Thoracic Wall (thoracic + wall)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


A novel exocrine structure of the bicellular unit type in the thorax of termites

ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010
Teresa Telles Gonçalves
Abstract Gonçalves, T. T., DeSouza, O. and Billen, J. 2010. A novel exocrine structure of the bicellular unit type in the thorax of termites , Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 193,198 Studying the thorax of some Termitidae species, we found two pairs of hitherto unknown lateral glands in the mesothorax and metathorax of both workers and soldiers. The glands consist of distinct clusters of class 3 secretory cells accompanied by their duct cells, located in the upper lateral portion of the thoracic wall. Ultrastructural observations reveal numerous mitochondria, a well-developed Golgi apparatus and vesicular smooth endoplasmic reticulum, indicating a cytoplasm with intensive metabolic activity. The gland is reported to occur in Microcerotermes strunckii, Cornitermes cumulans and Nasutitermes minor, three species comprising an interesting morpho-behavioural gradient, respectively, from only mechanical, through mechanical,chemical, to only chemical defence systems. The extent of such a gradient allows speculations that this gland would be related to the general needs of termites, rather than to some specificities of a single group. We warn, however, that complementary studies are needed, before any conclusions can be drawn. [source]


Budd,Chiari-like syndrome in a dog with a chondrosarcoma of the thoracic wall

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 2 2007
Megan F. Whelan DVM
Abstract Objective: To describe a dog with Budd,Chiari-like syndrome secondary to caudal vena cava compression from a thoracic wall chondrosarcoma. Case summary: A 9-year-old spayed female Shetland Sheepdog cross with a recent history of non-productive cough developed severe abdominal distension and dyspnea. Marked ascites and enlarged hepatic veins were identified with ultrasonography. At surgery, a right thoracic wall mass was found to be compressing the caudal vena cava. Fluid analysis of the ascites revealed a modified transudate with elevated protein concentration, consistent with Budd,Chiari-like syndrome. Clinical signs resolved following thoracotomy and complete resection of the mass. New or unique information provided: Obstruction of venous blood flow can result from compression exerted by a space-occupying thoracic wall mass on the caudal vena cava. Clinical resolution can be achieved with return of adequate venous circulation by removal of the mass and alleviation of the external pressure. [source]


Broken ribs: Paleopathological analysis of costal fractures in the human identified skeletal collection from the Museu Bocage, Lisbon, Portugal (late 19th to middle 20th centuries)

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Vítor Matos
Abstract Although rarely reported in the anthropological literature, rib fractures are commonly found during the analysis of human skeletal remains of past and modern populations. This lack of published data precludes comparison between studies and restricts an accurate understanding either of the mechanisms involved in thoracic injuries or their impact on past societies. The present study aimed: 1) to report rib fracture prevalence in 197 individuals, 109 males, and 88 females, with ages at death ranging from 13 to 88 years old, from the Human Identified Skeletal Collection, Museu Bocage, Portugal (late 19th-middle 20th centuries); 2) to test the hypothesis that a higher prevalence of rib stress fractures existed in the 133 individuals who died from respiratory diseases, in a period before antibiotics. The macroscopic analysis revealed 23.9% (n = 47) of individuals with broken ribs. 2.6% (n = 124) out of 4,726 ribs observed were affected. Males presented more rib fractures, and a significantly higher prevalence was noted for older individuals. Fractures were more frequently unilateral (n = 34), left sided (n = 19) and mainly located on the shaft of ribs from the middle thoracic wall. Nineteen individuals presented adjacent fractured ribs. Individuals who died from pulmonary diseases were not preferentially affected. However, a higher mean rate of fractures was found in those who died from pneumonia, a scenario still common nowadays. Since rib involvement in chest wall injury and its related outcomes are important issues both for paleopathology and forensic anthropology, further investigations are warranted. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Imaging of cell trafficking and metastases of paediatric rhabdomyosarcoma

CELL PROLIFERATION, Issue 2 2008
G. Seitz
Objective:,The aim of this study was to establish a preclinical mouse model to study metastases of paediatric rhabdomyosarcoma at the macroscopic and cellular levels, with different imaging methods. Experimental Design:,The alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cell line Rh30 was stably transfected with the red fluorescent protein (DsRed2) then was xenotransplanted (intravenous injection [n = 8], and footpad injection [n = 8]) into nude mice (NMRI nu/nu). Macroscopic imaging of metastases was performed using DsRed2-fluorescence and flat-panel volumetric computed tomography scan. In a further series of animals (n = 8), in vivo cell trafficking of rhabdomyosarcoma cells using cellular imaging with an Olympus OV100 variable-magnification small-animal imaging system was used. Results:,Metastases in the pelvis, thoracic wall and skin were visualized by fluorescence imaging. Pelvic metastases were found after tail vein injection and at other metastatic sites after footpad injection. Flat-panel volumetric computed tomography scan data allowed highly specific analysis of contrast between tumour and surrounding tissue. Correlation between fluorescence and flat-panel volumetric computed tomography scan imaging data was observed. Single-cell imaging visualized tumour cells in the vessels and demonstrated the arrest of tumour cells at vessel junctions followed by extravasation of the tumour cells. Conclusion:,We established a model for visualization of experimental metastatic invasion and describe relevant tools for imaging childhood rhabdomyosarcoma metastases at the macroscopic and cellular levels. Imaging of cell trafficking visualized the behaviour of tumour cells and development of metastases by accumulation and extravasation of rhabdomyosarcoma cells. [source]


A rare accessory muscle of the anterior thoracic wall

CLINICAL ANATOMY, Issue 8 2007
Konstantinos Natsis
No abstract is available for this article. [source]