bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased fetal nuchal translucency: possible association with esophageal atresia
Authors: Brown R. N. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2003

We describe a case in which in‐utero diagnosis of an esophageal atresia with a tracheo‐esophageal fistula in the third trimester followed the finding of an increased nuchal translucency in the first trimester and suggest a mechanism by which these two findings might be associated. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Antenatal diagnosis of congenital hepatoblastoma in utero
Authors: Shih J.‐C. , Tsao P.‐N. , Huang S.‐F. , Yen B. L.‐J. , Lin J.‐H. , Lee C.‐N. , Hsieh F.‐J.
Published: March 2003

A fetus with a huge hepatic tumor was detected by sonography at 36 weeks of gestation. The mass appeared as a single, solid and polylobular tumor located in the right lobe of the liver. Foci of hemorrhage, necrosis and some tiny calcifications were seen. The adjacent right kidney appeared normal but was displaced. The right adrenal gland was not visualized. Three‐dimensional power Doppler sonography further depicted the corresponding vascular anatomy of the tumor, including its vascularization pattern and blood supply. The tumor was situated to the right of the umbilical vein and portal sinus, possibly deriving its blood supply from the portal circulation. The fundamental findings suggested the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma by exclusion of other possibilities. The baby was delivered by Cesarean section at 36 weeks' gestation, due to signs of fetal distress. Unfortunately, hypotension, tachycardia, and tachypnea developed shortly after birth. Surgical intervention was performed, but intractable bleeding occurred intra‐operatively. The infant died at 6 days of age. Autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. We believe this is the first reported case of the antenatal diagnosis of congenital hepatoblastoma. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Three‐dimensional ultrasonographic and power Doppler characterization of ovarian lesions
Authors: Kurjak A. , Kupesic S. , Sparac V. , Kosuta D.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To determine whether three‐dimensional ultrasound (3D US) and 3D power Doppler can improve the ability to differentiate benign from malignant ovarian lesions.

Methods

Transvaginal ultrasound, transvaginal color Doppler, 3D US and 3D power Doppler were performed on 90 patients with ovarian lesions during the week prior to surgery. Four independent sonographers were blinded to the results of other ultrasound studies.

Results

Color Doppler studies added to transvaginal gray‐scale characterization of ovarian lesions resulted in sensitivity of 88.89% and specificity of 97.53% in diagnosing ovarian malignancy. Qualitative analysis of tumor vascularity by 3D power Doppler added to morphological features obtained by 3D US is clinical pertinent and reached sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 98.76%, respectively.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional ultrasound and power Doppler can enhance and facilitate the morphologic and functional evaluation of both benign and malignant ovarian lesions. Introduction of the 3D quantitative technique for measurements of blood flow and vascularization may increase clinical relevance of these studies. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Three‐dimensional hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (3D‐HyCoSy) as an outpatient procedure to assess infertile women: a pilot study
Authors: Kiyokawa K. , Masuda H. , Fuyuki T. , Koseki M. , Uchida N. , Fukuda T. , Amemiya K. , Shouka K. , Suzuki K.
Published: March 2003

Objective

This study aimed to assess the use of three‐dimensional hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (3D‐HyCoSy) as a routine outpatient procedure for evaluating infertile women.

Methods

In 25 unselected infertile patients, tubal patency and uterine cavity were investigated by 3D‐HyCoSy with saline as a contrast medium. The efficacy of the procedure was evaluated with X‐ray hysterosalpingography (XHSG) as reference.

Results

The positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of predicting tubal patency by 3D‐HyCoSy were 100, 33.3, 84.4, and 100%, respectively. The full contour of the uterine cavity was depicted in 96% of cases by 3D‐HyCoSy and 64% by XHSG (P < 0.005). The uterine cavity area measured on 3D‐HyCoSy correlated well with the volume of contrast medium required on XHSG (r
2 = 0.8166).

Conclusions

3D‐HyCoSy provided advantages of better assessment of uterine cavity over XHSG. Compared with conventional XHSG, the efficacy of 3D‐HyCoSy to assess tubal patency was acceptable. In addition, the procedure of 3D‐HyCoSy appears to be better tolerated, requiring no sedation or anesthesia and a reduced examination time. Thus, 3D‐HyCoSy with saline as a contrast medium is feasible and could comprise a routine outpatient procedure in the initial evaluation of infertile women. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Real‐time intraoperative ultrasound guidance: the transrectal approach
Authors: Bar‐Hava I. , Rabinerson D. , Kaplan B. , Orvieto R. , Levy T. , Shalev Y. , Ben‐Rafael Z. , Dekel A.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To assess the role of real‐time transrectal ultrasound guidance in complicated gynecologic procedures.

Design

In 1998–99, real‐time guidance with transrectal ultrasound was utilized in our department to assist the gynecologic surgeon in two procedures: completing the evacuation of the uterine cavity after identification of uterine wall perforation during first trimester termination of pregnancy, and drainage of infected vaginal vault hematoma following hysterectomy.

Results

The technique was applied for 11 patients, six abortions and five infected hematomas. All the procedures were completed without any further complications and the patients were discharged on the following day. Follow‐up was uneventful.

Conclusions

On‐line intraoperative transrectal ultrasound can effectively provide real‐time assistance to the gynecologic surgeon during complicated pelvic procedures. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subendometrial contractility is not predictive for in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome
Authors: Vlaisavljevic V. , Reljic M. , Gavric–Lovrec V. , Kovacic B.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate whether endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern, endometrial movement and serum estradiol and progesterone affect the outcome of in vitro fertilization.

Methods

Prospectively collected data of endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern and subendometrial activity were analyzed in 122 consecutive in vitro fertilization cycles. All measurements were made on the day of hCG administration (day −2), day of embryo transfer (day +2), day +6 and day +12.

Results

It would appear that pregnant women tend to have a thicker endometrium on day +12 than non‐pregnant women. There appears to be no appreciable difference between pregnant and non‐pregnant women in endometrial movement and thickness, nor in serum estradiol and progesterone on day +2 and day +6. In combining three echographic variables (thickness, pattern and movement) and hormone level (estradiol and progesterone), only progesterone on day +12 could be used to predict the outcome.

Conclusions

Subendometrial contractility plays no important role in implantation on the day of embryo transfer or 4 days later. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Thermal balloon endometrial ablation therapy induces a rise in uterine blood flow impedance: a randomized prospective color Doppler study
Authors: Järvelä I. , Tekay A. , Santala M. , Jouppila P.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To evaluate the possible hemodynamic changes in uterine blood flow using transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography after thermal balloon endometrial ablation therapy.

Study design

Prospective randomized study.

Patients and methods

Twenty‐seven pre‐ and post‐menopausal women with either menorrhagia or endometrial hyperplasia (no sign of atypia) were randomized to receive either thermal balloon ablation therapy (n = 13) or gestagen therapy (n = 14). In the gestagen therapy group, a 3‐month period of medroxyprogesterone acetate (10 mg/day) was given to premenopausal women during cycle days 15–24 and it was given to postmenopausal women continuously. Thermal balloon endometrial ablation therapy was carried out on cycle days 3–8. All the color Doppler measurements were also carried out on cycle days 3–8. Flow waveforms were obtained from the main branch of the uterine arteries, from arcuate arteries and from a subendometrial spiral artery. Doppler flow parameters were used for subsequent statistical analysis. The measurements took place before the initiation of treatment, on the first postoperative day (thermal ablation group only), and 1 month and 6 months after initiation of the study.

Results

No within‐group or between‐group differences were detected until the time of the last measurement 6 months after initiation of the treatment. Between the two randomized groups, the pulsatility index (PI) was significantly higher in the thermal ablation group in all three arteries in comparison with the gestagen group, in which no change in the PI took place. In the thermal ablation group, a significant rise from the pretreatment level was observed in the PI in the uterine arteries and in the spiral artery 6 months after the therapy.

Conclusion

Thermal balloon endometrial ablation therapy induces a rise in uterine blood flow impedance, but not until 6 months after the treatment. The rise in impedance may be due to fibrosis in the uterine cavity which thermal balloon therapy has been shown to produce. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fanconi anemia associated with increased nuchal translucency detected by first‐trimester ultrasound
Authors: Tercanli S. , Miny P. , Siebert M. S. , Hösli I. , Surbek D. V. , Holzgreve W.
Published: March 2003

Increased nuchal translucency between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation has now been established as a marker for chromosomal defects in several large‐scale studies. In addition, a growing number of structural defects and some rare genetic syndromes have been identified in association with this marker. We describe a case of a fetus with increased nuchal translucency at 12 weeks of gestation, in which second‐trimester evaluation by ultrasound showed an enlarged cisterna magna, a ventricular septal defect and moderate signs of dysmorphia. Karyotyping by chorionic villus sampling revealed a high rate of chromosomal breaks. The diagnosis of Fanconi anemia with early onset was confirmed following the development of severe postnatal anemia 2 months after birth. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Familial recurrence of spontaneous fetal intracranial hemorrhage: ultrasonographic diagnosis and postnatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Authors: Felderhoff–Müser U. , Brauer M. , Bührer C. , Wagner M. , Hierholzer J. , Obladen M.
Published: March 2003

We report fetal intracranial hemorrhage in term siblings from consanguineous parents, spontaneously occurring in the third trimester of pregnancy. Prenatal ultrasound in one case and postnatal MRI in both demonstrated massive parenchymal bleeding involving large areas of the cerebral cortex, white and gray matter. Vasculopathies, vascular malformations, coagulopathies, thrombocytopenia and relevant metabolic disorders could be excluded. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Uterine artery score and perinatal outcome
Authors: Hernandez‐Andrade E. , Brodszki J. , Lingman G. , Gudmundsson S. , Molin J. , Maršál K.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To evaluate a modified uterine artery score based on the pulsatility index and presence or absence of notching in the Doppler velocity waveform recorded from both uterine arteries in relation to the perinatal outcome.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in 741 third‐trimester high‐risk pregnancies. The uterine artery score was constructed assigning one point to each abnormal parameter—high pulsatility index and presence of notch—thus ranging from 0 (normal findings in both uterine arteries) to 4 (notch and high pulsatility index in both uterine arteries). In a subgroup with lateral placenta (n = 359), two definitions of abnormal pulsatility index were compared. In the uniform uterine artery score, a pulsatility index >1.20 in both uterine arteries was considered abnormal, disregarding the placental location; in the subgroup with lateral placenta, the high pulsatility index was defined as >1.00 on the placental side and >1.40 on the non‐placental side.

Results

Receiver‐operating characteristic curves did not reveal any difference in the diagnostic capacity between the group with a uniform uterine artery score and the subgroup with lateral placenta (P = 0.54). In the total material, the odds ratios and linear regression analysis showed an increased risk for an adverse perinatal outcome with increasing uterine artery score (P < 0.01). At a uterine artery score >2, there was a significantly increased risk for operative delivery for fetal distress, neonatal intensive care unit admission, 5‐min Apgar score <7, preterm delivery and delivery of a small‐for‐gestational age fetus.

Conclusion

In high‐risk third‐trimester pregnancies, Doppler velocity waveforms of the uterine arteries can be evaluated using the uterine artery score disregarding the placental location. The uterine artery score possesses a high predictive value regarding adverse perinatal outcome. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Fetal gastric size in normal and abnormal pregnancies
Authors: Sase M. , Asada H. , Okuda M. , Kato H.
Published: March 2003

Objective

The aim of this observational study was to construct an ultrasound index of fetal gastric size for the prenatal detection of congenital digestive tract obstruction.

Subjects

A total of 386 fetal measurements were performed in routine ultrasonographic examinations of women with normal singleton pregnancies between 18 and 39 weeks of gestation. Gastric measurements were also performed in 13 fetuses with digestive tract obstruction.

Methods

The ultrasound plane which included the pylorus and which provided the largest stomach area was used for definition and measurement of gastric area and maximal longitudinal dimension. The transverse section at the center of the gastric corpus was used for transverse and anteroposterior dimensions. Gastric volumes were calculated as a prolate ellipsoid. The gastric area ratio was defined as the gastric area divided by the transverse abdominal area. Biparietal diameter (BPD) and abdominal transverse area were also measured.

Results

The fetal gastric area was significantly correlated with fetal gastric volume (r = 0.91) and gestational age (r = 0.74). However, the correlation coefficient for gastric area with gestational age was smaller than those of the BPD (r = 0.97) with gestational age and abdominal transverse area with gestational age (r = 0.97). Gastric area ratio decreased slightly towards term. The gastric area ratio was below the 95% confidence intervals for the predicted values in all five fetuses with esophageal atresia, and exceeded the 95% confidence intervals in seven of the eight fetuses with duodenal atresia or intestinal tract obstruction.

Conclusion

Fetal gastric area correlates with ultrasound‐determined gastric volume measurements and appears to be useful in the assessment of digestive tract anomalies. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Dynamic three‐dimensional color Doppler ultrasound of human fetal intracardiac flow
Authors: Deng J. , Yates R. , Sullivan I. D. , Mcdonald D. , Linney A. D. , Lees W. R. , Anderson R. H. , Rodeck C. H.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To develop dynamic three‐dimensional ultrasound techniques for prenatal imaging of the intracardiovascular flow as well as the cardiovascular structure to address difficulties in assessing the spatially complex hemodynamics and morphology of the fetal heart.

Methods

Gray‐scale and color (velocity) Doppler echocardiography were performed on 12 fetuses to provide serial anatomical and rheological tomograms which were spatially registered in three dimensions. Using a second ultrasound machine simultaneously, spectral Doppler ultrasound was performed to record umbilical arterial waveforms, thus providing the temporal (fourth) dimension in terms of the cardiac cycle and facilitating removal of motion artifacts.

Results

Acquisitions were successful in eight of 15 attempts. Imaging of the flow of blood in four dimensions was achieved in six of the eight datasets. In one case with complex cardiac malformations, three‐dimensional reconstructions at systole and diastole offered dynamic diagnostic views not appreciated on the cross‐sectional images.

Conclusions

Our novel technique has made possible the prenatal visualization of the spatial distribution and true direction of intracardiac flow of blood in four dimensions in the absence of motion artifacts. The technique suggests that diagnosis of cardiac malformations can be made on the basis of morphological and hemodynamic changes throughout the entire cardiac cycle, offering unique and significant information complementary to conventional techniques. Further work to integrate the several non‐purpose‐built machines into a single system will improve the rate of acquisition of data, and may provide a new means of imaging and modeling structure and hemodynamics, not only for the fetal heart but for many other moving body parts.
Increased first‐trimester nuchal translucency as a prenatal manifestation of salt‐wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Fincham J. , Pandya P. P. , Yuksel B. , Loong Y. M , Shah J.
Published: March 2003

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder that results from a deficiency in one or other of the five enzymes of cortisol biosynthesis. The most common form of CAH is 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21‐OHD) and this may be manifest clinically in the neonatal period as a life threatening salt‐wasting condition alongside genital ambiguity. Prenatal diagnosis is available for CAH, however, there is poor correlation between the specific genotype and the phenotypic expression of the condition. We report two cases of severe salt‐wasting CAH in one family that presented in both pregnancies with increased nuchal translucency (NT) in the first trimester. This is the first report of the association, between increased NT and CAH 21‐OHD.
Stage‐specific expression patterns of alkaline phosphatase during development of the first arch skeleton in inbred C57BL/6 mouse embryos
Authors: MIYAKE T. , CAMERON A. M. , HALL B. K.
Published: March 2003

Timing and pattern of expression of alkaline phosphatase was examined during early differentiation of the 1st arch skeleton in inbred C57BL/6 mice. Embryos were recovered between 10 and 18 d of gestation and staged using a detailed staging table of craniofacial development prior to histochemical examination. Expression of alkaline phosphatase is initiated at stage 20.2 in the plasma membrane of mesenchymal cells in the distal region of the first arch. Expression is strongest in osteoid (unmineralised bone matrix) and presumptive periosteum at stage 21.32. Mineralisation begins at stage E23. Expression is present in the mineralised bone matrix. Secondary cartilages form in the condylar and angular processes by stage M24. The cartilaginous cells and surrounding cells in the processes are all alkaline phosphatase‐positive and surrounded by the common periosteum, suggesting that progenitor cells of the processes, dentary ramus and secondary cartilages all originate from a common pool. Nonhypertrophied chondrocytes of Meckel's cartilage express alkaline phosphatase at stage M23. Expression in these chondrocytes is preceded by the expression in their adjacent perichondrium. This is true of chondrocytes in all other cranial cartilages examined. 3‐D reconstruction of expression in Meckel's cartilage also revealed that the chondrocytes of Meckel's cartilage which express alkaline phosphatase and the matrix of which undergoes mineralisation are those surrounded by the alkaline phosphatase‐positive dentary ramus. By stage 25, coincident with mineralisation in the distal section of Meckel's cartilage, most chondrocytes are strongly positive. The perichondria of malleus and incus cartilages express alkaline phosphatase at stage M24. Nonhypertrophied chondrocytes along these perichondria also express alkaline phosphatase. Superficial and deep cells in the dental laminae of incisor and 1st molar teeth become alkaline phosphatase‐positive at the bud stage, stages 21.16 and 21.32, respectively. Dental papillae are negative until stage M24 when alkaline phosphatase expression begins in the dental papillae and follicles of the incisor teeth and the dental follicles of the 1st molar teeth. The dental papillae of the 1st molar teeth express alkaline phosphatase at stage 25. Expression in the dental papillae and follicles appears to coincide with cellular differentiation of follicle from papilla. The presumptive squamosal, ectotympanic and gonial membrane bones, lingual oral epithelial cells connected to the dental laminae of the incisor teeth, hair follicle papillae and sheath and surrounding dermis all express alkaline phosphatase in a stage‐specific manner.
Neuron volume in the ventral horn in Wobbler mouse motoneuron disease: a light microscope stereological study
Authors: DOCKERY P. , TANG Y. , MORAIS M. , VACCA‐GALLOWAY L. L.
Published: March 2003

Previous pathological reports have indicated that swollen and vacuolated motoneuron cell bodies are the most predominant feature characterising Wobbler mouse motoneuron disease, but there has been little supportive evidence using area measurements. The present study focuses on the possible role of changes in neuronal nuclear and perikaryal volumes in the cervical spinal cord ventral horn, using new and traditional stereological probes which provide unbiased estimates of volume. Semithin sections from the ventral horn of Wobbler mice and age and sex‐matched phenotypically normal littermates were examined at 2 ages (young and old). The young Wobbler group had significantly larger volume weighted mean perikaryal volumes compared with age‐matched controls, reflecting the presence of large swollen cells characteristic of this group; this situation was reversed in the control group. Number‐weighted perikaryal volume estimates in the old Wobbler group were smaller than in age‐matched controls. The variation in perikaryal volume was greatest in the young Wobbler group in which the coefficient of variation was 127%. The mean number weighted and volume weighted mean nuclear volumes were significantly smaller in the old Wobbler group compared with age‐matched controls and young Wobbler groups. The application of new stereological probes has enabled us to document more precisely these changes in neuronal structure in the Wobbler mutant mouse.
The neurofilament antibody RT97 recognises a developmentally regulated phosphorylation epitope on microtubule‐associated protein 1B
Authors: JOHNSTONE MANDY , GOOLD ROBERT G. , FISCHER ITZHAK , GORDON‐WEEKS PHILLIP R.
Published: March 2003

Microtubules are important for the growth and maintenance of stable neuronal processes and their organisation is controlled partly by microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs). MAP 1B is the first MAP to be expressed in neurons and plays an important role in neurite outgrowth. MAP 1B is phosphorylated at multiple sites and it is believed that the function of the protein is regulated by its phosphorylation state. We have shown that the monoclonal antibody (mAb) RT97, which recognises phosphorylated epitopes on neurofilament proteins, fetal tau, and on Alzheimer's paired helical filament‐tau, also recognises a developmentally regulated phosphorylation epitope on MAP 1B. In the rat cerebellum, Western blot analysis shows that mAb RT97 recognises the upper band of the MAP 1B doublet and that the amount of this epitope peaks very early postnatally and decreases with increasing age so that it is absent in the adult, despite the continued expression of MAP 1B in the adult. We confirmed that mAb RT97 binds to MAP 1B by showing that it recognises MAP 1B immunoprecipitated from postnatal rat cerebellum using polyclonal antibodies to recombinant MAP 1B proteins. We established that the RT97 epitope on MAP 1B is phosphorylated by showing that antibody binding was abolished by alkaline phosphatase treatment of immunoblots. Epitope mapping experiments suggest that the mAb RT97 site on MAP 1B is near the N‐terminus of the molecule. Despite our immunoblotting data, immunostaining of sections of postnatal rat cerebellum with mAb RT97 shows a staining pattern typical of neurofilaments with no apparent staining of MAP 1B. For instance, basket cell axons and axons in the granule cell layer and white matter stained, whereas parallel fibres did not. These results suggest that the MAP 1B epitope is masked or lost under the immunocytochemical conditions in which the cerebellar sections are prepared. The upper band of the MAP 1B doublet is believed to be predominantly phosphorylated by proline‐directed protein kinases(PDPKs). PDPKs are also good candidates for phosphorylating neurofilament proteins and tau and therefore we postulate that the sites recognised by RT97 on these neuronal cytoskeletal proteins may be phosphorylated by similar kinases. Important goals are to determine the precise location of the RT97 epitope on MAP 1B and the kinase responsible.
Distribution and coexistence of neuropeptides in nerve fibres in the temporomandibular joint of late gestation fetal sheep
Authors: TAHMASEBI‐SARVESTANI A. , TEDMAN R. , GOSS A. N.
Published: March 2003

The density and distribution of nerve fibres immunoreactive to antisera for PGP 9.5 (general neuronal marker), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) (markers for sensory neurons), as well as neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (markers for autonomic fibres), were examined in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of late gestation fetal sheep. This work formed part of a project investigating the influence of age and osteoarthritis on the innervation of the TMJ, and was undertaken to determine whether the innervation of the joint at 140 d gestation (17 d before birth) differed from that in the mature adult. Immunofluorescence microscopy was applied to serial sections of the capsule, disc and synovial membrane of 10 joints from 5 fetuses and image analysis was used for the quantitative assessment. The capsule, synovial membrane and the disc contained fibres immunoreactive (IR) to antisera for PGP 9.5, SP and CGRP. NPY‐IR fibres were only visible in the loose connective tissue of the capsule. No VIP‐ or TH‐IR nerve fibres were detected in the fetal TMJ. There was no statistically detectable difference between the density of nerve fibres immunoreactive to CGRP or PGP9.5 antisera in the capsule or disc. Substance P‐immunoreactivity (IR) was relatively weak in all samples examined. Scattered branches of CGRP‐IR fibres were found deep in the disc proper. The lack of receptor endings, other than free nerve endings in the TMJ of the late fetal sheep, might be a reflection of the functional and anatomical immaturity of the TMJ, as reflected in the immature, gross and microscopic appearance of the disc, the inferior joint compartment and articular surface of the condyle at this stage. These results demonstrate that the capsule, synovial membrane and disc in the TMJ of fetal sheep at 140 d gestation age are innervated with sensory fibres, while autonomic fibres are located in the capsule only. The findings also support the view that the disc is innervated at an early stage of life but at a later stage the density of innervation in the central part of the disc regresses and the innervation remains only peripherally in the adult TMJ disc. Further work is required to determine (1) at what stage sympathetic fibres innervate the disc and the synovium, and (2) when the mechanoreceptive nerve endings develop.
Immunohistochemical methods for semiquantitative analysis of collagen content in human peripheral nerve
Authors: LOWRY A. , WILCOX D. , MASSON E. A. , WILLIAMS P. E.
Published: March 2003

Methods are described for the semiquantitative analysis of the connective tissue components of human peripheral nerve using light microscopy. General histological preservation was assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining and the distribution of collagen type IV was investigated using immunohistochemistry. Several techniques were investigated to establish the one giving optimum structural preservation, immunobinding and greatest contrast for image analysis. Frozen sections were unsuitable for this tissue and paraffin wax sections were therefore used. Alcohol fixation was rejected due to poor preservation of the endoneurium, although immunobinding was excellent. Ice‐cold formalin fixation for 24 h was found to be adequate for structural preservation and antibody binding, provided that a protease step was introduced. Trypsin was found to be superior to pepsin for exposing collagen type IV epitopes. Of the detection systems investigated indirect immunofluorescence was not suitable due to considerable autofluorescence of the nerve. The avidin‐biotin method provided the greatest contrast, and was therefore the detection method of choice for image analysis. The optimum techniques for image analysis were then used on control human sural nerve to ascertain the best comparative method for collagen type IV in the perineurium. A method of semiquantitative analysis is described which takes into account the fact that there is a close linear relationship between collagen content per unit of perineurium and perineurial perimeter as fascicle size increases in peripheral nerve. This means that data from 2 different sample groups can easily be compared, provided that a range of fascicle sizes is analysed in each case.
Adaptation of the disector method to rare small organelles in TEM sections exemplified by counting synaptic bodies in the rat pineal gland
Authors: JASTROW HOLGER , VON MACH MARC‐A. , VOLLRATH LUTZ
Published: March 2003

The disector is the only objective method for quantifying particles of variable size in a given volume. With this method, cell organelles are identified on adjacent sections, but only those present in one section are counted. When counting extremely rare structures in transmission electron microscope sections (physical disector), the usual procedure of counting on electron micrographs is limited for economic reasons (e.g. micrographs highly outnumbering the investigated structures). Hence, to apply this unbiased stereological method, a modification of the physical disector concerning 3 aspects has been developed. (1) The prerequisite of screening large corresponding tissue areas (here ∼65000 μm2) was fulfilled by examining tissue areas along the edges of ultrathin sections. (2) The size of the counting frame was determined by measuring the lengths of the section margins (minus a guard area) by means of a Morphomat. This value was multiplied by the width of the investigated tissue zone, corresponding to the diameter of the electron microscope viewing screen. (3) Disector counting was carried out simultaneously on both sections (bidirectional disector) to improve efficiency. In the present study tiny synaptic bodies (SBs) were quantitated by disector in a rat pineal gland, yielding ∼30 SBs/1000 μm3. By contrast, single section profile counts of SBs amounted to 90 SBs/20000 μm2. Since the presently described adaptation of the disector is time‐consuming, it is proposed to determine a proportion factor allowing to estimate number of structures per volume based on single section profile counts. This would decrease the evaluation time by more than 50%.
Absence of the musculocutaneous nerve with innervation of coracobrachialis, biceps brachii, brachialis and the lateral border of the forearm by branches from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus
Authors: NAKATANI TOSHIO , TANAKA SHIGENORI , MIZUKAMI SHIGEKI
Published: March 2003

Anomalies of the brachial plexus and its terminal branches are not uncommon. Variations in the course and branches of the musculocutaneous nerve have been noted (Clemente, 1985; Bergman et al. 1988) and its absence was reported by Le Minor (1990). Several anomalies were present in the left plexus of a 59‐y‐old Japanese man (Fig.). There were no anterior and posterior divisions of the middle trunk, although there were communications between the posterior, medial and lateral cords. The musculocutaneous nerve was absent (Le Minor, 1990) and the medial and lateral roots of the median nerve did not unite in the axillary fossa but in the upper arm about 5 cm distal to the lower border of latissimus dorsi (Adachi, 1928; Buch‐Hansen, 1955). The hitherto unreported findings were branches arising directly from the lateral cord to supply coracobrachialis, both heads of biceps brachii and brachialis. The lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm was derived from the lateral cord with a small contribution from the medial root of the median nerve. Since there were communications between the posterior cord (a continuation of the middle trunk) and the medial and lateral cords, it is theoretically possibly, but not proven, that the root values of branches innervating the flexor muscles of the arm and forearm and the skin of lateral border of the forearm were normal.
The glenoid notch and the shape of the glenoid cavity of the scapula
Authors: MILES A. E. W.
Published: March 2003

Studying the shoulder joint in a palaeo‐osteological context in recent years, I have been struck, like Prescher & Klümpen (1997), by the lack of information about the glenoid notch provided by the standard anatomical texts; indeed equally unexplained is the pear‐shape of the glenoid cavity itself.
Species‐specificity of growth‐promoting effects of prolactin during rat embryogenesis
Authors: KARABULUT AHMET KAGAN , PRATTEN MARGARET K.
Published: March 2003

In the early stages of embryonic development, many growth‐promoting molecules must be provided by the maternal system. The molecules involved in growth processes may be either hormones or growth factors, or molecules that interact with such factors. The pregnancy related hormone, prolactin (PRL, MW 23 kDa) has been implicated in the control of embryonic growth. The growth‐promoting potential of PRL and its species‐specificity was investigated by culturing 9.5 d rat embryos in vitro for 48 h in depleted serum in the presence and absence of PRL from 3 different species. The growth‐supporting capacity of the serum was reduced by removal of low molecular weight molecules by prolonged filtration of the serum using filters with a molecular weight exclusion of 30 kDa. This method provided a ‘semidefined’ medium (retenate) in which embryonic growth and development was significantly reduced, demonstrating that the low molecular weight fraction of serum may contain some growth‐promoting factors. Addition of PRL (0.4–25.6 ng/ml) from different species (human, sheep and rat) to retenate significantly improved embryonic growth and development, suggesting that the developing embryo may utilise PRL. Amongst PRLs, rat PRL was found to be active at much lower concentrations than either of the other molecules, and human PRL had more effect in low concentrations than sheep PRL suggesting a species‐specificity for this hormone. It may be that the PRL receptors of the rat embryos have greater affinity for the rat hormone as different responses for hormones from different species have been shown. These findings suggest that embryos may be able to utilise maternally derived PRL during organogenesis.
Vascular tissue adaptations in end‐to‐end autologous arterial grafts in rats: a morphometric analysis
Authors: PURCELL CLIVE , TENNANT MARC , McGEACHIE JOHN
Published: March 2003

Autologous vein grafts are employed extensively to bypass stenoses in the arterial circulation. More recently arterial segments have been used for such bypass surgery. In this study the adaptation of regenerating vascular tissues in experimental autologous artery grafts (4 mm long and 1 mm in diameter) in 20 adult male Wistar rats was analysed. At 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 wk after insertion, 4 grafts per time interval were removed, processed for high resolution light microscopy and the thicknesses of the media and neointima, as well as the area fractions of smooth muscle cells, were analysed morphometrically. All grafts were reendothelialised by 2 wk. Neointimal hyperplasia (a subendothelial layer of smooth muscle cells) developed in all grafts and reached its maximal thickness (40.4±4.7 μm) at 2 wk. The area fraction of smooth muscle cells in the neointima of the artery grafts did not change significantly at any time from 2 to 16 wk. The media underlying the neointima of the artery grafts remained relatively constant throughout the 16 wk duration of the experiment. Whilst the total wall thickness of the grafts reduced significantly between 2 and 4 wk after insertion, at all times the grafts were thicker than the host artery.
Morphological and quantitative studies in the otic region of the neural tube in chick embryos suggest a neuroectodermal origin for the otic placode
Authors: MAYORDOMO RAQUEL , RODRÍGUEZ‐GALLARDO LUCÍA , ALVAREZ IGNACIO S.
Published: March 2003

Careful histological observation of the development of the anlage of the inner ear in chicken embryos led us to question the traditional view of otic placode (OP) formation. First, morphological studies in the cephalic region carried out on stages preceding the appearance of the placodal epithelium revealed that the medial placodal cells are continuous temporally and spatially with cells belonging to the neural fold (NF). Second, both the formation of the basal lamina between the dorsal region of the neural tube (NT) and ectoderm and the pattern of formation of the neural crest present distinctive characteristics between otic levels and regions located anteriorly and posteriorly. Third, numerical comparisons of parameters for the NT and the OP between different levels of the rhombencephalon allowed us to assign a differential behaviour in the growth pattern of the otic region. These results indicated that the medial part of the OP is not derived from already independent ectoderm that increases in thickness under the influence of the NT (as previously accepted) but that it develops directly from the NFs. Although we do not exclude other possibilities, we propose that at least a proportion of the OP cells originate directly from cells committed to be neural crest. After this incorporation, basal laminal formation would delimit the NT from the OP without transition of the otic cells to ectoderm. This hypothesis would imply that part of the otic cells originate directly from neuroepithelial cells having a neuroectodermal (rather than the previously established ectodermal) origin.
Morphometric study of the equine navicular bone: variations with breeds and types of horse and influence of exercise
Authors: GABRIEL ANNICK , JOLLY SANDRA , DETILLEUX JOHANN , DESSY‐DOIZE CÉCILE , COLLIN BERNARD , REGINSTER JEAN‐YVES
Published: March 2003

Navicular bones from the 4 limbs of 95 horses, classified in 9 categories, were studied. The anatomical bases were established for the morphometry of the navicular bone and its variations according to the category of horse, after corrections were made for front or rear limb, sex, weight, size and age. In ponies, navicular bone measurements were smallest for light ponies and regularly increased with body size, but in horses, navicular bone dimensions were smallest for the athletic halfbred, intermediate for draft horse, thoroughbreds and sedentary halfbreds and largest for heavy halfbreds. The athletic halfbred thus showed reduced bone dimensions when compared with other horse types. Navicular bones from 61 horses were studied histomorphometrically. Light horses and ponies possessed larger amounts of cancellous bone and less cortical bone. Draft horses and heavy ponies showed marked thickening of cortical bone with minimum intracortical porosity, and a decrease in marrow spaces associated with more trabecular bone. Two distinct zones were observed for the flexor surface cortex: an external zone composed mainly of poorly remodelled lamellar bone, disposed in a distoproximal oblique direction, and an internal zone composed mainly of secondary bone, with a lateromedial direction for haversian canals. Flexor cortex external zone tended to be smaller for heavy ponies than for the light ponies. It was the opposite for horses, with the largest amount of external zone registered for draft horses. In athletic horses, we observed an increase in the amount of cortical bone at the expense of cancellous bone which could be the result of reduced resorption and increased formation at the corticoendosteal junction. Cancellous bone was reduced for the athletic horses but the number of trabeculae and their specific surfaces were larger. Increased bone formation and reduced resorption could also account for these differences.
Hippocampal layers on high resolution magnetic resonance images: real or imaginary?
Authors: WIESHMANN U. C. , SYMMS M. R. , MOTTERSHEAD J. P. , MACMANUS D. G. , BARKER G. J. , TOFTS P. S. , REVESZ T. , STEVENS J. M. , SHORVON S. D.
Published: March 2003

To evaluate whether the lines occasionally detected on clinical magnetic resonance (MR) images are genuine hippocampal layers, a formalin fixed hippocampal specimen was scanned using T2 weighted sequences at 7 Tesla (voxel dimensions 0.064×0.064×1 mm) and at 1.5 Tesla (voxel dimensions: 0.156×0.156×1 mm) and compared with the results of histological examination. In addition, a healthy volunteer was scanned with a T2 weighted sequence at 1.5 Tesla (voxel dimensions: 0.469×0.469×2 mm). On 7 Tesla images hippocampal layers and the granule cell layer of the dentate were visible. On 1.5 Tesla images of the specimen, the hippocampal layers were again identified, but the granule cell layer of the dentate was not detectable. On 1.5 Tesla images of the hippocampus in vivo, 3 layers could be distinguished in the hippocampus on some slices. These mainly represented the alveus, pyramidal cell layer and stratum radiatum. A dark line consisting of a few pixels possibly represented the dentate gyrus. Our results show that the lines occasionally detected on clinical MR images are likely to be real hippocampal layers. However, the resolution currently used in clinical imaging (typically 0.469×0.469×2 mm or lower) is not sufficient for the detection of all hippocampal layers. For the reliable detection of all hippocampal layers on MR images an increase by a factor of approximately 20 would be necessary.
Elastic fibres in the vesicourethral junction and urethra of the guinea pig: quantification with computerised image analysis
Authors: DASS NARINDER , McMURRAY GORDON , BRADING ALISON F.
Published: March 2003

Elastic fibres, which are intimately associated with collagen, a major component of the urethra, have been assumed to contribute to the resting urethral closure pressure. The Miller stain for elastin was used to demonstrate elastic fibres in cryostat sections of guinea pig bladder base, vesicourethral junction (VUJ) and urethra. Computerised image analysis was employed to objectively quantify these fibres. Both male and female guinea pigs showed significantly greater amounts of circularly disposed elastic fibres in the VUJ than in the other 2 regions examined. This particular disposition of fibres may be responsible for imparting resiliency and plasticity to the VUJ, allowing it to distend and recoil repeatedly in response to urine outflow. Furthermore, the elastic fibres may be partly responsible for the passive occlusive force in this region. Elastic fibres in the distal urethra were not quantified because of their relative paucity. Sagittal sections of the urethra revealed a mass of longitudinally arranged elastic fibres localised almost exclusively within the mucosa, submucosa and longitudinal smooth muscle layer. Functionally, this arrangement may exist to facilitate urethral length changes that occur in micturition.
Immunohistochemical characterisation of epithelial cells of rodent harderian glands in primary culture
Authors: DJERIDANE YASMINA , SIMONNEAUX VALERIE , KLOSEN PAUL , VIVIEN‐ROELS BERTHE , PEVET PAUL
Published: March 2003

The aims of the current investigation were (1) to establish an efficient procedure for the isolation of rodent harderian gland cells and to define conditions for maintenance of viable differentiated cells; (2) to compare the in vitro growth pattern of cultured epithelial cells; and (3) to characterise the cultured epithelial cells from 3 rodent species: Wistar rats, Syrian hamsters and Djungarian hamsters. We have established primary culture conditions that permit the maintenance of viable and differentiated secretory cells from adult rodent harderian gland. This study demonstrates that the cell growth pattern is faster in hamsters than in rats and despite morphological changes, epithelial cells reestablish their distinctive (biochemical/metabolic) phenotype as indicated by lipid‐containing vacuoles, porphyrin pigment and serotonin and tryptophan hydroxylase labelling.
Characterisation of Kupffer cells in some Amphibia
Authors: CORSARO CONCETTA , SCALIA MARINA , LEOTTA NICOLA , MONDIO FILIPPO , SICHEL GIOVANNI
Published: March 2003

A study on the Kupffer cells (KCs) of Amphibia was undertaken in order to compare these cells with those of endothermic animals. Liver tissue and isolated and cultured KCs were studied by light microscopy and by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. We have shown that amphibian KCs can be divided into 2 principal types: ‘small’ and ‘large’. Both cell types possess the distinctive KC morphology. They show nonspecific esterase activity, weak endogenous peroxidase activity in the nuclear envelope and in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and the ability to engulf naturally present cell debris or experimentally administered zymosan or latex particles. The principal difference between the small and the large cells consists in the substantial quantity of inclusion bodies that exist only in the latter. We conclude that amphibian KCs, apart from their ability to build melanosomes and synthesise melanins, are very similar to mammalian KCs.