Benefits of medially based perichondrio-adipo-dermal flap in cartilage sparing prominent ear surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cartilage-cutting and cartilage-sparing techniques are the two types of otoplasty procedures. Because of the significant risk of haematoma, skin necrosis, and ear deformity, cartilage-cutting techniques have been questioned. As a result; suture-based cartilage-sparing procedures such as Mustarde and Furnas suture procedures have grown in popularity. However, these techniques have a tendency for deformity recurrence due to cartilage memory and suture fatigue, as well as the possibility of suture extrusion and pinpricking sensation of the sutures. METHODS: In this study, we used a medially based adipo-dermal flap including perichondrium which is elevated from the back of the auricle to cover and support a cartilage-sparing otoplasty, thirty-four patients (14 female and 20 male) were operated using this technique. The medially based perichondrio-adipo-dermal flap is advanced anteriorly and fixed to the helical rim under cover of the distal skin flap. This procedure sought to cover the suture line preventing suture extrusion and support in the repair of the deformity preventing its recurrence. RESULTS: The average operative time was 80min, ranging from 65 to 110min. The patients passed the early postoperative period uneventfully except for 2 patients; one patient (2.9%) developed haematoma, and the other patient developed a small area of necrosis on the new antihelical fold. In late the postoperative period recurrence of the deformity developed in one patient. No patients developed suture extrusion or granuloma. CONCLUSION: The treatment to repair prominent ears is easy and safe, with benefits such as a natural-looking antihelical fold and minimal tissue stress. The medially or proximally based adipo-dermal flap may help to lower recurrence rates and suture extrusion.

Relevant anatomical details in rats regarding otologic research / Detalles anatómicos relevantes en ratas para la investigación otológica

SUMMARY: The objective of the study was to provide a detailed anatomical description of the rat's ear anatomy that will prove insightful to different experimental otologic surgical procedures regardless of scope. Three male Wistar rats were enrolled in the study. Candidates were screened for systemic and otologic pathology. External ear canal endoscopy was carried out with a 30˚ rigid endoscope through an image capture system. Middle ear anatomical elements were analyzed under stereomicroscopy. 3D computer tomography image reconstruction was realized with a micro-CT to describe the anatomy. Image data from all three rats were analyzed. Anatomical annotations and surgical exposure recommendations were added for key elements. The most relevant images from all three rats were selected for representation. Detailed visualization of the structural elements of the tympanic cavity were clearly visible: promontory, round window, stapedial artery, stapes, incus, and tympanic membrane were all constant findings. We describe a step wise ventral surgical approach of the middle and inner ear for which we found that the clavotrapezius muscle was a reliable landmark. For the transtympanic approach the endoscopic transcanal access was an easy and reliable method for which a detailed anatomical representation was depicted. Further, anatomical similarities to humans were observed by stereomicroscopy and Micro-CT imaging reiterating that the rat model is suitable for otologic research. The endoscopic approach to the tympanic membrane is comfortable and less expensive than a microscope. The tendon of the clavotrapezius muscle can be a reliable landmark for discovering the tympanic bulla when considering a ventral approach. 3D Micro-CT reconstruction allows intact evaluation of the samples, simultaneously being a diagnostic and also a learning tool.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo fue proporcionar una descripción anatómica detallada de la anatomía del órgano vestíbulococlear de la rata que resultará útil para diferentes procedimientos quirúrgicos otológicos experimentales, independientemente del alcance. En el estudio se usaron tres ratas Wistar macho. Los ejemplares fueron evaluados por patología sistémica y otológica. La endoscopía del meato acústico externo se realizó con un endoscopio rígido de 30˚ a través de un sistema de captura de imágenes. Los elementos anatómicos del oído medio se analizaron bajo estereomicroscopía. La reconstrucción de la imagen de tomografía computarizada en 3D se realizó con un micro-CT para describir la anatomía. Se analizaron los datos de imagen de las tres ratas. Se agregaron anotaciones anatómicas y recomendaciones de exposición quirúrgica para elementos clave. Las imágenes más relevantes de las tres ratas fueron seleccionadas para su representación. La visualización detallada de los elementos estructurales de la cavidad timpánica era claramente visible: promontorio timpánico, ventana coclear, arteria estapedial, estapedio, yunque y membrana timpánica eran hallazgos constantes. Describimos un abordaje quirúrgico ventral escalonado del oído medio e interno para el cual encontramos que el músculo clavotrapecio era un punto de referencia confiable. Para el abordaje transtimpánico, el acceso transcanal endoscópico fue un método fácil y confiable para el cual se describió una representación anatómica detallada. Además, se observaron similitudes anatómicas con los humanos mediante estereomicroscopía e imágenes Micro-CT, lo que reitera que el modelo de rata es adecuado para la investigación otológica. El abordaje endoscópico de la membrana timpánica es cómodo y menos costoso que un microscopio. El tendón del músculo clavotrapecio puede ser un punto de referencia fiable para descubrir la bulla timpánica cuando se considera un abordaje ventral. La reconstrucción 3D Micro- CT permite la evaluación intacta de las muestras, siendo simultáneamente una herramienta de diagnóstico y también de aprendizaje.

Reporting the epidemiology of aural haematoma in dogs and proposing a novel aetiopathogenetic pathway.

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for aural haematoma in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. A cohort study design. Dogs diagnosed with aural haematoma during 2016 were identified from the VetCompass database. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling were used for risk factor analysis. There were 2,249/905,554 dogs diagnosed with aural haematoma during 2016. The estimated one-year incidence risk for aural haematoma was 0.25% (95% confidence interval 0.24-0.26). After accounting for confounding factors, 14 breeds showed increased odds and 20 breeds showed reduced odds of aural haematoma compared with crossbred dogs. Breeds with the highest odds included Bull Terrier (OR 7.42, 95% confidence interval 4.39-12.54), Saint Bernard (OR 7.28, 95% confidence interval 3.58-14.81) and French Bulldog (OR 6.95, 95% confidence interval 5.55-8.70). Increasing age, increasing bodyweight and breeds with V-shaped drop and semi-erect ear carriage also showed increased odds of aural haematoma. Associations between ear carriage within breeds and the risk of aural haematoma suggest that trauma along the line of cartilage folding within V-shaped and semi-erect ears may trigger aural haematoma. New knowledge of key breed predispositions will contribute to improved breed health control strategies.

Acoustic wave response to groove arrays in model ears.

Many mammals and some owls have parallel grooved structures associated with auditory structures that may be exploiting acoustic products generated by groove arrays. To test the hypothesis that morphological structures in the ear can manipulate acoustic information, we expose a series of similar-sized models with and without groove arrays to different sounds in identical conditions and compare their amplitude and frequency responses. We demonstrate how two different acoustic signals are uniquely influenced by the models. Depending on multiple factors (i.e., array characteristics, acoustic signal used, and distance from source) the presence of an array can increase the signal strength of select spectral components when compared to a model with no array. With few exceptions, the models with arrays increased the total amplitude of acoustic signals over that of the smooth model at all distances we tested up to 160 centimeters. We conclude that the ability to uniquely alter the signal based on an array's characteristics is evolutionarily beneficial and supports the concept that different species have different array configurations associated with their biological needs.

Comparative study of optical coherence tomography angiography algorithms for rodent retinal imaging.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a functional extension of optical coherence tomography for non-invasive in vivo three-dimensional imaging of the microvasculature of biological tissues. Several algorithms have been developed to construct OCTA images from the measured optical coherence tomography signals. In this study, we compared the performance of three OCTA algorithms that are based on the variance of phase, amplitude, and the complex representations of the optical coherence tomography signals for rodent retinal imaging, namely the phase variance, improved speckle contrast, and optical microangiography. The performance of the different algorithms was evaluated by comparing the quality of the OCTA images regarding how well the vasculature network can be resolved. Quantities that are widely used in ophthalmic studies including blood vessel density, vessel diameter index, vessel perimeter index, vessel complexity index were also compared. Results showed that both the improved speckle contrast and optical microangiography algorithms are more robust than phase variance, and they can reveal similar vasculature features while there are statistical differences in the calculated quantities.

Ear morphology in two root-rat species (genus Tachyoryctes) differing in the degree of fossoriality.

It is supposed that the subterranean lifestyle in mammals is reflected in ear morphology and tuning of hearing to low frequencies. We studied two root-rat species to see if their ear morphology reflects the difference in the amount of their surface activity. Whereas the more subterranean Tachyoryctes splendens possesses shorter pinnae as expected, it has smaller bullae compared to the more epigeic Tachyoryctes macrocephalus. The ratio between the eardrum and the stapedial footplate area and the ratio between the mallear and the incudal lever were lower in T. splendens (19.3 ± 0.3 and 1.9 ± 0.0, respectively) than in T. macrocephalus (21.8 ± 0.6 and 2.1 ± 0.1), probably reflecting the latter's higher surface activity. The cochlea in both species has 3.5 coils, yet the basilar membrane is longer in the smaller T. splendens (13.0 ± 0.5 versus 11.4 ± 0.7 mm), which indicates its wider hearing range and/or higher sensitivity (to some frequencies). In both root-rat species, the highest density of outer hair cells (OHC) was in the apical part of the cochlea, while the highest density of inner hair cells (IHC) was in its middle part. This OHC density pattern corresponds with good low-frequency hearing, whereas the IHC pattern suggests sensitivity to higher frequencies.

MUSE Stem Cells Can Be Isolated from Stromal Compartment of Mouse Bone Marrow, Adipose Tissue, and Ear Connective Tissue: A Comparative Study of Their In Vitro Properties.

The cells present in the stromal compartment of many tissues are a heterogeneous population containing stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts, and other stromal cells. A SSEA3(+) cell subpopulation isolated from human stromal compartments showed stem cell properties. These cells, known as multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (MUSE) cells, are capable of resisting stress and possess an excellent ability to repair DNA damage. We isolated MUSE cells from different mouse stromal compartments, such as those present in bone marrow, subcutaneous white adipose tissue, and ear connective tissue. These cells showed overlapping in vitro biological properties. The mouse MUSE cells were positive for stemness markers such as SOX2, OCT3/4, and NANOG. They also expressed TERT, the catalytic telomerase subunit. The mouse MUSE cells showed spontaneous commitment to differentiation in meso/ecto/endodermal derivatives. The demonstration that multilineage stem cells can be isolated from an animal model, such as the mouse, could offer a valid alternative to the use of other stem cells for disease studies and envisage of cellular therapies.

Evaluation of morphological traits and physiological variables of several Chinese goat breeds and their crosses.

The current study was undertaken to evaluate some morphological traits of the goat breeds raised in Southwest China. The field experimentation and data collection were from 434 animals presenting seven breeds of the Dazu black goat (DBG; n = 203), Saanen milk goat (SMG; n = 50), Black Boer × Dazu black goat (BXC; n = 28), Hechuan white goat (HWG; n = 49), Inner Mongolia Cashmere goat (IMCG; n = 25), IMCG × DBG (F1; n = 57) and F1 × F1 (F2; n = 22). All studied animals were adult and selected to be at the same age (36.50 ± 0.75 months). After editing, more than 20 morphological and production traits like body condition score (BCS), testicle measurements, coat colour, fibre traits, skin colour, horn colour, horn shape, horn orientation, wattles, front hair, beard, ear shape, ear size, rump angle, hind leg angulation and physiological variables were analysed. BXC and DBG had dark coat colour, whilst SMG, HWG and IMCG had light colour, whilst F1 and F2 ranged from light to dark coat colour. Concerning BCS, the breeds BXC and DBG were characterized as fat goats, whilst SMG, HWG, F1 and F2 were average, whilst IMCG was thin. The maximum values for testis measurements were recorded for BXC, SMG and DBG. For fibre traits, IMCG, F1 and F2 were the most superior. BXC and DBG males have good fertility parameters. The highest values for rectal temperature, skin temperature and breath rate were recorded for SMG. These findings revealed the presence of a wide range of morphological differences among studied goat breeds. Such diversity in the performance of goat breeds raised in Southwest China is crucial to implement reliable selection strategies for breeding goats in this area.

Differentiation of face and auricular shape resulting from diabetes and hypertension in the elderly

The prevalence global of noncommunicable chronic diseases as diabetes and hypertension worldwide has been disregarded until recently by policy makers. In addition, these diseases have growing with the aging of the population. This study sought to identify changes in face shape from the frontal and side views in elderly people diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension. 205 individuals were studied, with 60 years or more, from both sexes, with different ethnicities, and cognition intact. With a digital camera, photos were taken of the front and side and based on these images landmarks for measurement were determined. For statistical analysis, ANOVA, Canonical Variates Analysis, Mahalanobis distance and Thin-Plate Spline were realized. Given sexual dimorphism, the sexes were analyzed separately. From the ANOVA, significant differences (p<0.01) for individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and patients with both or neither of the diseases were observed. The groups were separated by the Canonical Variates and Mahalanobis distance and independent of edentulism, sex or ethnicity. A morphofacial characteristics for the front and side views (especially in the ear region) that identified individuals with these chronic diseases was observed. This methodology can contribute in a specific manner to the identification of at risk populations and help to promote preventative measures for these conditions.

Ear type in sheep is associated with the MSRB3 locus.

Ear morphology is an important determinant of sheep breeds. It includes different variable traits such as ear size and erectness, suggesting a polygenic architecture. Here, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis to identify regions under selection for ear morphology in 515 sheep from 17 breeds fixed for diverse ear phenotypes using 34k SNP genotyping data. GWASs for two ear type traits, size and erectness, revealed a single genome-wide significant association on ovine chromosome 3. The derived marker alleles were enriched in sheep with large and/or floppy ears. The GWAS signal harboured the MSRB3 gene encoding methionine sulphoxide reductase B3, which has already been found to be associated with different ear types in other species. We attempted whole-genome resequencing to identify causal variant(s) within a 1 Mb interval around MSRB3. This experiment excluded major copy number variants in the interval, but failed to identify a compelling candidate causal variant. Fine-mapping suggested that the causal variant for large floppy ears most likely resides in a 175 kb interval downstream of the MSRB3 coding region.

Evaluating the effectiveness of learning ear anatomy using holographic models.

BACKGROUND: Computer-assisted learning has been shown to be an effective means of teaching anatomy, with 3-D visualization technology more successfully improving participants' factual and spatial knowledge in comparison to traditional methods. To date, however, the effectiveness of teaching ear anatomy using 3-D holographic technology has not been studied. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of learning ear anatomy using a holographic (HG) anatomic model in comparison to didactic lecture (DL) and a computer module (CM). METHODS: A 3-D anatomic model of the middle and inner ear was created and displayed using presentation slides in a lecture, computer module, or via the Microsoft HoloLens. Twenty-nine medical students were randomized to one of the three interventions. All participants underwent assessment of baseline knowledge of ear anatomy. Immediately following each intervention, testing was repeated along with completion of a satisfaction survey. RESULTS: Baseline test scores did not differ across intervention groups. All groups showed an improvement in anatomic knowledge post-intervention (p < 0.001); the improvement was equal across all interventions (p = 0.06). Participants rated the interventions equally for delivery of factual content (p = 0.96), but rated the HG higher than the DL and CM for overall effectiveness, ability to convey spatial relationships, and for learner engagement and motivation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that 3-D holographic technology is an effective method of teaching ear anatomy as compared to DLs and CMs. Furthermore, it is better at engaging and motivating learners compared to traditional methods, meriting its inclusion as a tool in undergraduate medical education curriculum.

Diving-related otological injuries: Initial assessment and management.

BACKGROUND: Scuba diving-related otological injuries comprise the majority of diving-related incidents that present to general practitioners (GPs). Correct diagnosis and management are key to prevent permanent hearing loss and vertigo. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to increase awareness of the pathophysiology of otological diving injuries and provide an approach to initial assessment and treatment, as well as to highlight particular circumstances in which onward referral is required. DISCUSSION: Accurate diagnosis and treatment of diving-related otological injuries by GPs can have profound positive effects on a patient's long-term outcomes. Complete otolaryngological assessment in those who have previously had a dive-related injury is critical to ensure patient safety prior to recommencing scuba diving.

A guide to managing disorders of the ear pinna and canal.

This review will help you troubleshoot everything from infections and foreign bodies to trauma and neoplasm.

Comparative micromechanics of bushcricket ears with and without a specialized auditory fovea region in the crista acustica.

In some insects and vertebrate species, the specific enlargement of sensory cell epithelium facilitates the perception of particular behaviourally relevant signals. The insect auditory fovea in the ear of the bushcricket Ancylecha fenestrata (Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae) is an example of such an expansion of sensory epithelium. Bushcricket ears developed in convergent evolution anatomical and functional similarities to mammal ears, such as travelling waves and auditory foveae, to process information by sound. As in vertebrate ears, sound induces a motion of this insect hearing organ (crista acustica), which can be characterized by its amplitude and phase response. However, detailed micromechanics in this bushcricket ear with an auditory fovea are yet unknown. Here, we fill this gap in knowledge for bushcricket, by analysing and comparing the ear micromechanics in Ancylecha fenestrata and a bushcricket species without auditory fovea (Mecopoda elongata, Tettigoniidae: Mecopodinae) using laser-Doppler vibrometry. We found that the increased size of the crista acustica, expanded by a foveal region in A. fenestrata, leads to higher mechanical amplitudes and longer phase delays in A. fenestrata male ears. Furthermore, area under curve analyses of the organ oscillations reveal that more sensory units are activated by the same stimuli in the males of the auditory fovea-possessing species A. fenestrata. The measured increase of phase delay in the region of the auditory fovea supports the conclusion that tilting of the transduction site is important for the effective opening of the involved transduction channels. Our detailed analysis of sound-induced micromechanics in this bushcricket ear demonstrates that an increase of sensory epithelium with foveal characteristics can enhance signal detection and may also improve the neuronal encoding.

Ear Crease Features Are Associated with Complexity of Coronary Lesions.

BACKGROUND The presence of a Frank's sign ear crease is closely correlated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The SYNTAX score indicates the complexity of coronary lesions. This present investigation sought to identify the correlation between SYNTAX score and several specific ear creases. MATERIAL AND METHODS Four specific types of ear creases - crossing crease not originated from ear hole (CC-NEH), crossing crease originated from ear hole (CC-EH), vertical creases on the face side (VC-F), and vertical creases dividing earlobe and face (VC-EF) - were investigated in patients undergoing coronary angiography. A Frank's sign score system was introduced based on the 4 creases. Demographic data, clinical data, and SYNTAX score were also documented. The association between ear creases and SYNTAX score, as well as the correlation between Frank's score and SYNTAX score, were statistically analyzed. RESULTS CC-NEH had the highest positive predictive value (positive predictive value=0.439), and VC-F had the highest negative predictive value for the detection of intermediate and high SYNTAX score (negative predictive value=1.000). VC-EF and CC-NEH were associated with intermediate and high SYNTAX scores (OR=2.913-7.694, all P<0.05). Only 2.9% of patients with Frank's score=0 had intermediate or high SYNTAX scores, and 52.2% and 50.0% of patients with Frank's sign score=3 and 4 had intermediate or high SYNTAX scores, respectively. The Frank's sign score was significantly and positively correlated with SYNTAX score (r=0.457, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Features of specific ear creases and Frank's sign scores were associated with intermediate and high complexity of coronary lesions.

Evaluation of Morphological Characteristics of the Human Ear in Young Adults.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Human external ear is a morphologically complex structure and plays a vital role in the collection of sound. The present study would provide the information regarding the shape and size of the various morphological structures of the ear in normal individuals which may help the plastic surgeons to reconstruct the anatomy of the deformed ear and the physical and forensic anthropologists to study variations and establishing its use as a biometrics. The aim of the study was the morphological examination of the ear and its features to investigate the biological variations, sex differences, bilateral variations and further attempt to provide a database of external ears of a normal north Indian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 71 males and 69 females aged between 18 to 25 years were collected from Nahan city of Sirmaur District in Himachal Pradesh state of North India. Various anthroposcopic parameters were considered and evaluated through personal observation such as ear shape, form of the helix, lobule shape and its attachment to the cheeks, strength of the anti-helix, etc and were sub-divided on the basis of form, shape, elevation, etc. The SPSS statistic (IBM, Armonk, NY) software version 16 was used to evaluate the sexual dimorphism and bilateral differences. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The frequencies of various morphological characters of the human external ear were calculated using Crosstabs. The results indicate the oval and round shaped ears were reported in 37.3%; 35.92% males and 23.92%; 38.41% females, respectively. Normally rolled helix was more frequent (73.24% in males and 84.06% in females) and possessed frequently occurring Darwin's tubercle with nodosity form (88.03% in males and 90.58% in females). Hypertrichosis was mostly present on the complete helix in case of males (66.20%). Single knob tragus (40.14% in males and 52.90% in females) and double knob tragus (33.10% in males and 36.23% in females) were found to be with higher frequency in the studied population. Partially free earlobes (53.52% in males and 46.38% in females) were more common than the attached one (38.03% in males and 47.83% in females) in case of males only. The present study provides a database of morphoscopy of the external ears of North Indian population. The database may be useful in the reconstruction of the deformed ears and in the anthropological and forensic research for comparison purposes. The study may also be utilized in the prediction of ear shape and size of the studied population for facial reconstruction in forensic examinations.

Histological development and integration of the Zebrafish Weberian apparatus.

BACKGROUND: The Weberian apparatus enhances hearing in otophysan fishes, including Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Several studies have examined aspects of morphological development of the Weberian apparatus and hearing ability in Zebrafish. A comprehensive developmental description including both hard and soft tissues is lacking. This information is critical for both interpretation of genetic developmental analyses and to better understand the role of morphogenesis and integration on changes in hearing ability. RESULTS: Histological development of hard and soft tissues of the Weberian apparatus, including ossicles, ear, swim bladder, and ligaments are described from early larval stages (3.8 mm notochord length) through adult. Results show a strong relationship in developmental timing and maturation across all regions. All required auditory elements are present and morphologically integrated early, by 6.5 mm SL. Dynamic ossification patterns and changes in shape continue throughout the examined developmental period. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first comprehensive histological description of Weberian apparatus development in Zebrafish. Morphological integration was found early, before increases in hearing ability were detected in functional studies (>10 mm total length), suggesting morphological integration precedes functional integration. Further research is needed to examine the nature of the functional delay, and how maturation of the Weberian apparatus influences functionality.

2D browsing software and 3D PDF of canine ear based on real color sectioned images / Software de navegación 2D y PDF en 3D del oído canino basado en imágenes seccionadas en color real

Dog ear is very important because of disease vulnerability. Therefore, gross anatomy and sectional anatomy on CT and MRI of the dog ear should be mastered by veterinarian. The purpose of this research was to present the digital atlases which high quality sectioned images and 3D models of detailed structures of dog ear could be displayed freely. In the sectioned images of a female beagle, ear structures were reconstructed by surface modeling to make 3D models. The sectioned images and 3D models were put into the browsing software and PDF file, respectively. Using the browsing software and the PDF file, gross and radiological anatomy of dog ear could be learned easily and accurately. The auditory tube of a dog was placed anterior to the tympanic cavity unlike human. The tensor tympani muscle of a dog was connected to the dorsal wall of the tympanic cavity with the malleus. No remarkable difference in the auditory ossicles, semicircular ducts, facial nerve, and endolymphatic duct was observed between dogs and humans. The software and the PDF file will be provided to other researchers freely to help contribute to veterinary research and education.

La oreja del perro es importante debido a la vulnerabilidad de enfermedad. Por lo tanto, el veterinario debe conocer plenamente la anatomía macroscópica y la anatomía seccional en la TC y la RM del oído del perro. El objetivo de esta investigación fue presentar los atlas digitales que podían mostrar imágenes seccionadas de alta calidad y modelos 3D de estructuras detalladas de orejas de perro. En las imágenes seccionadas de una hembra Beagle, las estructuras de las orejas se reconstruyeron mediante modelado de superficie con el objetivo de crear modelos 3D. Las imágenes seccionadas y los modelos 3D se colocaron en un software de navegación y un archivo PDF. El uso de software de navegación y el archivo PDF permiten un aprendizaje fácil y preciso de la anatomía macroscópica y radiológica de la oreja de perro. El músculo tensor del tímpano de un perro estaba conectado a la pared dorsal de la cavidad timpánica con el martillo. No se observaron diferencias notables en los huesecillos auditivos, los conductos semicirculares, el nervio facial y el conducto endolinfático entre perros y humanos. El software y el archivo PDF estarán disponibles libremente para los investigadores para ayudar en la investigación y educación veterinaria.

Curricular changes: the impact on medical students knowledge of neuroanatomy.

BACKGROUND: Although neuroanatomy is considered an essential requirement in medical curriculum, its teaching has undergone many changes in recent years, with most medical schools starting to implement an integrated approach. The current paper describes the comparative evaluation of the neuroanatomy knowledge scores of medical students who attended two different pedagogic approaches of neuroanatomy in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto. METHODS: Forty fourth-year medical students who attended a traditional stand-alone approach and 42 third-year medical students who attended an integrated approach completed a written test of knowledge. RESULTS: Although there were some significant differences, the results globally revealed no statistically significant difference between the neuroanatomy knowledge scores of the integrated and traditional education groups, with most students obtaining a passing score in both curricula. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first attempt to compare the knowledge acquired by medical students from two different pedagogical approaches to neuroanatomy. Although the integrated curricula were only implemented in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto a few years ago, the students who attended these curricula obtained similar scores as those obtained by the students of the traditional curriculum. This finding suggests that an integrated curriculum can be, in light of curricular reform, an efficient approach to teaching neuroanatomy to medical students.

Occurrence of tympanic bone spicules and bone crests in domestic cats.

Small and hyperostotic tympanic bone spicules (STBS and HTBS) extending from the tympanic wall or from the septum bullae into the tympanic cavity have been described in large feline species such as Siberian tigers or African lions and in canids such as dogs, red foxes and wolves. Detailed descriptions of prevalence, location and orientation were performed for dogs and African lions by means of necropsy and conventional computed tomography (cCT). Aims of the current study were to describe same characteristics for domestic cats by means of microcomputed tomography (µCT) and cCT. A total of 15 cats or rather 30 ears were examined. Furthermore, new bone formations extending into the tympanic cavity shaped like small lamellae were found and named "tympanic bone crests" (TBCs). The registered phenomenon of a thickened tympanic wall in some cats was named "tympanic wall thickening" (TWT). STBS appeared in 43% of the ears being bilateral in 44% of the cases, whereas HTBS appeared in one ear. TBC was present in 33% of the ears with a bilateral prevalence of 67%, and TWT could be detected in 13% of the ears. The mentioned structures are just barely or not at all detectable with cCT; therefore, µCT is necessary for an identification and detailed description. The origin and the factors inducing the development of examined phenomena are unknown, and it is hypothesized that the occurrence can be assessed as anatomical norm variations.