Development of the human tail bud and splanchnic mesenchyme

Tailgut Cyst in a Child: A Case Report and Review of Literature

ABSTRACT

Tailgut cysts are rare congenital abnormalities that develop due to failure of embryologic tailgut to involute. This generally manifests as a presacral, retrorectal and multicystic mass. It has a high propensity in female patients including paediatric age group. The clinical presentation varies depending on the age of patient, location and size of the cyst. The symptoms are mostly due to mass effects and rarely complications such as malignancy. Being a rare entity, it is generally misdiagnosed. Differential diagnosis mostly includes rectal duplication cyst, sacrococcygeal teratoma and anterior meningocele. Radiological imaging such as computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging is useful in the diagnosis. The treatment of choice is complete excision to prevent recurrence, infection and malignant degeneration. We have reviewed previous literature and given our valuable information regarding the same.

A rare report on 18-month survival of a dog born with multiple anomalies including atresia ani

Long term survival of animals with major congenital anomalies is very rare. This report documents the 18-month survival of a dog with multiple anomalies including atresia ani. An 18-month-old black Cocker Spaniel bitch was presented for evaluation of prolapsed glands of the third eyelid involving both the eyes. Clinical examination revealed a single perineal opening, fecal matter in the vestibule, distended abdomen, hypoplastic vulva, and the absence of a tail without any neurological deficits. Abdominal contrast radiography revealed a distended colon with fecal stasis, rectovestibular fistula, termination of the rectum as a blind pouch, lumbar scoliosis due to block vertebrae, and the presence of only two hypoplastic coccygeal vertebrae. The case was diagnosed as atresia ani type II with rectovestibular fistula, hypoplastic vulva, lumbar scoliosis, and anury, in the global context of a caudal regression syndrome. The wide aperture fistula, connected to the vestibule, undamaged spinal cord and sacrum without any neurological deficits were the favorable prognostic factors that maintained continence and allowed the dog to survive to adult life with these anomalies. Thus, an appropriate bowel management program and specialty care can improve the quality of life and longevity of this animal.

Folic acid rescues all-trans retinoic acid-induced anorectal malformations in rats

BACKGROUND

To investigate whether folic acid (FA) can rescue anorectal malformations (ARMs) induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in rats.

METHODS

Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. In the model group, rats were administered ATRA (110 mg/kg) by gavage on the 10th day of gestation (E10.5). Rats in the rescue group were administered FA (40 mg/kg) by gavage 0.5 and 12 hr after treatment with ATRA. All fetuses were harvested on E20.5 using cesarean section and examined for ARMs. We recorded the weight, body length, tail length, and associated malformations of all the embryos. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to analyze the histopathology of the fetuses.

RESULTS

Control rats did not show any abnormalities. ARMs, tail deformities (less than half of normal length), and neural tube defects were found in 97.98% (97/99), 92.93% (92/99), and 32.32% (32/99) of the rats in the model group, respectively. The incidence of ARMs and tail deformities were 48.57% (51/105) and 35.24% (37/105), respectively, in the rescue rats; no neural tube defects were observed in these rats. The weight, body length, and tail length of the fetal rats in the rescue group were more than those in the model group, but less than those in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, FA rescued ARMs induced by ATRA in rats. Thus, FA may reduce the incidence of associated malformations and improve the growth and development of fetal rats.

Animatio: a history of ideas on the beginning of personhood

The onset of individual human life has fascinated thinkers of all cultures and epochs, and the history of their ideas may enlighten an unsettled debate. Aristotle attributed three different souls to the subsequent developmental stages. The last, the rational soul, was associated with the formed fetus, and entailed fetal movements. With some modifications, the concept of delayed ensoulment - at 30, 42, 60, or 90 days after conception - was adopted by several Christian Church Fathers and remained valid throughout the Middle Ages. The concept of immediate ensoulment at fertilization originated in the 15th century and became Catholic dogma in 1869. During the Enlightenment, philosophers began to replace the rational soul with the term personhood, basing the latter on self-consciousness. Biological reality suggests that personhood accrues slowly, not at a specific date during gestation. Requirements for personhood are present in the embryo, but not in the preembryo before implantation: anatomic substrate; no more totipotent cells; decreased rate of spontaneous loss. However, biological facts alone cannot determine the embryo's moral status. Societies must negotiate and decide the degree of protection of unborn humans. In the 21st century, fertilization, implantation, extrauterine viability and birth have become the most widely accepted landmarks of change in ontological status.

Tailgut cysts in children: a report of two cases and literature review

Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions that typically manifest as a presacral, retrorectal, multicystic mass. Even though they are derived from remnants of the embryonic tailgut, they most often present in women. Differential diagnosis includes rectal duplication cyst, sacrococcygeal teratoma, and anterior meningocele. Treatment demands complete excision to prevent infection and malignant degeneration. Fewer than 20 pediatric cases have been reported. Two further affected children are described, one of whom presented uniquely with urinary tract obstruction and acute renal failure.