Comparative study of the digestive system of three species of tinamou. I. Crypturellus tataupa, Nothoprocta cinerascens, and Nothura maculosa (Aves: tinamidae)

The morphology and histology, as well as the cytochemistry of complex carbohydrates, of the digestive system of Crypturellus tataupa (tataupa tinamou), Nothoprocta cinerascens (brushland tinamou), and Nothura maculosa (spotted tinamou) are described. The general morphology of the digestive system of these birds follows the basic model of the avian alimentary canal, although statistical analysis shows that the lengths of the organs are significantly different among the species. From cephalic to caudal regions the alimentary tract consists of esophagus, ingluvies or crop, proventriculus or glandular stomach, ventriculus or muscular stomach, small intestine, well-developed ceca, and rectum. Histologically, each section of the tract consists of four primary tissue layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and adventitia. Variations are found in the thickness of the esophageal epithelium, which shows the highest value in C. tataupa. In the proventriculus, the depth of the compound glands is greatest in N. cinerascens. The villi of the epithelial cells in the small intestine are most extensively developed in C. tataupa. Heterogeneity of mucins is detected not only in the surface coat of the alimentary tract but in the cellular content of the glands as well. Comparisons with the morphology of the digestive system of closely related and more advanced birds are made, and the possible relationship between morphological and cytochemical variation and the diet is discussed.     

Root canal morphology of maxillary permanent first molar teeth at various ages

The root canal anatomy and pulp chamber morphology of 216 maxillary permanent first molar teeth of known age was examined using a radiographic technique after infusion of the root canal system with a radiopaque sodium iothalomate gel. This technique proved to be a rapid and effective method for the examination of root canal morphology and is recommended when root canal anatomy needs to be examined before further investigations are carried out. Over 95% of palatal and disto-buccal roots contained a single root canal. The mesio-buccal root was more complex. All types of configurations were seen. Only 26% of mesio-buccal roots showed a single canal. The pulp canal in all roots appeared to narrow at an early age. In the mesio-buccal root, a definite two-directional calcification pattern was apparent in most teeth by the age of 10. The rate of progress of root formation was very variable. There was no apparent relationship between the type of canal system in the mesio-buccal root and the type of canal orifice present. The transverse cross-sectional shape of the pulp chamber was trapezoidal in 81% of teeth.     

The combined treatment of patients with digestive tract diseases by the action of the enterosorbent Enterosgel and of the intravascular laser irradiation of the blood

Rehabilitative, medical treatment involved a combined use of enterosorption (the drug Enterosgel) and intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB). The results obtained showed the adopted combined mode of treatment (Enterosgel + ILIB) to have a positive effect on the patients' body. The above alternative while eliminating the remainder from the body promotes an increase in the content of large granule-containing lymphocytes, which events result in restoration of those morphology of those leucocytes having undergone degeneration, with crystallization of saliva getting back to normal. Considering the present health-hazard conditions, negative environmental effects on human organism, the above treatment option is indicated not only to patients having disorders of the alimentary canal but also to those presenting with other pathologies, as well as for preventive and health-promoting purposes.     

In situ hybridization analysis of leucomyosuppressin mRNA expression in the cockroach, Diploptera punctata

In the cockroach Diploptera punctata, sequencing of the cDNA for the insect myoinhibitory neuropeptide, leucomyosuppressin (LMS), has demonstrated that LMS is the only Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide (NH2) (FMRFamide)-related peptide to be encoded by this gene (Donly et al. [1996] Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 26:627-637). However, in the present study, high performance liquid chromatography analysis of brain extracts showed six discrete FMRFamide-like immunoreactive fractions, one of which co-eluted with LMS. This study compared the distribution of FMRFamide-related peptides visualized by immunohistochemistry with LMS mRNA expression demonstrated by in situ hybridization in D. punctata. Immunohistochemistry with a polyclonal antiserum generated against FMRFamide, but which recognizes extended RFamide peptides, demonstrated numerous RFamide-like immunoreactive cells and processes in both nervous and nonnervous tissues. RFamide-like immunoreactivity was found in cells and processes of the brain and optic lobes, the stomatogastric nervous system, including the frontal and ingluvial ganglia, and the suboesophageal ganglion. Immunoreactivity was also present in all ganglia of the ventral nerve cord and in the alimentary canal. Within the alimentary canal, positively stained processes were found in the crop, midgut, and hindgut, and immunoreactive endocrinelike cells were located in the midgut. In situ hybridization with a digoxigenin-labeled RNA probe spanning the entire LMS coding region showed cell bodies containing LMS mRNA in all ganglia studied, other than the ingluvial ganglion. Expression was most abundant in the brain and optic lobes and in the frontal and suboesophageal ganglia. LMS mRNA was also apparent, although less intensely, in all other ganglia of the ventral nerve cord. Within the alimentary canal, LMS mRNA-positive cells were only visible in the anterior portion of the midgut, in the endocrinelike cells. The appearance of LMS mRNA in the central nervous system, stomatogastric nervous system, and midgut suggests that LMS may play a central role in Diploptera and may be associated with feeding and digestion.     

The anatomical basis of anal endosonography. A study in postmortem specimens

PURPOSE: Anal endosonography is an imaging modality new to the diagnostic workup of incontinence. Interpretations even of normal endosonomorphologic findings now vary considerably. The conjoined longitudinal muscle (LM), a widely ignored structure, has until recently not been fully recognized by anal endosonography. The aim of this study, therefore, was to accurately determine the normal anatomy of the anal canal and correlate it with the findings obtained by anal endosonography. METHODS: Eight postmortem specimens of the anal canal were examined by endosonography. The findings were correlated with macroscopical dissection and gross sectional histology of the same specimens. RESULTS: The external echogenic ring is composed of two anatomical structures: the LM and the external anal sphincter (EAS). However, during anal endosonography the LM cannot always be differentiated from the EAS. Histologically, the relation of the diameters of the LM and the EAS ranged from 0.45:1 to 1.25:1. The narrow hyperechogenic ring between the inner hypoechoic layer and the external hyperechoic ring is an artificial finding that cannot be related to a distinct anatomical structure and most likely represents a sonographic interface. CONCLUSIONS: This study exactly outlines the relation of diameters of the conjoined longitudinal muscle and external anal sphincter for the first time. Until now, the LM has been underestimated in its dimensions. The role of such a thick muscular structure should be included in the conception of anal continence in the future. Especially in view of the fact that anal endosonography is increasingly used in the diagnostic workup of incontinence and fistula in ano, it is essential to understand the anatomical basis of endosonography. This study accurately delineates the sonomorphology of the anal muscles. When viewed in light findings reported here, endosonographic findings in diseases of the anal canal are nor based on a correct idea of the correlation between endosonomorphology and anal anatomy.     

On paleoecology of carnivorous dinosaurs (Tyrannosauridae, Dromaeosauridae) from Late Cretaceous fossil deposits of Amur region, Russian Far East

Present article is on Russian Far East carnivorous dinosaur paleoecology.Described summary is based on detailed study and comparison of isolated shed teeth morphology.     

Localization of melatonin in the digestive tract of the rat. Effect of maturation, diurnal variation, melatonin treatment and pinealectomy

Using highly specific antibodies, melatonin was identified in the gastrointestinal tract of the rat as early as several hours of postnatal life. Its amount progressively increased and reached the adult levels around day 21. Exogenously administered melatonin concentrates in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract with most pronounced accumulation in the colon and the rectum. Diurnal variations were not clearly demonstrated in any part of the alimentary canal. Pinealectomy had no visible effect on the levels of melatonin in the tissues investigated. A hypothesis of ontogenic as well as phylogenic development of production of N-acetylated indolealkylamines in the pineal and the extrapineal tissues and their physiological role is presented.     

Computer-aided 3-D reconstruction and measurement of the facial canal and facial nerve. I. Cross-sectional area and diameter: preliminary report

Using a computer-aided three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction method, measurements were made at eight representative sites of diameters and the cross-sectional area of the facial canal, facial nerve, and the space between the canal and nerve. Materials used were serial histology sections of seven normal human temporal bones obtained from individuals of different ages. Two areas of decreased cross-sectional area of the facial canal were found: the proximal part of the labyrinthine portion and the middle part of the tympanic portion. These narrowings in the canal appeared to be correlated with decreased superior-inferior diameter of the facial canal in those portions, especially in adult temporal bones, and also with decreased cross-sectional area, both of the nerve and of the space between the canal and the nerve, in these portions. The developmental etiology of these narrowings is speculated on, and their possible relationship to Bell's palsy is discussed.     

The role of cheilectomy in the treatment of hallux rigidus

Representative postage stamps reproduced here provide an idea of the scope available for introducing the history of human anatomy. Included are ancient Greek pioneers, the reformer of human anatomy (Vesalius), the discoverer of the circulation of the blood (Harvey), the compound microscope, and well-known names in histology, neurohistology, and topographical anatomy.     

The longitudinal muscle of the anal canal

The longitudinal muscle (LM) represents a strong muscular structure of the anal canal situated between the internal (IAS) and the external anal sphincter (EAS). Terminal fibres of this muscle insert at the submucosa of the anal canal, representing the m. canalis ani. Others cross the subcutaneous part of the EAS to become the m. corrugator ani. Thus, the LM connects the visceral and somatic parts of the anal sphincter complex. Histologically ganglionic cells and as Vater-Pacinian corpuscles can be identified inside the LM. Morphology, topography and histology of the LM suggest that this muscle participates in maintaining anorectal continence. It is mandatory that the exact functions of this muscular structure be to elaborated upon, if we are to understand the mechanism of anorectal continence.     

Vascular anatomy of the ovine anterior cruciate ligament. A macroscopic, histological and radiographic study

Sheep are being extensively utilized in animal models for orthopaedic research, but the vascular anatomy of their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has not yet been thoroughly described. This study demonstrates the blood supply to the ACL. Vascular injection with plastogen G, lead oxide and India ink was performed in 12 back limbs of Styrian mountain sheep, and gross observations, microradiography and routine histology were done. The large vessel and the microvascular anatomy are similar to those described for humans. The middle genicular artery and the descending genicular artery contribute vessels that supply the ACL. Epiligamentous vascular plexuses give off capillaries which penetrate the ligament substance and supply numerous, longitudinally oriented intraligamentous vessels. These findings make the Styrian mountain sheep a potential animal model for biologic investigations of ACL pathology.     

Developmental lumbar spinal stenosis. Pathology and surgical treatment

The purpose of this presentation is to outline the extent of surgical resection necessary for complete decompression of the neural elements in spinal stenosis and to introduce a system for the evaluation of disability in patients with spinal stenosis. Sixteen patients with the confirmed diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis were evaluated by the system. Ten cases were treated surgically. Indications for operative treatment were 1) intolerable pain in average daily living, 2) progressively worsening or significant degree of motor weakness, and 3) sphincter dysfunction. Satisfactory results from operative treatment were expected only after adequate and thorough decompression. The extent of surgical decompression was determined by clinical evaluation, myelographic examination, and by the type of disease process exhibited. The most common cause of unsatisfactory results was inadequate decompression of spinal contents. The extent of adequate decompression is described according to three different variations of pathologic anatomy of spinal stenosis: a) concentric contraction of the spinal canal, b) sagittal flattening of the spinal canal, and c) stenosis caused by anomalous articular process(es). No excellent results were obtained even after thorough and adequate decompression of spinal contents.     

Pediatric elbow fractures: MRI evaluation

Standard anatomy textbooks describe the mandibular canal as having a consistent, standard path. The fact that variations in its path exist in a significant percentage of the population is of extreme importance for the surgeon who is performing procedures in close proximity to the mandibular canal. A rare, radiographically detectable variation of the standard anatomy of the mandibular canal is reported.     

The effect of Val'kofen tablets for children on the function of the gastrointestinal tract and liver in an experiment

It was prepared new child's medicinal form, the tablets "Valcophene" for making a wider variety of pediatric preparation's. It is studied the influence of "Valcophene" on the functional state of alimentary canal in experiment on rat's. Results investigation's are testified to absence of ulcerative action in new child's preparations. Studying influence in liver functional state is provided for new children's preparation "Valcophene" too. The chronic experiment is showed that "Valcophene" didn't influence on liver in experimental animals.     

Clinical and experimental study on improving cellular immunological function of uterine myoma patients by xiaoliu tablet

Dehiscences of the bony horizontal segment of the facial canal are rather common in human adults. These facial canal dehiscences occur most often in the region of the oval window. This study presents the observations of the facial canal in the oval window region in 427 operations for otosclerosis. The incidence of dehiscences in the facial canal to the middle ear space in otosclerosis was studied. Dehiscences were observed in 14 of the 427 patients (3.27%) who had a stapedotomy. This incidence is very low compared to the anatomical studies of the facial nerve in human cadaver temporal bones. Dehiscences of the facial canal are a variation of the normal anatomy of the facial nerve and these dehiscences occur sporadically in otosclerosis.     

Subsidence of an uncemented canine femoral stem

Factors contributing to subsidence were analyzed by radiographic evaluation and mechanical testing of 36 canine cadaver femora during and after insertion of an uncemented porous-coated femoral stem and by radiographic evaluation of 35 canine total hip arthroplasties. Mean percentage of canal fill in immediate postoperative radiographs, and percentage of canal fill at midimplant and distal implant locations, were accurate predictors of subsidence. Force required to implant the femoral stem was strongly correlated with force required for implant subsidence. Femoral morphology and percentage of canal fill at the middle and distal sites were accurate predictors of subsidence. Implants in femora with a stovepipe morphology (canal flare index less than or equal to 1.8) were six times more likely to subside than implants in femora that had a normal appearance (canal flare index 1.8 to 2.5), and 72 times more likely to subside than implants in champagne-fluted femora (canal flare index greater than or equal to 2.5). Femora with more than 85% mean, middle, or distal canal fill were less likely to subside.     

Morphology, fine structure, biochemistry, and function of the spermatic ducts in marine fish

The spermatic ducts and the testicular efferent ducts were investigated in different marine teleost fish species (Diplodus sargus, Mullus barbatus, Thalassoma pavo, Trachinus draco, Uranuscopus scaber, Sparisoma cretense, Synodon saurus). From the morphological, histological, fine structural and biochemical investigations it appeared that the testicular main ducts and spermatic ducts of the investigated marine fish have the following functions: storage of spermatozoa, monosacharide synthesis for nutrition of spermatozoa, synthesis of steroid glucuronides, synthesis of seminal plasma proteins, formation of a ionic gradient in the seminal fluid and phagocytotic activity. Species-specific differences were only found in the morphology of the gonads and in the histology of the spermatic duct epithelium.     

Gastric mucosa after partial gastrectomy

A partial gastrectomy of Billroth I or II type was performed in a series of 146 patients with peptic ulcer. Gastric biopsy was carried out two years later and the histology of the specimens compared with that of the body mucosa at the time of operation. In 138 patients without body atrophic gastritis (AG) before operation this condition was found in 74 (54%) two years after (46% of DU patients and 73% of GU patients). Those with antral or pyloric canal ulcers were particularly liable to develop AG (81%). Apart from site of ulcer various other factors possibly associated with the development of AG were examined: no positive correlations were found with the possible exception of anaemia. Gastric parietal cell antibodies were not found in any patient with AG tested. The cause of gastritis after partial gastrectomy and its possible relationship with gastric carcinoma are discussed.     

Stomach diverticulum. A case report

The author reports a case of gastric symptomatic diverticulum, not connected to other gastric-biliary-duodenal pathology. The author points out the rarity of diverticulum of the alimentary canal, and points out the symptomatic picture that, in association with a radiologically ascertained diverticulum staunching, represent indications for surgery.     

Development of the gut in Xenopus laevis

The lining of the gut, together with the pancreas, liver, gall bladder, and respiratory system, is formed from the endoderm. The gut also contains smooth muscle and connective tissue of mesodermal origin. The amphibian Xenopus laevis is potentially an excellent model organism for studying how the cells of the endoderm and mesoderm become programmed to produce these internal organs. However, the anatomical complexity of the coiled gut presents a problem in studying its development. In order to overcome this problem we here present a comprehensive guide to the anatomy and histology of the developing Xenopus gut. We use a simple dissection to display its anatomy and the expression of four endodermal markers (alkaline phosphatase, IFABP, XlHbox8, and endodermin). We present schematic diagrams that show how the gut is arranged in three dimensions and how this organisation changes during development. We also present drawings of histological sections of the gut which allow any region to be identified and so represent an atlas for working with sections. Finally, we describe the histology of the cells of the various organs of the gut. This histological identification may be necessary for the identification of parts following experiments in which the normal pattern is disturbed.