Characteristics of Lambl excrescences of aortic and pulmonary valves in healthy hearts

Lambl excrescences (LEs) were initially described in the mid-1800s during autopsies of human hearts, and their significance and biology have been debated ever since. LEs are typically found on aortic and pulmonary valve (semilunar) cusps. There is debate concerning whether LEs are a significant cause of thromboembolic events, or whether they are harmless growths. However, there have not been many reports discussing LEs, and fewer still have examined the prevalence and characteristics of LEs in healthy human hearts. Those who have examined LE prevalence have reported a very high incidence of LEs (85-90%). Herein, we examine LE prevalence and characteristics (size, location, number) in 403 healthy human hearts across all age groups. We find that the prevalence of LEs in healthy hearts is far lower than previously reported.

Morphological and radiological mapping of dental cusps in relation to spatial constraints on tooth shape of one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

A significant extent of researches in veterinary study have been focused on dental structure; however, there are scanty ones on the orientation and identification of their cusps. Therefore, the present article aimed to spot a light on arrangement pattern of dental cusps in the camel as a folivorous and graminivorous animal. This study was conducted on eight heads of adult, healthy camel of both sexes, collected from slaughter houses. To perform exact orientation of cusps of molar teeth, additional radiological and CT scans were performed on the mandible as a landmark that should facilitate the reading of cusps map. It was evident that, the cusps are arranged in crescentic appearance, seledontal form, with two cusps on each side, paracone and hypocone on the lingual surface and protocone and metacone on the vestibular aspect. Thus, camels cannot wear bite like equines, which would interfere with their constant chewing method. The camels' dental cusps provide some of the finest examples of convergent evolution, which offer insights both into correlates between form and function, and into how the ability of euthomorphic cusps in intrapability and stabilization of food items and its comminution between formidable cusps and occlusal spillway in between. Further studies should be done on the brachydontteeth and tropospheric cusps to fill the functional anatomy gap of teeth, in addition to diversity of cusps form. This study is considered a basic comparative anatomical study for normal healthy dentition and forensic practice, in addition to its importance in detection of local aspects of dental problems in camels.

The Brachiacantha Dejean, 1837 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) of Central America

A revision of the Central American species of the genus Brachiacantha was undertaken to update the knowledge of the Central American species of the genus. Material of several collections was reviewed, using original descriptions and keys, and comparing with the type material. Twenty-five species of the genus Brachiacantha were found in Central American material, including nine new species: B.nubes Nestor-Arriola, Toledo-Hernández and Solís, sp. nov., B.dentata Nestor-Arriola, Toledo-Hernández and Solís, sp. nov., B.isthmena Nestor-Arriola, Toledo-Hernández and Solís, sp. nov., B.aurantiapleura Nestor-Arriola, Solís and Toledo-Hernández, sp. nov., B.invertita Nestor-Arriola, Toledo-Hernández and Solís, sp. nov., B.papiliona Nestor-Arriola, Toledo-Hernández and Solís, sp. nov., B.tica Nestor-Arriola, Toledo-Hernández and Solís, sp. nov., B.hexaspina González, Větrovec and Nestor-Arriola, sp. nov., and B.mimica Nestor-Arriola and Toledo-Hernández, sp. nov. Nomenclatural changes include Brachiacanthagorhami (Weise), comb. nov., B.guatemalensis (Gorham), comb. nov., and Brachiacanthaduodecimguttata Leng, syn. nov. for B.lepida Mulsant. The male genitalia of the species B.fenestrata Gorhan, B.octostigma Mulsant, B.aperta Weise, and B.cachensis Gorhan are described and illustrated for the first time. New records include B.indubitabilis Crotch and B.bipartita Mulsant (Costa Rica and Guatemala), B.gorhami (Weise) (El Salvador), and B.cachensis Gorham (Panamá). A key to the species is included.

Morphological analysis of the occlusal surface of maxillary molars in Koreans

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diameter of the crown, total crown area, individual cusp area, and occlusal table area in Korean maxillary permanent molars, as well as dental characteristics relevant to the hypocone reduction trait.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects included 121 dental school students in Korea (81 men and 40 women). A digital image analysis system was used for measurements and we relied on visual scoring to assign categories of hypocone expression.

RESULTS

The mean crown dimension was larger in the first molar (M1) than in the second molar (M2). Regarding differences according to gender, the crown diameter, total crown area, and individual cusp area were significantly larger in the men than in the women. The mean occlusal table area ratios were 61% for M1 and 57% for M2, and these ratios increased in proportion to the total crown area. With respect to the hypocone and other features of the maxillary molars, differences between the men and women were more prominent for M1 than for M2. The M2 hypocone tended to be smaller than the M1 hypocone, and hypocone reduction was inversely related to the cusp area of the protocone. The protocone area may be considered a reliable parameter for comparing race and/or gender differences in maxillary molars.

CONCLUSION

This study concerning characteristics of the maxillary molar occlusal surface in Koreans provides useful information for comparative studies among human races.