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Developmental Biology Jul 2019The terminal cells of the tracheal epithelium in Drosophila melanogaster are one of the few known cell types that undergo subcellular morphogenesis to achieve a stable,... (Review)
Review
The terminal cells of the tracheal epithelium in Drosophila melanogaster are one of the few known cell types that undergo subcellular morphogenesis to achieve a stable, branched shape. During the animal's larval stages, the cells repeatedly sprout new cytoplasmic processes. These grow very long, wrapping around target tissues to which the terminal cells adhere, and are hollowed by a gas-filled subcellular tube for oxygen delivery. Our understanding of this ramification process remains rudimentary. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of studies on terminal cells to date, and attempts to extrapolate how terminal branches might be formed based on the known genetic and molecular components. Next to this cell-intrinsic branching mechanism, we examine the extrinsic regulation of terminal branching by the target tissue and the animal's environment. Finally, we assess the degree of similarity between the patterns established by the branching programs of terminal cells and other branched cells and tissues from a mathematical and conceptual point of view.
Topics: Animals; Drosophila melanogaster; Larva; Organogenesis; Respiratory Mucosa; Trachea
PubMed: 30529233
DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.12.001 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2022Branching morphogenesis is the process that gives rise to branched structures in several organs, such as the lung, the kidney, and the mammary gland. Although...
Branching morphogenesis is the process that gives rise to branched structures in several organs, such as the lung, the kidney, and the mammary gland. Although morphologically well described, the exact mechanisms driving branch elongation and bifurcation are still poorly understood. Signaling cues from the stroma and extracellular matrix have an important role in driving branching morphogenesis. Organoid models derived from primary mammary epithelial cells have emerged as a powerful tool to gain insight into branching morphogenesis of the mammary gland. However, current available mammary organoid culture protocols result in morphologically simple structures which do not resemble the complex branched structure of the mammary gland. Supplementation of growth factors to mammary organoids cultured in basement membrane extract or collagen I were shown to induce bud formation and elongation but are not sufficient to drive true branching events. Here, we present an improved culture approach based on 3D primary mammary epithelial cell culture to develop branched organoids with a complex morphology. By alternating the addition of fibroblast growth factor 2 and epidermal growth factor to mammary organoids cultured in a basement membrane extract matrix enriched with collagen type I fibers, we obtain complex mammary organoid structures with primary, secondary, and tertiary branches over a period of 15-20 days. Mammary organoid structures grow >1 mm in size and show an elongated and branched shape which resembles mammary gland morphology. This novel branched mammary organoid model offers many possibilities to study the mechanisms of branching in the developing mammary gland.
PubMed: 35399282
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.826107 -
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Dec 2023We first utilized and reported on the use of cryoanalgesia for postoperative pain control for Nuss procedure in 2016. We hypothesized that postoperative pain control... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
We first utilized and reported on the use of cryoanalgesia for postoperative pain control for Nuss procedure in 2016. We hypothesized that postoperative pain control could be optimized if the intercostal nerve anatomy is better understood. To test this hypothesis, human cadavers were dissected to elucidate the intercostal nerve anatomy. Cryoablation technique was modified.
METHODS
Cadaver Study: Adult cadavers were used to visualize the branching patterns of the intercostal nerves. Cryoablation: Posterior to the mid-axillary line for intercostal nerves 4, 5, 6 and 7, main intercostal nerve, lateral cutaneous branch and collateral branch were cryoablated under thoracoscopic view. Verbal pain scores were obtained from patients one day after the procedure.
RESULTS
The study results were obtained during the years 2021 and 2022. Eleven cadavers were dissected. The path of the main intercostal and lateral cutaneous branch lie on the inferior rib surface of the corresponding intercostal nerve. Total of 92 lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerve were dissected and measured as they pierced the intercostal muscle. Most lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerve pierced the intercostal muscle anterior to midaxillary line 78.3%, posterior to midaxillary line 18.5% or on the midaxillary line 3.3%. The collateral branch of the intercostal nerve separated near the spine and traveled along the superior surface of the next inferior rib. Cryoablation: 22 male patients underwent Nuss procedure with cryoanalgesia. Median age of the patients was 15 years (IQR: 2), median Haller index was 3.73 (IQR: 0.85), median pain score (0-10 maximum pain) was 1 (IQR: 1.75).
CONCLUSION
Cryoablation of the intercostal nerve and its two branches improves pain control after a Nuss procedure.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 4.
TYPE OF STUDY
Observational study.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Child, Preschool; Intercostal Nerves; Cryosurgery; Funnel Chest; Pain, Postoperative; Nerve Block; Retrospective Studies; Cadaver
PubMed: 37286412
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.05.006 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery, European... Oct 2016The aim of this study was to provide a clear description of the course, precise branching pattern and distribution of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. A total of 36...
UNLABELLED
The aim of this study was to provide a clear description of the course, precise branching pattern and distribution of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. A total of 36 hands from 18 preserved cadavers were dissected. The vertical distance from the pisoscaphoid line to the crossing points between the deep branch of the ulnar nerve and each metacarpal was about 4 cm. The deep branch of the ulnar nerve gave off two types of muscular branches: (1) trunks that innervate more than two intrinsic hand muscles; and (2) multiple separate branches innervating only a single muscle. The median numbers of trunks and separate branches were 5 and 6, respectively.
LEVELS OF EVIDENCE
N/A.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cadaver; Dissection; Female; Hand; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal; Sex Factors; Ulnar Nerve
PubMed: 26763273
DOI: 10.1177/1753193415622188 -
Seminars in Vascular Surgery Sep 2022Precise preoperative planning for fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms is essential for safe and successful surgery. Planning should begin... (Review)
Review
Precise preoperative planning for fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms is essential for safe and successful surgery. Planning should begin with a high-quality computed tomography angiography of the chest abdomen and pelvis, which is input into post-processing software to create centerline formatting of the aorta, iliac, and target vessels. The aorta and its branches should then be assessed for aberrant anatomy, dissection, and extent of disease. In any patient with evidence of dissection, a plan should be established for intravascular ultrasound assessment of wire location to confirm the appropriately selected lumen. The proximal and distal seal zones should be selected in areas of a healthy, nonangulated, and parallel vessel free from degeneration calcification and atheroma. The proximal and distal devices can then be selected with 10% to 20% oversizing. Target vessels are evaluated for incorporation and assessed for vessel size, stenosis, dissection, and distance to branching vessels, all of which guide suitability for fenestrated and branched endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms and sizing for bridging stents. The celiac and superior mesenteric arteries should be incorporated for repair, even if evidence of proximal stenosis is identified, as should accessory renal arteries >4 mm. Although total femoral access is now widely used, all access options should be carefully evaluated for size, calcification, and dissection, including bilateral femoral, iliac, subclavian, and brachial vessels. Finally, optimal C-Arm gantry angles should be planned to clearly identify the orifice and first branch of target vessels, as well as proximal and distal sealing zones.
Topics: Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Constriction, Pathologic; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Prosthesis Design; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36153066
DOI: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2022.07.006 -
Physical Review Letters Apr 2023We study the energetics and stability of branched tubular membrane structures by computer simulations of a triangulated network model. We find that triple (Y) junctions...
We study the energetics and stability of branched tubular membrane structures by computer simulations of a triangulated network model. We find that triple (Y) junctions can be created and stabilized by applying mechanical forces, if the angle between branches is 120°. The same holds for tetrahedral junctions with tetraeder angles. If the wrong angles are enforced, the branches coalesce to a linear structure, a pure tube. After releasing the mechanical force, Y-branched structures remain metastable if one constrains the enclosed volume and the average curvature (the area difference) to a fixed value; tetrahedral junctions however split up into two Y junctions. Somewhat counterintuitively, the energy cost of adding a Y branch is negative in structures with fixed surface area and tube diameter, even if one accounts for the positive contribution of the additional branch end. For fixed average curvature, however, adding a branch also enforces a thinning of tubes, therefore the overall curvature energy cost is positive. Possible implications for the stability of branched networks structures in cells are discussed.
PubMed: 37084449
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.148401 -
Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.) Oct 2022The zygapophyseal joints represent one possible cause for back pain. Therefore, many interventions are targeting the denervation of the facet joints. The aim of this...
INTRODUCTION
The zygapophyseal joints represent one possible cause for back pain. Therefore, many interventions are targeting the denervation of the facet joints. The aim of this study is to describe the course of the medial branch of the dorsal branch of the spinal nerve and its articular branches to the zygapophyseal joints in the segments T10-T12.
METHODS
The medial branches in the thoracic segments T10-T12 were dissected in 20 Thiel embalmed cadavers. An Eschenbach magnifying glass (4.0× magnification) was used during dissection preserving the articular branches. The topography and the branching pattern of the medial branches was observed.
RESULTS
The course of the nerves in the segments T10-T12 differed from each other because of the different osseous anatomy of each segment. The medial branch at the segment T10 crossed the tip of the transverse process in 28 of the 40 hemivertebral specimens. In the remaining cases it passed superior to the transverse process. At T11 the medial branch ran constantly through an osteofibrous canal. At the segment T12 the medial branches showed a similar course to the medial branches in the lumbar region. In many cases two articular branches, which arose from the medial branch were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study show a considerable anatomic variety at the segment T10. It also demonstrates that the transverse process is an important landmark to encounter the medial branch. Furthermore, the possibility of a double innervation of the facet joints should always be considered.
Topics: Humans; Spinal Nerves; Zygapophyseal Joint; Back Pain; Lumbosacral Region; Cadaver
PubMed: 35512411
DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac073 -
Pancreatology : Official Journal of the... Sep 2023The dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA) is a pancreatic branch with various anatomical variations. Previous studies mostly focused on the origin of the DPA, and its pathways...
OBJECTIVES
The dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA) is a pancreatic branch with various anatomical variations. Previous studies mostly focused on the origin of the DPA, and its pathways and branching patterns have rarely been examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the branching patterns and pathways of the DPA.
METHODS
This study included 110 patients who underwent computed tomography scans. We examined the pathways and branching patterns of the DPA.
RESULTS
The DPA was identified in 101 patients (92%), and originated from the splenic artery in 30 patients (31%), the common hepatic artery in 17 patients (17%), the celiac trunk in 10 patients (10%), the superior mesenteric artery in 27 patients (27%), the replaced right hepatic artery in 7 patients (7%), the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery in 5 patients (5%), and other arteries in 3 patients (3%). Four distinct types of branches were identified as follows: the superior branch (32%), the inferior branch (86%), the right branch (80%), and the accessory middle colic artery (12%). Additionally, the arcs of Buhler and Riolan were observed in two patients each and their anastomotic vessels followed almost the same pathway as the DPA.
CONCLUSION
A number of variations of the DPA were observed with regard to its origin and branching pattern; however, the DPA and its branches always ran along the same pathway, as summarized in Fig. 4. The anatomical information gained from this study may contribute to performing safe pancreatic resections.
Topics: Humans; Splenic Artery; Pancreas; Mesenteric Artery, Superior; Celiac Artery; Embryonic Development
PubMed: 37574438
DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2023.07.009 -
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.) Oct 2015The lacrimal artery is classically described as a branch of the ophthalmic artery supplied by the internal carotid. In this study, 25 orbits were dissected to identify...
The lacrimal artery is classically described as a branch of the ophthalmic artery supplied by the internal carotid. In this study, 25 orbits were dissected to identify variations in glandular branching and to compare them to previously published accounts. The glandular branching patterns of the lacrimal artery fall into two categories, those that branch (56%) and those that do not branch (44%). We found the medial and lateral glandular branches to be equal in diameter with a divergence of 2.67-40.58 mm proximal to the gland parenchyma. The long glandular branches run alongside the superolateral aspect of the orbit. The lateral branch runs lateral to the lateral rectus muscle. The medial branch runs superomedial to the lateral rectus muscle and lateral to the superior rectus muscle. In relation to the lacrimal gland, the medial branch enters the superior aspect of the gland parenchyma and the lateral branch enters its inferior aspect. The average branch lengths were 17.88 mm (medial) and 13.51 mm (lateral) as measured with a Mitutoyo Absolute 1/100 mm caliper. We could not confirm the existence of a third branch supplying the lacrimal gland, as posited by other authors. The key finding in this study is that the lacrimal gland is predominantly supplied by two significant arterial branches, both of which must be identified during procedures involving the lateral orbit.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cadaver; Cranial Fossa, Middle; Female; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Male; Middle Aged; Ophthalmic Artery; Orbit
PubMed: 25708184
DOI: 10.1002/ca.22515 -
Veterinary Surgery : VS Oct 2016To confirm the anatomic location of the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery (CCSA), delineate the angiosome of the CCSA, and provide guidelines for clinical...
OBJECTIVES
To confirm the anatomic location of the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery (CCSA), delineate the angiosome of the CCSA, and provide guidelines for clinical use of an axial pattern flap based on the CCSA.
STUDY DESIGN
Anatomic study.
ANIMALS
Greyhound cadavers (n=10).
METHODS
Shortly after euthanasia, the CCSA was identified and isolated in each hindlimb. Methylene blue and radiographic perfusion studies were performed. The skin was freed from the thigh for photographic and radiographic images. The dimensions of the skin area suitable for use as an axial pattern flap were related to anatomical landmarks. Mock surgical elevation and transposition of the flap in 2 dogs allowed assessment of flap mobility and ease of donor site closure for clinical use.
RESULTS
The CCSA was reliably identified in all dogs branching from the saphenous artery as it became superficial to the sartorius muscle, immediately distal to the caudal cutaneous branch and proximal to the genicular branches. Genicular branches were variably paired or singular. Perfusion studies defined the CCSA angiosome as the area cranial to the saphenous artery and caudal to the cranial border of the thigh, extending proximally from the level of the medial tibial condyle to two-thirds of the distance to the inguinal ring.
CONCLUSION
An axial pattern flap based on the CCSA could be expected to cover skin defects of the cranial aspect of the distal thigh and stifle, the popliteal region caudal to the stifle, and the proximal medial crus.
Topics: Animals; Arteries; Cadaver; Dogs; Hindlimb; Skin Transplantation; Surgical Flaps
PubMed: 27554854
DOI: 10.1111/vsu.12526