bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative Bioavailability of Two Forms of a Novel Water-Soluble Coenzyme Q10
Authors: Žmitek Janko , Šmidovnik Andrej , Fir Maja , Prošek Mirko , Žmitek Katja , Walczak Jaroslaw , Pravst Igor
Published: July 2008

Background: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring compound that plays a fundamental role in cellular bioenergetics and is an effective antioxidant. Numerous health benefits of CoQ10 supplementation have been reported, resulting in growing demands for its use in fortifying food. Due to its insolubility in water, the enrichment of most food products is not easily achievable and its in vivo bioavailability is known to be poor. Water solubility was increased significantly with the use of an inclusion complex with β-cyclodextrin. This complex is widely used as Q10Vital® in the food industry, while its in vivo absorption in humans has not previously been studied. Methods: A randomized three-period crossover clinical trial was therefore performed in which a single dose of CoQ10 was administered orally to healthy human subjects. The pharmacokinetic parameters of two forms of the novel CoQ10 material were determined and compared to soft-gel capsules with CoQ10 in soybean oil that acted as a reference. Results: The mean increase of CoQ10 plasma concentrations after dosing with Q10Vital® forms was determined to be over the reference formulation and the area under the curve values, extrapolated to infinity (AUCinf), were also higher with the tested forms; statistically significant 120 and 79% increases over the reference were calculated for the Q10Vital® liquid and powder, respectively. Conclusions: The study revealed that the absorption and bioavailability of CoQ10 in the novel formulations are significantly increased, probably due to the enhanced water solubility.
Conceptualizing Mind and Consciousness: Using Constructivist Ideas to Transcend the Physical Bind
Authors: Becker Joe
Published: July 2008

Philosophers and scientists seeking to conceptualize consciousness, and subjective experience in particular, have focused on sensation and perception, and have emphasized binding – how a percept holds together. Building on a constructivist approach to conception centered on separistic-holistic complexes incorporating multiple levels of abstraction, the present approach reconceptualizes binding and opens a new path to theorizing the emergence of consciousness. It is proposed that all subjective experience involves multiple levels of abstraction, a central feature of conception. This modifies the prevalent idea of sequential development from sensation through perception to conception. Further, this approach to mind and consciousness links constructivist theory to artistic activity and suggests that conception, subjective experience, aboutness (intentionality), and agency are linked together through separistic-holistic complexes. It also argues for change in the prevailing constructivist view that regards the process of production of new levels of conception as inherently directed towards better fit with the external environment.
CDKN1B V109G Polymorphism Frequency and Prostate Cancer Risk in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Shu-Pin , Yu Chia-Cheng , Liu Chia-Chu , Wu Tony T. , Huang Chun-Hsiung , Wu Ming-Tsang
Published: July 2008

Aim: The CDKN1B (p27) V109G polymorphism has been suggested to confer the risk of advanced prostate cancer in Caucasian males. However, its prevalence in Asian populations has never been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the CDKN1B V109G polymorphism frequency in the low incidence Taiwanese population and investigate its potential role on prostate cancer susceptibility and disease progression. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted, which enrolled a total of 190 prostate cancer patients and 292 age-matched male controls. PCR-RFLP was used to determine the CDKN1B V109G polymorphism. The association between CDKN1B V109G and prostate cancer risk and clinicopathologic variables was analyzed. Results: The variant CDKN1B G allele frequency in Taiwanese males appears to be low (2.1%). Overall, there was no significant association between CDKN1B V109G polymorphism and prostate cancer risk. Similarly, no significant findings were found when further stratified by different age groups, disease stages, and pathological grades. In terms of disease outcome, the CDKN1B V109G genotypes were not associated with either hormone response status after hormone therapy (p = 0.730) or with prostate-specific antigen recurrence for clinically localized prostate cancer patients who receive radical prostatectomy (p = 0.536). Conclusions: There was a low prevalence of CDKN1B V109G polymorphism in Taiwanese compared to Caucasian males. Hence, it may not be an appropriate biomarker of prostate cancer among the Taiwanese population. Further large-scale studies are needed to clarify the role of CDKN1B V109G polymorphism on prostate cancer risk.
Recipient’s Vascular Doppler Pattern Immediately following Death of the Donor in a Case of Untreated Severe Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Loureiro T. , Cunha M. , Beires J. , Montenegro N.
Published: July 2008

In a stage III twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, death of the donor at 31 weeks was followed by unusual umbilical artery (UA) doppler findings in the recipient, with a high diastolic peak velocity and a low S/D ratio. Besides, middle cerebral artery waveforms could not be obtained in the recipient. The recipient was delivered by emergency cesarean section, weighed 1,230 g, was strikingly pale and had a cord hemoglobin concentration of 15 g/dl. Neonatal blood average pressure was of 29 mm Hg, immediately after delivery, and ranged from 33 to 43 mm Hg in the first 12 h of life. Neonatal heart function returned to normal on day 2. We hypothesize that death of the donor twin induced an acute decrease in placental resistance. This phenomenon, combined with decreased systolic blood flow due to the recipient’s systolic function impairment, could account for the umbilical artery flow pattern we observed. The acute decrease in volemia and the presence of systemic hypertension and cardiomyopathy may explain the inability to obtain middle cerebral artery doppler. This complex hemodynamic disturbance in the recipient may be responsible for morbidity unrelated to anemia in case of donor’s demise, as acute fetal distress.
Double Aneuploidy in Spontaneous Miscarriages: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Korucuoglu Umit , Erdem Mehmet , Pala Elif , Karaoguz Meral Yirmibes , Erdem Ahmet , Biri Aydan
Published: July 2008

The occurrence of double aneuploidy is a relatively rare phenomenon. The clinical presentations are variable depending on the predominating aneuploidy or a combination effect of both. We report the cytogenetic data on products of conception from miscarriages over a period of 5 years. A total of 403 miscarriages were karyotyped and the tissues were villi in all cases. Of 403 cases, 54 cases with single aneuploidy and 2 cases of first-trimester miscarriages with double trisomies were found. These 2 cases with the karyotypes of 48,XXY,+15 and 48,XX,+5,+7 were cited for the first time in this study.
Viewing of the Soft and the Hard Palate on Routine 3-D Ultrasound Sweep of the Fetal Face – A Feasibility Study
Authors: Wong H.S. , Tait J. , Pringle K.C.
Published: July 2008

Objectives: To report a technique to view the fetal soft and hard palates, utilizing acquired routine 3-D volumes of the fetal face. Method: The axial, sagittal and coronal planes in acquired volumes of 3-D surface rendering of 5 normal fetal faces obtained at 19, 21, 23, 26 and 28 weeks, respectively, were reviewed by focusing on the uvula. Results: The surfaces of the soft and the hard palate could be viewed in oblique axial, oblique sagittal and targeted coronal planes in all fetuses. Conclusion: Rotating or tilting of the axial, sagittal and coronal planes of the fetal head allows the visualization of the various aspects of the soft and hard palates, with the uvula as a useful landmark.
Correspondence between Self-Reported and Parent-Reported Psychopathology in Adolescents with Eating Disorders
Authors: Salbach-Andrae Harriet , Klinkowski Nora , Lenz Klaus , Pfeiffer Ernst , Lehmkuhl Ulrike , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: July 2008

Background: This study examined parent/youth self-report agreement on emotional and behavioral symptoms among adolescents with eating disorders (ED). Sampling and Methods: Eighty-three parent-adolescent pairs participated. All adolescents (age 11–18 years) were females and met diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-IV for anorexia nervosa restricting type (n = 53) or bulimia nervosa (n = 30). Diagnoses were confirmed using the Structured Inventory for Anorectic and Bulimic Syndromes. Parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist, and the adolescents completed the corresponding Youth Self-Report. Results: Results of the interclass correlation provide very poor coefficients between parents and adolescents, especially for the internalizing subscale. Analyses of variance of repeated measures revealed significant differences in the total problem score and the internalizing subscore between parents and adolescents. Parents reported significantly more internalizing problems than adolescents. Conclusions: Agreement between parents and adolescents regarding the presence and severity of psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with ED is low. In contrast to previous studies in non-ED samples, adolescents with ED reported lower levels of internalizing problems than their parents. Denial and minimization may be underlying reasons for our findings and represent obstacles in the psychological assessment of adolescents with ED.
First-Episode Psychosis: Diagnostic Stability over One and Two Years
Authors: Haahr Ulrik , Friis Svein , Larsen Tor K. , Melle Ingrid , Johannessen Jan Olav , Opjordsmoen Stein , Simonsen Erik , Rund Bjørn Rishovd , Vaglum Per , McGlashan Thomas
Published: July 2008

Background: Diagnostic stability is important for daily clinical work and planning of treatment. The aims of this study were to measure diagnostic stability in a clinical epidemiologic sample and to identify markers of change in diagnosis. Sampling and Methods: Diagnostic stability and change were measured in a sample of 301 patients with first-episode psychosis from four national health care sectors in Norway and Denmark at baseline, 1 and 2 years. Results: Diagnostic stabilities were high for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder (85–99%), low for schizophreniform disorder (16–19%), and intermediate for other diagnoses. Diagnostic change from schizophreniform to schizophrenia was frequent in year 1 (72%). Characteristics discriminating schizophreniform patients keeping their diagnosis (i.e. having recovered within 6 months with no relapse) from those developing schizophrenia at 1 year were female gender, better childhood premorbid functioning, shorter duration of untreated psychosis and more severe general psychotic symptoms, especially excitation. Conclusions: Findings provide validation for the DSM-IV categories within the schizophrenic spectrum. The limitations of the study were: the raters were not blind to baseline assessments; patients with longer duration of untreated psychosis were more likely to refuse participation; not all patients were assessed at 1- and 2-year follow-up, but the attrition was rather low.
Co-Occurrence of Atypical Endometriosis, Subserous Uterine Leiomyomata, Sactosalpinx, Serous Cystadenoma and Bilateral Hemorrhagic Corpora Lutea in a Perimenopausal Adipose Patient Taking Tamoxifen (20 mg/Day) for Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer
Authors: Ebert Andreas D. , Rosenow Gabriele , David Matthias , Mechsner Sylvia , Magalov Islam S. , Papadopoulos Thomas
Published: July 2008

Background: For women taking tamoxifen, recent data strongly support the estrogen agonist role of tamoxifen as a causal factor for the increased risk of endometriosis, but also of leiomyomata, endometrial polyps, and endometrial hyperplasia. Case Report: A 54-year-old perimenopausal woman on tamoxifen (20 mg/day), gravida 0, with surgically treated invasive lobular breast cancer and extensive lobular carcinoma in situ (pT2 (m) pN0 (snl) pL0 G2 pTis (LCLIS) R0 M0 Ki-67 1%, ER+, PR+, Her-2-neu-negative) was referred for evaluation of a pelvic mass. The ultrasonographic examination showed a regular endometrium of less than 6 mm thickness, a uterine myoma (∼3 cm in diameter), a right-sided sactosalpinx (7.7 × 3.6 × 5.7 cm), an ovarian cyst on the right side (∼4 cm), and a left-sided ovarian cyst (∼3 cm in diameter) without any malignancy criteria. The CA-125 level was normal (9.4 U/ml). With the exception of a decreased serum progesterone level; the endocrine status showed no sign of ovarian insufficiency (LH 5.6 mIU/ml, FSH 9.0 mIU/ml, estradiol 103.7 pg/ml, progesterone 1.51 ng/ml, testosterone 0.11 ng/ml, DHEA-S 62.3 µg/dl, SHBG 64.39 nmol/l, free androgen index 0.6). During laparoscopy 2 uterine subserous leiomyomata, a right-sighted sactosalpinx, bilateral ovarian cysts, and an extended polypoid, vascularized endometriosis of the bladder peritoneum, the pelvic wall and Douglas pouch were found. Complete pelvic deperitonealization, bilateral adnexectomy, and also enucleation of the 2 leiomyomata were performed. Results: Pathological examination confirmed the sactosalpinx. In the cystic ovary (right side), a serous cystadenoma close to a hemorrhagic corpus luteum (HCL) was diagnosed. The left ovary showed another HCL. The removed leiomyomata did not show atypia or significant mitotic activity. The endometriotic lesions presented strong expression of the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor, and the proliferation marker MIB-1. In addition, there was no HER-2-neu expression. A switch to the aromatase inhibitor letrozol was recommended. Conclusion: The possibility of tamoxifen-induced or tamoxifen-driven endometriosis in peri- or postmenopausal patients with breast cancer should be considered.
Does the Physiological Acromegaly of Pregnancy Benefit the Fetus?
Authors: Verhaeghe Johan
Published: July 2008

Pregnancy is accompanied by notable changes in the secretion of growth hormone (GH) and the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). A GH variant produced by the placenta is discernible in maternal plasma from early pregnancy, rising exponentially until 37 weeks. Meanwhile, pituitary GH gradually drops to near-undetectable levels. While there might be a modest reduction in circulating IGF-I in early pregnancy, IGF-I increases 2- to 3-fold in the second half, again with a peak at around 37 weeks. Thus, placental GH is believed to replace pituitary GH as the primary stimulus for IGF-I secretion in pregnancy. Several IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) including IGFBP-3 are proteolyzed, leading to an elevated free (bioavailable) IGF-I fraction. IGF-II concentrations also appear to show a modest (20–25%) increase in the course of pregnancy. The possible clinical manifestations include edema of face and forearms and carpal tunnel symptoms, reminiscent of the symptoms of acromegaly and the side effects of GH/IGF-I treatment. Neither placental GH nor the maternal IGFs cross the placental barrier, yet evidence from preclinical models is accumulating that they promote trophoblast invasion, placenta growth and maturation, transplacental nutrient transport and, ultimately, fetal growth. The ensemble data strongly suggest that ‘gestational acromegaly’ develops in order to foster fetoplacental growth.
Chromosomal Abnormalities in Couples with Reproductive Disorders
Authors: Meza-Espinoza Juan Pablo , Ortiz Anguiano Lilia , Rivera Horacio
Published: July 2008

Aim: To determine the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in couples with reproductive disorders. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 939 Mexican couples with reproductive disorders (542 with recurrent fetal loss, 356 with malformed/stillborn children, and 41 with sterility) whose karyotype was established on GTG-banded metaphases. Results: A chromosomal aberration was detected in one partner of 52 couples, including a double translocation carrier; therefore, the prevalence of chromosomally abnormal couples was 5.5%; 31 couples with recurrent fetal loss (31/542, 5.7%), 15 with malformed/stillborn children (15/356, 4.2%), and 6 with sterility (6/41, 14.6%). There were 43 couples with structural rearrangements (29 reciprocal translocations, 10 robertsonian translocations, 2 inversions, 1 insertion, and 1 ring) and 9 with gonosomal aneuploidies. The affected partner was female in 28 (53.8%) and male in 24 (46.2%) couples. In addition, 17 couples (1.8%) with the structural variant inversion 9qh were detected. Conclusion: The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities found in our sample is consistent with figures described in several populations around the world.
Decidualization of Ovarian Endometriosis during Pregnancy Mimicking Malignancy: Report of Three Cases with a Literature Review
Authors: Machida Shizuo , Matsubara Shigeki , Ohwada Michitaka , Ogoyama Manabu , Kuwata Tomoyuki , Watanabe Takashi , Izumi Akio , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: July 2008

Background: Intracystic papillary excrescence is a characteristic morphological feature of ovarian malignancy. A few recent reports have demonstrated that ovarian endometriotic cysts, undergoing decidualization during pregnancy, occasionally show excrescence, necessitating surgery during pregnancy; however, this phenomenon is not well recognized among clinicians. Cases: Three pregnant women with decidualized ovarian endometriosis showed excrescence. Both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preoperatively suggested the presence of underlying ovarian endometriotic cysts in 2 women, but not in the other. Intracystic papillary excrescence prompted us to perform laparotomy at 14, 14, and 19 weeks of pregnancy, respectively, with 1 woman aborting in the 21st week, and with 2 delivering healthy term infants. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of decidualized ovarian endometriotic cysts in all 3 patients. Conclusions: We provide the first report of pregnant women in whom excrescence occurred from ovarian endometriotic cysts without preoperative evidence. Decidualized ovarian endometriosis, even without preoperative morphological features of endometriosis, should be added to the differential diagnosis of ovarian malignancy during pregnancy.
Apoptosis in Adult Mouse Testis Induced by Experimental Cryptorchidism
Authors: Ohta Y. , Nishikawa A. , Fukazawa Y. , Urushitani H. , Matsuzawa A. , Nishina Y. , Iguchi T.
Published: July 2008

Induction of cryptorchidism in the mouse causes infertility due to disruption of spermatogenesis including reduction of germ cells; however, the cellular mechanism responsible for the degenerative changes in cryptorchid testis is still unclear. In surgically induced bilateral cryptorchidism of 3-month-old C57BL/Tw mice, cellular changes in the cryptorchid testis were studied 1, 2, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after the operation by electron microscopy, DNA fragmentation, in situ 3’-end labeling, serum and testicular testosterone measurements and gene expression. Although the testis showed DNA fragmentation even in intact mice, the cryptorchidism increased the degree of the fragmentation at 1 postcryptorchidism (p.c.) day. Apoptosis was encountered mainly in spermatids and spermatocytes. The number of apoptotic cells in the cryptorchid testis showed a 7-fold increase at 1 p.c. day as compared to the intact testis, then it gradually decreased. Serum testosterone levels showed a significant decrease at 2 p.c. days and remained low thereafter. Expression of transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), TGF-β3, tumor necrosis factor-α receptor and Fas mRNAs increased in the cryptorchid testis within 24 h after the operation. In lprcg and Ipr mice lacking functional Fas, gld mice lacking functional Fas ligand and lprcg-gld mice lacking both functional Fas and Fas ligand, the experimental cryptorchidism also induced apoptosis in germ cells at 1 p.c. day. The present results indicate that cryptorchidism induces apoptotic dell death in germ cells, and that testosterone reduction and the Fas system may not be significantly involved in the apoptosis of male germ cells.
Myocardial Bridge Muscle on Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Differs from Subepicardial Myocardium of the Left Ventricle in Dogs
Authors: Yamaguchi M. , Tangkawattana P. , Muto M. , Nakade T. , Taniyama H. , Miyata Y. , Nakayama T. , Hamlin R.L.
Published: July 2008

The myocardial bridge (MB) is a muscle band found sporadically above the coronary artery (CA) in humans and certain animals such as the dog, cat and sheep. The purpose of our study was to compare the structure of the MB muscle with that of tissue from the subepicardial myocardium. The histological studies included toluidine blue staining of 1-µm-thick sections and Gomori’s trichrome staining of canine cardiac samples. The MB muscle of the dog heart is characterized by a distinctive spatial arrangement, with individual fibers separated by substantial elements of intercellular connective tissue in cross-section. Longitudinally, the long, slender fibers are aligned continuously with intermediation of intercalated disks lying peφendicular to the long axis of the fibers. In other regions of the left ventricular subepicardial myocardium, each myocyte is tightly packed in transverse view. There is great variation in the thickness (0.11-2.24 mm, average 0.45 mm) of MBs and the distance (24-236 µm, average 103 µm) between MBs and the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) among the 13 affected dogs examined, with no apparent relationship between the occurrence of MBs and either age or sex. These results on MB alignment suggest that the MB muscle generates force along the long axis of the fiber orientation as skeletal muscle does, and with minimal constriction of the CA; if so, the function of MB myocytes may differ from that of common cardiac myocytes, as does the structure. Then, the long-supposed downward compressive force of MBs on the LAD would be minimal in most cases; however, when the MB produces a systolic narrowing of the LAD known as the milking effect, the degree of lateral compression and its influence should depend not only on the substantial size of the MB muscle but also on the distance between the MB muscle and LAD. The environment surrounding the LAD may be a crucial factor in determining whether the MB influences the induction of heart disorders or not.
Setting Up and Features of a Database of Images of Plastinated Materials
Authors: Masuda Y. , Yoshida Y. , Minagawa K. , Zhang J. , Yohro T.
Published: July 2008

A database of plastinated materials was set up and distributed with a CD-ROM on the Internet. A total of 197 specimens, prepared at the Medical Museum of the University of Tokyo between 1991 and 1995, were catalogued in the database on a personal computer with commercial and original software. The database was originally designed to catalogue anatomical specimens and drawings for curators and researchers, but it also services as a worldwide digital museum.
The Potentially Best Stereographic Presentation of the Plastinated Anatomical Specimen
Authors: Taguchi M. , Shimaguchi S. , Koike F. , Yoshida Y.
Published: July 2008

Volumegraph, which is an improved version of the parallax panoramagram, has been studied as a method of stereophotography of a plastinated human body specimen. The volumegraph provides a steric view of the specimen in a natural color appearance. The potential advantages in using the volumegraph for the presentation of anatomical specimens are discussed taking account of its technical details.
Reclamation of Acetone in Plastination Laboratories: A Simple and Inexpensive Method
Authors: Grondin G. , Henry R.W. , Janick L. , Bérubé S.
Published: July 2008

Since the introduction of the plastination process by von Hagens [Anat Rec 194/2: 247-256, 1979], the cost of acetone used for the dehydration step has been considered an important factor in the cost of plastination. We have developed a three-step method that permits the reuse of acetone. The first step simply consists of storing the contaminated acetone in the freezer and separating the congealed fat by filtration. The second step is vacuum distillation of the acetone and can be conducted with the freezer and vacuum pump (found in any plastination laboratory) with just a few additions. It produces 95-97% pure acetone. The last step uses a desiccant to take away the residual water from the distilled acetone and brings the purity to 99.5%. With this method, we have reduced the amount of acetone to be purchased to a minimum and completely eliminated the cost of discarding used acetone. In addition vaporized acetone released during the impregnation step of plastination is recaptured.
Design of Lifting Gear for a Plastination Laboratory
Authors: Bore P. , Boyes R. , Dower R.
Published: July 2008

Conventional lifting gear based on steel components can be safely used in a laboratory where acetone is used provided that: (a) the circumstances under which significant amounts of acetone vapour will be present are known and can be controlled and (b) operating practices are imposed to prevent the use of the lifting gear at times when acetone vapour may be present in explosive concentrations.
Distribution of Muscle Spindles in the Extensor Digitorum and Hallucis Brevis Muscles of the Macaque as Determined by Plastination
Authors: Matsumura A. , Saito K.
Published: July 2008

The structure-function relationships of the macaque extensor digitorum and hallucis brevis muscle (EDB and EHB), the single intrinsic and four-tendoned muscle of the dorsum of the foot, were investigated in the macaque after preparation of samples by two plastination methods, using gelatin and epoxy resin. These preparative methods clearly revealed the muscle fibers, spindles and myelinated axons in the EDB and EHB. In the more medially located two bellies (the medial two bellies of the EDB), the mean relative proportion of red fibers was larger than in the more laterally located two bellies (the lateral belly of the EDB, and the EHB), while those of intermediate and white fibers were smaller than in the more laterally located two bellies. (The difference was significant between some pairs of bellies.) In the more medially located two bellies, the mean cross-sectional area of each type of fiber, namely, the white, intermediate and red fibers, tended to be smaller than in the more laterally located two bellies. (There were significant differences between many pairs of bellies.) The total number of muscle spindles within an EDB and EHB was 15, and larger numbers of muscle spindles were distributed to the medially located two bellies compared to the laterally located two bellies. (There were significant differences between many pairs of bellies.) These results suggest that the more medially located two bellies of the EDB and EHB are adapted to the relatively precise movements of toes, while the more laterally located two bellies are adapted to the prompt extension and abduction that are related to the arboreal habitat of the macaques.
Sheet Plastination of the Vascularity of the Lunate Bone -A Morphological Study
Authors: Schiltenwolf M. , Jakob D.S. , Graf J.
Published: July 2008

Using the method of sheet plastination, the vascularity of the lunate bone can be investigated and analyzed. By intraosseous injection, the deep and superficial venous systems are visualized. Transparent sheets with slices of embedded specimens show a three-dimensional presentation of the vascularity of the human carpus different in functional aspects. Comparing hands with a normal and extended wrist position, three mechanisms of impairment of the venous drainage are observed. The anatomical results of this investigation support the hypothesis that venous congestion, resulting from intraosseous hypertension, plays a role in the development of the necrosis of the lunate bone.
Effect of Freezing Damage of the Periosteum on the Growth of the Mandibular Condylar Process in the Rat
Authors: Peltomäki T. , Rönning O.
Published: July 2008

The regulatory effect of the periosteum on the growth of the mandibular condylar process has previously been investigated by relieving the periosteal tension, e.g. by dividing the periosteum, but no unanimous conclusion has been reached. In the present investigation, a different experimental design was applied in that the growth of the condylar process was observed following a provoked periosteal damage. Using 15-day-old rats, the mandibular ramus on the right side was exposed, and the periosteum subjacent to the condylar cartilage was frozen by a cryotechnique. Controls were treated similarly, with the exception of the freezing. The height of the ramus and the length of the mandibular corpus were measured on separated dry mandibular halves 15 or 30 days postoperatively. The measurements showed that the mandibular halves on which the periosteum had been frozen were significantly smaller than the contralateral ones. A tendency in the same direction was also found in the sham-operated animals. It can be concluded that the presumably increased restriction following damage to the periosteum, and evidently also scarring resulting from the operation, has an inhibitory effect on the growth of the condylar process. However, it is still open to discussion whether the reduced growth is transmitted by mechanical means according to the periosteal-tension hypothesis and/or by here unspecified mitogenic factors.
Distribution of Hairs and Sweat Glands on the Bodies of Korean Adults: A Morphometric Study
Authors: Hwang K. , Baik S.H.
Published: July 2008

A morphometric study was made of the number of sweat glands and hairs per square centimeter of skin on different body regions of Korean adults. For this purpose, samples of skin from 30 body regions were obtained by punch biopsy from 74 cadavers of Korean adults. Serial transverse sections that extended through the papillary layer of the dermis were prepared in each case and subjected to routine histological staining. Sections of skin were examined under low magnification and the sweat ducts and hair follicles in each section were counted and recorded in terms of the number per square centimeter of skin. Arithmetic means and standard deviations for each region were also obtained for comparison of the densities of distribution. The soles (male) and the palms (female) were the regions of most densely distributed sweat glands while the mammary area in both sexes was the region of lowest density. Hairs were distributed most densely in the buccal region in males and on the mental (chin) region in females. The region of lowest density of hairs was the dorsum of the middle phalanx of the fingers in both sexes. Seven regions of the body exhibited significant sexual dimorphism in terms of the density of sweat glands while only four regions showed significant sexual dimorphism in terms of the density of hairs. Hairs appeared to be more densely distributed in the buccal regions of females than of males. However, the density of hairs in the dermis was not always proportional to the density of visible hairs.
Measurements of the Carotid Canal in Skulls from Anatolia
Authors: Çalgüner E. , Turgut H.B. , Gözil R. , Tunç E. , Sevim A. , Keskil S.
Published: July 2008

Since widespread applications of microsurgery are being employed for aneurysms, clival tumors, etc., precise knowledge of the skull base measurements has become vital, and a study of 307 adult skulls – 130 female and 177 male -has been undertaken. Measurements were made between the landmarks chosen in accordance with the study of Lang in 1983 and our average values were similar to his series, being closer to his female data. There was no significant difference between the right and left sides of the skull.
A Hypermedia Tutorial for Cross-Sectional Anatomy: HyperMed
Authors: Weidemann J. , Hohn H.-P. , Hiltner J. , Tochtermann K. , Tresp C. , Bozinov D. , Venjakob K. , Freund A. , Reusch B. , Denker H.-W.
Published: July 2008

Modern imaging techniques like computer tomography (CT) and nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have become essential in clinical diagnostics and also in teaching gross anatomy to medical students. As a consequence, special classes in (cross)-sectional anatomy are being added to the curriculum in many anatomical institutions. Since institutional budgets often do not allow extensive supervision beyond the very limited time frame of traditional courses in gross anatomy, a computer-based hypermedia tutorial (HyperMed) was created and integrated into the teaching program of the Institute of Anatomy at Essen University. HyperMed offers two components, one for authors (e.g. teachers who can customize the contents of the program) and a second for users (e.g. students). In the present version, digital cross-sectional human images have been edited. The relevant anatomical structures in these images have been marked, named, and linked to additional information and figures (in particular schematic figures and CT images). Users can obtain information at different levels: (1) index-based retrieval, (2) navigational retrieval (on inspecting cross-sectional images the user is asked to identify structures) and (3) a history list enabling users to go back to any previous point of navigation. HyperMed was first tested in the winter terms 1995/1996 and 1996/1997 during classes on cross-sectional anatomy which are a supplement to the traditional dissection course of the Institute of Anatomy, University Essen. It was well received by the students who found it a helpful adjunct to learning cross-sectional anatomy.
Persistent Primitive Sciatic Artery Associated with Other Various Anomalies of Vessels
Authors: Sekiya S. , Horiguchi M. , Komatsu H. , Kowada S. , Yokoyama S. , Yoshida K. , Isogai S. , Nakano M. , Koizumi M.
Published: July 2008

A left persistent primitive sciatic artery was observed in a Japanese male cadaver. The sciatic artery arose from the internal iliac artery and perforated the ventral division of the sacral plexus. The sciatic artery did not anastomose with the perforating arteries nor the popliteal artery. The left femoral artery was incompletely developed, attenuating and terminating as the saphenous artery. Instead of the femoral artery, direct continuation of the profunda femoris artery, which probably corresponded to the fourth perforating artery, became the popliteal artery. Other vessel anomalies were observed in various regions. They included: (1) the retroesophageal right subclavian artery; (2) the left vertebral artery entering the transverse foramen of the 4th cervical vertebra; (3) bilateral occurrence of the superficial brachial artery; (4) the left gastric artery independently arising from the abdominal aorta; (5) a hepatolienomesenteric trunk; (6) three accessory renal arteries; (7) double testicular arteries; (8) the arteria intermesenterica; (9) a venous ring termed the ‘renal collar’, and (10) paired thoracic ducts. The present cadaver was considered to be a very rare case in which many primitive vascular systems had extensively persisted in various parts of the body.
Media Hype: Musculus sphenomandibularis
Authors: Türp J.C. , Cowley T. , Stohler C.S.
Published: July 2008

The report of an allegedly so far unknown craniomandibular muscle (‘the sphenomandibularis’) in 1996 by Dunn and co-workers provoked much comment in journals and newspapers. The authors’ hypothesized role of the ‘m. sphenomandibularis’ in temporomandibular disorders and headaches created hopes and expectations. The present article examines whether two detailed descriptions by Ramalho and co-workers [1978, in Portuguese], and by Zenker [1954, 1955, and 1956, in German] deal with the very same muscle. From the comparison of these descriptions it becomes evident that the ‘m. sphenomandibularis’ is not a new muscle, but corresponds to the ‘medial portion’ [Zenker], or ‘deep portion’ [Ramalho et al.] of the temporalis muscle. Further directed search identified descriptions of the muscle in question back into the 19th century.
Altered Kidney Matrix Gene Expression in Early Stages of Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Wu K. , Setty S. , Mauer S.M. , Killen P. , Nagase H. , Michael A.F. , Tsilibary E.C.
Published: July 2008

The expression of mRNA and distribution of α1(IV), α3(IV) chains of type IV collagen, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and tissue inhibitor of metallo-proteinase 1 (TIMP-1) were examined in kidneys from streptozotocin-diabetic rats, 2.5 months after administration of the drug, an early time point when specific diabetic glomerular changes were still minimal. Ten age-matched Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control and diabetic groups. Compared to the controls, the diabetic rats had a significantly lower body weight, higher kidney weight and serum glucose levels, but no significant changes of glomerular surface area and urine albumin were observed. Northern blot analysis, using whole kidney mRNA, revealed that diabetic rat kidneys expressed 113.5% more α1(IV), 46.5% more α3(IV), 54.8% less MMP-2 and 246% more TIMP-1 (in all instances: p < 0.05). These results were corroborated by in situ hybridization for RNA expression. A quantitative analysis of the data indicated the following changes in glomeruli: (1) 74.6% more α1(IV), (2) 103.8% more α3(IV), (3) 40.7% less MMP-2 and (4) 80.9% more TIMP-1. Similar changes were observed in tubular (proximal and distal) cells. We conclude that an increased synthesis and decreased degradation of renal extracellular matrix components occur early after induction of experimental diabetes, before the onset of typical structural changes in the kidneys, and represent changes of specific gene expression at the transcriptional level. All the cell types in the glomerulus as well as the proximal and distal tubules appear to be involved in this alteration of expression, and this is a novel finding.
Long-Term Effects of Core Decompression by Drilling
Authors: Simank H.-G. , Graf J. , Kerber A. , Wiedmaier S.
Published: July 2008

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is associated with bone marrow hyperpression. Although core decompression by drilling is an accepted treatment regimen, until today no experimental results exist concerning the physiological effects of this procedure. Published clinical data are controversial. In an animal study marrow decompression was carried out by drilling of both hips in 18 healthy male sheep. In the right hip of each animal a resorbable stent was implanted in order to prolong the duration of core decompression. Over a time period of 24 weeks the effects were studied by measurement of the intraosseous pressure, by the plastination method and by morphological examination with light and electron microscopy. Bone drilling is a procedure of high short-time efficacy in decompressing the bone marrow. But decompression lasts only for a short time period. Three weeks postoperatively the drill channel is sealed by hematoma and fibrous tissue in both hips (with/without stent) and no significant decompressive effect is measured. Ingrowth of vessels along the drill channel is found in all hips after a time period of 3 weeks. These vessels originate from the periosteum as well as from the bone marrow and form temporary anastomoses between the periostal-diaphyseal-metaphyseal and the epiphyseal-physeal circulatory system. In conclusion, for the first time an anastomosis induced by drilling between both circulatory systems of bone is demonstrated and the importance of the periosteum is confirmed. The time of decreased core pressure induced by drilling is too short for substitution of a necrotic area and could be the explanation of the inferior clinical results of the procedure.
Quantitative Analysis of Incongruity, Contact Areas and Cartilage Thickness in the Human Hip Joint
Authors: Eckstein F. , v. Eisenhart-Rothe R. , Landgraf J. , Adam C. , Loehe F. , Müller-Gerbl M. , Putz R.
Published: July 2008

Joint incongruity and cartilage thickness have been shown to determine the contact stresses and the load partitioning between the solid and fluid phases of articular cartilage. Matrix stresses, which are relevant in the development of osteoarthrosis, can, however, not be determined experimentally but must be calculated using numerical methods. The aim of the present study was to quantify the incongruity and cartilage thickness of the human hip, in order to allow for the construction of morphologically accurate finite element models. Twelve cadaveric specimens (34–86 years), two fresh and ten fixed, were investigated. The loading configuration was based on in vivo measurements of hip joint forces during midstance. The incongruity and contact areas were determined using a poly-ether casting technique, in the minimally and the fully loaded state. The cartilage thickness was measured at identical coordinate points with an A-mode ultrasonic system. Generally, the contact started at lower loads at the edge of the lunate surface, and the joint space increased towards its central aspects. In some specimens the contact started in the acetabular roof, leaving a joint space of up to 2 mm in the horns of the lunate surface. In others, the initial contact was observed in the anterior and posterior horns of the lunate surface with a joint space width of up to 0.75 mm in the acetabular roof. The size of the contact areas increased from about 20% of the lunate surface to 98% at higher loads. The articular cartilage thickness ranged from 0.7 to 3.6 mm, the maxima being located in the ventral aspects of the femoral head and acetabulum. These quantitative data on joint space width, contact, and cartilage thickness in the human hip joint may be used to construct and validate finite element models which are required to elucidate the mechanical factors involved in osteoarthrosis.
Anterior Tympanic Artery: Course, Ramification and Relationship with the Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Mérida Velasco J.R. , Rodríguez Vázquez J.F. , Jiménez Collado J.
Published: July 2008

The anterior tympanic artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, ascends through the retroarticular region dividing into anterior branches that spread through the posterior part of the temporomandibular joint, and posterior branches that contribute to the vascularization of the external acoustic meatus and the tympanic cavity. The arrangement of the anterior tympanic artery was studied bilaterally in 18 adult cadavers. In some cases, the anterior tympanic artery branches off from the superficial temporal artery. The relationships of the anterior tympanic artery with the posterior part of the temporomandibular joint were analyzed.
Trophoblast Cell-Mediated Modifications to Uterine Spiral Arteries during Early Gestation in the Macaque
Authors: Blankenship T.N. , Enders A.C.
Published: July 2008

A specialized subset of invasive embryonic cytotrophoblast cells gains access to maternal uterine arteries early in the gestation of higher primates. These cells continue to migrate extensively within the lumina of spiral arteries, converting them to the highly modified uteroplacental arteries of pregnancy. Although trophoblast cell-mediated modifications are considered critical to the progress of normal pregnancy, few studies have addressed the cellular interactions between maternal arteries and embryonic cells in situ. Macaque placentas and endometrial tissues were collected from 12 animals from day 14 of gestation (blastocyst implantation begins on day 9) to day 49. Standard indirect immunoperoxidase methods were used to identify matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9), cathepsin B, cathepsin D, platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule, cytokeratins, smooth muscle actin, CD68, and factor VIII-related antigen. Cytotrophoblast cells were located deep within spiral arteries in each of the specimens examined. In some examples tightly packed clusters of cytotrophoblast occluded the lumina of invaded arteries. Initial penetration of arterial tunica intima was revealed by discontinuities in the staining pattern for factor VIII and cytotrophoblast intrusion was indicated by cytokeratin staining of the trophoblast cells. Continued cytotrophoblast intrusion into the tunica media was apparent by gaps in the smooth muscle. MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 were localized within intraluminal and intramural cytotrophoblast. By contrast, neither cathepsin B nor cathepsin D were present, although both were seen in uterine macrophages and stromal cells. Upon reaching the surrounding uterine stroma the cytotrophoblast cells ceased migration. As cytotrophoblast accumulated in the arterial wall the vascular lumen expanded. Evidence of cell death was rarely encountered in associated maternal or embryonic tissues. We conclude that intra-arterial cytotrophoblast cells express several proteinases with substrate specificities sufficient to permit independent remodeling of the extracellular matrix comprising uterine artery walls. The remodeling of the arteries, which involves extensive displacement of maternal endothelium and smooth muscle, in addition to degradation and synthesis of extracellular matrix, is accomplished with little evidence of cell death or loss of the integrity of the arteries. This process provides an interesting example of cooperation between different types of interacting tissues from genetically distinct individuals.
11.5-Day Rat Embryos Cultured in vitro after Introduction of Immunoglobulin G into the Vitelline Circulation
Authors: Mensah-Brown E.P.K. , Pratten M.K.
Published: July 2008

The fate of rat immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the 11.5-day-rat conceptus cultured in vitro has been studied utilizing the intravitelline cannulation technique. When IgG bound to colloidal gold was introduced into the vitelline circulation, gold particles were detected on the luminal surface of embryonic endothelial cells, in both coated pits and vesicles and in various portions of the vacuolar system of the embryonic endothelial cell. By means of the ratiolabeled macromolecule, it has been demonstrated that the internalized IgG was not degraded. In comparison, digested products of radiolabeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) were detected in culture media after the macromolecule was introduced into the conceptus. It was therefore concluded that the 11.5-day rat embryo captures IgG probably by receptor-mediated endocytosis and does not degrade the macromolecule, indicating that IgG is not routed to the lysosomal compartment of the endothelial cell even though the embryo has the capacity to digest BSA. It appears therefore that the embryo is endowed with the capacity to handle the IgG macromolecule well before the macromolecule is introduced into it for passive immunity.