Asymmetry of the cerebral hemispheres in man: a bridge binding the 1st and the 2d temporal gyri, superior face of the 2d temporal gyrus, and fusiform gyrus]

The autors study 76 human brains, 36 of which are dissected. They observe a "T1 T2 bridge" over the first temporal and second temporal gyri more often on the left side than on the right. They find the maximal width of the superior face of the second temporal gyrus predominant on the right side in 70% of cases, on the left side in 15% and equivalent on both sides in 15%. The fusiform gyrus is found wider on the left side in 53% of cases, on the right in 22% and equivalent on both sides in 25%.     

Anthropometric studies of the long bones of the "shell mound" Indians

The “shell mound” Indians exhibit both sexual and bilateral variations in comparative long bone lengths. Mean long bone lengths are shortest in the Indian group when compared to those reported for both Caucasians and Negroes. The radiohumeral and humero-femoral indices of the “shell mound” Indians are higher than those reported for either Caucasians or Negroes. There is a relatively high degree of anterior-posterior curvature of the femur in the Indian group when compared to the femora of Caucasian and Negroes. There is apparently no correlation between maximum femoral length and trochanter length in comparing right and left sides in either sex. The collo-diaphyseal angles are greater on the average on the left side in both sexes. The femora of male “shell mound” Indians exhibits greater average collo-diaphyseal angles than do the femora of male Caucasians.     

The incidence and expression of the subcondylar tubercle of the mandible in early Polynesians, modern Indians and modern Europeans

A sample of pre-European Polynesian and Melanesian mandibles, modern Asian Indians and cadaveric European mandibles were investigated to establish the prevalence of a subcondylar tubercle and to attempt to relate its presence to mandibular function. Among the three population samples, the subcondylar tubercle appeared 1.5 times more frequently among the Polynesians/Melanesians, than either the Indian or European groups. It was fairly equally present on both sides in all three groups. Where it was present unilaterally, it was far more likely to be present on the left side. This left-side presence coincided with a significantly greater right-side condylar height and ramal width.     

乳突切迹与侧颅底重要结构的解剖学观测及应用

目的:通过测量乳突切迹与侧颅底重要骨性结构的距离,为临床相关应用提供解剖学参考。方法:取成人颅骨标本50例(去颅盖标本8例,整颅42例)100侧,测量乳突切迹及其与侧颅底重要孔、裂和管的距离。结果:左右侧乳突切迹后缘距茎乳孔、颈静脉孔外侧缘、颈动脉管外口后缘、破裂孔、棘孔、卵圆孔距离分别为25.16±3.73cm和25.02±3.58cm、30.92±3.50cm和30.45±3.49cm、38.22±3.57cm和38.14±3.43cm、57.23±3.71cm和57.14±3.44cm、47.94±3.83cm和48.32±3.54cm、53.70±3.98cm和53.55±3.75cm。结论:以乳突切迹后缘做为侧颅底手术的定位标志能够为临床相关应用提供较方便、准确的定位参考。     

Digital dermatoglyphic patterns in a sample of the Nigerian population

Eight hundred Nigerians (400 males and 400 females) were screened for the analysis of digital dermatoglyphic patterns. The frequency distribution of the patterns are 52.09%, 27.67%, 19.20% and 1.13% for ulnar loops, whorls, arches and radial loops respectively. Except for arches, the males have more of the patterns than females. The pattern intensity indices for males and females are 11.2 and 9.9 respectively. Bilateral symmetry is similar in both sexes and the percent distribution is as high as 81.5% and 84% on digit V in males and females respectively.     

A population study of the jugular foramen bridging of the human cranium

The author previously proposed a simple standard for diagnosing the jugular foramen bridging in man. The incidence of this bridging trait was investigated according to that standard in nine cranial series of East Indians, Micronesians, Japanese, Ainu, Mongols, Aleuts, Alaskan Eskimos, Canadian Eskimos, and Ontario Iroquois. No sex difference in incidence of the trait was recognized. Side difference in trait incidence was also slight but was statistically significant in the combined series of all the population samples examined. The bridging trait occurred more frequently on the right side than on the left side. Occurrences of the bridging trait were definitely associated between sides. Incidence of the trait was less in East Indians, Ontario Iroquois, and Micronesians, but greater in Alaskan Eskimos and Canadian Eskimos, the incidences in Japanese, Ainu, Aleuts, and Mongols being intermediate. The differences in trait incidence among the nine population samples were considered to reflect the differences in genetic compositions of these specific populations.     

gamma-Aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABAT) polymorphism among ethnic groups in Singapore--with report of a new allele.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABAT, E.C.2.6.I.19) was phenotyped by starch-gel electrophoresis in post-mortem liver samples from 650 unrelated subjects of either sex, comprising 289 Chinese, 177 Indians, 140 Malays, and 44 from other racial groups from Southeast Asia. The estimated gene frequencies of GABAT1 and GABAT2 were found to be .5779 and .3806 in Chinese, .5678 and .3955 in Indians, and .6214 and .3250 in Malays. The frequency of GABAT1 was .5909 in the mixed group of other races. There was no significant difference in the phenotypic distribution between sexes. A new slow (less anodal) variant (GABAT3) has been observed in low frequency in all the groups (.0415, .0367, 0536, and 0536, and .0568 in Chinese, Indians, Malays, and the mixed-group, respectively). The distribution of GABAT phenotypes was at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in all the ethnic groups studied.     

Laminoplasty and Laminectomy Hybrid Decompression for the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy with Hypertrophic Ligamentum Flavum: A Retrospective Study

Objective

To report the outcomes of a posterior hybrid decompression protocol for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) associated with hypertrophic ligamentum flavum (HLF).

Background

Laminoplasty is widely used in patients with CSM; however, for CSM patients with HLF, traditional laminoplasty does not include resection of a pathological ligamentum flavum.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 116 CSM patients with HLF who underwent hybrid decompression with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. The procedure consisted of reconstruction of the C4 and C6 laminae using CENTERPIECE plates with spinous process autografts, and resection of the C3, C5, and C7 laminae. Surgical outcomes were assessed using Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, recovery rate, cervical lordotic angle, cervical range of motion, spinal canal sagittal diameter, bone healing rates on both the hinge and open sides, dural sac expansion at the level of maximum compression, drift-back distance of the spinal cord, and postoperative neck pain assessed by visual analog scale.

Results

No hardware failure or restenosis was noted. Postoperative JOA score improved significantly, with a mean recovery rate of 65.3±15.5%. Mean cervical lordotic angle had decreased 4.9 degrees by 1 year after surgery (P<0.05). Preservation of cervical range of motion was satisfactory postoperatively. Bone healing rates 6 months after surgery were 100% on the hinge side and 92.2% on the open side. Satisfactory decompression was demonstrated by a significantly increased sagittal canal diameter and cross-sectional area of the dural sac together with a significant drift-back distance of the spinal cord. The dural sac was also adequately expanded at the time of the final follow-up visit.

Conclusion

Hybrid laminectomy and autograft laminoplasty decompression using Centerpiece plates may facilitate bone healing and produce a comparatively satisfactory prognosis for CSM patients with HLF.     

Genetic distance and gene diversity among linguistically different tribes of Mexican Indians.

Using gene frequency data for 14 genetic loci, genetic distances between 13 tribes of Mexican Indians belonging to 12 language groups were determined and a dendrogram was constructed. The genetic distance between tribes is correlated more with geographic proximity than with language affinity. The gene diversity (heterozygosity) of the total population was decomposed into the three components, i.e., the gene diversity between three main linguistic groups, the gene diversity between tribes within the main linguistic groups and the gene diversity within tribes. About 95% of the total gene diversity exists within tribes, the intergroup and intertribe components being only about 5%.     

Homology and evolution of the orbitotemporal venous sinuses of humans.

The orbitotemporal venous sinuses accompany the intracranial branches of the stapedial artery. These sinuses are large in primitive primates and drain the extensive territories supplied by the stapedial artery as well as the brain. The orbit is drained by a wide cranio-orbital sinus which empties into the postglenoid emissary vein. Also emptying into the postglenoid vein is the petrosquamous sinus. The latter diverts cerebral blood from the transverse sinus and also drains the temporalis muscle. Emptying into both the cranio-orbital and petrosquamous sinuses are meningeal tributaries, which drain the cranial side wall and the dura mater. The relatively small sinus communicans runs in the angle between the petrosal bone and the cranial side wall. It commences at the postglenoid vein and connects the distal end of the petrosquamous sinus to the pterygoid venous plexus. In humans, the orbitotemporal sinus system is greatly modified. Its remnants persist for the most part as "middle meningeal veins." The system no longer drains the orbit, the temporal fossa, or the brain. The petrosquamous sinus becomes attenuated or obliterated along part or all of its length. The postglenoid vein vanishes. The cranio-orbital sinus is reduced in diameter and its connection to the orbit is feeble or absent. During development, the posterior end of the cranio-orbital sinus migrates inferiorly along the sinus communicans. In most individuals, this migration ceases at the foramen spinosum, site of the emissary vein of the sinus communicans. Meningeal tributaries are relatively large in humans, and drain principally into the cranio-orbital sinus or sphenoparietal sinus. The sphenoparietal sinus is an evolutionary novelty restricted to hominoids and is frequently developed in only Homo and Pongo.     

Hierarchical analyses of genetic differentiation in a hybrid zone of Sorex araneus (Insectivora: Soricidae)

Microsatellites are used to unravel the fine-scale genetic structure of a hybrid zone between chromosome races Valais and Cordon of the common shrew ( Sorex araneus ) located in the French Alps. A total of 269 individuals collected between 1992 and 1995 was typed for seven microsatellite loci. A modified version of the classical multiple correspondence analysis is carried out. This analysis clearly shows the dichotomy between the two races. Several approaches are used to study genetic structuring. Gene flow is clearly reduced between these chromosome races and is estimated at one migrant every two generations using R -statistics and one migrant per generation using F -statistics. Hierarchical F - and R -statistics are compared and their efficiency to detect inter- and intraracial patterns of divergence is discussed. Within-race genetic structuring is significant, but remains weak. F _ST displays similar values on both sides of the hybrid zone, although no environmental barriers are found on the Cordon side, whereas the Valais side is divided by several mountain rivers. We introduce the exact G -test to microsatellite data which proved to be a powerful test to detect genetic differentiation within as well as among races. The genetic background of karyotypic hybrids was compared with the genetic background of pure parental forms using a CRT–MCA. Our results indicate that, without knowledge of the karyotypes, we would not have been able to distinguish these hybrids from karyotypically pure samples.     

不同宽度林带对国道两侧农田水稻叶片和糙米中重金属含量的影响

以205国道淮安段具有5 m和20 m宽林带的路段为研究区域,对国道东西两侧200 m范围内农田水稻(Oryza sativa L.)叶片和糙米中Al、Fe、Cu、Zn、Cd、Cr、Ni和Pb含量及其与路侧距离的相关性进行了分析.结果表明:具5 m宽林带路段两侧稻叶和糙米中大多数重金属元素的含量呈现随路侧距离增加而减少的趋势,且峰值多出现在距路侧5～10m或20 m附近;其中,东侧稻叶中Cu、Cr和Ni含量及糙米中Al、Fe、Cu、Zn和Ni含量以及西侧稻叶中Cu和Pb含量及糙米中Cd和Pb含量与路侧距离呈显著或极显著负相关.具20m宽林带路段两侧稻叶和糙米中大多数重金属元素的含量并没有呈现随路侧距离增加而减少的趋势,且峰值多出现在距路侧20 m以外;只有东侧稻叶中Cr和Ni含量及糙米中Fe和Ni含量以及西侧糙米中Al和Cu含量与路侧距离呈显著或极显著负相关.具5m宽林带路段两侧稻叶和糙米中的重金属含量分布特征与无林带路段十分相似,而具20m宽林带路段两侧稻叶和糙米中的重金属含量较低,说明20 m宽林带对公路大气污染物有较明显的阻滞作用.根据研究结果,建议在公路两侧10～20 m范围内设置乔灌草结构模式的防护林带,并适当提高防护林中灌木的比例,保持乔木疏密适度.     

Differential expression of osteoblast and osteoclast chemmoatractants in compression and tension sides during orthodontic movement

Orthodontic tooth movement is achieved by the remodeling of alveolar bone in response to mechanical loading, and is supposed to be mediated by several host mediators, such as chemokines. In this study we investigated the pattern of mRNAs expression encoding for osteoblast and osteoclast related chemokines, and further correlated them with the profile of bone remodeling markers in palatal and buccal sides of tooth under orthodontic force, where tensile (T) and compressive (C) forces, respectively, predominate. Real-time PCR was performed with periodontal ligament mRNA from samples of T and C sides of human teeth submitted to rapid maxillary expansion, while periodontal ligament of normal teeth were used as controls. Results showed that both T and C sides exhibited significant higher expression of all targets when compared to controls. Comparing C and T sides, C side exhibited higher expression of MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1α/CCL3 and RANKL, while T side presented higher expression of OCN. The expression of RANTES/CCL5 and SDF-1/CXCL12 was similar in C and T sides. Our data demonstrate a differential expression of chemokines in compressed and stretched PDL during orthodontic tooth movement, suggesting that chemokines pattern may contribute to the differential bone remodeling in response to orthodontic force through the establishment of distinct microenvironments in compression and tension sides.     

Comparing the somal size and nuclear positions of the monkey stellate and coeliac ganglion cells

The stellate and coeliac ganglia of 2 Macaque monkeys were cut serially at 1 micron thickness and analysed. Results from the analysis of 82 stellate and 60 coeliac ganglion cells in 1 monkey show that in cross-sections, the neuronal nuclei may be eccentric, centric or nearly centric and remain so throughout the longitudinal extent of the neuron. In both ganglia, the majority of neurons possess eccentric nuclei, but in the coeliac ganglion, the percentage of neurons with centric and/or nearly centric nuclei is higher (41.7%) than that in the stellate ganglion (26.3%). While 5% of neurons in the coeliac ganglion are binucleated, no binucleated neurons were found in the stellate ganglion. The somal size ranges of the stellate (10-39 microns) and the coeliac (14.5-45 microns) ganglion neurons as obtained from both monkeys are quite close. The percentage frequency distribution of the stellate ganglion neurons in monkey 1 was also quite similar to that of the coeliac ganglion neurons. It is concluded that different neuronal size is not likely to be associated with different target organs.     

Retinol uptake and metabolism,and cellular retinol binding protein expression in an in vitro model of hepatic stellate cells

Liver is a major site of retinoid metabolism and storage, and more than 80% of the liver retinoids are stored in hepatic stellate cells. These cells represent less than 1% of the total liver protein, reaching a very high relative intracellular retinoid concentration. The plasma level of retinol is maintained close to 2 M, and hepatic stellate cells have to be able both to uptake or to release retinol depending upon the extracellular retinol status. In view of their paucity in the liver tissue, stellate cells have been studied in primary cultures, in which they loose rapidly the stored lipids and retinol, and convert spontaneously into the activated myofibroblast phenotype, turning a long-term study of their retinol metabolism impossible. We have analyzed the retinol metabolism in the established GRX cell line, representative of stellate cells. We showed that this cell line behaves very similarly, with respect the retinol uptake and release, to primary cultures of hepatic stellate cells. Moreover, we showed that the cellular retinol binding protein (CRBP-I) expression in these cells, relevant for both uptake and esterification of retinol, responds to the extracellular retinol status, and is correlated to the retinol binding capacity of the cytosol. Its expression is not associated with the overall induction of the lipocyte phenotype by other agents. We conclude that the GRX cell line represents an in vitro model of hepatic stellate cells, and responds very efficiently to wide variations of the extracellular retinol status by autonomous controls of its uptake, storage or release.     

Cribra orbitalia in the aborigines of Hawaii and Australia

Cranii of 53 Hawaiian aboriginal infants and children, and 45 from Australian aboriginal children were inspected. Cribra orbitalia was present in 22.8% of the former and 26.6% of the latter; osteoporotic pitting (symmetrical osteoporosis; porotic hyperostosis) was also present in the latter. The frequency compares favorably with that found in pre-Columbian North American Pueblo Indians, 24.7%. It is associated with a widespread skeletal involvement suggestive of an active bone marrow. The findings support the concept that cribra orbitalia is related to symmetrical osteoporosis and that it may be associated with a blood disorder.     

国人颅骨颈动脉管外口及其周围某些结构的形态观察与测量

本文对国人颅骨133例,266个颈动脉管外口形状大小进行了观察与测量。结果表明:颈动脉管外口形状不一。可区分为圆形、卵圆形和南瓜子仁形三种,其中以圆形者为数最多。颈动脉管外口长宽径和距颈静脉窝及锥体尖端之间距离两侧不等,并具有地区性差异。鼓小管下口在个别颅骨缺如。颈静脉窝之大小深浅不一,其中以右侧较大而深者为最多。     

A comparative study of the temporal bone in three populations of man

A comparative study was made to determine race and sex differences in the temporal bone, to investigate growth relationships, and to establish a basis for phylogenetic studies of the temporal bone and the temporal lobe of the brain. Data on Eskimo, Indian, and white crania were collected from radiographs and directly from the skulls. Of the 25 variables studied, only the minimum diameter of porus failed to demonstrate some difference among the races. Variation between sexes was found for all measurements except the cranial base angle (of deflection) and three angles related to the petrous pyramids. Correlation coefficients indicated that none of the angles are related in any consistent manner to the other variables studied. This is interpreted as further evidence of cranial base stability. The Indians have the lowest, longest squamae, differing most from the whites. The position of squama is more anterior in the Eskimos. Females of each race possess more anteriorly positioned squamae than males. When the squama is more anteriorly located, the porus is in a more posterior position within the squama itself. Strong race variation exists in the shape of porus. In order to establish a basis for phylogenetic studies of the temporal lobe of the brain better reference points for reflecting its size and shape must be found.     

Cortical barrel field ablation and unconditioned whisking kinematics

The effects of "barrel cortex" ablation upon the biometrics of "exploratory" whisking were examined in three head-fixed rats which had previously sustained unilateral ablation of the left cortical "barrel field" under electrophysiological control. Unconditioned movements of a pair of bilaterally homologous whiskers (C-1, Right, Left) were monitored, optoelectronically, with other whiskers present. Whisking movements on the intact and ablated side were analyzed with respect to kinematics (protraction amplitude and velocity) whisking frequency and phase relationships between whisking movement on the two sides of the face. Histological analysis confirmed complete removal of S-1 "barrel cortex". In normal animals whisking movements have a characteristic rhythm (6-9 Hz), and protractions on the two sides of the face tend to be both synchronous and of very similar amplitudes. In the lesioned animals, whisking frequency was unchanged and whisking movements remained bilaterally synchronous. However, there was a significant difference between the amplitude of Right and Left whisker movements which was evident many months postoperatively. Our results suggest that the deficits in vibrissa-mediated tactile discrimination reported after "barrel" field ablation may reflect an impairment in the animal's ability to modulate whisking parameters on the two sides of the face to meet the functional requirements of a discriminative whisking task. The effects upon whisking amplitude seen after unilateral barrel field ablation are consistent with a model in which the activity of a whisking Central Pattern Generator is modulated by descending inputs to achieve sensorimotor control of whisking movement parameters.     

Relationship between heterozygosity and genetic distance in the three major races of man

In pairwise comparisons of gene frequency data from the three major races of man, the single locus measures of the heterozygosity within and the genetic distance between races are shown to be strongly correlated across the loci coding for red cell proteins and enzymes. The intercept of the regression line of genetic distance on heterozygosity in protein enzyme loci is statistically insignificant. These findings suggest that the genetic variability at the enzyme and protein loci in man is probably maintained by a balance of mutation and random genetic drift. At the blood group loci, however, the observed relationship between genetic distance and heterozygosity does not follow the expectation of the neutral mutation hypothesis. These observations are discussed in terms of the changes in probability of identical monomorphism in two populations during the process of gene differentiation.