Foramen venosum: a clinicoanatomic insight into its occurrence and morphometry.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate the foramen venosum (FV) frequency, incidence, morphometry and relation with foramen ovale in an Indian population. The emissary vein passing through it may spread extracranial facial infections to the intracranial cavernous sinus. Due to its close proximity with the foramen ovale and its variable occurrence, awareness about its presence and anatomy is essential to neurosurgeons operating in this region. METHODS: 62 dry adult human skulls were studied for the occurrence and morphometry of foramen venosum, both at the middle cranial fossa and extracranial base of the skull. Dimensions were taken using Java-based image processing program, IMAGE J. After collection of data, appropriate statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: The foramen venosum was observed in 49.1% skulls. Its presence was noted more frequently at the extracranial skull base than in the middle cranial fossa. No significant difference was observed between the two sides. FV at the extracranial view of the skull base had a larger maximum diameter than in the middle cranial fossa; however, the distance between FV and the foramen ovale was found to be more at the middle cranial fossa than at the extracranial view of the skull base on both the right and left side. Variations in the shape of the foramen venosum were also observed. CONCLUSION: The present study is not only of great importance to anatomists, but also to radiologists and neurosurgeons for better planning and execution of the surgical approach to the middle cranial fossa through the foramen ovale to prevent iatrogenic injuries.

Auxin Crosstalk with Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in Plant Development and Abiotic Stress.

The phytohormone auxin acts as an important signaling molecule having regulatory functions during the growth and development of plants. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also known to perform signaling functions at low concentrations; however, over-accumulation of ROS due to various environmental stresses damages the biomolecules and cell structures and leads to cell death, and therefore, it can be said that ROS act as a double-edged sword. Nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous signaling molecule, performs a wide range of favorable roles in plants. NO displays its positive role in photomorphogenesis, root growth, leaf expansion, seed germination, stomatal closure, senescence, fruit maturation, mitochondrial activity and metabolism of iron. Studies have revealed the early existence of these crucial molecules during evolution. Moreover, auxin, ROS and NO together show their involvement in various developmental processes and abiotic stress tolerance. Redox signaling is a primary response during exposure of plants to stresses and shows a link with auxin signaling. This review provides updated information related to crosstalk between auxin, ROS and NO starting from their evolution during early Earth periods and their interaction in plant growth and developmental processes as well as in the case of abiotic stresses to plants.

Nanoparticles as a potential protective agent for arsenic toxicity alleviation in plants.

Aggrandized technological and industrial progression in past decades have occasioned immense depreciation in the quality of environment and ecosystem, majorly due to augmentation in the number of obnoxious pollutants incessantly being released in soil, water or air. Arsenic (As) is one such hazardous metalloid contaminating the environment which has the potential to detrimentally affect the life on earth. Even in minute quantity, As is known to cause various critical diseases in humans and toxicity in plants. Recent studies on nanoparticles (NPs) approve of their ability to qualify the criterion of becoming a potent tool for mitigating As-induced phytotoxicity. Nanoparticles are reported to promote plant growth under As-stress by stimulating various alterations at physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. In this review, we provide an up-to-date compilation of research that has been carried out in comprehending the mechanisms utilized by nanoparticles including controlled As uptake and distribution in plants, maintenance of ROS homeostasis during stress and chelation and vacuolar sequestration of As so as to reduce the severity of toxicity induced by As, and potential areas of research in this field will also be indicated for future perspectives.