E12 technique: Conventional epoxy resin sheet plastination

Epoxy plastination techniques were developed to obtain thin transparent body slices with high anatomical detail. This is facilitated because the plastinated tissue is transparent and the topography of the anatomical structures well preserved. For this reason, thin epoxy slices are currently used for research purposes in both macroscopic and microscopic studies. The protocol for the conventional epoxy technique (E12) follows the main steps of plastination—specimen preparation, dehydration, impregnation and curing/casting. Preparation begins with selection of the specimen, followed by freezing and slicing. Either fresh or fixed (embalmed) tissue is suitable for epoxy plastination, while slice thickness is kept between 1.5 and 3 mm. Impregnation mixture is made of epoxy E12 resin plus E1 hardener (100 ppw; 28 ppw). This mixture is reactive and temperature sensitive, and for this reason, total impregnation time under vacuum at room laboratory temperature should not last for more than 20–24 hr. Casting of impregnated slices is done in either flat chambers or by the so‐called sandwich method in either fresh mixture or the one used for impregnation. Curing is completed at 40°C to allow a complete polymerization of the epoxy‐mixture. After curing, slices can be photographed, scanned or used for anatomical study under screen negatoscope, magnification glass or fluorescent microscope. Based on epoxy sheet plastination, many anatomical papers have recent observations of and/or clarification of anatomical concepts in different areas of medical expertice.     

ANATOMIC STUDY OF CRANIAL NERVE EMERGENCE AND ASSOCIATED SKULL FORAMINA IN CATS USING CT AND MRI

Magnetic resonance (MR) images of the brain of four normal cats were reviewed retrospectively to assess the emergence and course of the cranial nerves (CNs). Two-millimeter-thick images were obtained in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes using a 1.5 T unit. CN skull foramina, as anatomic landmarks for MR imaging, were identified by computed tomography performed on an isolated cat skull using thin wire within each skull foramen. Thin slice (1 mm slice thickness) images were obtained with a high-resolution bone filter scan protocol. The origins of CNs II, V, VII, and VIII and the group of IX, X, XI, and XII could be identified. The pathway and proximal divisions of CNs V were described. CNs III, IV, and VI were not distinguished from each other but could be seen together in the orbital fissure. CN V was characterized by slight contrast enhancement.     

Anatomy,Morphometry and Radiography in the thoracic limb bones of the Patagonian Huemul Deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus)

The aim of this study was to provide morphometric, anatomic and radiographic data of the thoracic limb bones of the Patagonian Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) including a functional interpretation of this, as a reference for clinical use, biomedical research and teaching purposes. Currently, the Patagonian huemul deer is in danger of becoming extinct due to multiple causes. Research carried out for its conservation has focused mainly on its ecology and pathology, leaving gaps in biological knowledge, which is basic and important for its comprehension. This study was conducted to reveal the gross osteology and radiology features of the thoracic limb bones of the Patagonian huemul deer. The osteological findings suggest the presence of powerful flexor muscles in the scapulohumeral and elbow joints, useful to cushion the jumps. Also, the principal nutrient foramen of Patagonian huemul differs in position with respect to domestic ungulates, which may be important to consider during surgical procedures. Finally, the radiographic data can provide new information about the tissue loading conditions in Patagonian huemul, so that this new knowledge can be of great importance for a better understanding of mechanically induced or adaptive changes in bone produced by habitat or other ecological phenomena.     

沙棘“生态经济育种”研究Ⅱ——半干旱地区沙棘杂交亲本比较生态生物学研究

杂交育种的首要任务是重视亲本的比较生态生物学研究与筛选.利用Li-6400光合仪对内蒙古九成宫基地的中国沙棘与引进的俄罗斯沙棘开展了多指标对比测定.结果表明:俄罗斯沙棘特点是:叶面积大,叶绿素含量高,在湿润条件下百果重大,果实成熟期短,干物质积累快,产量高;光合速率高,蒸腾强度大,但水分利用效率低;叶片厚度、叶上表皮厚...     

The roles of light and pericarp on seed dormancy and germination in feral Raphanus sativus (Brassicaceae)

The timing of seed germination may determine the success of a weed species in an agroecosystem, and its expression is modulated by environmental conditions, but also by seed physiology and anatomy. The aims of this study were to investigate the roles of light, pericarp, dry storage and cold stratification on seed dormancy and germination in feral radish, a troublesome agricultural weed in temperate zones of the Americas that reduces crop yields. To this end, we used isolated intact pods and extracted seeds to test germination over time under contrasting temperature, light and storage conditions. Here, we showed that fresh seeds were non‐dormant, but that light and the presence of the pericarp reduced germination, especially under low temperatures. The pericarp reduced the final water content absorbed by seeds inside pods and decreased absorption/dehydration rates. The pericarp showed several small lignified cell layers in the endocarp, and x‐ray images displayed the lack of space between the partially embedded seed and the endocarp. Dry storage and cold stratification were ineffective in breaking the dormancy imposed by the pericarp. The apparent requirement for darkness and the mechanical restriction of the pericarp may have the potential to induce dormancy, spreading the timing of seed germination over a more extended period and hindering the control of feral radish.     

茄子砧木与栽培种根的解剖结构比较

利用光学显微技术，对茄子属2种砧木（托鲁巴姆、赤茄）和2个栽培品种（六叶青、七叶）的根部进行了比较解剖学研究，探讨了茄子砧木抗黄萎病的植物体结构机制，结果表明：导管的管孔类型、管孔大小、管壁厚度、导管周围纤维细胞的数量及排列方式、植物体含量细胞的数量等与抗病性密切相关。     

中国木兰科单性木兰属的木材解剖

单性木兰木材解剖特征为:散孔材;管孔数目少;单管孔占优势。导管分子侧壁具螺纹加厚;底壁梯状穿孔,横隔条数多。木射线较少;射线组织异形Ⅱ型及Ⅲ型为主;无油细胞及结晶体。轴向薄壁组织轮界状,稀疏傍管型偶见。木材构造与近缘的木兰属有较大差别。