas any neurotrophin tested can rescue bFGF‐activated pluripotent neural crest cells, the factor that rescues melanogenic cells remains to be determined. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) is a powerful antimitotic signal for all neural crest cells that overrides the bFGF/neurotrophin proliferative signal. Furthermore, SCF promotes differentiation of neural crest cells into cells of the sensory neuron lineage. Neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) specifically promotes high affinity uptake of norepinephrine by neural crest cells and is thus thought to play a critical role in the differentiation of sympathetic neuroblasts. In summary, our data indicate that neurotrophins and other pertinent growth factors affect survival, proliferation and differentiation of neural crest cells at multiple levels and in different lineages. Moreover, our findings emphasise the importance of the concerted action of combinations of growth factors, rather than of individual factors.
Distribution of PGP 9.5, TH, NPY, SP and CGRP immunoreactive nerves in the rat and guinea pig atrioventricular valves and chordae tendineae
Authors: AHMED A. , JOHANSSON O. , FOLAN‐CURRAN J.
Published: March 2003

The distribution of nerves immunoreactive to protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) antisera was investigated in the atrioventricular valves of the Sprague–Dawley rat and the Dunkin–Hartley guinea pig using confocal and epifluorescence microscopy. No major differences were noted between the innervation of the mitral and tricuspid valves in either species. For all antisera the staining was more extensive in the guinea pig valves. Two distinct nerve plexuses separated by a ‘nearly nerve free’ zone were identified in both species with each antiserum tested. This was most apparent on the anterior cusp of the mitral valve. The major nerve plexus extends from the atrioventricular ring through the basal, intermediate and distal zones of the valves towards the free edge of the valve cusp. These nerve bundles, arranged as primary, secondary and tertiary components, ramify to the free edge of the valve and extend to the attachment of the chordae. They do not contribute to the innervation of the chordae tendineae. The second, minor chordal plexus, runs from the papillary muscles through the chordae tendineae and passes parallel to the free edge of the cusp. The nerves of this minor plexus are interchordal, branching to terminate mainly in the distal zone, free edge of the valve cusp and adjacent chordae tendineae. Some interchordal nerve fibres loop from a papillary muscle up through a chorda, along the free edge and pass down an adjacent chorda into another papillary muscle. The nerve fibres of the major and minor plexuses intermingle although no evidence was found for interconnectivity between them. In the distal zone between the major plexus which extends from the base of the valve and the minor chordal plexus there is a zone completely free of nerves staining with antisera to TH and NPY. Occasional nerves which stained positive for PGP 9.5, SP and CGRP immunoreactivities crossed this ‘nearly nerve free zone’ passing either from the chordal/free edge nerves to the intermediate and basal zones or vice versa. An additional small nerve plexus which displayed immunoreactivity to CGRP antiserum extended from the atrioventricular ring into the basal zone of the valve cusp. Not all chordae tendineae displayed immunoreactive nerve fibres. It is concluded that the innervation patterns of the sensory and sympathetic neurotransmitters and neuropeptides examined in the atrioventricular valves of the rat and guinea pig are ubiquitous in nature. The complexity of the terminal innervation network of the mammalian atrioventricular valves and chordae tendineae may contribute to the complex functioning of these valves in the cardiac cycle.
PROFESSOR GILBERT CAUSEY (8 October 1907–25 August 1996)
Authors: THOMAS P. K.
Published: March 2003

Gilbert Washington Causey, formerly professor and emeritus professor of surgery in the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Lincoln's Inn Fields, died on 25 August 1996.
Articular cartilage of the rabbit knee after synovectomy: a scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: STEIN HAIM , LEVANON DANIEL
Published: March 2003

We sought to study the effect of synovectomy on the surface morphology of articular cartilages of the rabbit knee using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fifteen rabbits were surgically synovectomised and allowed to regenerate their synovia during time intervals ranging from 3 to 44 wk. Cartilage specimens were shaved from 5 distinct articular sectors of synovectomised, contralateral and sham‐operated knees and prepared for SEM using tannic acid. Applying structural reinforcement by tannic acid was found to secure the in vivo surface morphology of the cartilages and thus production of surface irregularities during preparation was excluded. The surface morphology of cartilages both from the synovectomised and contralateral joints was found to differ from that of intact healthy rabbits. A ‘chaotic’ nature of the altered cartilaginous morphology persisted as late as 44 wk postsynovectomy. Cartilages from sham‐operated joints did not differ detectably from normal cartilages.
Characterisation of cytoplasm‐filled processes in cells of the intervertebral disc
Authors: ERRINGTON R. J. , PUUSTJARVI K. , WHITE I. R. F. , ROBERTS S. , URBAN J. P. G.
Published: March 2003

We examined cells from the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus of adult bovine intervertebral discs, using confocal laser scanning microscopy on living unfixed tissue. These cells were visualised using chloromethyl fluorescein diacetate, a membrane‐impermeant fluorescent dye. The organisation of cells from the outer annulus was also determined using confocal microscopy after fixation and staining the actin‐filaments with FITC‐phalloidin. We found that cellular processes were a dominant feature of cells from all regions of the disc including the cells of the nucleus pulposus and inner annulus. These processes were also visible in histological sections of disc examined both at the light and electron microscope level, even though cells from the nucleus and inner annulus appeared chondrocyte‐like, being rounded and enclosed in a capsule. The function of these processes is at present unknown. We suggest that they may serve to sense mechanical strain.
Ontogeny, postnatal development and ageing of endocrine pancreas in Bubalus bubalis
Authors: LUCINI C. , CASTALDO L. , LAI O. , DE VICO G.
Published: March 2003

The ontogenesis, postnatal development and ageing of the endocrine pancreas in mammals have not been extensively studied. In order to improve understanding of this organ, we studied the buffalo pancreas during fetal and postnatal development. Glucagon, insulin and somatostatin immunoreactive cells (i.c.) were first seen in 2‐mo‐old embryos. Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) i.c. were observed during the 3rd month of gestation. The early embryo pancreas was almost totally composed of endocrine tissue. The endocrine portion only slightly increased in mass with animal growth, whereas the exocrine portion noticeably increased in mass during the late fetal and postnatal periods. In adults, therefore, the exocrine portion was more evident than the endocrine portion. Three types of islet were observed in fetal and young buffalos: small, large and PP‐islets. The small islets were composed of insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and PP i.c. The large islets were primarily composed of insulin i.c. and a few glucagon, somatostatin and PP i.c. The PP islets were mostly composed of PP i.c. with a few somatostatin, insulin and glucagon i.c. The number of large islets greatly diminished by adulthood. Glucagon, insulin, somatostatin and PP i.c. were also seen scattered in the exocrine parenchyma and along the duct epithelium. In the duct epithelium, these cells were either single or grouped, and they sometimes formed a protrusion projecting towards the connective tissue. These morphological features were primarily observed in fetuses and young buffalos.
Metatarsal growth during the second trimester: a predictor of gestational age?
Authors: DE VASCONCELLOS HENRIQUE AYRES , FERREIRA ELIANE
Published: March 2003

Metatarsal growth was studied in 780 human fetal metatarsal bones, crown‐rump length ranging from 120 to 260 mm and gestational age ranging from 14 to 23 wk postconception. Total length, diaphyseal length and diameter were measured and statistical analysis performed. Means and standard deviations for each measurement were calculated at 1 wk intervals. These data were correlated with crown‐rump length and gestational age and an equation was constructed in an attempt to predict gestational age.
FRANK GOLDBY, F.R.C.P., M.A., M.D. (1903–1997)
Authors: BREATHNACH A. S.
Published: March 2003

Frank Goldby, Emeritus Professor of Anatomy in the University of London at St Mary's Hospital Medical School (now Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's) died at Cambridge on 20 October 1997, aged 94, fully compos mentis as those who knew him would have expected, and content enough to go when he had to, having reached the same age as his father. He became a member of the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland in 1931, served as Secretary from 1946 to 1956 and as President from 1957 to 1959. He is survived by his wife Helen and 6 children, to whom our deepest sympathy is extended.
The sternalis muscle: an uncommon anatomical variant among Taiwanese
Authors: JENG HELLEN , SU SHUEN‐JING
Published: March 2003

The sternalis muscle is an uncommon anatomical variant. It is located on the human anterior pectoral wall, superficial to pectoralis major. This muscle has been reported both in males and females, and in whites, blacks and Asians (Barlow, 1934; Kida & Kudoh, 1991; Shen et al. 1992; Bradley et al. 1996).

Although the importance of this muscle is still a mystery, various different interpretations have been made. Clemente (1985) considered sternalis to be a misplaced pectoralis major, although some embryologists have viewed it as part of a ventral longitudinal column muscle layer arising at the ventral tip of the hypomeres (Sadler, 1995). Sadler claimed that this muscle is represented by rectus abdominis in the abdominal region and by the infrahyoid musculature in the cervical region; in the thorax, this layer usually disappears but occasionally remains as a sternalis muscle. Kitamura et al. (1985) reported a case of congenital partial deficiency of pectoralis major accompanied by an enormous sternalis. Barlow (1934), on the other hand, claimed that sternalis represents the remains of a panniculus carnosus.
Correlated histological and physiological observations on a case of common sensory output and motor input of the bag1 fibre and a chain fibre in a cat tenuissimus spindle
Authors: BANKS R. W. , HULLIGER M. , SCHEEPSTRA K. A.
Published: March 2003

In muscle spindles of the cat, independent control of dynamic and static components of the response of the primary sensory ending to stretch is provided by separate motor inputs to the various kinds of intrafusal muscle fibre: dynamic axons (γ or β) to the bag1 fibres and static axons to the bag2 (typically γ only) and chain (γ or β) fibres. Nonlinear summation of separately evoked effects during combined stimulation of dynamic and static motor axons appears to be due to mutual resetting by antidromic invasion of separate encoding sites, leading to partial occlusion of the momentarily lesser response by the greater. The encoding sites are thought to be located within the primary ending's preterminal branches which from first‐order level are normally segregated to the bag1 fibre and to the bag2 and chain fibres. Here we describe the analysis of a special case that arose in a histophysiological study which had shown that the degree of occlusion was related to the minimum number of nodes between the putative encoding sites. Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the primary ending revealed that the terminals of one chain fibre were derived entirely from the first‐order branch that supplied the bag1 fibre, including one terminal that was shared directly with the bag1 (sensory cross‐terminal). The other first‐order branch supplied the bag2 and remaining chain fibres as normal. The degree of occlusion seen during simultaneous stimulation of a dynamic β axon and a static γ axon indicated that the encoding sites were separated by both first‐order branches. Schematic reconstruction of the motor innervation revealed that the static γ axon was most unlikely to have supplied the chain fibre which shared sensory terminals with the bag1, but that these fibres also shared a motor input with histological characteristics of β type. Ramp‐frequency stimulation of the dynamic β axon at constant length evoked a driving effect which persisted after fatiguing the extrafusal component and was therefore explicable on the basis of the observed pattern of motor innervation, though the identity of the axon could not be conclusively proved. Individually, instances of shared sensory terminals and motor input of bag1 and chain fibres are rare in the cat; their combination in a single spindle with correlated physiology is described here for the first time. The observation is considered in relation to the importance of dynamic and static segregation in motor control, since it may imply that there is a lower limit to the degree of segregation that the developmental programme can provide.
The effect of temporary reductions in incubation temperature on growth characteristics and lipid utilisation in the chick embryo
Authors: FEAST M. , NOBLE R. C. , SPEAKE B. K. , FERGUSON M. W. J.
Published: March 2003

The effect(s) of finite exposure(s) to 22.0 °C on embryo weight gain, 3rd tarsus length, transfer of lipid from the yolk and uptake of specific lipid components by the liver, were measured in the chick embryo. Embryo growth was completely suspended over the period of temperature reduction, but resumed unimpaired when the optimum temperature of 37.5 °C was restored. Two successive periods of embryonic exposure to 22.0 °C (36 h at d 3 followed by 24 at d 10) were additive in their effect on growth retardation. Embryos subjected to temperature reductions on d 3 of incubation displayed significant changes in lipid concentrations and polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles within the liver when measured at d 18 of incubation. Yolk lipid uptake was significantly reduced but not suspended by embryonic exposure to 22.0 °C. It is suggested that the observed suspension of embryonic development was the result of a temperature dependent reduction in metabolism according to a Q10∼2, which is typical of an ectothermic organism.
The proliferative status of haematopoietic progenitor cells in the developing murine liver and adult bone marrow
Authors: BLAIR A. , THOMAS D. B.
Published: March 2003

A class of primitive progenitor cells with high proliferative potential in vitro (HPP‐CFC), has been identified in fetal liver and adult bone marrow both in murine and human systems. The kinetic properties of HPP‐CFC2 and the more mature granulocyte‐macrophage colony forming units (CFU‐GM) derived from murine fetal liver on d13, d15 and d19 of gestation, newborn liver and neonatal liver on d3 and d8 postpartum have been evaluated and compared with the kinetic properties of these progenitor cell populations derived from adult bone marrow. The frequency of HPP‐CFC2 in fetal liver was found to be greatest on d15 of gestation then subsequently declined in newborn and neonatal liver. Similarly, the highest proportion of HPP‐CFC2 engaged in DNA synthesis (53±3%) was detected in d15 fetal liver. This proportion decreased to 13±2% in the liver 1 wk after birth, which is comparable to the number of HPP‐CFC2 derived from adult BM which were in S‐phase (10±1%). Production of CFU‐GM was found to be greater in adult bone marrow than in either fetal or newborn liver. While the proportion of CFU‐GM in S‐phase was high in all 3 tissue samples, the greatest proportion of cycling CFU‐GM (50±2%) was detected in d15 fetal liver. These results suggest that HPP‐CFC2 derived from fetal liver are actively cycling while HPP‐CFC2 derived from adult bone marrow are relatively quiescent. In contrast, a high proportion of CFU‐GM derived from fetal, newborn liver and adult bone marrow are engaged in DNA synthesis.
Identifying homologous anatomical landmarks on reconstructed magnetic resonance images of the human cerebral cortical surface
Authors: MAUDGIL D. D. , FREE S. L. , SISODIYA S. M. , LEMIEUX L. , WOERMANN F. G. , FISH D. R. , SHORVON S. D.
Published: March 2003

Guided by a review of the anatomical literature, 36 sulci on the human cerebral cortical surface were designated as homologous. These sulci were assessed for visibility on 3‐dimensional images reconstructed from magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brains of 20 normal volunteers by 2 independent observers. Those sulci that were found to be reproducibly identifiable were used to define 24 landmarks around the cortical surface. The interobserver and intraobserver variabilities of measurement of the 24 landmarks were calculated. These reliably reproducible landmarks can be used for detailed morphometric analysis, and may prove helpful in the analysis of suspected cerebral cortical structured abnormalities in patients with such conditions as epilepsy.
Morphometric studies of secretory granule formation in mouse pancreatic acinar cells. Dissecting the early structural changes following pilocarpine injection
Authors: HAMMEL ILAN , SHOR‐HAZAN OSNAT , ELDAR TORA , AMIHAI DINA , LEW SYLVIA
Published: March 2003

Secretory granule formation in pancreatic acinar cells is known to involve massive membrane flow. In previous studies we have undertaken morphometry of the regranulation mechanism in these cells and in mast cells as a model for cellular membrane movement. In our current work, electron micrographs of pancreatic acinar cells from ICR mice were taken at several time points after extensive degranulation induced by pilocarpine injection in order to investigate the volume changes of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), nucleus, mitochondria and autophagosomes. At 2–4 h after stimulation, when the pancreatic cells demonstrated a complete loss of granules, this was accompanied by an increased proportion of autophagosomal activity. This change primarily reflected a greatly increased proportion of profiles retaining autophagic vacuoles containing recognisable cytoplasmic structures such as mitochondria, granule profiles and fragments of RER. The mitochondrial structures reached a significant maximal size 4 h following injection (before degranulation 0.178±0.028 μm3; at 4 h peak value, 0.535±0.109 μm3). Nucleus size showed an early volume increase approaching a maximum value 2 h following degranulation. The regranulation span was thus divided into 3 stages. The first was the membrane remodelling stage (0–2 h). During this period the volume of the RER and secretory granules was greatly decreased. At the intermediate stage (2–4 h) a significant increase of the synthesis zone was observed within the nucleus. The volume of the mitochondria was increasing. At the last step, the major finding was a significant granule accumulation in parallel with an active Golgi zone.
CT examination of the head of the Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica)
Authors: ENDO HIDEKI , SASAKI HIROYUKI , HAYASHI YOSHIHIRO , PETROV EVAGENY A. , AMANO MASAO , SUZUKI NAOKI , MIYAZAKI NOBUYUKI
Published: March 2003

We carried out a computerised tomographic (CT) examination to elucidate the modifications in the head related to orbital enlargement in the Baikal seal. Transverse CT images showed that (1) the external frontal contours and the frontal sinuses are compressed medially and ventrally by the orbital enlargement; (2) the caudal part of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx are compacted ventrally; and (3) the cranial cavity is displaced caudally. The neurocranium is obviously separated from the facial part in the transverse plane at the caudal region of the orbit. The disposition of the mandible, zygomatic arch, temporal bone, and the masseter, temporal, digastric and pterygoid muscles is changed by the enlarged orbit in the 3‐dimensional reorganisation of the head in this species. It is suggested that adaptation for the Lake Baikal environment primarily resulted in orbital enlargement, and that the altered orbital design may subsequently have influenced the form and function of the masticatory and respiratory system.
Expression of three oligosaccharide conjugates by neonatal rat dorsal root ganglion neurons: comparison with CGRP and GAP43 immunoreactivity
Authors: GROVES M. J. , MARTINIAN L. , AN S.‐F. , SCARAVILLI F.
Published: March 2003

Adult dorsal root ganglion neurons express oligosaccharides conjugated to lipids that may be involved in cell–cell recognition, and consequently in the laminar organisation of their central terminations. This paper describes an immunohistochemical study of the developmental expression of 2 lactoseries (LA4 and LD2) and 1 globoseries (SSEA4) oligosaccharide conjugates in rats from embryonic d 19 to postnatal d 60. The expression of calcitonin gene related peptide and the growth associated protein GAP43 was also examined for comparative purposes. We found that these oligosaccharide conjugates begin to be expressed after birth, suggesting that they may be involved in maturation of the central or peripheral terminations, rather than axonal guidance.
The posterior sacral foramina: an anatomical study
Authors: LIGUORO DOMINIQUE , VIEJO‐FUERTES DIDIER , MIDY DOMINIQUE , GUERIN JEAN
Published: March 2003

The vascular and nervous structures and their relations with the spinal nerve roots were examined in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th posterior sacral foramina in relation to percutaneous needle insertion for neuromodulation. A foraminal branch provided by the lateral sacral artery to each foramen entered the inferior lateral quadrant of each foramen, adjacent to the nerve root medially. Facing the posterior sacral aperture and around the sacral nerves, there was no venous plexus. A venous plexus was sometimes present near the median line, and always around the proximal part of the spinal ganglion. The sacral nerve roots, especially the 3rd, had a long extradural course in the foramen, presenting a potential risk of nerve lesions during procedures involving needle insertion.
Skeletal maturity in Pakistani children
Authors: RIKHASOR RANYO M. , QURESHI A. MAJEED , RATHI SHANKAR LAL , CHANNA NOOR AHMED
Published: March 2003

Skeletal maturity in 750 normal Pakistani children (400 males, 350 females) aged 1–18 y was determined by the Greulich–Pyle atlas system. Male children during first year and female children during first 2 y of life matured in conformity with Greulich–Pyle standards. After that period mean bone ages were lower than the American standards up to 15 y in males and 13 y in females (at or around puberty), which may be due to malnutrition, ill health or other environmental factors. After puberty bone ages were higher than the American standards indicating earlier maturity in Pakistani than Western children. Hence for the proper evaluation of skeletal age in a given region, a longitudinal study on individuals in that region to establish normal standards is necessary.
A Reinke‐like inclusion within Leydig cells of the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: PRINCE FREDERICK P. , FRASER HAMISH M. , MANN DAVID R.
Published: March 2003

The Reinke crystal is a distinctive feature of human Leydig cells of the adult maturation phase. This large subcellular structure, first described in 1896 by Reinke, has been well documented ultrastructurally by numerous investigators during the past few decades (e.g. Fawcett & Burgos, 1960; de Kretser, 1967; Sohval et al. 1973; Christensen, 1975; Kerr, 1991). Although Leydig cells of many mammals contain unusual inclusions, the Reinke crystal has long been considered unique to the human Leydig cell. Its precise molecular composition and significance are unknown. It is, however, known to contain proteins (Janko & Sandberg, 1970) and has been found to increase within the cell with age (Mori et al. 1978). The purpose of the present report is to describe the presence of an inclusion with much similarity to the Reinke crystal within Leydig cells of the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus).