Earticle

Background: Hybridization between closely related fish species can generate novel phenotypes that influence aquaculture performance. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological characteristics of hybrids between the two aquaculture-relevant flounder species Kareius bicoloratus and Platichthys stellatus using a hybrid index and a newly proposed resemblance p-value-based morphometric analysis, providing insights into hybrid resemblance patterns relative to their parental species. Methods: One-year-old individuals from the three genotype groups (K. bicoloratus, P. stellatus , and hybrid) were analyzed using a combination of traditional and trussbased morphometrics. From the full dataset, 77 morphological indices were extracted, including proportions, ratios, and angular measurements. The hybrid index was computed to quantify parental resemblance, while the delta resemblance value (ΔRV) was derived from Kruskal-Wallis test to assess statistical resemblance trends. One-way ANOVA and multiple comparison tests were used to determine statistical significance among groups. Results: Hybrid flounders exhibited a complex blend of parental and hybrid-specific traits, with morphological resemblance varying by trait category. Among the 77 morphological indices, 44 (57.1%) fell within the parental range, while 33 (42.9%) exceeded parental values, demonstrating transgressive segregation or heterosis in hybrid morphology. Morphometric resemblance patterns were trait-dependent: indices relative to total length or head length tended to resemble maternal species, whereas depth-related ratios and angular traits were more similar to father. Conclusions: The integration of H-index and ΔRV analysis provided a systematic and quantitative framework for assessing hybrid morphology, offering valuable insights into phenotypic expression of hybrids, with potential relevance to aquaculture.

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.

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.

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.

Background: Atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) is a category that encompasses a heterogeneous group of thyroid aspiration cytology. It has been reclassified into two subgroups based on the cytomorphologic features: AUS with cytologic atypia and AUS with architectural atypia. The nuclear characteristics of AUS with cytologic atypia need to be clarified by comparing to those observed in Hashimoto thyroiditis and benign follicular lesions. Methods: We selected 84 cases of AUS with histologic follow-up, 24 cases of Hashimoto thyroiditis, and 26 cases of benign follicular lesions. We also subcategorized the AUS group according to the follow-up biopsy results into a papillary carcinoma group and a nodular hyperplasia group. The differences in morphometric parameters, including the nuclear areas and perimeters, were compared between these groups. Results: The AUS group had significantly smaller nuclear areas than the Hashimoto thyroiditis group, but the nuclear perimeters were not statistically different. The AUS group also had significantly smaller nuclear areas than the benign follicular lesion group; however, the AUS group had significantly longer nuclear perimeters. The nuclear areas in the papillary carcinoma group were significantly smaller than those in the nodular hyperplasia group; however, the nuclear perimeters were not statistically different. Conclusions: We found the AUS group to be a heterogeneous entity, including histologic follow-up diagnoses of papillary carcinoma and nodular hyperplasia. The AUS group showed significantly greater nuclear irregularities than the other two groups. Utilizing these features, nuclear morphometry could lead to improvements in the accuracy of the subjective diagnoses made with thyroid aspiration cytology.

PURPOSE. We aimed to identify a more esthetic width-to-length ratio by analyzing maxillary central incisor of Korean adult population. Information regarding tooth ratio in the Korean population may be useful to clinicians when restoring anterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 40 men and 40 women were included in this study. The NON-MEDIA group included 40 non-celebrities, who were healthy and 25 to 39 years old, with normal dentofacial appearance. The MEDIA group consisted of 40 celebrities selected only on the basis of their soft-tissue facial appearance. The facial photographs of 40 celebrities were collected from the Internet websites. The width and length of the maxillary central incisor were measured using Adobe $Photoshop^{(R)}$ 7.0, a software for analysis, measurement and edition of photographs. Data were analyzed statistically using the Independent t-test at 5% statistical significance level. RESULTS. The mean ratio for the MEDIA group was 0.77, whereas that of the NON-MEDIA group was 0.88. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. No significant gender differences were found in the width-to-length ratio in MEDIA group. In NON-MEDIA group, however, there were significant differences between female and male. CONCLUSION. After analyzing maxillary anterior teeth of Korean adults, our results were in accordance with the general Western standards of esthetics. A dentist restoring the natural look and beauty of teeth will have to consider those standards.

Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric changes in neuroforamen in grade I isthmic spondylolisthesis by anterior lumbar interbody fusion [ALIF]. Methods : Fourteen patients with grade I isthmic spondylolisthesis who underwent single level ALIF with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation were enrolled. All patients underwent standing lateral radiography and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] before surgery and at 1 week after surgery. For quantitative analysis, the foraminal height, width, epidural foraminal height, epidural foraminal width, and epidural foraminal area were evaluated at the mid-portion of 28 foramens using T2-weighted sagittal MRI. For qualitative analysis, degree of neural compression in mid-portion of 28 foramens was classified into 4 grades using T2-weighted sagittal MRI. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Visual Analogue Sale [VAS] scores for leg pain and Oswestry disability index before surgery and at 1 year after surgery. Results : The affected levels were L4-5 in 10 cases and L5-S1 in 4. The mean foraminal height was increased [p<0.001], and the mean foraminal width was decreased [p=0.014] significantly after surgery. The mean epidural foraminal height [p<0.001], epidural foraminal width [p<0.001], and epidural foraminal area [p<0.001] showed a significant increase after surgery. The mean grade for neural compression was decreased significantly after surgery [p<0.001]. VAS scores for leg pain [p=0.001] and Oswestry disability index [p=0.001] was decreased significantly at one year after surgery. Conclusion : Foraminal stenosis in grade I isthmic spondylolisthesis may effectively decompressed by ALIF with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.

Objective: The goal of this study is to establish the anatomical criteria of the normal and stenotic lumbosacral extraforaminal tunnel, and also to determine the effect of the pathologic intervertebral disc on the size of extraforaminal tunnel in the lumbosacral spine. Methods: MRI and CT scans were reviewed and classified into two groups: (1) 40 patients with normal discs at L5- S1 (Group 1) and (2) 43 patients that had undergone successful decompression surgery for extraforaminal entrapment at the lumbosacral region(Group 2). In these two groups, the following parameters were compared are compared: the distance between the disc margin and the ala (lumbosacral tunnel) on the axial MRI, and the posterior disc height at L5-S1 on the mid-sagittal MRI. Results: In the group 1, the mean distance of the lumbosacral tunnel on the axial MRI was $10.1{\pm}2.2mm$. The mean posterior disc height at L5-S1 was $7.4{\pm}1.7mm$ on the mid-sagittal MRI. In the group 2, the mean distance between the disc margin and the ala (costal process) was $1.6{\pm}1.3mm$ on the axial MRI. The average posterior disc height was $4.4{\pm}1.5mm$ on the mid-sagittal MRI. The posterior disc height and the size of the lumbosacral tunnel between the two groups were statistically different on the paired t-test (p<0.0001). However, the posterior disc height was not positively correlated with the size of the extraforaminal tunnel for group 2 (p=0.909). Conclusion: The extraforaminal stenosis was correlated to pathologic disc. However, the posterior disc height was not correlated to the size of the of the extraforaminal tunnel.

Objective : The purpose of this study is to measure the dimensions of foramen ovale and to localize the zygomatic point using computed tomography[CT] in Korean adults with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. Methods : Facial axial CT scans using the orbitomeatal plane were performed in 67patients [39males and 28females; mean age 58.8years] with idiopathic classic trigeminal neuralgia. We measured the size of the foramen ovale and localized the zygomatic point which was a skin marker over the ipsilateral zygoma that approximates the lateral projection of a straight line joining the centers of the two foramen ovale. Results : The axial dimensions of the foramen ovale on the orbitomeatal plane were of average length : $8.18{\pm}0.82mm$ [range $6.9{\sim}11.5mm$]. width : $4.06{\pm}0.86mm$ [$2.5{\sim}5.7mm$]. The average distance between the external acoustic meatus and the zygomatic point was $21.64{\pm}1.99mm$ [$16.3{\sim}25.0mm$] and the average distance of anterior margin of condylar process of mandible to zygomatic point was $4.29{\pm}1.19mm$ [$1.0{\sim}7.0mm$]. Conclusion : The anatomical understandings including the size of the foramen ovale and localization of the zygomatic point could be helpful in determining a plan of percutaneous approaches to foramen ovale.

보리나무속식물의 유연종군에 서식하는 큰보리나무이종군의 날개형질을 다변량적 방법으로 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 1. 미기재종은 계절형과 성적인 변이형의 개체가 아닌 독립된 종으로 밝혀졌다. 2. 군분석에서 작은보리나무이는 종내 암.수의 형질 pattern이 높은 유사성을 나타내었다. 3. 4종의 군분석 결과는 작은보리나무이의 계절형이 다른 종에 결합하였으며, 큰보리나무이의 지리적변이가 개체군 사이에서 독립된 결합군으로 나타났다. 4. 명보리나무이와 큰보리나무이 및 미기재종의 암컷들은 세 종 모두 같은 그룹에 소속되었다. 5. 판별분석에서는 성별, 계절형 및 지리적 구분에 영향을 받지 않고 4종이 독립된 종군으로 동정되었다.

The wing morphometric characters of P.elaeagni complex feeding on the genus Elaeagnus plants was analysed by the multivariate methods using clustering of generalized distance and discriminant analysis. On the clustering of the species, the effect of sexual differences, seasonal variation and geographic population sensitively appeared . However, four species of this group was precicely divided by the discriminant analysis.

보리나무속식물의 유연종군에 서식하는 큰보리나무이종군의 날개형질을 다변량적 방법으로 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 1. 미기재종은 계절형과 성적인 변이형의 개체가 아닌 독립된 종으로 밝혀졌다. 2. 군분석에서 작은보리나무이는 종내 암.수의 형질 pattern이 높은 유사성을 나타내었다. 3. 4종의 군분석 결과는 작은보리나무이의 계절형이 다른 종에 결합하였으며, 큰보리나무이의 지리적변이가 개체군 사이에서 독립된 결합군으로 나타났다. 4. 명보리나무이와 큰보리나무이 및 미기재종의 암컷들은 세 종 모두 같은 그룹에 소속되었다. 5. 판별분석에서는 성별, 계절형 및 지리적 구분에 영향을 받지 않고 4종이 독립된 종군으로 동정되었다.

The wing morphometric characters of P.elaeagni complex feeding on the genus Elaeagnus plants was analysed by the multivariate methods using clustering of generalized distance and discriminant analysis. On the clustering of the species, the effect of sexual differences, seasonal variation and geographic population sensitively appeared . However, four species of this group was precicely divided by the discriminant analysis.

Objective : In this study, we aimed to investigate the underlying ethiological factors in chiari malformation (CM) type-I (CMI) via performing volumetric and morphometric length-angle measurements. Methods : A total of 66 individuals [33 patients (20-65 years) with CMI and 33 control subjects] were included in this study. In sagittal MR images, tonsillar herniation length and concurrent anomalies were evaluated. Supratentorial, infratentorial, and total intracranial volumes were measured using Cavalieri method. Various cranial distances and angles were used to evaluate the platybasia and posterior cranial fossa (PCF) development. Results : Tonsillar herniation length was measured $9.09{\pm}3.39mm$ below foramen magnum in CM group. Tonsillar herniation/concurrent syringomyelia, concavity/defect of clivus, herniation of bulbus and fourth ventricle, basilar invagination and craniovertebral junction abnormality rates were 30.3, 27, 18, 2, 3, and 3 percent, respectively. Absence of cisterna magna was encountered in 87.9% of the patients. Total, IT and ST volumes and distance between Chamberlain line and tip of dens axis, Klaus index, clivus length, distance between internal occipital protuberance and opisthion were significantly decreased in patient group. Also in patient group, it was found that Welcher basal angle/Boogard angle increased and tentorial slope angle decreased. Conclusion : Mean cranial volume and length-angle measurement values significantly decreased and there was a congenital abnormality association in nearly 81.5 percent of the CM cases. As a result, it was concluded that CM ethiology can be attributed to multifactorial causes. Moreover, congenital defects can also give rise to this condition.

Seven species of the genus $Melanaphis$ van der Goot are recognized in Korea, including $M.$ $sorini$ Halbert and Remaudi$\grave{e}$re new to Korea. Morphometric analysis is performed based on 27 major characteristics to determine the morphometric correlation between species and to suggest useful diagnostic characters in this species complex. We provide the identification key based on the results of the morphometric analysis.

Objective : To evaluate the anatomical parameters that must be considered when performing thoracic transpedicular or extrapedicular screw fixation. Methods : We selected 958 vertebrae (1,916 pedicles) from 98 patients for analysis. Eight parameters were measured from CT scans : the transverse outer pedicular diameter, transverse inner pedicular diameter, length, angle, chord length of the pedicles and the transverse width, angle, and chord length of the pedicle-rib units. Results : The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 82 years (mean: 48.2 years) and there were 57 men and 41 women. The narrowest transverse outer pedicular diameter was at T5 (4.4 mm). The narrowest pedicle length was at T1 (15.9 mm). For pedicle angle, T1 was 31.6 degrees, which was the most convergent angle, and it showed the tendency of the lower the level, the lesser the convergent angle. The chord length showed a horizontal pattern with similar values at all levels. For the PRU width, T5 showed a similar pattern to the pedicle width at 13.4 mm. For the PRU angle, T1 was the largest angle at 46.2 degrees and the tendency was the lower the level. the narrower the angle. For chord length, T1 was the shortest at 46.9 mm and T8 was the longest at 60.1 mm. Conclusion : When transpedicular screw fixations carried out at the mid-thoracic level, special care must be taken because there is a high chance of danger of medial wall violation. In these circumstances, extrapedicular screw fixation may be considered as an alternative treatment.

The intervertebral foramen is formed by two adjacent vertebrae and an intervertebral disc. Previous studies examining the foramen have been performed using various methods. The author obtained characteristics of the intervertebral foramen based on silicon mold. The author used 18 cadavers and dissected the lumbar intervertebral foramen. First, positional levels of the spinal nerve in the intervertebral foramen were measured. Second, after being removed all tissues covering the intervertebral, bony foramen was filled with melted silicon to mold the cross section. Subsequently, the solidified silicon mold was removed and stamped on a paper. The paper was scanned and analyzed area, perimeter, height and width of the intervertebral foramen on a computer. Area (average, 9.43 mm2) and perimeter (average, 48.02 mm) did not show any statistical significant pattern for any lumbar vertebral levels. However, the height and width significantly differed at the fifth lumbar vertebra, which had the shortest height (the fifth, 13.00 mm; average, 15.78 mm) and longest width (the fifth, 8.61 mm; average, 7.87 mm), although there were similar patterns in case of area and perimeter of the first to fourth lumbar vertebra. Height had a decrease tendency while width had an increase tendency both from the second to fifth lumbar vertebra. Spinal nerves went through near the intervertebral disc level from the first to fourth lumbar vertebra, although they passed below the disc at the fifth level. This study provides a different view of methodology for the 3-dimensional aspect for the intervertebral foramen. Results of this study may indicate that height and width of the intervertebral foramen changed along all lumbar vertebral levels; nevertheless, area and perimeter of the intervertebral foramen remained constant.

Urothelial carcinoma accounts for 90% of all the cases of bladder cancer. Although many cases can be easily managed by local excision, urothelial carcinoma rather frequently recurs, tends to progress to muscle invasion, and requires regular follow-ups. Urine cytology is a main approach for the follow-up of bladder tumors. It is noninvasive, but it has low sensitivity of around 50% with using the conventional cytospin preparation. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has been developed as a replacement for the conventional technique. We compared the cytomorphometric parameters of $ThinPrep^{(R)}$ and cytospin preparation urine cytology to see whether there are definite differences between the two methods and which technique allows malignant cells to be more effectively discriminated from benign cells. The nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio value, as measured by digital image analysis, was efficient for differentiating malignant and benign urothelial cells, and this was irrespective of the preparation method and the tumor grade. Neither the $ThinPrep^{(R)}$ nor the conventional preparation cytology was definitely superior for distinguishing malignant cells from benign cells by cytomorphometric analysis of the adequately preserved cells. However, the $ThinPrep^{(R)}$ preparation showed significant advantages when considering the better preservation and cellularity with a clear background.

Purpose: To analyze the feasibility of unilateral and bilateral translaminar screw placement in Koran population, and compare the acceptance rate using previously reported data in American population. Materials and Methods: The translaminar lengths, thickness, heights, and sagittal-diagonal measurements were performed. The feasibility analysis was performed using unilateral and bilateral 3.5 mm cervicalscrew placement on the CT scans within 0.5 mm of safety margin. We also performed radiographic analysis of the morphometric dimensions and the feasibilityof unilateral and bilateral translaminar screw placement at C3?C7. Results: Korean population had similar or significantly shorter translaminar lengths and thickness (lengths and thickness in C7 among males; lengths in C6?C7 and thicknessin C4 among females) than American population, but had similar or significantlylonger translaminar heights and sagittal-diagonal measurements (heights in C3?C7 and sagittal-diagonal measurements in C3?C6 among males; heights in C7 and sagittal-diagonal measurements in C3?C7 among females). Unilaterally, translaminarscrew acceptance rates in C3?C7 were similar between Korean and Americanmale population, but the rates in C4?C6 were significantly smaller between Korean and American female population. Bilaterally, translaminar screw acceptancerates in C3 and C5?C6 were significantly larger between Korean and Americanmale population, but the rates in C3?C7 were similar between Korean and American female population. Conclusion: The feasibility of unilateral and bilateraltranslaminar screw placement is different depending on different ethnics. Subaxialcervical unilateral translaminar screw placement among Korean male populationand bilateral placement at C4?C7 among Korean female population are more acceptable than American population.

Background : This study was done to obtain comprehensive data on changes in the structural components of the enteric nervous system in pediatric patients with intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO). We evaluated routinely processed, in formalin-fixed tissues by quantitative morphometric analysis. In addition, we used formalin-fixed tissue to explore the possibility of using previously proposed diagnostic criteria to evaluate frozen serial sections for intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND) type B and hypoganglionosis. Methods : We analyzed data for 19 IPO cases. Morphometric analysis for quantification of ganglia and ganglion cells (GCs) was done for the myentric and the submucous plexus. In addition, we determined the presence of immature GCs and the distribution of nerve fibers and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Results : Nine patients showed combined hypoganglionosis, IND, and decreased ICC; others showed various combinations of these. Several morphometric factors were significantly different between patient groups as well as being different than the control group. Conclusions : Our pediatric IPO cases showed extensive overlapping of pathological findings. And the findings suggest the utility of using previously proposed morphometrically measured factors in multiple frozen sections as diagnostic criteria for IND type B and hypoganglionosis in formalin-fixed tissue.

Background: Distinguishing small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung is difficult with little information about interobserver variability. Methods: One hundred twenty-nine cases of resected SCLC and LCNEC were independently evaluated by four pathologists and classified according to the 2004 World Health Organization criteria. Agreement was regarded as “unanimous” if all four pathologists agreed on the classification. The kappa statistic was calculated to measure the degree of agreement between pathologists. We also measured cell size using image analysis, and receiver-operating-characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate cell size in predicting the diagnosis of high-grade neuroendocrine (NE) carcinomas in 66 cases. Results: Unanimous agreement was achieved in 55.0% of 129 cases. The kappa values ranged from 0.35 to 0.81. Morphometric analysis reaffirmed that there was a continuous spectrum of cell size from SCLC to LCNEC and showed that tumors with cells falling in the middle size range were difficult to categorize and lacked unanimous agreement. Conclusions: Our results provide an objective explanation for considerable interobserver variability in the diagnosis of high-grade pulmonary NE carcinomas. Further studies would need to define more stringent and objective definitions of cytologic and architectural characteristics to reliably distinguish between SCLC and LCNEC.