Earticle

In order to evaluate the sexual morphometric size dimorphism of Scincella vandenburghi in Korea, we investigated the morphometirc characteristics of 29 male and 19 female lizards collected from 11 localities between March 2008 and April 2010 As the morphometric characteristics, we used the snout-vent length (SVL), head length (HL), head width (HW), head height (HH), axilla-groin length (AGL), forelimb length (FLL), hindlimb length (HLL) and tail length (TL) of the lizards. The morphometric characteristics between males and females were significantly different in the HL, HW, HH, AGL and FLL. In special, males had significantly larger and higher head than had females when the body length was the same, but females had larger AGL than had males. The larger head in male lizards might be associated with both intra- and inter-sexual selection and the longer AGL of female lizards might be an adaptation for increasing fecundity. The difference in sexual dimorphism between females and males of Scincella vandenburghi may increase our understanding of how the characteristics evolve and are maintained.

Non-antibiotic feed additives stand as a potential alternative for antimicrobial growth promoters, but their effects in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chicks suffering early infection are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two non-antibiotic feed additives (a postbiotic and a sanguinarine-based phytobiotic) on the gut morphology and body weight gain of broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE). Birds (n = 144) were distributed according to a 2 × 3 factorial in a completely randomized design with the following treatments: non-challenged chicks fed control diet (SHAM-DCO), postbiotic (SHAMPFC), or sanguinarine-based compound (SHAM-SAN) and SE-challenged chicks fed control diet (SE-DCO), postbiotic (SE-PFC), and sanguinarine-based compound (SE-SAN). Birds from each treatment were euthanized at 3-, 7-, and 14-days post inoculation and samples were collected for SE counting and intestinal morphometry. Weight gain was determined at 14 days post-inoculation. Lower (p ≤ 0.05) Salmonella counts were observed in birds fed diets containing PFC at 3- and 7-days post inoculation. SE-challenged chicks showed greater crypt depth (p ≤ 0.05) and lamina propria thickness (p ≤ 0.05) and smaller villus:crypt ratio (p ≤ 0.05) at the different sampling periods. Overall, birds fed PFC or SAN showed decreased lamina propria thickness (p ≤ 0.05), greater villus height (p ≤ 0.05), villus:crypt ratio (p ≤ 0.05), and larger villus area (p ≤ 0.05) compared with those fed the control diet (DCO). SAN supplementation improved body weight (p ≤ 0.05) and weight gain (p ≤ 0.05) until 14 days post-hatch compared with the control diet. Both feed additives (PFC and SAN) improved birds’ response to post-hatch Salmonella Enteritidis infection, evidenced by beneficial changes in gut morphology. These effects highlight the potential of these feed additives to improve gut health of broiler chicks during the initial rearing phase.

‘Usul’ is a traditional medicinal herb, which has anti-inflammatory activities is distributed in India, Nepal,China, Korea, Japan. Korea pharmacopeia listed ‘Usul’ as either a species of Achyranthes japonica (Miq.) Nakai or A. bidentata Blume. Recent taxonomic studies in China and Japan delimited these taxa as two varieties, A. bidentata Blume var. bidentata and var. japonica Miq. A multivariate morphometric study of Achyranthes bidentata complex was undertaken to assess the entities of taxa that usefully could be recognized. Five quantitative characters were reviewed and analyzed with 293 specimens from Korea. The univariate analysis of inflorescence length, interval between florets, angle between floret and floral axis indicated that ranges among all taxa were continuous. However, quantitative characters of membrane size and the number of hairs within 4 were useful to identify two varieties. In PCA, the first three principal components accounted for 89.4% of the total variance. PCA revealed that var. bidentata showed distinctions in morphological attributes from var. japonica entity. Therefore, continued recognition at the infraspecifc level for these taxa is supported.

Employing Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS), morphometric analysis was carried out for Shakkar River catchment (area = 2220 km2) using satellite imageries and topographic maps on a scale map of 1:50,000 to determine its drainage characteristics. Exhibiting a dendritic drainage pattern, the drainage density of the study area varies from 2.84 to 3.67 km/km2 which observed that area is highly permeable and structurally controlled. The bifurcation ratio varies from 3.49 to 5.52 and the elongation ratio vary from 0.47 to 1.00, whereas value nearing 1 are typical of region of low relief. The area is delineated in 8 sub watershed. The morphometric analysis reveals that sub-watershed 3 show lower value of Drainage density and Stream Frequency, Sub-watershed 6 shows low value Compactness Constant and sub-watershed 7 show lower value of Circulatory Ratio and Form factor. The relief aspect lower in the subwatershed 2. And the values of Average slope vary from 9.27 to 88.50%. This study of morphometric analysis characterizes the watershed and helps to understand the hydrological behaviour of the Shakker river catchment.

딱정벌레류는 포식성(捕食性) 곤충(昆蟲)으로서, 특히 삼림해충(森林害蟲) 및 가축위생해충(家畜衛生害蟲)들의 생물학적(生物學的) 방제(防除)에 기여(寄與)할 수 있는 유용(有用) 천적곤충(天敵昆蟲)이다. 그 중에서 우리나라에서 흔히 볼 수 있는 멋쟁이딱정벌레 5아종(亞種), 9개지역 개체군(個體群)을 대상으로 계량형태학적(計量形態學的) 다변량해석(多變量解析)을 시도 하였다. 그 결과 외부형질(外部形質)의 비교에서 각 아종간(亞種間)이 평균(平均) 96.3%, 아종(亞種)을 무시한 종내(種內) 개체군간(個體群間)은 97.4%, 그리고 jankowskii 아종내(亞種內)의 개체군(個體群)만 비교 했을때 100%로서, 모두 평균(平均) 75% 이상(以上)의 분리율(分離率)이 나타났으며, 유의수준(有意水準)도 P<0.001로 판명되어, 각 아종간(亞種間) 및 지역간(地域間)이 명백히 서로 구별되어졌다. 웅성생식기(雄性生殖器)의 형질에만 의존한 비교에서는 Group 3(quelpartianus)의 85.6%를 제외한 대부분 분리율(分離率)이 표준(標準) 75% 법칙(法則)이하로 나타났으며, 유의수준(有意水準)도 대부분 P>0.001로 나타나서 그 판별력(判別力) 해석(解析)에 도움이 되지 못하였다. 이상에서와 같이 정량해석(定量解析) 방법(方法)에 의한 구분결과(區分結果)와 정성형질(定性形質)의 차이로서 전남(全南) 진도(珍島) 지역(地域)의 개체군(個體群)을 신아종(新亞種)으로 추가 기재(記載)하였다. 따라서, 우리나라에서 멋쟁이 딱정벌레는 현재 7아종(亞種)으로 구분될 수 있으나, 그 중에서 원명아종(原名亞鍾)은 조사된 5개 지역에서 모두 미세형태적(微細形態的) 형질(形質)의 차이가 다변량해석(多變量解析)에 의해 인지(認知)되었으므로 장차 자료의 보완과 함께 재검토(再檢討)가 요망(要望)된다.

The ground beetles or carabids are essentially predaceous feeding on a wide variety of insects including forest pests, slugs and land snails containing those injurious to livestock or veterinary, thus many are predominantly beneficial and serve as natural enemies. In the present investigation, some morphometric multivariate analysis were done for 9 different populations in 5 subspecies of D. (C.) jankowskii, which are one of the most common ground beetles in Korea As the results, when the comparison was conducted between intraspecific groups regardless of subspecies in external morphological characters, the average group membership revealed 97.46% correct assignment For intersubspecific comparisons alone 96.3% were correctly classified. Between the groups of ssp. jankowskii an average of 100% individuals were classified in their known group. Thus the predict group membership was highly significant(P<0.001), exceeding so-called 'the 75% rule'. Whereas, the average group membership using the male genitalic characters represented less than the 75% assignment, except only in ssp. quelpartianus (85.6%). The population from Is. Chindo were described here as a new subspecies for qualitative as well as the resultant quantitative differences. Therefore, a total of 7 subspecies are represented in Korea. Among them, the nominate subspecies, ssp. jankowskii(sensu lato), revealed distinct intrasubspecific differences between different geographic populations. These differences can be as notable as intersubspecific variation which need substantial revision of the previous intuitional concepts on the infraspecific level.

Purpose: Sex determination can be done by morphological analysis of different parts of the body. The mastoid region, with its anatomical location at the skull base, is ideal for sex identification. Statistical shape analysis provides a simultaneous comparison of geometric information on different shapes in terms of size and shape features. This study aimed to investigate the geometric morphometry of the inter-mastoid triangle as a tool for sex determination in the Iranian population. Materials and Methods: The coordinates of 5 landmarks on the mastoid process on the 80 cone-beam computed tomographic images(from individuals aged 17-70 years, 52.5% female) were registered and digitalized. The Cartesian x-y coordinates were acquired for all landmarks, and the shape information was extracted from the principal component scores of generalized Procrustes fit. The t-test was used to compare centroid size. Cross-validated discriminant analysis was used for sex determination. The significance level for all tests was set at 0.05. Results: There was a significant difference in the mastoid size and shape between males and females(P<0.05). The first 2 components of the Procrustes shape coordinates explained 91.3% of the shape variation between the sexes. The accuracy of the discriminant model for sex determination was 88.8%. Conclusion: The application of morphometric geometric techniques will significantly impact forensic studies by providing a comprehensive analysis of differences in biological forms. The results demonstrated that statistical shape analysis can be used as a powerful tool for sex determination based on a morphometric analysis of the inter-mastoid triangle.

이탈리안벌인 A, C, F계통과 코카시안벌인 D, V계통을 2005년부터 2007년까지 국내에서 수집하였다. 수집한 계통은 육종을 위해 격리된 섬에서 근친교배를 통해 순계로 분리하였다. 이 연구는 꿀, 로열젤리 다수확계통 선발에 있어 개체군 선발과 육종 효율을 높이기 위해 수행되었다. 23 개의 형태학적 특성을 평가하고 두 아종의 기존 데이터와 비교한 결과, 이탈리안벌 순계계통은 코카시안벌 순계 계통과 달리8개의 특성이 기존의 이탈리안벌과 유사해 더 많은 특성이 보존되고 있음을 알 수 있었다. 또한 국내에서 유지되고 있는 순계들은 타 지역의 동일 계통과 차이를 보여 분리된 순계의 형태적인 특징이 확인되었다.

The A, C, F colonies of Apis mellifera ligustica Spin. and D, V colony of Apis mellifera caucasia Gorb. bees were collected from 2005-2007. Consequently, inbred lines were derived from the bees of original colonies by matting in the isolated island with due regard for pure breeding. This project helps in the selection of colonies with higher production capacity, aiming to improve honey and royal jelly production and breeding programs. Twenty-three standard morphological traits of honeybee were evaluated, and samples were compared with the data of the two original subspecies. The result suggested that 8 traits partly preserved in bees of inbred lines, and the bees from A. m. ligustica preserved more traits than bees from A. m. caucasia. Among the studied inbred lines, the F line is distinguished by an increase in leg parameters, considered as a favorable phenotypic trait of inbred lines. Importantly, bred of beelines in the same area can be classified as remote and isolated areas. Therefore, we observed differences of inbred lines with the origin subspecies in description acquired with morphometric characteristics as a result of adaptation, breeding, purebred individual lines used as an important resource for breeding novel cross-breeding colonies.

Genetic diversity among Thaumatococcus daniellii populations in the southwestern region of Nigeria were assessed using morphometric and molecular markers to determine the population structure and existing genetic relationship for its improvement, conservation and sustainable utilisation. Populations from five locations in each of the six states were used for the study. Morphometric data were collected on folia characters and analysed for variability. Genome DNA was isolated from the plant leaf and amplified by polymerase chain reaction with inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR) to determine the allelic polymorphism, marker effectiveness and genetic relationship of the population. The results showed significant variations in petiole length and leaf dimensions of the populations within and across the states. These morphometric traits are the major parameters that delimit the populations and they correlated significantly at P≤0.05. Analysis of the electrophoregram showed that the ISSR markers are effective for the diversity study. A total of 136 loci were amplified with an average of 7.16 loci per marker, 63.2% of the loci were polymorphic. The Principal Coordinate Analysis revealed that seven factors accounted for 81.6% of the variation and the dendrogram separated the populations into two major groups at a genetic distance of 10 (about 90% similarity) with sub-groups and clusters. Most populations within the state had a high degree of similarity, nonetheless, strong genetic relationship exists among populations from different states. The close relationship between populations across the states suggests a common progenitor, which are likely separated by ecological or geographical isolation mechanisms.

Objective : Morphometric data for the lumbar posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) was investigated to identify whether there is a difference in the morphometry of the PLL of the lumbar spine at each level with respect to the pattern of intervertebral disc displacement. Methods : In 14 formalin-fixed adult cadavers (12 males and 2 females), from L1 to L5, the authors measured the width and height of the PLL and compared them with other landmarks such as the disc and the pedicle. Results : Horizontally, at the upper margin of the disc, the central portion of the superficial PLL covered 17.8-36.9% of the disc width and the fan-like portion of the PLL covered 63.9-76.7% of the disc width. At the level of the median portion of the disc, the PLL covered 69.1-74.5% of the disc width. Vertically, at the level of the medial margin of the pedicle, the fan-like portion of the PLL covered 23.5-29.9% of the disc height. In general, a significant difference in length was not found in the right-left and male-female comparisons. Conclusion : This study presents the morphometric data on the pattern of intervertebral disc displacement and helps to improve the knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the lumbar PLL.

The Korean long-tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus) is at risk of population decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Therefore, it is essential to ascertain its presence and/or the identity of individuals of the goral using non-invasive fecal samples for its conservation and management. In this study, we examined the morphology of fecal samples to provide the baseline data that can be used to distinguish species and age of goral individuals. We detected a significant difference in the length-to-width ratios of feces among the five ungulate species found in Korea. Also, we detected a significant difference in the length-to-width ratios of feces of gorals depending on the age groups. To assess the accuracy of species and age identification based on the fecal morphology, we conducted a series of blind comparison between the mean length-towidth ratios of the fecal pellets and the reference mean ratio values of the fecal pellets. Using 20 fecal pellets, our results showed 73%-86% probability of correct identification of the three species (gorals, goats, and roe deer), and 83%-90% probability of correct identification of >5 year-old goral individuals. The use of fecal morphometric analyses will be useful for the studies of Korean ungulate species, particularly the endangered gorals.

Objective : To evaluate the morphometry of the anterior thalamoperforating arteries (ATPA). Methods : A microanatomical study was performed in 79 specimens from 42 formalin-fixed adult cadaver brains. The origins of the ATPAs were divided into anterior, middle, and posterior segments according to the crowding pattern. The morphometry of the ATPAs, including the premammillary artery (PMA), were examined under a surgical microscope. Results : The anterior and middle segments of the ATPAs arose at mean intervals of $1.75{\pm}1.62$ mm and $5.86{\pm}2.05$ mm from the internal carotid artery (ICA), and the interval between these segments was a mean of $3.17{\pm}1.64$ mm. The posterior segment arose at a mean interval of $2.43{\pm}1.46$ mm from the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and the interval between the middle and posterior segments was a mean of $3.45{\pm}1.39$ mm. The mean numbers of perforators were $2.66{\pm}1.19$, $3.03{\pm}1.84$, and $1.67{\pm}0.98$ in the anterior, middle, and posterior segments, respectively. The PMA originated from the middle segment in 66% of cases. A perforator-free zone was located >2 mm from the ICA in 30.4% and >2 mm from the PCA in 67.1% of cases. Conclusion : Most perforators arose from the anterior and middle segments, within the anterior two-thirds of the posterior communicating artery (PCoA). The safest perforator-free zone was located closest to the PCA. These anatomical findings may be helpful to verify safety when treating lesions around the PCoA and in the interpeduncular fossa.

Intraspecific variation in morphometry of pine wood nematodes Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and B. mucronatus in relation to geographical locations in South Korea was investigated using morphometric characters (body length, a, b and c ratio, stylet length, and spicule length for a male nematode and V (%) value for a female nematode). B. xylophilus was isolated from Pinus thunbergii in Jinju (1998), Ulsan (2000), Yangsan (2000), Mokpo (2001) and Jeju (2004), and from P. densiflora in Gumi (2001). B. mucronatus was isolated from P. thunbergii in Jinju (1991) and from P. densiflora in Milyang (2001). The body length of male and female B. xylophilus had the highest coefficient of variability and showed significant differences among geographical locations. The V (%) value for female B. xylophilus showed the lowest coefficient of variability, changing little with geographical area and host plant. All morphometric characters in B. mucronatus except for stylet length and female body length showed no significant differences between locations or hosts, suggesting they may not be affected by geographical area or host plant.

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to provide an actual guideline in determining the shape, diameter, and position of the implant in immediate implantation by the measurement of the thickness of facial and palatal plate, the thickness of cortical bone on the facial and palatal plate, the diameter of the root, and the distance between the roots in the cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The horizontal sections of 20 maxillae were measured and analyzed to obtain the average values. Resin blocks were produced and cut serially at 1 mm intervals from the cervical line to the root apex. Images of each section were obtained and the following measurements were performed: The thickness of the facial and palatal residual bone at each root surface, the thickness of the facial and palatal cortical bone at the interdental region, the diameter of all roots of each section on the faciopalatal and mesiodistal diameter, and the interroot distance. Three specimens with measurements close to the average values were chosen and 3-dimensional images were reconstructed. RESULTS. The thickness of the facial and palatal cortical bone at the interdental region in the maxilla, the buccal cortical bone was thicker in the posterior region compared to the anterior region. The interroot distance of the alveolar bone thickness between the roots increased from anterior to posterior region and from coronal to apical in the maxilla. CONCLUSION. In this study, the limited results of the morphometric analysis of the alveolar ridge using the sections of maxilla in the cadavers may offer the useful information when planning and selecting optimal implant for immediate implantation in the maxilla.

In this study, we measured the morphometric and histological changes in the cyprinid loach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, during the early period of growth. Eyes, yolk length, yolk height, and yolk volume of the larva decreased for 16 days post hatching (DPH) (P<0.05). During 60 DPH (P>0.05), the most anterior extension of the head ${\times}$ the posterior end of the supraoccipital, the most anterior extension of the head ${\times}$ the origin of the dorsal fin, the most anterior extension of the head ${\times}$ the origin of the pectoral fin, the posterior end of the supraoccipital ${\times}$ the origin of the pelvic fin, and the origin of the dorsal fin ${\times}$ the ventral origin of the caudal fin gradually decreased, whereas the most anterior extension of the head ${\times}$ the dorsal origin of the caudal fin, the origin of the dorsal fin ${\times}$ the origin of the anal fin, the origin of the dorsal fin ${\times}$ the origin of the pectoral fin, and the insertion of the dorsal fin ${\times}$ the origin of the pelvic fin gradually increased (P<0.05). In the cyprinid loach, the retina is composed of six layers: the epithelial layer, ganglion cell layer, inner nuclear layer, inner plexiform layer, outer limiting membrane, and rod and cone layer (RCL). After hatching, part of the RCL gradually increased in density. The kidney and midgut epithelium were already formed in the cyprinid loach just after hatching and grew gradually in subsequent days.

Objective : This study was performed to determine the anatomical landmarks and optimal dissection points of the facial nerve (FN) and the hypoglossal nerve (HGN) in the submandibular region to provide guidance for hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis (HFNA). Methods : Twenty-nine specimens were obtained from 15 formalin-fixed adult cadavers. Distances were measured based on the mastoid process tip (MPT), common carotid artery bifurcation (CCAB), and the digastric muscle posterior belly (DMPB). Results : The shortest distance from the MPT to the stylomastoid foramen was $14.1{\pm}2.9$ mm. The distance from the MPT to the FN origin was $8.6{\pm}2.8$ mm anteriorly and $5.9{\pm}2.8$ mm superiorly. The distance from the CCAB to the crossing point of the HGN and the internal carotid artery was $18.5{\pm}6.7$ mm, and that to the crossing point of the HGN and the external carotid artery was $15.1{\pm}5.7$ mm. The distance from the CCAB to the HGN bifurcation was $26.6{\pm}7.5$ mm. The distance from the digastric groove to the HGN, which was found under the DMPB, was about $35.8{\pm}5.7$ mm. The distance from the digastric groove to the HGN, which was found under the DMPB, corresponded to about 65.5% of the whole length of the DMPB. Conclusion : This study provides useful information regarding the morphometric anatomy of the submandibular region, and the presented morphological data on the nerves and surrounding structures will aid in understanding the anatomical structures more accurately to prevent complications of HFNA.

Objective : The objective of this study was to investigate the morphologic characteristics between the vertebral body and the regions of the cervical and thoracic spinal cords where each rootlets branch out. Methods : Sixteen adult cadavers (12 males and 4 females) with a mean age of 57.9 (range of 33 to 70 years old) were used in this study. The anatomical relationship between the exit points of the nerve roots from the posterior root entry zone at each spinal cord segment and their corresponding relevant vertebral bodies were also analyzed. Results : Vertical span of the posterior root entry zone between the upper and lower rootlet originating from each spinal segment ranged from 10-12 mm. The lengths of the rootlets from their point of origin at the spinal cord to their entrance into the intervertebral foramen were 5.9 mm at the third cervical nerve root and increased to 14.5 mm at the eighth cervical nerve root. At the lower segments of the nerve roots (T3 to T12), the posterior root entry zone of the relevant nerve roots had a corresponding anatomical relationship with the vertebral body that is two segments above. The posterior root entry zones of the sixth (94%) and seventh (81%) cervical nerve roots were located at a vertebral body a segment above from relevant segment. Conclusion : Through these investigations, a more accurate diagnosis, the establishment of a better therapeutic plan, and a decrease in surgical complications can be expected when pathologic lesions occur in the spinal cord or vertebral body.

Objective : Morphometric data for the sympathetic ganglia (SG) of the upper thoracic spine was investigated to identify the exact location of the SG in order to reduce normal tissue injury in the thoracic cavity during thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Methods : In 46 specimens from 23 formalin-fixed adult cadavers, the authors measured the shortest distance from the medial margin of the T1, T2 and T3 SG to the most prominent point and medial margin of the corresponding rib heads, and to the lateral margin of the longus colli muscle. In addition, the distance between the most prominent point of the rib head and the lateral margin of longus colli muscle and the width of each SG were measured. Results : The shortest distance from the medial margin of the SG to the prominent point of corresponding rib head was on average 1.9 mm on T1, 4.2 mm, and 4.1 mm on T2, T3. The distance from the medial margin of the SG to the medial margin of the corresponding rib head was 4.2 mm on T1, 5.9 mm, and 6.3 mm on T2, T3. The mean distance from the medial margin of the SG to the lateral margin of the longus colli muscle was 6.7 mm on T1, 8.8 mm, 9.9 and mm on T2, T3. The mean distance between the prominent point of the rib head and the lateral margin of the longus colli muscle was 4.8 mm on T1, 4.6 mm, and 5.9 mm on T2, T3. The mean width of SG was 6.1 mm on T1, 4.1 mm, and 3.1 mm on T2, T3. Conclusion : We present morphometric data to assist in surgical planning and the localization of the upper thoracic SG during thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

Objective : Morphometric data on dorsal cervical anatomy were examined in an effort to protect the nerve root near the lateral mass during posterior foraminotomy. Methods : Using 25 adult formalin-fixed cadaveric cervical spines, measurements were taken at the lateral mass from C3 to C7 via a total laminectomy and a medial one-half facetectomy. The morphometric relationship between the nerve roots and structures of the lateral mass was investigated. Results from both genders were compared. Results : Following the total laminectomy, from C3 to C7, the mean of the vertical distance from the medial point of the facet (MPF) of the lateral mass to the axilla of the root origin was 3.2-4.7 mm. The whole length of the exposed root had a mean of 4.2-5.8 mm. Following a medial onehalf facetectomy, from C3 to C7, the mean of the vertical distance to the axilla of the root origin was 2.1-3.4 mm, based on the MPF. Mean vertical distances from the MPF to the medial point of the root that crossed the inferior margin of the intervertebral disc were 1.2-2.7 mm. The mean distance of the exposed root was 8.2-9.0 mm, and the mean angle between the dura and the nerve root was significantly different between males and females, at $53.4-68.4^{\circ}$. Conclusion : These data will aid in reducing root injuries during posterior cervical foraminotomy.

Objective: To investigate the morphometric characteristics of the pituitary gland and diaphragma sellae in Korean adults. Methods: Using the 33 formaline fixed adult cadavers (23 male, 10 female), the measurements were taken at the diaphragma sellae and pituitary gland. The authors investigated the relationship between dura and structures surrounding pituitary gland, morphometric aspects of pituitary gland and stalk, and morphometric aspect of central opening of diaphragma sellae. Results: The boundary between the lateral surface of pituitary gland and the medial wall of cavernous sinus was formed by the thin dural layer and pituitary capsule. The pituitary capsule adherent tightly to the pituitary gland was observed to continue from the diaphragma sellae. Mean width, length, and height of the pituitary gland were 14.3${\pm}$2.1, 7.9${\pm}$1.3, and 6.0${\pm}$0.9 mm in anterior lobes, and 8.7${\pm}$1.7, 2.9${\pm}$1.1, and 5.8${\pm}$1.0 mm in posterior lobes, respectively. Although all dimensions of anterior lobe in female were slightly larger than those in male, statistical significance was noted in only longitudinal dimension. The ratio of posterior lobe to the whole length of pituitary gland was about 27%. The mean thickness of pituitary stalk was 2 mm. The diaphragmal opening was 5 mm or more in 26 (78.8%) of 33 specimen. The opening was round in 60.6% of the specimen, and elliptical oriented in an anterior-posterior or transverse direction in 39.4%. Conclusion: These results provide the safe anatomical knowledge during the transsphenoidal surgery and may be helpful to access the possibility of the development of empty sella syndrome.

Tylenchulus semipenetrans, citrus nematode is an important phytopathogenic nematode and responsible for serious damage on citrus. However, little information is available about genetic variability of T. semipenetrans among different populations with variation of conventional diagnostic characteristics. In this study, we compared the morphometric and genetic characteristics among different populations. The mature female of T. semipenetrans collected in this study had thicker cuticle than those in the previous studies. In comparative sequence analysis of T. semipenetrans populations obtained from Jeju in Korea, we observed genetic variations within clones generated from single individuals. To determine whether variability among copies of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences exists in the genome of T. semipenetrans, PCR-RFLP technique from individuals of Korean isolates with MseI and MspI restriction enzymes was used to prove experimentally that all populations have intra-specific variations. Restriction enzyme digestion created several fragments on 3.0% agarose gel corresponding to several haplotypes in all populations, though some populations displayed fragment deletion. The total length of fragments was larger than before digestion, indicating sequence heterogeneity within the genome of T. semipenetrans.