Two specimens of cyclotocephalic newborns, coming from museum collections, have been the subject of a comparative morphologic analysis. This one comprised an external examination and a CT scan exploration. If the craniofacial features were similar, one had a quasi-normal brain, while the second specimen displayed alobar holoprosencephaly. This observation relatively surprising is discussed in the light of current knowledge on the developmental genetics of this family of malformations.
The Tau protein (Tubulin Associated Unit) is a phosphoprotein of the microtubule-associated protein family (MAPs). Its role is the regulation of the microtubule polymerization. The Tau protein is naturally present in brain, heart, muscle, lung, kidney, pancreas and liver. An expression of Tau protein and RNA messengers was also highlighted in the testis that is an organ rich in microtubules. The role of microtubules is essential in the stabilization of the cellular shape and in cell divisions. In the testis, Tau protein could be involved in the division process of the spermatogenesis by acting on the microtubular dynamics in the arrangement of the spermatozoon polarity. This review synthesizes the current knowledge, the localization and the main functions of the Tau protein focused on the testis. The localization and the potential roles of the Tau protein during the spermatogenesis are discussed by emphasizing the link with the microtubular structures of seminiferous tubules.
AIMS:Due to the severity of colonic injuries and their frequency on the left side, we study relationships between the left kidney and the descending colon to identify subjects at risk of colonic perforation during percutaneous surgery of the left kidney.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Over a period of 3 years we exploited abdominal CT scans for 1084 patients in both sexes without any visceral or parietal lesions. We studied the situation and relationships of the lumbar part of the descending colon in the left pararenal space using a conventional grid technique.RESULTS:The preferential site of the colon in both sexes was laterorenal in 55.8% of cases. We also found the descending colon in a posterolateral situation in 21.1% of cases, and in an anterolateral situation in 14.8% of cases. In women, the posterolateral situation was twice more common than in men, but we did not observe any post-renal situation. Laterorenal and posterolateral situations were the most frequent in patients less than 50 years; while beyond this age 70.1% of subjects had a laterorenal type.CONCLUSION:Sex and age affect topographic variations of the lumbar part of the descending colon in the left pararenal space. Although they are rare or aberrant, some locations exist and should not be ignored by the operator. These locations are risk factors of colonic lesion during percutaneous approach of the left kidney.
The Dumbo rat is characterized by a short snout, low ears and relative hypoplasia of maxillar and zygomatic bones. It corresponds to an autosomal recessive genotype. Previous study demonstrated a global deficit of Dlx1 and Msx1 genes expression in comparison to Wistar embryos as considered as control animals. We performed a histological study of cephalic development of Dumbo rats compared to Wistar embryos and an immunohistochemical analysis of Dlx1 and Msx1 protein expression during cephalogenesis. Our data indicate that the pattern of expression of both genes is similar in both strains, but that quantitative differences in gene expression can be the result of delayed organogenesis in Dumbo rat in comparison to Wistar. Some data about gene expressions are discussed at the light of the postulated function of Dlx1 and Msx1 in cephalic development.
High-resolution computed tomography scanning (CT) allows depiction of microanatomic structures of the temporal bone. CT is useful for detecting several pathologic conditions of the temporal bone such as congenital malformations, particularly in young children with sensorineural hearing loss. Some external, middle and inner ear structures are difficult to evaluate. The objective of this study has been to provide the key planes in coronal and axial planes (five coronal planes and three axial planes) but also with oblique planes reconstruction (two planes) for normal temporal bones evaluation. These standardized planes help to improve visualization of the main congenital malformations. Identification of obvious morphogenetic malformations (Michel aplasia, Mondini deformity….) is not difficult. However, less severe dysplasia may be missed or normal micro anatomic structures in newborn misreaded.
INTRODUCTION:Dividing the subscapularis muscle along its fibers axis allows approaching the glenohumeral joint. The more medial its division, the more possible injury of its nerve supply.AIM:The aim of our study was to assess the subscapularis nerve supply through cartography of the entry points of subscapularis nerves from simple landmarks, reproducible by triangulation.MATERIAL AND METHODS:On 18 formalin-preserved shoulders, after dissection of the subscapularis nerves, distances were measured between entry points of subscapularis nerves and the following landmarks: center of the minor tubercle (tm), upper and lower poles of the glenoid cavity (cgs and cgi), apex of the coracoid process (pc).RESULTS:There were in average 3.33 subscapularis nerves (2-4). These different nerves split most often before entering subscapularis muscle; there were in average 5.05 entry points (3-6). Distances between entry points and clinical landmarks were as follows: cgs, 3.9-6.45 cm; cgi, 3.7-5.54 cm; tm, 5.9-7.15 cm; pc, 4.9-7.66 cm. Reporting these measurements onto a frame allowed to show that all these points were located in average medially to the scapular notch and at more than 3 cm from the anterior border of the glenoid cavity.CONCLUSION:If the transverse division does not extend farther than 3 cm from the anterior border of the glenoid cavity and from the medial border of the root of the coracoid process, there should not be any injury of the subscapularis nerves.
The aim of this paper is to show the major role played by the new computerized imaging tools available today in the fields of morphology and anatomy. For anatomical studies or educational purpose, they enhance the classical techniques. The 3D reconstruction, already used in daily clinical practice, will be the basis for computation of validated volumetric protocols enhancing our diagnosis and prognosis means. It is also a fantastic educational tool: the interactivity makes it simple, efficient, attractive and easily accessible and diffusable. For the research, mathematical modeling of embryogenesis and morphogenesis using finite elements method will open new ways for biomecanics and a dynamic quantification approach.
The preoperative assessement by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of mesorectum involvement could improve the treatment strategy for patients with rectal cancer. However, the anatomical definition of the mesorectum remains controversial and consequently the accurracy of its analysis by preoperative imaging workup is still unsatisfactory. The aims of this study were to define the mesorectum anatomically and to assess whether it could be evaluated accurately by MRI. Total mesorectal excision was performed in 37 patients with rectal cancer. The mesorectum was inked for anatomical analysis, which was performed before and after fixation in formalin. The mesorectal thickness was measured anteriorly, posteriorly and laterally. Mesorectal involvement was defined by the shortest distance from the outermost part of the tumour to the lateral mesorectal margin. The anatomical measures were compared to those evaluated by preoperative MRI. In middle rectum, the anatomical analysis showed that the maximal mesorectal thickness was 60 and 20 mm posteriorly and anteriorly, respectively. In low rectum, the mesorectum was very thin and its maximal thickness was less than 10 mm anteriorly and posteriorly in all cases. The mesorectal involvement was less than 2 mm in 23% of cases. In terms of mesorectal involvement, there was good agreement between anatomical analysis and MRI for middle rectum. In contrast, the agreement was fair for low rectum. This anatomical analysis could explain the poor performance of MRI in the assessement of mesorectum involvement in low rectum.
The neural crest-derived mesectoderm gives rise to physiologic apoptosis areas in early vertebrate embryos. Certain teratologic agents increase this phenomenon. The purpose of this work was to detect caspase 3 (which is associated with the apoptosis cascade) and p53 in cell death areas, both during physiological apoptosis and during apoptosis induced by three agents (retinoic acid, methyl-triazene, irradiation). Antibody revelation was performed using the aBC peroxidase kit. Quantifications were also performed on histological sections. We observed caspase 3 uptake on some apoptotic and preapoptotic cells in control embryos, and in the embryos exposed to the three teratogens. Immunoreactivity generally preceded the development of cytological features of apoptosis. However, p53 was expressed only in the embryos exposed to ionizing radiation and methyl-triazene (an alkylating agent), but not significantly in embryos exposed to retinoic acid. The present results throw some light on apoptosis mechanisms in several teratologic conditions.
Stem cells are characterized by their ability for self-renewal (allowing them to be present throughout the entire life of the organism) and their ability to give rise to differentiated cells belong to one or more lineages. The strict definition of these cells is however still a matter of debate. There is new experimental evidence (including in human beings) that stem cells are present within the brain and may give rise to neurons. Ependymal cells have been proposed to play such a role. In fact, subependymal cells expressing GFAP would be more likely candidates. Such cells are observed in the brain of human beings. They are able to differentiate into neurons in vitro but such potential appears to be repressed in vivo.
The vestibular system is a complex system involving not only posterior labyrinth but also central structures such as cerebellum, striatum, thalamus, frontal and prefrontal cortex to assure balance, movements and walking. Information reaching the vestibular complex are not purely vestibular but also from visual, somatosensory and cerebellar origins. The equilibrium is also a complex physiological function needing concordance of vestibular, visual and somatosensory information or either central compensation after an injury but also an integrity of the central nervous system.
UNLABELLED:The aim of this study is to evaluate the possibilities of reinnervation of the gracilis muscle, transposed around the anus, by the pudendal nerve with an end-to-side nerve anastomosis.METHODS:This study was carried out in 10 cases. The gracilis muscle and its vascular-nervous pedicle have been dissected. The nerve of the gracilis muscle has been cut at its origin. The gracilis muscle was transposed around the anus. The nerve of the gracilis muscle was transposed in the gluteal area. The pudendal nerve has been dissected from its extra-pelvic part. The reinnervation with an end-to-side nerve anastomosis has been considered as feasible when the proximal ending of the nerve of the gracilis was put into a tension free contact with the extra-pelvic part of the pudendal nerve.RESULTS:The reinnervation of the gracilis muscle by the pudendal nerve has been possible in all cases. The extra-pelvic part of the pudendal nerve has a common trunk in 8 cases. The width of the extra-pelvic part of the pudendal nerve was 2.8 +/- 0.8 mm (1-3.5). The width of the proximal endings of the nerve innervating the gracilis muscle was 2.5 +/- 0.5 mm (2-3). After transposition of the nerve of the gracilis muscle in the gluteal area an average supplementary length of 20.9 +/- 16.8 mm was available (range 5-52).CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that a reconstruction of the anal sphincter with a gracilis muscle transposed around the anus and reinnervated by the pudendal nerve with end-to-side nerve anastomosis is possible.
The infra-orbital area has not been well studied although it represents an interesting area in plastic surgery because of its implication in malarplasty reduction or transplantation for facial tissue repair. This work comprises an anatomic dissection layer by layer and a histologic study describing the various structures of this area. It was performed on 10 heads taken from cadavers (mean age 70 years old). The anatomic and histologic study found four layers: a subcutaneous fat layer, a muscular layer, a deep fat layer and a deep muscular layer. The superficial fat layer constitutes the convexity of the cheek and can be removed in plastic surgery reduction or reconstituted after atrophy following nasolabial musculo cutaneous flaps.
La duplication duodenale (DD) est une anomalie congenitale rare avec moins de 100 cas repertories. Decrite par Sanger en 1880, elle a une definition histologique : Il s'agit d'une formation qui a un contact en un point quelconque du duodenum et possede une paroi de type digestif comprenant un tissu musculaire lisse en 2 couches et une muqueuse de type digestif. A partir du cas particulier d'une DD decouverte chez une jeune femme de 18 ans dans le bilan d'une pancreatite, les auteurs exposent les examens complementaires contributifs au diagnostic et la conduite pratique de prise en charge. Les differentes hypotheses de l'origine embryologique de cette malformation se regroupent en deux grands cadres : les troubles de l'embryogenese (notochord split syndrom) et les troubles de l'organogenese.
The aim of this study was to describe in detail the anastomoses between pulmonary lymphatic vessels and veins of the neck so as to better understand certain complications in thoracic surgery. Lymphatic vessels of 687 pulmonary segments in 360 cadavers were injected. Detailed study of the end of the right paratracheal, right thoraco oesophageal, left preaorticocarotid and left recurrent lymph node chains was undertaken. The results showed the absence of any major right lymphatic duct. There were, however, many lymphatic arches draining into the jugulo-subclavian confluent ipsilaterally and, in 10 to 25% of cases, contralaterally, as well. The intertracheobronchial lymph nodes also drained into the venous confluents of the neck, via direct lymphatic vessels, without lymph node relays. Lastly, the left mediastinal lymph node chains were frequently found to drain into the arch of the thoracic duct (40% of cases), and reflux by valvular incompetence at this level could be an explanation for chylous pericarditis and some chylothoraxes after surgery.
The authors report a case of retro-iliac ureter associated with a lumbo-sacral agenesis. Retro-iliac ureter seems in relation with abnormal constitution of aortic division and/or ilio-cava confluence when the metanephros migrates. Lumbosacral agenesis is the most severe state of sacral agenesis and is a part of the syndrome of caudal regression. The association of the two malformations have never been described and could be fortuitous. Nevertheless, the vertebral malformation could induce a perturbation in the formation of vascular structures and so an abnormal migration of the metanephros.
