Morphological and odorant-binding protein 1 gene intron 1 sequence variations in Anopheles stephensi from Jaffna city in northern Sri Lanka.

Three Anopheles stephensi biotypes have historically been differentiated through variations in the mode numbers of egg ridges and adult spiracular indices. Anopheles stephensi odorant-binding protein 1 gene (AsteObp1) sequences in Iran and Afghanistan have been recently interpreted to suggest that the three biotypes are sibling species. AsteObp1 intron 1 sequences, mode numbers of egg ridges and spiracular indices of An. stephensi in Jaffna city in Sri Lanka were therefore investigated in field-collected mosquitoes and short-term laboratory colonies established from them. AsteObp1 intron 1 sequences revealed the region to be polymorphic with four unique sequences, ASJF1-4, present in both short-term laboratory colonies and field-collected An. stephensi. The spiracular index did not relate to the mode number of egg ridges in Jaffna An. stephensi. The results suggested that numbers of egg ridges, spiracular indices and AsteObp1 intron 1 sequences were not useful for differentiating An. stephensi biotypes in Jaffna. It is proposed that the observed differences between An. stephensi mosquitoes in Jaffna now result from normal population variance in the context of rapidly changing bionomics in India and northern Sri Lanka.

Preoperative Morphological Prediction of Early Reoperation Risk After Primary Repair in Tetralogy of Fallot: A Contemporary Analysis of 83 Cases.

This study was conducted to investigate the pulmonary artery (PA) variations in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and preoperative morphological predictors for early reoperation. Eighty-three TOF patients and 20 children with normal PA were included. The TOF group was divided into two subsets according to whether or not reoperation was performed within 3 years postoperatively. Clinical information was obtained, along with computed tomography (CT)-based three-dimensional geometry of the PA. Morphological measurements of the length of the main PA branches, the angles between them, and the cross-sectional area of each segment of the PAs were acquired using computer software. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were applied to analysis. The TOF group showed a significantly smaller PA size and irregular PA shape, with lower Nakata and McGoon indices, than the control group. The median bifurcation angle (angle-γ) was greater than 100° in the TOF group, as compared to 66.70° in the control group (P < 0.000). Residual obstruction of the infundibulum or PAs was the main reason for early reoperation in this series. The development of the main PA and left PA was poorer in the reoperation subset than in the non-reoperation subset (P ≤ 0.01). The preoperative angle-γ in the reoperation subset was larger than that in the non-reoperation subset (median, 117.8° vs. 112.0°, P = 0.026). Higher weight (OR = 0.372) and McGoon index (OR = 0.122) were protective factors, while larger angle-γ (> 114.8°, OR = 5.040) and angle-γ normalized by body surface area (BSA) (γ/BSA > 297.9, OR = 18.860) were risk factors. This study provides an intuitive perspective of PA anatomical variations in TOF. Larger preoperative PA bifurcation angle and γ/BSA were morphological risk predictors of postoperative reoperation in patients with TOF.

Dorsal extensions of the fastigium cerebelli: an anatomical study using magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The fastigium cerebelli is an important topographical landmark for neurosurgeons and radiologists. However, few studies have characterized the morphology of the fastigium cerebelli. We aimed to investigate the fastigium cerebelli using postmortem specimens and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cadaveric brains were midsagittally sectioned for observing the fastigium cerebelli. Additionally, 66 outpatients underwent MRI, including sagittal T1-weighted imaging, axial T2-weighted imaging, and coronal constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) sequence. RESULTS: In the cadaveric specimens, the fastigium cerebelli was observed as a beak-like dorsal protrusion of the fourth ventricle. Its inner surface was observed as a small fovea. On serial CISS images, the fastigium cerebelli consistently possessed a pair of triangular-shaped, dorsal extensions lying parasagittally along the nodule. These extensions were classified as symmetrical, right-side dominant, or left-side dominant. The symmetrical type was the most predominant and comprised 60.6% of the extensions, while the right-side dominant and left-side dominant types comprised 13.6 and 25.8%, respectively. In 91% of the 66 patients, the number of slices covering the entirety of the dorsal extensions were the same on both sides. The fastigial angle (θ) formed by lines tangent to the superior and inferior medullary velums varied widely. CONCLUSIONS: The fastigium cerebelli has a pair of dorsal extensions lying parasagittally along the nodule. Coronal CISS sequence is useful in delineating the fastigium cerebelli in vivo.

First Report of Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema Feltiae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) from Croatia.

A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes was conducted in Croatia between 2016 and 2017. The steinernematids were recovered in two out of 100 soil samples from agricultural land characterized as loamy soils with acidic reaction. Molecular and morphological identification was used to distinguish the nematodes. The isolates were identified as two different strains conspecific with Steinernema feltiae. The variations in morphometrical characteristics of infective juveniles (IJs) and males were observed among Croatian strains and with the original description. The analysis of ITS region revealed the greatest similarity of Croatian strains with Slovenian B30 and English A2 strains, which together comprised a monophyletic group in evolutionary analysis. This is the first record of steinernematids, namely S. feltiae in Croatia.

Individualised distal femoral cut improves femoral component placement and limb alignment during total knee replacement in knees with moderate and severe varus deformity.

AIM: Our aim was to determine the variation in valgus correction angle and the influence of individualised distal femoral cut on femoral component placement and limb alignment during total knee replacement (TKR) in knees with varus deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was done prospectively in two stages. In the first stage, the valgus correction angle (VCA) was calculated in long-limb radiographs of 227 patients and correlated with pre-operative parameters of femoral bowing, neck-shaft angle and hip-knee-ankle angle. In the second part comprising of 240 knees with varus deformity, 140 (group 1) had the distal femoral cut individualised according to the calculated VCA, while the remaining 100 knees (group 1) were operated with a fixed distal femoral cut of 5°. The outcome of surgery was studied by grouping the knees as varus <10°, 10-15° and >15°. RESULTS: Of the 227 limbs analysed in stage I, 70 knees (31 %) had a VCA angle outside 5-7°. Coronal bowing (p < 0.001), neck-shaft angle (p < 0.001) and preoperative deformity (p < 0.001) significantly influenced VCA. Results of the second phase of the study showed a significant improvement in both femoral component placement and postoperative alignment when VCA was individualised in the groups of knees with varus 10-15° (p 0.002) and varus >15° (p 0.002). CONCLUSION: Valgus correction angle is highly variable and is influenced by femoral bowing, neck-shaft angle and pre-operative deformity. Individualisation of VCA is preferable in patients with moderate and severe varus deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2.

Association Between Foramen Rotundum and Trigeminal Neuralgia in the Saudi Population: A Radiological Study.

The trigeminal nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face, nasal and mouth cavities, and most of the scalp. Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic facial pain disorder characterized by spontaneous paroxysmal pain throughout the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. This study investigated the morphological and morphometric variations of the foramen rotundum (FR) and its association with TN through a retrospective radiological analysis. A cohort of 97 participants from King Fahad University Hospital, Saudi Arabia, comprising 57 TN patients and 40 controls, underwent head CT scans for measurement and analysis. The study revealed significant differences in the FR morphology between TN patients and controls, particularly noting narrower FR measurements among TN individuals, especially in females. The right side demonstrated narrower FR dimensions, potentially correlating with the predominant side of pain in TN patients. While the presence of bony spurs was absent in all participants, variations in FR shape, size, and spatial positioning were observed and compared across genders and groups. These findings provide crucial insights into the potential anatomical factors contributing to TN, emphasizing the importance of understanding FR variations in clinical assessment and management of TN cases. Further research focusing on FR morphology and its clinical implications is recommended to enhance understanding and aid medical professionals in addressing TN-related concerns.

Correlating quadriceps patellar tendon angle and lateral patellar tilt angle in patients with irregular alignment: a cross-sectional study with retrospective data.

Background: The newly defined angle, quadriceps-patella angle (QPA), reflects the combined force transmitted to the patella by the quadriceps muscles and patellar tendon. An increase in QPA may correlate with an increased force on the patella, which is significant in diagnosing patellofemoral instability and pain syndrome. In our study, we examined how various angles and pathologies vary depending on lateral patellar tilt angle (LPTA). QPA and patellar malalignment was investigated. Thus, the importance of understanding patellar malalignment and the research gap. Methods: Three hundred and fifty patients who underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were included. The cross-sectional study conducted retrospectively between the years of 2018-2020 in a tertiary care outpatient clinic. Shapiro-Wilk normality, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney-U, Spearman correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, statistical tests used for analysis. The patellar tendon length, patellar height, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG), patella angle, trochlear sulcus angle, trochlear groove depth (TGD), medial trochlea length (MT), lateral trochlea length (LT), medial trochlear/lateral trochlear length ratio (MT/LT), LPTA, patella-patellar tendon angle (PPTA), QPA, Insall-Salvati index (ISI), medial trochlear inclination (MTI), lateral trochlear inclination (LTI) were among these measurements. In addition, we aim to reveal whether there is a significant relationship between two important angles LPTA and QPA. Whether there is a significant increase in the development of chondromalacia for the patient group with LPTA >5°. We examined how the frequency of chondromalacia changes in the patient group with LPTA >5°. Results: Two hundred and seventy seven patients included in the study and many measurements were performed on MRI. Fad-pad edema was found to be significantly higher in the group with LPTA <5° (P=0.046). TT-TG distance was significantly higher, TGD and MT were significantly lower in patients with higher LPTA (P=0.001, P=0.002 and P=0.017, respectively). A low level of significant positive correlation was found between QPA and patellar tendon length. There is no significant difference between QPA and PPTA angles between the groups with LPTA <5° and >5° (P=0.503, P=0.188). In the ROC analysis performed to determine the cut-off value, the LPTA value ≤14.2° which significantly predicted the presence of fad-pad edema, had the highest sensitivity and specificity [sensitivity: 76.71%, specificity: 39.90%, area under the curve (AUC): 0.588, P=0.024]. Conclusions: QPA is independent from many angles of the knee and does not change significantly. As the patellar tendon length increases, QPA angle also increases. In patients with abnormal LPTA, the frequency of TT-TG distance and chondromalacia increased, while TGD and MT decreased. Patients with a low LPTA can be more carefully examined for chondromalacia and fad-pad edema in clinical and MRI examination.

Two variant muscles in the gluteal region.

The short lateral rotators of the thigh found in the gluteal region can have morphological variations. During anatomical dissection of a right lower limb, two variant structures were found in this region. The first of these accessory muscles originated from the external surface of the ramus of the ischium. Distally, it was fused with the gemellus inferior muscle. The second structure comprised tendinous and muscular parts. The proximal part originated from the external part of the ischiopubic ramus. It inserted on the trochanteric fossa. Both structures were innervated by small branches of the obturator nerve. The blood supply was via branches of the inferior gluteal artery. There was also a connection between the quadratus femoris and the superior part of the adductor magnus. These morphological variants could be clinically important.

A case of atypical vivax malaria with a global review of reports on myriads of morpho-variations in parasitized red blood cells.

Plasmodium vivax, one of the major species associated with human malaria, continues to be a major public health problem in many parts of the world. Numerous studies related to vivax malaria have described quantitative haematological findings (level of haemoglobin, thrombocytopaenia, haematocrit values), but diverse morphological changes of parasite forms within infected red blood cells (iRBCs) have been mentioned only in few studies. Here we report a case of a 13-year-old boy who presented with fever, significant low platelet counts and hypovolaemia that created a diagnostic dilemma. Detection of microgametocytes by microscopic examinations, further confirmed by multiplex nested PCR assays and response to anti-malarials, helped to make the diagnosis. We present an atypical case of vivax malaria with a review of morpho-variations of iRBCs and have summarized the characteristics that aid in creating increased awareness among laboratory health professionals and public health workers.

Evaluation of the influence of hyoid bone position, volume, and types on pharyngeal airway volume and cephalometric measurements.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the position, morphological, and morphometric properties of the hyoid bone (HB) and to investigate the effect of HB on the pharyngeal airway (PA) volume and cephalometric measurements. METHODS: A total of 305 patients with CT images were included in the study. DICOM images were transferred to the InVivoDental three-dimensional imaging software. The position of the HB was determined based on the cervical vertebra level and in volume render tab, the bone was classified into six types after all structures around the HB were removed. Also, final bone volume was recorded. In the same tab, the pharyngeal airway volume was divided and measured in three groups (nasopharynx-oropharynx-hypopharynx). The linear and angular measurements were performed on the 3D cephalometric analysis tab. RESULTS: HB was most commonly located in C3 vertebra level (80.3%). While B-type was found to be the most frequent (34%), V-type was the least frequent (8%). The volume of the HB was found to be significantly higher in male (3205 mm3) than female (2606 mm3) patients. Also, it was significantly higher in the C4 vertebra group. The vertical height of the face was positively correlated with the HB volume, C4 level position, and increased oro-nasopharyngeal airway volume. CONCLUSION: The volume of the HB is found to differ significantly between genders and can potentially serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for understanding respiratory disorders. Its morphometric features are associated with increased face height and airway volume; however, are not related with the skeletal malocclusion classes.

Morphological variations and morphometry details of the foramen ovale in the Saudi population: a retrospective radiological study.

The foramen ovale is one of the essential foramina in the middle cranial fossa, more precisely, in the superior surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. It has essential surgical and diagnostic significance since it serves as a surgical landmark, and crucial neurovascular vessels such as the mandibular nerve and accessory meningeal artery pass through it. Therefore, understanding the morphological and morphometric variations of the foramen ovale is essential for accurately identifying, diagnosing, and managing related pathologies. The study aimed to evaluate the morphological variations and morphometric details of the foramen ovale in the Saudi population. A radiological study was conducted to observe the measurements and the shapes of the foramen ovale in the skull with its anatomical variants. Retrospective data was collected from the Department of Radiology, King Fahad University Hospital, Saudi Arabia. The sample consisted of 100 human skulls from computed tomography scans, including 50 males and 50 females. The values for the mean length, width, and distance from the midline on the right side were 6.462 mm ± 1.681 mm, 4.897 ± 1.0631 mm, and 2.4565 ± 0.51275 mm, and 6.451 ± 1.6691 mm, 4.812 ± 1.0848 mm and 2.4290 ± 0.60039 mm for the left side, respectively. The foramen shape was oval in the majority (47%), followed by round shape (31%) with no bony outgrowths such as spur in the studied foramina. Furthermore, the morphometric variation between males and females was statistically insignificant (p-value>0.05). The observed variation of foramen ovale in this study has significant anatomical and clinical applications for various diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Morphological variability of the pectoralis major muscle in human fetuses.

BACKGROUND: The pectoralis major muscle is located in the anterior chest wall. In most cases, it is divided into clavicular, sternal (sternocostal) and abdominal heads. The aim of this study is to demonstrate and classify the morphological variability of the pectoralis major muscles in human fetuses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Classical anatomical dissection was performed on 35 human fetuses aged 18-38 weeks of gestation at death were examined. (17 female, and 18 male, 70 sides; fixed in 10% formalin solution). The fetuses were obtained from spontaneous abortion after informed consent of both parents and through deliberate donation to the Medical University anatomy program. Upon dissection, the following morphological features were assessed: the morphology of the pectoralis major, the possible occurrence of accessory heads, the possible absence of some head, and morphometric measurements of each head of the pectoralis major muscle. RESULTS: Five types of morphology (based on number of bellies) were observed in the fetuses. Type I was characterized by a single claviculosternal belly (10% of all samples). Type II comprised the clavicular and sternal heads (37.1%). Type III comprised three clavicular, sternal and abdominal heads (31.4%). Type IV (17.2%) was characterized by four muscle bellies and was divided into four subtypes. Type V (4.3%), was represented by five parts, and was divided into two subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its embryological development, the PM demonstrates great variability in the numbers of its parts. The most common type was the PM with two bellies, in line with previous studies which also distinguished only clavicular and sternal heads.

Clinical significance of morphological variations of the inferior phrenic arteries.

The rapid development of sciences such as genetics and molecular biology offers hope that better therapeutic methods can be developed and diagnosis and treatment made more effective. However, we must not forget that the basis for understanding the complex mechanisms of diseases and associated symptoms is knowledge of the relevant location and correlation among organs. In the present study, we focus on the clinical significance of the inferior phrenic artery. The diaphragm is a muscular structure that separates the abdominal and chest cavities. Thanks to this position, the inferior phrenic artery is much more significant than formerly assumed. A rich network of collaterals makes this vessel important in the development of neoplasms and metastases. Knowledge of anatomical variants of the inferior phrenic artery is also crucial for radiological procedures such as embolisation. The main aim of this study is to review the involvement of the inferior phrenic artery in physiological and pathophysiological processes. This work has value for all practicing doctors, especially radiologists and surgeons.

A very rare case of the accessory palmaris longus muscle and clinical significance.

The palmaris longus muscle is located in the forearm region. It morphological variability was noted during standard anatomical dissection of the upper limb. The muscle was characterized by a normal course, i.e. originating from the medial humeral epicondyle and inserting to the palmaris aponeurosis, but a small additional tendon attached to the flexor retinaculum was observed in its distal part. An accessory palmaris longus muscle was also observed nearby. Interestingly, this accessory muscle was reversed, and the first part was not muscular, but tendinous, represented by two tendons originating from the common muscular mass attached to the medial epicondyle of the humerus; these later connected together, creating one muscle belly distally attached to the flexor retinaculum. This additional structure was innervated by a neural branch from the median nerve and the ulnar artery was responsible for blood supply. The course of the median nerve is also clinically important, because before entering the carpal tunnel, it was located directly under the accessory palmaris longus muscle. In turn, the ulnar artery passed through a special hole created by the flexor digiti minimi brevis and flexor retinaculum, before passing under the palmaris brevis muscle.

Variations of the popliteal artery: A review.

The popliteal artery is located in the popliteal fossa. In addition to its other branches, it divides into two terminal branches, the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, which are subject to numerous morphological variations. The purpose of this review is to compile several authors' classifications of the patterns of terminal branching of the popliteal artery among adults and to describe the division among foetuses, as described in the current literature. Pathologies of the popliteal artery such as popliteal artery aneurysm and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome and methods for treating them, like open surgery and endovascular interventions are also discussed. Awareness of the morphological variations of the popliteal artery is important for radiologists and surgeons as it allows the risk of complications during surgery to be reduced.

Sternal human variability and population affinity: Frequency of discrete traits and their relationship with sex and age.

Sternal morphological variations differ among populations and are influenced by the interaction between inheritance, development, and environment. There are currently no studies that include all variability from a morphogenesis approach following a homogeneous definition. The aims of this study were (a) to develop a standardized method for the anatomical study of the sternum; (b) to analyze the prevalence of the morphological variations and their relationship between sex and age; (c) to compare the results with other populations. The sterna of 155 skeletons from a Spanish population were studied. The age at the time of death was 17 to 97 years. We analyzed two metric and 22 sternal morphological variations described in the literature and designed an illustrated atlas. The atlas was validated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to measure the prevalence and relationship between sex and age. To analyze the interpopulation variability, we compared our results with those from other authors. The atlas with definitions and reference images improves the observation and detection of all morphological variations of the sternum (ICC = 0.90). The dependence between the morphological traits and sex was significant for the variations in the sternal angle, the number of esternebra, and the development of the xiphoid process. No significant differences were found between age group and morphological traits. The expression of the sternal morphological variation and sex are population-specific. The results will help standardize future studies and provide valuable information on the variability of the sternal morphological variation.

Construction of a high-density mutant population of Chinese cabbage facilitates the genetic dissection of agronomic traits.

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is an economically important vegetable crop throughout the world, especially in Asia. High-quality genome sequences are available for Chinese cabbage, but gene functional studies remain challenging. To promote functional genomic studies of Chinese cabbage, we generated an ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutant population of ∼8000 M2 plants using the double haploid inbred line A03 as the parent. The genome of A03 was sequenced and used as a reference for high-throughput functional characterization of gene mutations at the whole-genome level. A total of 300 M2 to M5 EMS mutants were phenotypically screened and then sequenced, revealing 750 629 SNPs and 46 272 InDel mutations that cover 98.27% of all predicted genes in the A03 genome. A forward-genetics approach was successfully used to identify two genes with chloroplast-related functions that are responsible for the yellow leaf mutant trait. A reverse-genetics approach was also used to identify associations between mutations in five genes of the glucosinolate biosynthetic pathway and variations in glucosinolate content of the mutant plants. In addition, we built the Chinese cabbage EMS mutation database (CCEMD, www.bioinformaticslab.cn/EMSmutation/home) to increase the usability of this mutant population resource. In summary, we performed large-scale screening of a heading Chinese cabbage EMS mutant collection at the phenotypic and genotypic levels, which will facilitate gene mining of Chinese cabbage and might also be useful for the study of other Brassica crops.

Six-headed coracobrachialis muscle.

The coracobrachialis muscle is the smallest muscle of the anterior compartment of the arm. It is responsible for flexion and abduction in the glenohumeral joint. The coracobrachialis muscle is morphologically variable both in its insertion and origin. Moreover, some additional heads or structures may also occur. The present report describes a six-headed coracobrachialis muscle originated as a common junctionwith the short head of the biceps brachii muscle from the coracoid process. All of these heads insert into the medial surface of the humeral shaft. It is important to note that the musculocutaneous nerve was piercing the fourth belly. Other heads were innervated by branches from the musculocutaneous nerve. Knowledge of the morphological variability of this muscle is essential not only for anatomists but for clinicians as well.

Assessment of the incidence of accessory hepatic arteries: a literature review.

Modern medicine is developing towards application of endovascular techniques such as trans-arterial hepatic chemoembolisation. They displace classic open procedures. However, their correct planning and performance depend on the knowledge pre-operative detection of hepatic arterial anatomical variations. The main abnormality that may generate complications during radiological and surgical procedures is occurrence of an accessory hepatic artery. In the present study we propose our own classification of the variability observed in the vessels based on cases reported in the literature. It analyses more types of variations as compared to previous trials. A great advantage of this study is also a description of different pathological and frequently life-threatening conditions associated with hepatic arteries. This study is of value to medical practitioners, e.g. surgeons.

The complete chloroplast genome of Campanula takesimana Nakai from Dokdo Island in Korea (Campanulaceae).

Completed chloroplast genome of Campanula takesimana Nakai isolated from Dokdo island in Korea is 169,719 bp long (GC ratio is 38.8%) and has four subregions: 102,381 bp of large single-copy (37.8%) and 7,750 bp of small single-copy (32.6%) regions are separated by 29,794 bp of inverted repeat (41.3%) regions including 131 genes (87 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 36 tRNAs). Phylogenetic analyses suggested that C. takesimana from Dokdo Island form a clade with C. takesimana from Ulleungdo Island and that chloroplast genomes of the two accessions are diverged.