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Introduction: The volume, shape and size of the thyroid gland varies with age and sex. Morphometry of the thyroid with particular emphasis on its volume is an essential and most important parameter which must be evaluated. It is helpful in the diagnosis and monitoring of various thyroid diseases. Aim: To evaluate the volume of the normal thyroid gland and thickness of thyroid isthmus by ultrasonography and to observe its correlation with sex, height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Neck Circumference (NC), Body Surface Area (BSA) and Lean Body Mass (LBM) in asymptomatic subjects. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which included 100 volunteers (50 males and 50 females) from among 1st year MBBS/BDS students, who were attending classes in the Department of Anatomy, King George’s Medical University, UP, Lucknow during April 2019-March 2020. Detailed information (sex, height, weight, NC) was recorded for every subject. Also, BMI, BSA and LBM were calculated for each. Thereafter, ultrasound was performed to measure the dimensions of the thyroid gland. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Student t-test (to test the significance of two means), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and bivariate correlation using Karl Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were used as statistical tests; and p-value

The perpetuation of tree populations is dependent on successful seedling establishment, which is in turn controlled by biotic and climatic factors. California’s endemic oak species face limited recruitment and shrinking ranges due to anthropogenic climate change and land use, both of which can negatively impact germination and seedling survival. In this study, we investigated Quercus seed germination and seedling establishment under three large herbivore regimes (no large herbivores, wild herbivores, and both wild herbivores and cattle) across three sites representing present, near-future, and far-future projections for climate in California’s montane oak woodlands. Seed germination and living seedling abundance were highest in the intermediate and mesic climate levels, where total exclosures resulted in the best outcomes for seedlings. In contrast, in the arid level, the best large herbivore regime for establishment consisted of wild herbivores and no cattle. Seedling mortality was highest in the most arid climate level, and within that level, mortality was reduced by over 25% in both the wildlife and wildlife plus cattle treatments compared to the total exclosures. Our results suggest that increasing aridity will limit oak establishment and modulate the impact of large herbivores on oak seedlings, with wild large herbivores becoming a beneficial factor for seedling abundance, and both wild herbivores and cattle reducing mortality. Dynamic and contextually informed management of large herbivore populations and other restoration actions will be necessary to ensure the sustainability of California’s oak populations.

Introduction: Sciatic nerve (SN) is about 2cm wide, forms in the pelvis from ventral rami of L4-S3 spinal nerves and leaves the pelvis by passing out via greater sciatic foramen inferior to piriformis. It travels in the posterior compartment of thigh where it is crossed by long head of biceps femoris, and terminates by dividing into tibial and common peroneal nerves proximal to knee near the apex of popliteal fossa. Cross sectional area (CSA) of SN at mid-thigh and the level of termination may vary. This is important in respect to clinical as well as treatment purpose for the performance of popliteal block. Popliteal nerve block is the block of SN in the popliteal fossa, it is ideal for surgeries of lower leg, particularly below the knee, foot and ankle. It anesthetizes the same dermatomes as both the anterior and lateral approaches to the SN. Variability in level of termination and subcutaneous depth may account for the frequent failures associated with popliteal block. Ultrasound guided sciatic nerve blockade when performed in a systematic manner, is associated with a high success rate. Aims & Objectives: Present study was done to evaluate sciatic nerve morphometry and its depth from skin with the help of high resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) and highlight importance of relevant anatomy in relation to popliteal nerve block. Material & Methods: Study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India in 50 volunteer students of 1st year MBBS 2018 batch (25 males & 25 females). Sonography was done with the help of Esaote Europe My Lab 40 ultrasound machine (installed in the Department of Anatomy, KGMU) to observe Cross sectional area, perimeter, level of termination of nerve and its depth from skin at a particular site. Results: CSA ranged from 0.22-0.35±0.028cm2 and perimeter ranged from 15.23 – 30.33±2.92 mm The mean CSA of SN was equal on both sides ie. 0.27± 0.028 cm2 on right and 0.27±-0.025 cm2 on left. The perimeter of SN on right side was 21.27±2.92 mm and left side 20.29±2.05 mm. The depth of SN from skin on right side was 19.16±1.70 mm while on left side 19.16±1.70mm. The level of termination was 77.65±4.31 mm on right side while 77.26±4.43 mm on left side proximal to popliteal crease. Rt. SN mean CSA was almost equal among males and females whereas Lt. SN mean CSA was found to be significantly (p-value-0.048) greater in males as compared to females. The perimeter of nerve had significantly (0.043) larger values on both right and left side in females as compared to males. The depth of SN from skin was slightly more in males as compared to females while level of termination was bilaterally almost similar in both males and females. Conclusion: Normal values of various parameters of sciatic nerve evaluated in our study will be helpful in guiding and facilitating popliteal block in various surgeries

Introduction: Aims: To identify the Anorectal malformations patients in North Indian region and then study the karyotype of these patients to evaluate cytogenetic aberrations and then correlate it with the maternal age. Subjects and Methods: Forty eight patients of anorectal malformation were selected from Department of Paediatric Surgery, KGMU, UP, Lucknow. Blood samples were collected and their cytogenetic study was done in the Department of Anatomy, KGMU-U.P, Lucknow. Karyotypes obtained were further analysed. Results: Out of 48 children enrolled in the study, karyogram could be obtained for 45 cases (93.75%). Maternal age at the time of birth of the child was 30 years of age at the time of birth of the child. However, proportion of those with anomalies was significantly higher in >30 years age group (75%) as compared to that in 30 years of age, which could be due to increased risk of congenital anomalies and malformations with advanced age.

Introduction: Fusion of one or more contiguous vertebral segments is usually the result of embryological failure of normal spinal segmentation. It may be associated with syndromes such as Klippel-Feil. Fused cervical vertebrae (FCV) may also be acquired or pathologic. FCV is generally associated with disease like tuberculosis, other infections, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and trauma. The commonest site of involvement is C2-C3. In condition of fusion the two vertebrae appear not only structurally as one but also function as one. This anomaly may be asymptomatic; however, it may also manifest in the form of serious clinical features such as myelopathy, limitation of the neck movement, muscular weakness, atrophy or neurological sensory loss. Case report: We observed the fusion of axis with 3rd cervical vertebra. Body, laminae and spines of C2 and C3 were completely fused on both anterior and posterior aspects, whereas the pedicles and transverse processes were not fused. Foramen transversarium was present on both the vertebrae bilaterally. Conclusion: This variation is noteworthy to neurosurgeons and radiologists in studying computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Introduction: Median nerve is formed in axilla by contributions from medial and lateral cords of brachial plexus. It descends in the arm, forearm and then through carpal tunnel in close conjunction with flexor tendons of forearm. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy. Median nerve cross sectional area (CSA) and ratio of nerve major axis to minor axis (flattening ratio) serve as potential diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome. Median nerve cross sectional area and flattening ratio (FR) can be assessed by ultrasonography (US). Aim of the study was to assess median nerve by US and tabulate mean values for CSA and FR in asymptomatic population. This would serve to limit the cut-off values that differentiate asymptomatic nerves from neuropathic nerves. Material & Methods: Study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, KGMU, Lucknow. Fifty randomly selected asymptomatic volunteers (undergraduate students: 30 males, 20 females) participated in the study. Sonography was performed to evaluate certain morphological dimensions of median nerve. Height, weight and wrist circumference of participants were also noted. Ultrasonography was performed using high frequency linear probe and observations were made at two pre-determined sites. Observations were recorded, tabulated and analyzed. Results: Median nerve was easily observable at both sites. It was round in shape in forearm (Fo), and flattened as it reached the carpal tunnel (Ct). Among all 50 study subjects, at both sites, flattening was more on right side (FRFoRt-1.71; FRCtRt-3.08) than on left side (FRFoLt-1.66; FRCtLt-2.78). In right forearm, nerve was flatter in females (FRFoRt-1.77) as compared to males (FRFoRt-1.68). In left forearm, median nerve was slightly rounder in females (FRFoLt-1.65) as compared to males (FRFoLt-1.67). At the distal wrist crease on right side, increased flattening was observed in females (FRCtRt-3.30) as compared to males (FRCtRt-2.94), whereas on left side, at same site flattening was more in females (males FRCtLt-2.74; females FRCtLt-2.83). Conclusion: Altered FR has both diagnostic as well as prognostic values in carpal tunnel syndrome. The database generated from the study will help in facilitating comparisons between normal, asymptomatic and pathological, asymptomatic individuals.

Aims: We carried out this study for evaluating the normal anatomy trunk and prevalence of anatomical variations of celiac trunk in the North Indian population. Materials and methods: Computerized tomographic images of 50 North Indian subjects, obtained from the Department of Radiodiagnosis, King George's Medical University, were retrospectively analyzed. The anatomy of the celiac trunk was studied using dynamic scans. Results: A variation in the site of origin of celiac trunk was observed in about 55% cases. The length and dimensions of the trunk also displayed a wide range of variation. Conclusion: Anatomic variations of the celiac trunk as observed by us may become important in patients undergoing diagnostic angiography for gastrointestinal bleeding or prior to an operative procedure. Recognition of variations would enable clinicians to distinguish features which merit further investigations or treatment from those which do not.