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Ugeskrift For Laeger Dec 2023Introduction Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has commonly been touted for its potential to extend the aesthetic lifespan (EL) of Christmas trees when added to the water in... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Introduction Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has commonly been touted for its potential to extend the aesthetic lifespan (EL) of Christmas trees when added to the water in the tree stand. This study examined the efficacy of ASA in prolonging the aesthetic longevity of spruce branches, in comparison to placebo and sildenafil. Intervention We conducted a triple-blinded, randomised clinical trial, wherein 60 spruce branches were allocated to one of three treatment arms in a 1:1:1 ratio. The primary intervention was ASA, compared against both placebo and sildenafil treatments. The study's primary endpoint was the EL of the spruce branches. Results All participating branches completed the study. No statistically significant differences were observed in the survival times across the three groups: ASA 17 days (standard deviation (SD): 6), placebo 20 days (SD: 8), and sildenafil 21 days (SD: 7); p = 0.30. Both the log-rank test and adjusted Cox proportional-hazards analyses failed to show any significant variations in aesthetic survival time among the treatment arms (p > 0.05). Conclusion Given our findings, there is no empirical support for the widely held recommendation of adding ASA to the water at the base of a Christmas tree to extend its aesthetic lifespan. Funding none. Trial registration none.
Topics: Humans; Aspirin; Sildenafil Citrate; Water; Picea
PubMed: 38084621
DOI: No ID Found -
Developmental Biology Jul 2019A neuron's contribution to the information flow within a neural circuit is governed by the structure of its dendritic arbor. The geometry of the dendritic arbor directly... (Review)
Review
A neuron's contribution to the information flow within a neural circuit is governed by the structure of its dendritic arbor. The geometry of the dendritic arbor directly determines synaptic density and the size of the receptive field, both of which influence the firing pattern of the neuron. Importantly, the position of individual dendritic branches determines the identity of the neuron's presynaptic partner and thus the nature of the incoming sensory information. To generate the unique stereotypic architecture of a given neuronal subtype, nascent branches must emerge from the dendritic shaft at preprogramed branch points. Subsequently, a complex array of extrinsic factors regulates the degree and orientation of branch expansion to ensure maximum coverage of the receptive field whilst constraining growth within predetermined territories. In this review we focus on studies that best illustrate how environmental cues such as the Wnts and Netrins and their receptors sculpt the dendritic arbor. We emphasize the pivotal role played by the actin cytoskeleton and its upstream regulators in branch initiation, outgrowth and navigation. Finally, we discuss how protocadherin and DSCAM contact-mediated repulsion prevents inappropriate synapse formation between sister dendrites or dendrites and the axon from the same neuron. Together these studies highlight the clever ways evolution has solved the problem of constructing complex branch geometries.
Topics: Animals; Dendrites; Humans; Neurogenesis; Neuronal Plasticity; Synapses
PubMed: 30550882
DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.12.005 -
JPRAS Open Dec 2022Nerve injury of the saphenous nerve or infrapatellar branch seems to be a frequent complication following knee surgery or trauma. Denervation results vary, and in some...
Nerve injury of the saphenous nerve or infrapatellar branch seems to be a frequent complication following knee surgery or trauma. Denervation results vary, and in some cases, no pain relief is achieved. This might be due to anatomic variation. The purpose of this anatomical study is to identify the variation in the course of the infrapatellar branch and saphenous nerve. We dissected 18 cadavers from adult donors. Medial to the knee, the saphenous nerve and infrapatellar branch were identified and followed proximally to the point where the infrapatellar branch branched from the saphenous nerve. The location where the infrapatellar branch came off from the saphenous nerve relative to the knee joint and where it passed the knee joint were measured. A total of 23 infrapatellar branches were found. We identified 10 branches between 0-10 cm proximal to the knee joint, 3 branches at 10-20 cm, and 9 branches at >20 cm. Between the patella and semitendinosus tendon, the knee joint was crossed by 5 branches in the anterior, 15 in the middle, and 2 in the posterior one-third. The origin of the infrapatellar branch and the location at which it passes the knee are highly variable. This, in addition to people having multiple branches, might explain why denervation is frequently unsuccessful. Based on the anatomical findings, we propose a more proximal diagnostic nerve block to help differentiate between a distal-middle or proximal origin of the infrapatellar branch. Appropriate placement of the nerve block might help identify people who benefit from denervation.
PubMed: 36304072
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2022.08.006 -
Plant Physiology Nov 2021The architecture of flowering plants exhibits both phenotypic diversity and plasticity, determined, in part, by the number and activity of axillary meristems and, in... (Review)
Review
The architecture of flowering plants exhibits both phenotypic diversity and plasticity, determined, in part, by the number and activity of axillary meristems and, in part, by the growth characteristics of the branches that develop from the axillary buds. The plasticity of shoot branching results from a combination of various intrinsic and genetic elements, such as number and position of nodes and type of growth phase, as well as environmental signals such as nutrient availability, light characteristics, and temperature (Napoli et al., 1998; Bennett and Leyser, 2006; Janssen et al., 2014; Teichmann and Muhr, 2015; Ueda and Yanagisawa, 2019). Axillary meristem initiation and axillary bud outgrowth are controlled by a complex and interconnected regulatory network. Although many of the genes and hormones that modulate branching patterns have been discovered and characterized through genetic and biochemical studies, there are still many gaps in our understanding of the control mechanisms at play. In this review, we will summarize our current knowledge of the control of axillary meristem initiation and outgrowth into a branch.
Topics: Cell Plasticity; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Gene Regulatory Networks; Magnoliopsida; Meristem; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Shoots
PubMed: 33616657
DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab071 -
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA Oct 2022The thoracoacromial trunk (TAT) originates from the second part of the axillary artery and curls around the superomedial border of the pectoralis minor, subsequently...
PURPOSE
The thoracoacromial trunk (TAT) originates from the second part of the axillary artery and curls around the superomedial border of the pectoralis minor, subsequently piercing the costocoracoid membrane. Knowledge about the location, morphology, and variations of the TAT and its branches is of great surgical importance due to its frequent use in various reconstructive flaps.
METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted to establish anatomical variations, their prevalence, and morphometric data on TAT and its branches. The results of 55 consecutive patients who underwent neck and thoracic computed tomography angiography were analyzed. A qualitative evaluation of each TAT was performed.
RESULTS
A total of 15 morphologically different TAT variants were initially established. The median length of the TAT was set at 7.74 mm (LQ 3.50; HQ 13.65). The median maximum diameter of the TAT was established at 4.19 mm (LQ 3.86; HQ 4.90). The median TAT ostial area was set to 13.97 mm (LQ 11.70; HQ 18.86). To create a heat map of the most frequent location of the TAT, measurements of the relating structures were made.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the morphology and variations of the branching pattern of the TAT were presented, proposing a new classification system based on the four most commonly prevalent types. The prevalence of each branch arising directly from the TAT was also analyzed. It is hoped that the results of the present anatomical analysis can help to minimize potential complications when performing plastic or reconstructive procedures associated with TAT.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Surgical Flaps; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Pectoralis Muscles; Axillary Artery
PubMed: 36094609
DOI: 10.1007/s00276-022-03016-4 -
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 -
Developmental Biology Jul 2019Dendrites are the input compartment of the neuron, receiving and integrating incoming information. Dendritic trees are often highly complex and branched. Their branch... (Review)
Review
Dendrites are the input compartment of the neuron, receiving and integrating incoming information. Dendritic trees are often highly complex and branched. Their branch extension and distribution are tightly correlated with their role and interactions within neuronal networks. Thus, intense research has focused on understanding the mechanisms that govern dendrite elaboration. Recent reports highlight the importance of specific lipids for these processes. In particular, glycerophospholipids and several of their interacting proteins are involved in various steps of dendrite growth, including the initiation and elongation of dendritic branches and dendritic spines. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview about which particular lipids are involved in shaping dendrite morphology during neuronal differentiation. Additionally, it summarizes recent studies, which helped to gain insights into the mechanisms by which glycerophospholipids and their associated proteins contribute to establishing correct dendritic morphologies.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Dendritic Spines; Glycerophospholipids; Humans
PubMed: 30576627
DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.12.009 -
Folia Morphologica 2021This study aims to revisit the anatomy of orbital segment of the third cranial nerve (CN III). The study also involved morphometric measurements of CN III muscular...
BACKGROUND
This study aims to revisit the anatomy of orbital segment of the third cranial nerve (CN III). The study also involved morphometric measurements of CN III muscular branches. Detailed description of observed anatomical variations and their incidence was also included. The study supplements earlier findings with detailed observations of the neuromuscular relations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted on 52 orbits taken from 26 cadaveric heads (10 males and 16 females; Central European population).
RESULTS
Anatomical variations of the orbital segment of the CN III observed on the examined material involved both the superior and inferior branch of this nerve. The muscular branch innervating the levator palpebrae superioris muscle occasionally pierces the superior rectus muscle. The nerve to the inferior oblique muscle may pierce and innervate the inferior rectus muscle. In rare instances, duplication of the parasympathetic root of the ciliary ganglion may also occur. Among the muscular branches, the smallest diameter reached the branch to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. Among the three muscular branches derived from the inferior branch of the CN III, the nerve to the inferior oblique was the longest one. Its length varied from 28.9 mm to 37.4 mm. The shortest was the muscular branch to the inferior rectus muscle. Its length varied from 0 mm (when muscular sub-branches arose directly from the nerve to the inferior oblique muscle) to 7.58 mm.
CONCLUSIONS
This study presented the characteristic of orbital segment of the CN III, including anatomical variations and morphometric measurements relevant to intraorbital procedures.
Topics: Female; Head; Humans; Male; Oculomotor Muscles; Oculomotor Nerve; Orbit
PubMed: 32073135
DOI: 10.5603/FM.a2020.0017 -
Annals of Botany Nov 2022Shoot ontogenesis in grasses follows a transition from a vegetative phase into a reproductive phase. Current studies provide insight into how branch and spikelet...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Shoot ontogenesis in grasses follows a transition from a vegetative phase into a reproductive phase. Current studies provide insight into how branch and spikelet formation occur during the reproductive phase. However, these studies do not explain all the complex diversity of grass inflorescence forms and are mostly focused on model grasses. Moreover, truncated inflorescences of the non-model grass genus Urochloa (Panicoideae) with formation of primary branches have basipetal initiation of branches. Bouteloua species (Chloridoideae) are non-model grasses that form truncated inflorescences of primary branches with apical vestiges of uncertain homology at the tips of branching events and sterile florets above the lowermost fertile floret. Sterile florets are reduced to rudimentary lemmas composed of three large awns diverging from an awn column. Conflict about the awn column identity of this rudimentary lemma is often addressed in species descriptions of this genus. We test if Bouteloua species can display basipetal initiation of branches and explore the identity of vestiges and the awn column of rudimentary lemmas.
METHODS
We surveyed the inflorescence ontogeny and branch/awn anatomy of Bouteloua species and compared results with recent ontogenetic studies of chloridoids.
KEY RESULTS
Bouteloua arizonica has florets with basipetal maturation. Branches display basipetal branch initiation and maturation. Branch vestiges are formed laterally by meristems during early branching events. The spikelet meristem forms the awn column of rudimentary lemmas. Vestiges and sterile floret awns have anatomical similarities to C4 leaves.
CONCLUSIONS
Basipetal initiation of branches is a novel feature for Chloridoideae grasses. Branch vestiges are novel vegetative grass structures. Sterile floret awn columns are likely to be extensions of the rachilla.
Topics: Poaceae; Meristem; Inflorescence; Plant Leaves; Plant Proteins
PubMed: 35961673
DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac104 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Feb 2023Laparoscopic and robotic surgery for transverse colon cancer are difficult due to complex fusion of the foregut and midgut and variation of the vessels of the transverse...
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic and robotic surgery for transverse colon cancer are difficult due to complex fusion of the foregut and midgut and variation of the vessels of the transverse colon. Although the vessels of the right colon have been investigated, middle colic artery (MCA) variation and the relationship with vessels around the transvers colon are unknown. We investigated variation of the MCA using computed tomography angiography (CTA) and cadaver specimen and the relationship between the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and MCA using CTA. The classification of vessels around the transverse colon may lead to safer and reliable surgery.
METHODS
This study included 505 consecutive patients who underwent CTA in our institution from 2014 to 2020 and 44 cadaver specimens. Vascular anatomical classifications and relationships were analyzed using CT images.
RESULTS
The MCA was defined as the arteries arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) that flowed into the transverse colon at the distal ends. The classifications were as follows: type I, branching right and left from common trunk; type II, the right and left branches bifurcated separately from the SMA; and type III, the MCA branched from a vessel other than the SMA. Type II was subclassified into two subtypes, type IIa with one left branch and type IIb with two or more left branches from SMA. In the CTA and cadaver studies, respectively, the classifications were as follows: type I, n = 290 and n = 31; type IIa, n = 211 and n = 13; type IIb, n = 3 and n = 0; and type III, n = 1 and n = 0. We classified the relationship between the MCA and left side of the SMV into three types: type A, a common trunk runs along the left edge of the SMV (n = 173; 59.7%); type B, a right branch of the MCA runs along the left edge of the SMV (n = 116; 40.0%); and type C, the MCA runs dorsal of the SMV (n = 1; 0.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed that The MCA branching classifications and relationship between the SMV and MCA. Preoperative CT angiography may be able to reliably identify vessel variation, which may be useful in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Colon, Transverse; Computed Tomography Angiography; Colon; Colonic Neoplasms; Mesentery; Laparoscopy; Cadaver
PubMed: 36747176
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02919-9