Studies on the Parietal Region of the Cervid Skull

In the roe deer skull symmetrically arranged ossa interparietalia were found to develop from paired centers of ossification. Obliteration of the sutura interinterparietalis mostly started already late in prenatal life, whereas closure of the interparietal and the interparietoparietal sutures as a rule commenced around the second week post partum. A certain degree of variability with respect to the timing of sutural closure was observed. No synostosis occurred between the os parietale resp. os interparietale and the os supraoccipitale, so that even in old animals the sutura parieto- resp. interparietooccipitalis was always present.     

Comparative macroanatomical study of the neurocranium in some carnivora

This study was carried out to investigate the specific anatomical features of the neurocranium of the skull of the dog, cat, badger, marten and otter. Twenty-five animals (five from each species) were used without sexual distinction. The neurocranium consists of os occipitale, os sphenoidale, os pterygoideum, os ethmoidale, vomer, os temporale, os parietale and os frontale. The processus paracondylaris is projected ventrally in the cat, dog, marten and badger, and caudally in the otter. Two foramina were found laterally on each side of the protuberantia occipitalis externa in the otter, and one foramen was found near the protuberantia occipitalis externa in the badger. Foramen was not seen in other species. Paired ossa parietalia joined each other at the midline, forming the sutura sagittalis in the badger, dog, otter and cat while it was separated by the linea temporalis in the marten. The os frontale was small in otters, narrow and long in martens, and quite wide in cats and dogs. The bulla tympanica was rounded in the marten, dog, cat and badger, dorsoventral compressed in otter, and it was very large in all species examined. These observations represented interspecies differences in the neurocranium of marten, otter, badger, cat and dog.     

Studies on the Parietal Region of the Cervid Skull

In contrast to the situation in roe deer (Kierdorf and Kierdorf, in press) and other cervid species, an os interparietale was missing in the fallow deer cranium. Absence of this skull element in Dama dama is regarded as an apomorphic character state. The area covered by the interparietals in Capreolus was occupied by the parietals in Dama. This condition (loss of interparietals, enlargement of parietals) is in accord with a trend seen in vertebrate evolution, that is, progressive reduction in the number of skull elements concomitant with enlargement of the remaining bones. Synostosis of the parietals in Dama started a few days post partum and was completed at about 7 to 8 months of age. In males, obliteration of the sutura parietooccipitalis commenced in adult life, whereas in females only closure of the central region of this suture was occasionally observed.     

Skull of the grey heron (Ardea cinerea): Detailed investigation of the orbital region

The skull of the grey heron (Ardea cinerea) was examined with an emphasis on describing the orbital region. In the young (circa sixteen to seventeen days old) heron, the frontal bone (os frontale) and nasal bone (os nasale) comprised separate paired bones, connected by sutures (sutura interfrontalis, sutura internasalis and sutura frontonasalis plana). In adult animals, the relationship between these bones was different: the left and right frontal bone and the left and right nasal bone had grown together, and the frontal bone and nasal bone had fused into a common frontonasal bone (os frontonasale). In the ectethmoid bone (os ectethmoidale), the main components comprised of the orbital and antorbital part of the ectethmoid plate (lamina ectethmoidalis orbitalis et antorbitalis), the lateral process (processus lateralis ectethmoidalis) and the tubercle (tuberculum ectethmoidalis); the left and right ectethmoid plates were fused together to form the ectethmoid sinus (sinus ectethmoidalis) between them. In the young heron, the anatomical and functional link between the frontal and lacrimal bones did not exist yet, nor did the osseous frame of the ectethmoid‐lacrimal complex. Further research into the young heron skulls is needed. This article provides novel insights into the grey heron's orbital region.     

Radiographic Study of Postnatal Development of the Tarsus in West African Dwarf Goats

Seven goats of the West African dwarf breeds, three females and four males, from the same farm were studied by serial radiography from the first week of life and at 3, 6, 9, 16, 23, 28, 37 and 46 weeks of age. The radiological appearance of the developing tarsus as Avaluated from radiographs is described. During the first week postnatally, eight loci were observed to be partially ossified. The talus, tarsi centrale (Tc), first (T1), second (T2), third (T3) and fourth (T4) tarsal bones had each a single loci. The calcaneus bone had two loci, one for the tuber calcanei and another for the calcaneus himself. Fusion of the locus for T2 and T3 was evident in radiographs taken at three weeks. The fused T2 + T3 also appeared fused with die Tc in one of the goats at 23 weeks. The Tc and T4 were observed to fuse in only three of the goats at 23 weeks while in others the bones remained separate throughout the study period. In those goats where the Tc and T4 tarsal bones were not fused, the three tarsal joints were linked by a radiolucent line between these bones. While in the goat where Tc and T2 + T3 bone fusion has occurred the distal intertarsal joint was blocked and the proximal intertarsal was communicating with the tarso metatarsal joint between the separate Tc and T4. The tarsus of the goat is variable and differs from that of sheep and cattle.     

A Macro‐Anatomical Investigation of the Some Skull Bones of Nehring's Blind Mole Rats (Spalacidae: Nannospalax nehringi)

This study was aimed to demonstrate the specific anatomical features of the skull bones of Nehring's blind mole rats. Eight skulls, belonging to animals of both sexes, were used. The occipital squama contributed to the formation of the caudal portion of the skull roof. The foramen magnum was quite large. The external occipital crest was present only in the males. The parietal bones formed the middle portion of the skull roof together with the well‐developed inter‐parietal bones. The zygomatic process of the temporal bone formed the zygomatic arch by extending to the temporal process of the zygomatic bone. The zygomatic process of the frontal bone and the frontal process of the zygomatic bone laterally bordered the orbit. There was a single septal process of the nasal bone. Each ramus of the mandibula had four processes. The mandibular ramus had an angular process on its caudal rim, which extended dorsolaterally. The dorsal free end of the mandibular ramus possessed a coronoid process. In the back, there were two other processes, situated medially and laterally. The medially situated process was referred to as a condylar process, and the laterally situated process was referred to as an alveolar process. The alveolar process detected on the mandibular ramus has not been reported in any rodent species, other than those of the family Spalacidae. Blind mole rats can be a real eye‐opener for evolutionary science. The burrowing rodents are key to answering a controversial question about how new species arise.     

Fusion of Ossification Centres in the Cat

Abstract— —Thirty-seven kittens from eleven litters have been radiographed and eight others have been completely dissected to provide a record of the times of fusion of the epiphyses of the limb bones. The observations are recorded with reference to individual bones and then to the limbs at approximately monthly intervals. Attention is drawn to the variable presence of the sesamoid bone in the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. A comment is made in the discussion on the sequence of fusion of the ossification centres.
Résumé— —Trente sept chatons provenant de II protées ont été radiographiés et huit autres ont été complètement disséqués afin d'établir un rapport sur les moments d'apparition de la soudure des épiphyses des os des membres. Les observations sont notées pour les os pris individuellement et ensuite pour les membres à des intervalles de un mois environ. L'attention est attirée sur la présence inconstante de l'os sésamoide dans la partie moyenne de l'extrêrmité du muscle gastrocnémien. Dans la discussion il est fait un commentaire sur la séquence de la soudure des centres d'ossification.
Zusammenfassung— —37 junge Katzen aus elf Würfen wurden radiographisch untersucht und acht andere vollständig seziert, um Unterlagen über die Zeitpunkte der Verschmelzung der Epiphysen der Extremitätenknochen zu erhalten. Die Beobachtungen wurden in Beziehung zu einzelnen Knochen und dann in Beziehung zu den Extremitäten mit ungefähr monatlichen Abständen gebracht. Die Aufmerksamkeit wird auf die wechselnde Anwesenheit des Sesambeins im medialen Ende des Gastrocnemicus gelenkt. In der Besprechung der Verschmelzungsreihenfolge der Ossifikationszentren wird dies kommentiert.     

Facial bones of long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus)

The department of National Parks and Protection of Wild Nature sent five (two males, three females) adult long-legged buzzards for investigation of their deaths to Ankara University Veterinary Faculty. Facial bones of buzzards were evaluated. Distinguishing facial features such as strong os premaxillare, cavum nasale filled with spider webbing-like structures, prominent os prefrontalis and processes, H-shaped paraglossum were determined. In this study, we investigated the anatomic properties of facial bones in long-legged buzzard. We also aimed to identify the data using these bones in order to separate different bird species.     

Polymelia with two extra forelimbs at the right scapular region in a male Korean native calf.

In a male Korean native calf 14 days of age, polymelia (notomelia) was observed macroscopically and radiographically. External features included two normal forelimbs, two normal hindlimbs and two undeveloped extra forelimbs. The extra forelimbs were attached to the caudal regions of the right scapula and devoid of muscular tissues. In the extra forelimbs, a scapula-like bone formed a joint with the incompletely duplicated humerus. The humerus fused with the incompletely duplicated radius. The ulna, carpal bones, metacarpal bones and phalanges were completely duplicated. But one set of the duplicated carpal bones consisted of five bones: radial, accessory, fourth carpal, fused second and third carpal, and fused ulnar and intermediate carpal bones. The hoof and the rudimentary hoof of accessory digit were duplicated.     

Radial-intermediate Carpal Bone Fusion in a Horse

The radial carpal and intermediate carpal bones were found to be fused in a four year old Quarterhorse stallion having a subtle forelimb lameness. Clinical examination, diagnostic local anesthesia, radiography and arthroscopy were used to arrive at the diagnosis. A cause could not be established, although perinatal deformation of cartilagenous carpal bone templates is suspected. A similar case of carpal bone fusion was found among carpi collected for an anatomical study, indicating this condition may be more common than expected. Clinicians should carefully evaluate the flexed lateral view of the carpus for proximal movement of the intermediate and ulnar carpal bones in young horses presented for carpal lameness. The significance of this condition will remain uncertain until its incidence and relationship to lameness are better defined.     

Fusion expression of major antigenic segment of JEV E protein-hsp70 and the identification of domain acting as adjuvant in hsp70

Hsp70 potentiates specific immune responses to some antigenic peptides fused to it. A recombinant hsp70 protein expression vector in methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris, was developed that fused the major antigenic segment of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) E protein to the amino terminus of Mycobacterium tuberculosis hsp70. The C-terminal peptide binding domain of hsp70 stimulated Th1-polarizing cytokines, CC chemokines and an adjuvant effect. However, the N-terminal ATPase domain (hsp70 1-358) failed to stimulate any of these cytokines or chemokines. Based on these data, a vector was constructed that permits the fusion of major antigenic segment of E protein to the amino terminus of peptide binding domain of hsp70. Antibody titers, lymphocytes proliferation, the level of mIL-2 or mIFN-gamma and neutralizing antibodies in immunized mice showed that antigenicity of E-binding domain fusion protein was almost as effective as E-hsp70 fusion protein and more effective than carrier protein hsp70 alone. In eliciting a humoral and cellular immune response, both fusion proteins were more powerful than the major antigenic segment of E protein alone, but less effective than the segment administered with Freund's adjuvant.     

Haematuria in two geldings caused by osteochondroma of the os pubis: Case reports and anatomic study of the os pubis in 41 cadaveric pelvises

Exostosis of the os pubis causing haematuria, and potentially cystorrhexis, in horses has not been described in the literature. In this study, 2 geldings that suffered from exercise‐induced haematuria caused by an osteochondroma of the os pubis, and the assessment of 41 cadaveric pubic bones are reported on. The anatomy of the os pubis is highly variable. The prevalence of exostosis in the os pubis appears to be higher in male horses. Palpation and ultrasonography of the pelvis per rectum and cystoscopy are valuable diagnostic tools. Depending on the extent of changes in the bladder wall, surgical removal of the exostosis should be considered in order to prevent cystorrhexis. In horses that present with haematuria, closer assessment of the os pubis for the presence of an exostosis is warranted.     

Macro-Anatomical Investigations on the Skeletons of Porcupine (Hystrix cristata). Part III: Skeleton axiale

The aim of this study was to investigate the axial skeleton of two porcupines (Hystrix cristata). The important features of the skull, observed in this study are as follows: The zygomatic process of frontal bone (os fron-tale) was found to be rudimentary, and the infraorbital foramen (for. infraorbitale) was very large. The zygomatic bone (os zygomaticum) has two processes (frontal and temporal) and the zygomatic arch (arcus zygomaticum) was composed of three bones. The dental formulae were 2 (I 1/1, C 0/0, P 1/1, M 3/3) = 20. The angular process (Proc. angularis) of mandible is well developed. The vertebral formula was found as C₇, T₁₅, L₄, S₄, Ca₁₂. All of cervical vertebrae had the transverse foramen (for. transversarium). The first eleven spinous processes (proc. spinosus) of thoracic vertebrae were caudally-sloped, the twelfth as the anticlin vertebrae and the last three were directed cranially. Hemal arches (or ossa arcus hemalis) were presented as separate bones which articulate with the ventral surfaces of the caudal ends of the bodies of the second, third and fourth caudal vertebrae.     

Development to Term of Fused and Partially Enucleated Mouse Two-Cell Embryos

Contents: After the blastomeres of mouse two-cell embryos were fused by electric pulses within the zona pellucida, one nucleus of the fusion products was removed following the enucleation method described by McGrath and Solter (1983a, 1983b). 38% (196/520) of the fused embryos were enucleated successfully when Whitten's medium was used as enucleation medium and 434 of 1007 (43%) of the embryos when M 2 was used. 30% (47/159) of the partially enucleated embryos cleaved during their in vitro cultivation but only 3% developed to the morula or blasto cyst stage. 20 young (17%) were born after the transfer of 120 fused and partially enucleated two-cell embryos to 8 pseudopregnant recipients. It was shown that fused and partially enucleated two-cell embryos are able to survive and are able to reach adulthood, although their developmental rate is significantly lower than that of control embryos .
Here we report experiments for the examination of the developmental capacity of two-cell mouse embryos partially enucleated after fusion .     

Fabellae and popliteal sesamoid bones in cats

Radiographs of the stifle joints of cats revealed a lack of mineralisation in the medial os fabella in a high percentage of domestic cats and also some exotic species of cat. In all the post mortem examinations undertaken the medial sesamoid bones were smaller. In the non-radiopaque sesamoid bones there was a solid mass which on histological examination consisted of fibrocartilage, whereas the radiodense sesamoid bones consisted of lamellar osseous tissue. The lack of mineralisation of the medial fabellae seems to be more prevalent in domestic than in pedigree cats. None of the exotic cats had mineralised tissue in the medial fabellae. Lack of mineralisation of the sesamoid bones is not significant clinically.     

Comparative Anatomical Study on Fissura Nasolacrimalis and Nasomaxillaris in Skull of the Korean Native Goat (Capra hircus)

We found specific anatomical structure on the fissura nasolacrimalis and fissura nasomaxillaris of the skull of the Korean native goat. It has quite a wide opening on each side of the os nasale and could be classified into four types according to various patterns of articulations of the neighbouring bones.     

Osteology and Radiographic Anatomy of the Pelvis and Hind Limb of Healthy Ring‐Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta)

In family Lemuridae, anatomical variations exist. Considering its conservation status (near threatened) and presence of similarities between strepsirrhines and primitive animals, it was thought to be beneficial to describe the gross osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of ring‐tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) as a reference for clinical use and species identification. Radiography was performed in 14 captive adult ring‐tailed lemurs. The radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from two adult animals. Additionally, computed tomography of the hind limbs was performed in one animal. The pelvic bone has a well‐developed caudal ventral iliac spine. The patella has a prominent tuberosity on the cranial surface. The first metatarsal bone and digit 1 are markedly stouter than the other metatarsal bones and digits with medial divergence from the rest of the metatarsal bones and digits. Ossicles were seen in the lateral meniscus, inter‐phalangeal joint of digit 1 and in the infrapatellar fat pad. Areas of mineral opacity were seen within the external genitalia, which are believed to be the os penis and os clitoris. Variations exist in the normal osteology and radiographic appearance of the pelvis and hind limb of different animal species. The use of only atlases from domestic cats and dogs for interpretative purposes may be misleading.     

Production of HanWoo (Bos taurus coreanae) fetuses following interbreed somatic cell nuclear transfer

The possibility of producing HanWoo (Bos taurus coreanae) calves from transferable bovine embryos, obtained by interbreed nuclear transfer using Holstein cytoplasts and surrogates, was investigated. As donor nuclei, HanWoo fetal fibroblasts were used. Cells were induced into quiescence by serum deprivation for 4-7 days before nuclear transfer. In vitro matured Holstein oocytes were enucleated, and single donor cell was placed into the perivitelline space of enucleated oocyte. After reconstruction, the embryos were fused. activated and cultured. On day 7, the embryos that developed to the blastocyst stages were transferred into Holstein recipient cows on day 6 to 7 of estrous cycle (estrus=0). The reconstructed embryos were successfully fused (58.8%; 47/80), cleaved (91.5%; 43/47), and developed to blastocysts (29.8%; 14/47). Eleven blastocysts were transferred into 5 Holstein recipient cows. Two recipients were pregnant, confirmed by ultrasonography at day 60 of gestation. But, one of them was opened between on day 80 to 100 of pregnancy, and the other had a stillbirth on day 255. The stillborn calf was physically normal, and we couldn't find any evidence of anomaly. These results show that cells derived from HanWoo somatic cell lines can be reprogrammed by interbreed nuclear transfer and develop subsequently in vivo as well as in vitro.     

Radiological and osteological study of the pelvic limbs in free‐ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

This study aimed to describe the radiographic anatomy and osteology and to evaluate angular radiographic measurements—Norberg angle, inclination angle and anteversion angle—of the pelvic limbs in free‐ranging capybaras. Twenty cadavers of free‐ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), including five adults and 15 subadults, were studied. Ventrodorsal, craniocaudal, dorsoplantar and mediolateral radiographic views of the pelvic limbs were obtained. The radiographic features were described together with bone samples. The hip bone (os coxae), shaped like an isosceles trapezoid, was elongated and narrow with the presence of an oblong obturator foramen, sagittal ilial wing and rectilinear ilial body. The femoral shaft was relatively straight, while the greater trochanter was projected above the femoral head. No sesamoid bones of the gastrocnemius and popliteus muscles were observed radiographically or for those animals used in gross macroscopy. The fibula was located lateral and parallel to the tibia. Eight tarsal bones, four metatarsal bones and three digits were identified. The mean radiographic measurements included Norberg angle of 125.9°; respective angles of femoral inclination by the Hauptman B and Tomlinson methods of 139.9 and 141°; anteversion angle of the femoral head and neck of 29.80°. The bones of the pelvic limbs in capybaras have several anatomical characters and radiological features that are shared with members of the caviomorph superfamily Cavioidea. The radiographic angles measured in this study help characterize the functional morphology of this species.     

Feline (Felis catus) Skull and Pelvic Morphology and Morphometry: Gender‐Related Difference?

This study demonstrates sexual dimorphism of feline bones, based on a morphometric analysis of 38 dried feline skulls and pelvic bones (20 males, 18 females). A total of 44 parameters (skull = 12, mandible = 10, pelvis = 22) were measured using a digital vernier calliper. In morphological observation of these bones, there were three hallmarks indicating a remarkable difference between sexes: the coronoid process of the mandible (accuracy rate = 88.2%); and the os coxae – caudal ventral iliac spine (accuracy rate = 94.4%), and the angle of the ischiatic arch (accuracy rate = 74.3%). In addition, based on morphometric characteristics, six parameters were found to be significantly different (P < 0.05) between males and females, consisting of one in the mandible and five in the pelvis, but no parameters in the skull. Effective equations to discriminate gender were generated through a stepwise discriminant analysis from feline mandible and pelvic bones. Our findings showed that an equation from the pelvic bones, Y = [?16.066*T/O] + [2.559*IC/PS] + [13.357*TTL/ISA] ? [4.478], appeared to be more applicable with a 97.3% accuracy rate, while a function from the mandible gave a 64.9% accuracy rate. In conclusion, we suggest that an equation from feline pelvic measurements and three hallmarks, one on the mandible and two on the os coxae, can be used for sex estimation.