Background:The basic cone unit in Pinaceaeis called Bract-Scale-Seed Complex (BSSC), in which the scale is supposed to be equivalent to an axillary shoot bearing ovules in Cordaitales. This correlation established by Florin provides a rational foundation on which an interpretation for the origin of cones in at least most Coniferalesis built, and may be called Florin model for convenience. Cupressaceaeis a family in Coniferales, in which the ovule-scale and its subtending bract are thought fully fused and hard to distinguish by external morphology.

Results: Different from Pinaceaeand other typical conifers, Juniperus(Cupressaceae)appears not following Florin’s model closely. For example, the cone of Juniperusoxycedrushas only three rather than more BSSCs in a whorl, and its fleshy fructification appears more like a berry rather than a typical coniferalean cone. In this paper morphology and anatomy of Juniperusoxycedrusfructifications are documented using Micro CT. New observation demonstrates clearly that three seeds alternate the three surrounding bracts in Juniperusoxycedrus.

Conclusion:Such spatial arrangement is quite different from that in typical BSSCs, in which the ovules should be aligned with their subtending bract. Together with other unexpected features in other cupressaceous cones, Juniperusmay help to expand the avenue through which we can interpret the origin and homology of cones in Cupressaceaeand other conifers or gymnosperms in general.

Background: Lumbar vacuum phenomenon (VP) within the intervertebral disc has been classified based on CT imaging. We compared same-patient sagittal CT images and dynamic flexion-extension x-rays to determine if there is a difference in the amount of vertebral instability present between three VP morphologies on CT.

Methods: Anterior subluxation measurements on x-ray were compared with same-segment VP on CT images from the same patient when both findings were present. VP were classified as spot, island, or linear. It was determined if there was a difference in the amount of anterior subluxation between the three morphologies. Secondary analysis looked at whether there was a difference in anterior subluxation between the three groups if patients had undergone a prior lumbar fusion surgery or not.

Results: There was no difference in anterior subluxation between the three groups on dynamic flexionextension x-rays. There was also no difference between the three groups on flexion-extension x-rays when patients were separated based on if they had received or not received a previous lumbar fusion surgery.

Conclusion: IVD VP morphology is not a useful indicator in determining vertebral instability preoperatively according to CT scan. Further fine-tuning of an IVD VP CT classification is needed to help radiologists and spine surgeons know when IVD VP presence is important.

This Review is about the liver anatomy research around the world. Novelty findings in embryologic, tomographic images and dissection lead to a new concept: the liver has seven portal segments, and the segment V play an important role. The liver is a highly vascular organ. However, literature features only schematic descriptions of the intrahepatic anatomy based on theories that currently confuse radiologists and surgeons.