Effect of lead treatment on the stipe and leaflet anatomy of Pteris vittata and Pityrogramma calomelanos (Pteridaceae: fern)

The effect of various concentrations of Lead on stipe and leaflet anatomy of Pteris vittata and Pityrogramma calomelanos were investigated. Fernlets were transplanted into 5 kg pots of soil pre-treated with five different concentrations of Lead, adequately watered and arranged in a complete randomized design in the screen house. Pots with no Lead treatment served as control. At twelve weeks after planting, plants were carefully removed, washed and taken to the laboratory. Anatomical sections of leaflets and stipe of each of the treatments were carried out with a sledge microtome (10-15 μm). Microscopic observations of structures were made after staining the sections. In Pteris vittata, the thickness of the cuticle of the stipe increased with increasing Lead concentrations but the reverse of this was observed in Pityrogamma calomelanos. There was also significant reduction of epidermal and mesophyll cell area of both species with increasing Lead concentrations. It can be concluded from this study that P. vittata has a higher tolerance level to Lead than Pityrogramma calomelanos. Key words: Anatomy, Cuticle thickness, Ferns, Lead, Pteridaceae.

Conventional and variant origin of the transverse cervical artery in a select kenyan population

Data from previous studies have highlighted on the use of transverse cervical artery (TCA) flaps as posterior neck musculocutaneous flaps in reconstructive surgeries. General preference of flap selection relies heavily on the neurovascular supply of the flap in question and even though known, the transverse cervical artery has been shown to vary among populations, therefore affecting its use as a potential flap. Additionally, variant points of origin of the trans-cervical artery have been shown to predispose to brachial plexus compression. Our data on the same, however, remains partly elucidated and therefore a study aimed at describing the conventional and variant origin of the TCA in a Kenyan population would aid in deciding on its use as musculocutaneous flaps and determining the possible prevalence of brachial plexus compression because of its variant origin. The origin of the transverse cervical artery was studied bilaterally in 26 adult Kenyan cadavers in the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi. As regards their origin, the different types were photographed and grouped into five: Types I to V relative to its origin. The data collected was then analysed using SPSS version 21 and findings presented as percentages. The findings were presented in a bar graph and pie chart. The TCA was present in all the 26 cadavers studied. Type I origin of the TCA was the most common (71.15%) while type V was the least (1.92%). While type I origin occurred mostly on the left limbs, the other types were more prevalent on the right side. The significant variant origin of the TCA and its resultant aberrant course should be important considerations during the planning of posterior neck musculocutaneous flaps as well as in understanding brachial plexus compression associated with its variant origin. Key Words: Anatomy, Transverse cervical artery.

THE EFFECTS OF 3D PLASTIC MODELS OF ANIMALS AND CADAVERIC DISSECTION ON STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE INTERNAL ORGANS OF ANIMALS

The decrease in the method of cadaveric dissection and its replacement with alternative methods has led to discussions about the significance of dissection in biology/anatomy lessons. Certain authors argue that the decline in anatomy knowledge in students is at least partially caused by these factors. An investigation was carried out on the effectiveness of teacher’s demonstrations of cadaveric dissection as opposed to a 3D plastic model on pre-service biology teachers’ ideas concerning what is inside animals. Students were pre-tested on their ideas as to what is inside animals and randomly divided into four treatments (Dissection + Model, Dissection, Model, Model + Dissection). After the treatment, the post-test scores revealed that treatments where both methods were combined resulted in the highest achievement scores, particularly in the case of anatomy of fish. It has been concluded that the combination of cadaver dissection with modern innovative methods is more effective for obtaining anatomy knowledge than the use of only one method. The use of alternative methods should not be in conflict with traditional methods. Key words: anatomy, animals, biology education, dissection, ideas, student.

EVALUATION OF THE ANATOMY VARIATIONS OF RENAL ARTERY SYSTEM OF LIVING-RELATED DONORS WITH 64-SLICE RENAL CTA

Objectives: Evaluating the anatomy variation of renal artery system of living-related donors with 64-slice renal Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). Subjects and methods: From 01/2009 to 12/2013, when carrying out a prospective study at Cardiovascular Centre of Hue Central hospital, we have performed 64-slice renal CTA on 160 living-related donors among which, there are 118 males and 42 females aged from 19 to 56. Results: The majority of donors have simple anatomy variation of renal artery with one hilar artery (71.87% in right kidney and 65.62% in left kidney). The rest has complex variation with two hilar arteries and accompagnied with upper or lower polar branch (28.13% in right kidney and 34.38% in left kidney). The minimum diameter of the renal artery is 1.3mm. The nearest distance of proximal branching from the hilar artery is 1.6mm. The furthest distance of two arteries is 65mm. Conclusions: 64-slice renal CTA contributes into more accurate diagnosis of anatomy variation of renal artery system of living-related donors, helps surgeons make appropriate planning in the operation of chosen kidneys of living-related donors and transplanting into patients. Key words: anatomy variation, renal artery system, CTA

Taxonomy of the genus Commelina Plum. ex L. (Commelinaceae) in Nepal

About 170 species of Commelina are known from tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Nepal contributes 6 species of Commelina to the world flora. In the present work, taxonomy of all the six species of Commelina reported from Nepal (C. benghalensis, C. caroliniana, C. diffusa, C. maculata, C. paludosa and C. suffruticosa) was studied. Voucher specimens were collected from Central and Eastern Nepal, covering 14 districts. Morphological characters were studied from these collections. Palynological and anatomical characters were also used to see if they are taxonomically important to delimit the taxa within Commelina. Morphological characters seemed promising to delimit the taxa within Commelina. The key identifying characters at species level are modification in root, form of spathe, structure of leaves and seeds, shape of stomata and pollen. Palynological and anatomical characters were also useful, to some extent, in separating some species, but were not significant as compared to morphological data. Some specimens, close to C. benghalensis and C. caroliniana, showed very different characters. Thus further study is needed to confirm their taxonomic status. Key-words: anatomy; flora; morphological characters; palynology; voucher specimens.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2907 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 25-31

Anatomie des feuilles dans les pousses polycycliques du Hêtre européen (Fagus sylvatica)

The anatomical characters of European beech primary and secondary leaves (Fagus sylvatica L.) on polycyclic shoots obtained under various light conditions for 2 consecutive years were analyzed. Young plants were exposed to two luminosities, shade and light, which correspond to 20 and 80% of incident light, respectively. Shoots were grown under four light conditions during the 2 years: always in the shade, always in the light, in the shade during the 1st year and in the light during the 2nd year, and vice versa. The anatomical characters of leaves depend on both light intensity and cycle. Characters of secondary leaves vary more than those of primary leaves according to the light treatment. The effect of the luminosity applied during the 2nd year is more pronounced on secondary leaves. The cycle influence and the advantages brought by such a complex development are discussed. Key words: anatomy, leaves, light, polycyclism, beech.

Anatomical adaptations of Myriostachya wightiana Hook. F. To salt stress

Key words: Anatomy; Salt stress; Stem; Leaf; Root; Myriostachya wightiana DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i2.8982 DUJBS 2011; 20(2): 205-208

Anatomy as an Emerging Science and Career Option in View of Medical Students in Bangladesh

Three hundred and thirty four medical students were questioned regarding their views on anatomy as an emerging science and further career option. A questionnaire with 16 statements was given to these students and their answers were compiled. The results of this study were encouraging. 99% of students consider anatomy as an essential pillar of medical science. A vast majority (94%) felt that a sound knowledge of anatomy helped them in their clinical term. However, more than 50% termed anatomy was difficult to understand and more than two-third agreed to the question that the duration of teaching anatomy should not be limited to one and a half year. Though 73% placed anatomy apart with clinical subjects. More than 80% compared teaching anatomy as favorable as treating a patient. In Bangladesh, lack of satisfactory job opportunities and adequate research facilities limits the uptake of anatomy as a career option. Even with a modified curriculum two third were willing to become an anatomist. A formal course in teaching was welcomed by most in case they sought to become anatomist. Key words: Anatomy; an emerging science; career option; students view. DOI: 10.3329/bja.v8i1.6106 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy January 2010, Vol. 8 No. 1 pp. 28-33