Anatomical description of the renal arteries and veins in the European rabbit

The aim of this study was to describe origin, localisation and variations of renal arteries and veins in the rabbit. The study was carried out on 40 adult European rabbits. We prepared corrosion casts of the rabbit arterial and venous system. Spofacryl was used as the casting medium. In 75% of cases the origin of arteriae renales was located at the level of the third lumbar vertebra and in remaining 25% of cases arteria renalis dextra branched off at the level of the second lumbar vertebra. In 10% of cases we observed that the number of arteria renalis sinistra was doubled. We recorded also in one case the presence of arteria renalis accessoria for ren dexter. In 10% of cases we observed that the number of vena renalis sinistra was doubled. In 5% of cases two venae renales sinistrae arose from the kidney and subsequently, about 1 cm from opening to vena cava caudalis, they united to form a single vein. In 5% of cases two venae renales sinistrae arose from the kidney and subsequently, approximately 1 cm away from hilus renalis, they united. The obtained variations of the number of renal arteries were partially homologous to the human, but variations of renal veins were localized on the other side as in human.     

The innervation of the human esophagus

There are usually 3 left and 4 right esophageal branches of the sympathetic chains. Besides a direct approach to the organ, they form a delicate network between aorta and esophagus. This network exchanges fibers with the vagus nerves. The vagal supply of the cranial third is rather poor. It is richest in the middle third. As a rule, the left anterior, left posterior, right anterior and right posterior main branches can be prepared. There are relatively few communications between right and left ramuli. Above the esophageal hiatus, always quite distinct anterior vagal chords are found, while posteriorly there are usually only very thin nerve bundles.     

Blood Supply to the Interventricular Septum of the Heart in Rodents with Intramyocardial Coronary Arteries

The blood supply to the interventricular septum of the heart was studied in a sample of 1634 specimens belonging to four rodent families, Cricetidae, Arvicolidae, Gliridae, and Muridae. Most specimens (n = 1604) were examined using a corrosion-cast technique, while the remaining 30 were studied by histological techniques. In 1417 cases the coronary artery pattern was normal, and the interventricular septum was fundamentally supplied by one or rarely two septal arteries arising from the right and/or left coronary arteries. In 72 specimens the right and left coronary arteries were normal, while the septal artery arose from a separate ostium in the aorta, behaving as a third coronary artery. The remaining 145 animals possessed anomalies in the origin of the coronary arteries, and the septum was also principally irrigated by a septal artery. In 5 of these 145 anomalous cases the septal artery originated from a separate ostium in the aorta. In all specimens examined a less important vascularization of the septum was established through thinner penetrating vessels originating from the right and/or left coronary arteries. Existence of one or rarely two septal arteries is the most constant feature of the coronary artery arrangement in rodents with intramyocardial coronary arteries.     

Osteoporosis of Lumbar Vertebrae and Calcification of Abdominal Aorta in Women Living in Durban

To try to establish whether mechanical stress and muscular activity in earlier life influence the incidence and severity of spinal osteoporosis in old age lateral x-ray films of the lumbar vertebrae were obtained from three matched groups, each of 100 women 50 to 90 years old. Group A was of rural Bantu accustomed to carrying heavy loads on their heads. Group B was of urban Bantu, mainly in domestic service. Group C was of women of European origin.Severe osteoporosis occurred in three cases from group A, two from group B, and 14 from group C. Lesser degrees of osteoporosis could not be assessed precisely enough for inclusion in these figures. Evenly biconcave vertebral bodies, strongly suggestive of osteomalacia, were seen in 10 from group A, five from group B, and one from group C. In many Bantu subjects the fifth lumbar vertebra appeared flattened though of good radiodensity and with no marked changes in the other vertebrae. Twenty-eight of these were from group A, 16 from group B, and none from group C.About a third of each group showed severe degenerative changes in the spine; another third showed milder changes. More cases of spondylolisthesis occurred in the Bantu groups than in the white group. Severe calcification in the abdominal aorta was noted in 24 women in group C. Mild signs occurred in 35 further women from group C, in six from group B, and in only one from group A.     

The association of a retroesophageal right subclavian artery, a right-sided terminating thoracic duct, and a left vertebral artery of aortic origin: anatomical and clinical considerations

The findings in a cadaver demonstrated: (a) an aberrant retroesophageal right subclavian artery (RRSA); (b) a thoracic duct (Th.d.) terminating at the junction of the right internal jugular and subclavian veins ('venous angle'), and (c) a left vertebral artery (LVA) of aortic origin. The origin of the RRSA from the aortic arch was distal and medial to the left subclavian artery and it reached the upper extremity by crossing posterior to the esophagus. The Th.d. ran a normal retroesophageal course in the mediastinum, until it was intercepted by the anomalous subclavian artery. At this level the Th.d. was deflected towards the right and, accompanied by the anomalous artery, reached the right venous angle. The LVA arose from the aortic arch between the left common carotid and the left subclavian arteries, and ascended to the transverse foramen of C6. The practical importance of associations in general is discussed, and the special diagnostic and surgical significance of the RRSA and Th.d. is stressed.     

Observations on the topographical relations of spinal nerve roots in the rat

The spinal cord along with the ventral and dorsal roots (C1-S4) were dissected out in 10 male and 5 female CF rats. The vertebral levels of origin and exit of the spinal nerve roots and termination of the spinal cord were recorded. It was observed that from the mid-cervical to the sacral region, the roots arose increasingly at cranial levels compared to their levels of exit. This disparity was at its maximum in the lumbar and sacral segments. The spinal cord terminated between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae. There was no sexual dimorphism either at the level of termination of the cord or at the levels of origin and exit of origin and exit of the various nerve roots.     

Use of cold carcass weight and fat depth measurements to predict carcass composition of Rasa Aragonesa lambs

A total of 22 measurements of fat depth, taken along the 13th rib, 5–6th lumbar vertebra, 3–4th sacrum vertebra, and the 2nd, 2–3rd, 3rd, 3–4th, 4th, 4–5th sternebra of the breast bone, were taken on intact carcasses with a sharpened steel rule, and related to the carcass composition of 18 Rasa Aragonesa lambs. The objective was to study the accuracy of these different measurements for predicting carcass composition and possible value, in the process of carcass grading or classification of ‘Ternasco’ Aragón lambs. Cold carcass weight (CCW) accounted for 74% and 40% of the total variation of muscle weight and total carcass fat weight, respectively. The addition of 4 cm fat depth over the 13th rib from the left side accounted for a further 13% of muscle weight, and the addition of 4 cm fat depth over the 5–6th lumbar vertebra from the right side accounted for a further 29% of the variation of total carcass fat weight. Regarding different fat depots, CCW accounted for 49% and 31% of the total variation of the intermuscular fat and kidney and pelvic fat, respectively.

However, CCW alone only accounted for 21% (NS) of the total variation of subcutaneous fat weight, but the addition of 4 cm fat depth over the 13th rib from the right side or the addition of 4 cm fat depth over the 5–6th lumbar vertebra from the right side accounted for a further 47% of the subcutaneous fat variation. A comparison of the residual standard deviations (RSD) of the two measurements indicated that the fat depth over the 5–6th lumbar vertebra was more accurate for predicting subcutaneous fat. The highest precision, after CCW, for predicting intermuscular fat, was fat depth over the 13th rib from the left side, which accounted for a further 18% of total variation of this fat depot. Prediction of carcass composition was improved by the addition of fat depth measurements, assisting in the commercial classification of ‘Ternasco’ Aragón lambs.     

A reappraisal of the genus Phyllodiaptomus Kiefer, 1936, with the description of P. wellekensae n.sp. from India,and a redescription of P. tunguidus Shen & Tai, 1964 from China (Copepoda,Calanoida)

Phyllodiaptomus wellekensae n. sp. is described from south India. In the female, the genital somite is dilated at the left proximal margin and armed with an extraordinarily large, somewhat curved, laterally-directed spine; the right genital spine is much smaller than the left one. The terminal claw of leg 5 has a secretory pore at its tip and a characteristic conveyor canal on its anterior surface. In the right male P5, the coxal plate is short and unique in shape. The basis is 1.3 times as long as wide, with a long, sinuous, hyaline lamella on its medial margin. The first exopodite segment is short and optuse at its outer distal corner. The second segment is rectangular and has a short, hyaline, spinous projection between the lateral spine and the terminal claw. The left P5 has a large, serrate, hyaline fan between its apical thumb and medial apical seta. P. tunguidus is redescribed based on material newly collected from three localities in China.     

Chronic cough and gastroesophageal reflux.

We reviewed the charts of 20 patients with chronic cough of unknown cause who had been referred to a tertiary care respiratory centre from 1980 to 1984 to determine whether gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was a contributing factor. Fifteen of the patients complained of symptoms suggestive of GER: radiologic investigation of the upper gastrointestinal tract revealed hiatus hernia and GER in four, hiatus hernia alone in three, GER alone in two, decreased esophageal peristalsis in one and normal findings in four. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy in the four former smokers and one nonsmoker showed diffuse mucosal erythema. A chest x-ray film in one patient showed an infiltrate at the base of the right lung; transbronchial biopsy revealed vegetable material, which confirmed pulmonary aspiration. A 3-month course of medical antireflux treatment (dietary and lifestyle changes, elevation of the head of the bed and administration of cimetidine, antacid and metoclopramide) relieved the chronic cough in 14 of the 20 patients. Of the remaining patients one was lost to follow-up and five had GER confirmed by means of esophagoscopy, esophageal motility testing and long-term intraesophageal pH monitoring; four of the five patients underwent fundoplication and were asymptomatic 3 months after surgery. Antireflux therapy should be considered in patients with chronic cough when other causes have been ruled out, even if there are no GER symptoms. If the treatment fails, full investigation for GER is recommended; if GER is confirmed, surgery should be considered.     

Specificity of esophageal electrode recordings of posterior cricoarytenoid muscle activity

Esophageal electrodes have been used for recording the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA). To determine the specificity of this EMG technique, esophageal electrode recordings were compared with intramuscular recordings in eight anesthetized mongrel dogs. Intramuscular wire electrodes were placed in the right and left PCA, and the esophageal electrode was introduced through the nose or mouth and advanced into the upper esophagus. On direct visualization of the upper airway, the unshielded catheter electrode entered the esophagus on the right or left side. Cold block of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) ipsilateral to the esophageal electrode was associated with a marked decrease in recorded activity, whereas cold block of the contralateral RLN resulted only in a small reduction in activity. After supplemental doses of anesthesia were administered, bilateral RLN cold block essentially abolished the activity recorded with the intramuscular electrodes as well as that recorded with the esophageal electrode. Before supplemental doses of anesthesia were given, especially after vagotomy, the esophageal electrode, and in some cases the intramuscular electrodes, recorded phasic inspiratory activity not originating from the PCA. Therefore, one should be cautious in interpreting the activity recorded from esophageal electrodes as originating from the PCA, especially in conditions associated with increased respiratory efforts.     

基于经会阴实时三维超声评估生物反馈电刺激联合盆底肌锻炼治疗产后盆底功能障碍的临床疗效

摘要 目的：探讨经会阴实时三维超声评估生物反馈电刺激联合盆底肌锻炼治疗产后盆底功能障碍的临床疗效。方法：选择2020年9月至2022年9月我院收治的96例产后盆底功能障碍患者,根据随机数字表法将患者分为两组,对照组（48例）采用盆底肌锻炼治疗,研究组（48例）采用生物反馈电刺激联合盆底肌锻炼治疗。治疗前后采用经会阴实时三维超声检查,对比两组治疗前后的盆底功能障碍调查表（PFDI-20）、盆底障碍影响简易问卷7（PFIQ-7）评分、静息和Valsalva动作状态下的肛提肌超声参数。分析肛提肌超声参数与PFDI-20、PFIQ-7评分的相关性。结果：两组治疗后PFDI-20、PFIQ-7评分,静息和Valsalva动作状态下肛提肌裂孔前后径、肛提肌裂孔左右径、肛提肌裂孔面积较治疗前降低（P＜0.05）,静息时肛提肌厚度较治疗前增加（P＜0.05）。研究组治疗后PFDI-20、PFIQ-7评分,静息和Valsalva动作状态下肛提肌裂孔前后径、肛提肌裂孔左右径、肛提肌裂孔面积低于对照组（P＜0.05）,静息时肛提肌厚度大于对照组（P＜0.05）。静息和Valsalva状态下肛提肌裂孔前后径、肛提肌裂孔左右径、肛提肌裂孔面积与PFDI-20、PFIQ-7评分呈正相关（P＜0.05）,静息状态肛提肌厚度与PFDI-20、PFIQ-7评分呈负相关（P＜0.05）。结论：经生物反馈电刺激联合盆底肌锻炼治疗后肛提肌裂孔大小较治疗前降低,肛提肌厚度较治疗前增加,且与PFDI-20、PFIQ-7评分改善有关,经会阴实时三维超声可客观、有效评价产后盆底功能障碍患者的治疗效果。     

Load sharing among spinal elements of a motion segment in extension and lateral bending

A linear optimization model was formulated using a semi-experimental protocol to estimate the forces in the spinal elements of a lumbar motion segment subjected to an extension or lateral bending moment with and without a 120 N compressive preload. A morphometer was used to acquire the three-dimensional locations of the disk center, facet centers and ligament origin and insertion sites with the specimen in a "neutral" position. The relative motion of the superior vertebra, under the loading conditions tested, was monitored using a Selspot II system. These data allowed the formulation of the static equilibrium equations for the superior vertebra at each of the loading conditions mentioned above. A linear optimization technique was used, along with a suitable cost function, to find an optimum solution for the set of equations and imposed constraints. Results showed that for 6.9 Nm of extension moment, each facet carried a load of 52 N, with the disk carrying an axial tensile load of 104 N. At the 6.9 Nm extension moment coupled with 120 N preload, each facet carried a load of 77.2 N and the disk an axial tensile load of 37 N. In right lateral bending, with and without preload, the load was distributed among the right facet, the disk, the left ligamentum flavum and the left capsular ligament. At the 6.9 Nm load step without preload the right facet carried an axial load of 127.01 N with the disk carrying an axial compressive load of 7.8 N. Ligament forces for this step for the left ligamentum flavum and capsular ligament, respectively, were 61.03 N and 65.14 N. The addition of 120 N of preload reduced the load on the right facet to 83.5 N. The compressive load in the disk increased to 107.5 N. The corresponding ligament forces were 43.2 N (left ligamentum flavum) and 50.7 N (left capsular ligament).     

Identification,release and olfactory detection of bile salts in the intestinal fluid of the Senegalese sole (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solea senegalensis</Emphasis>)

Olfactory sensitivity to bile salts is wide-spread in teleosts; however, which bile salts are released in sufficient quantities to be detected is unclear. The current study identified bile salts in the intestinal and bile fluids of Solea senegalensis by mass spectrometry–liquid chromatography and assessed their olfactory potency by the electro-olfactogram. The main bile salts identified in the bile were taurocholic acid (342 mM) and taurolithocholic acid (271 mM) plus a third, unidentified, bile salt of 532.3 Da. These three were also present in the intestinal fluid (taurocholic acid, 4.13 mM; taurolithocholic acid, 0.4 mM). In sole-conditioned water, only taurocholic acid (0.31 μM) was released in sufficient quantities to be measured (release rate: 24 nmol kg⁻¹ min⁻¹). Sole had high olfactory sensitivity to taurocholic acid but not to taurolithocholic acid. Furthermore, olfactory sensitivity was higher in the upper (right) olfactory epithelium than the lower (left). These two bile acids contribute about 40% of the olfactory potency of intestinal fluid and account for the difference in potency at the two epithelia. Taurocholic acid (but not taurolithocholic acid), and possibly other types of bile acid not tested, could be used as chemical signals and the upper olfactory epithelium is specialised for their detection.     

Pattern Formation in Mirror-Image Doublets of the Ciliate Stylonychia pustulata

ABSTRACT. Mirror-image symmetry doublets of the ciliate Stylonychia pustulata were obtained from the progenies of dividing cells in which cell division was inhibited by heat-shocks. In two components consisting of the doublet, the left (cell's) component possessed ciliary organelles arranged in almost the same pattern as in normal singlets, while the right one had surface organelles located in a mirror-image symmetry of those of the left component. In cell division of the doublet, two sets of ciliary primordia that were arranged in a mirror-image symmetry developed synchronously in both components. In about 80% of oral primordia (OP) of the right components, the arrangement of the membranellar bands became abnormal. In some cases, OP of the right component were occasionally separated into two longitudinal halves, each consisting of normal membranelles and inverted membranelles. A set of primordia of the paroral membranelles and fronto-ventro-transverse cirri was rarely derived from the basal bodies of the right half with a band of normal membranelles. As a result, a third component with the ciliary organelles normally arranged emerged on the right side of the original right component. The differentiation of membranelles and segmentation of the primordial streaks into cim proceeded from anterior to posterior. A cytoplasmic bulge with multiple right marginal cirral rows was frequently formed at the right margin of the doublet. The behavior in the separation of third and fourth streaks from a primordial streak of dorsal cirri was not mirror-image symmetrical in each component.     

Iberia: bridge or cul-de-sac? implications of the Iberian record for the debate on the middle to upper palaeolithic transition

Recent discoveries and dating of materials from Spain and Portugal for the period between c. 40–30 kya highlight the fact that the Iberian Peninsula is a microcosm of the complex mosaic of conditions that characterized the middle to upper palaeolithic and Neanderthal to Cro-Magnon transitions. They would tend to suggest that the replacement of one way of life by another was suggest that the replacement of one way of life by another was far from rapid, abrupt or simple, and they call into question the “out of Africa” invasionist scenario. Although Iberia seems to have been a “bridge” between Africa and the rest of Europe during certain times (notably at the time of the first colonization(s) of Europe, perhaps in the late Lower Pleistocene, as suggested by the discoveries at Atapuerca), at other times it seems to have been cut off from Africa. Despite the presence of Aurignacian technology in Cantabria and Catalonia since 40 kya, the continued persistence of Neanderthals and of Mousterian technology for over 10 ky in southern Iberia would seem to belie the superiority and African origin of upper palaeolithic Cro-Magnon. Furthermore, even in northern Spain, where the taxonomic identity of the makers of the early Aurignacian remains unknown, the nature of the technological transition was variable: abrupt in Catalonia and gradual in Cantabria. Added to the rest of the record, which includes Neanderthals apparently making Chatelperronian tools in France, Szeletian tools in Hungary and later Aurignacian tools in Croatia, a complete lack of any fossils in definite association with early Aurignacian anywhere, evidence of subsistence and technological change during the Mousterian in certain regions of Europe, scant evidence for cultural differentiation between Neanderthals and early anatomically modern humans (Skhul & Qafzeh) in Israel, growing (albeit limited) evidence for middle palaeolithic artistic or ornamental activity, and evidence for considerable, on-going change in technology and subsistence during the upper palaeolithic, the Iberian record strongly argues for a long, uneven transition from middle to upper palaeolithic lifeways- not a simple, abrupt invasion of Europe out of Africa.     

Asymmetry of skeletal effects of Dominant hemimelia

BACKGROUND: Dominant hemimelia (Dh) is a dominant mutation that arose spontaneously in mice; Dh animals exhibit reduced numbers of lumbar vertebrae and preaxial hindlimb defects. Absence of spleen occurs in both Dh/+ and Dh/Dh animals. This study was undertaken to characterize asymmetry of skeletal defects in the Dh mouse, specifically hindlimb asymmetries in association with axial defects. METHODS: A total of 29 Dh/+ and 100 +/+ fetuses (gestational day [GD] 18) were identified by phenotype and linked DNA and their skeletons were analyzed. RESULTS: The results revealed an asymmetry of hindlimb skeletal defects in Dh/+ animals. In +/+ fetuses, the left and right tibia were symmetrical with 99.0% of the animals possessing 6 lumbar vertebrae. However, Dh/+ fetuses showed asymmetry in length of left and right tibia and a reduction to 5 lumbar vertebrae in 86.2% of animals. There was a range from mild to severe asymmetry as evidenced by direct comparison of the length of the left to the right tibia of each animal. Tibial shortening was greater on the left than the right in 65.5% of Dh/+ fetuses; only 20.7% had symmetrical tibia. Oligodactyly, defined as absence of the first or second toe, was similarly more frequent on the left. CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetry is characteristic of many human limb malformations, although analysis of the molecular basis is difficult. Therefore, Dh/+ mice, which exhibit reduced numbers of lumbar vertebrae, asymmetric hindlimb defects, and complete absence of spleen, provide an important model for studying the relationship between axial patterning and asymmetric skeletal defects.     

Analysis of octopine left border-directed DNA transfer fromAgrobacterium to plants

We constructed a binary plasmid, pVR30, with a neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) plant expression cassette flanked by a pTiA6 left border on its right and a pTiA6 right border on its left. This plasmid was used to study transfer of DNA to plants from a left border in the presence of a right border. Infection of tobacco leaf discs with a wild type octopine strain ofAgrobacterium tumefaciens harbouring the binary plasmid resulted in the generation of kanamycin resistant calli at 18 to 26% frequency. Southern hybridization analysis of DNA isolated from eight transformed lines to different probes indicated that left border could mediate DNA transfer to plants in the presence of a right border in cis. Our results also suggest that transfer events corresponding to transfer of T- centre DNA of octopine Ti plasmid pTiA6 do occur. We have shown the relevance of left border- initiated T- DNA transfer by specifically selecting for such events and have confirmed it by Southern hybridization analysis. We also found that a border could be skipped in a few T- DNA transsfer events. This work was presented at “Plant Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology” symposium held in ICGEB, New Delhi during December 14–17, 1994.     

Spontaneous interchanges in females of Drosophila melanogaster

Summary Herein is described an attempts to establish chromosome pairing-interchange relationships in Drosophila melanogaster female. For this purpose, the formation of half-translocations was studied in XXY and XX females bearing compounds of the second pair of autosomes. With respect to XXY females, it was expected that the free Y chromosome would pair with these compounds and that half-translocations involving 2L would arise. In as much as compound chromosomes in XX females had no partner for pairing, the formation of half-translocations involving 2L was not expected.Half-translocations were registered in the F₁ from crosses of XX and XXY females to b j pr cn/T(Y;2)C males. The cross was designed to permit the detection of very rarely occurring non-homologue interchanges.Offspring number was 335 in XX females and 550 in XXY females. The majority of offspring consisted of individuals arisen from the spontaneous restitution of compounds and the formation of 2n egg cells. Based on phenotype, the offspring of XX females contained 4 individuals with half-translocations involving 2L; there were 48 such flies among the offspring of XXY females. As confirmed by progeny analysis, 38 half-translocations occurred in XXY females and none in XX females. Of the 31 spontaneous interchanges in XXY females 28 were recorded between the Y and the left compound, one between the Y and the right compound, and one between the X and the left compound. Non-homologue interchanges were of oogonial origin judging by the fact that individuals with half-translocations arose in clusters. Unlike Y — left compound interchanges, the interchanges between autosomal compounds seem to be of meiotic origin.     

An adapid primate,sinoadapis, from lufeng,latest miocene,Yunnan, China

The paper deals with a new form ofSinoadapis from the Lufeng hominoid Locality, assigned toSinoadapis shihuibaensis sp. nov. Holotype PA 882 A fragment of right mandible with C,−M₃. Other materials. PA 903 A fragment of left maxilla with P³−M³. PA 959 Left lower tooth row with I₁−P², P₄. PA 902 Right upper tooth row with C′−P³. PA 964 An isolated left I¹. PA 907 An isolated right I³. PA 972 An isolated right M³.