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The lateral line system and its innervation were examined in two paedomorphic species of Apogonidae, Gymnapogon japonicus and Pseudamiops cf. springeri, both of which have been included in Gymnapogonini (Apogoninae) characterized by a small translucent body lacking canalized lateral line scales, but with many superficial neuromasts (total SNs: 2,691 and 2,197 in G. japonicus and Pseudamiops cf. springeri, respectively). Although scales are entirely absent in G. japonicus, the innervation pattern of the trunk lateral line system is basically similar to that in other apogonids having a single lateral line scale series. In comparison, Pseudamiops cf. springeri (and P. gracilicauda) have three series of inconspicuous lateral line scales with a distinct innervation pattern, implying a phylogenetic affinity with Pseudamia (Pseudamiinae). The monophyly of Pseudamiops and Pseudamia was also supported strongly by a molecular phylogenetic analysis, thus the paedomorphic nature is considered homoplasy between Pseudamiops and Gymnapogon. The innervation of head lateral line system in G. japonicus and Pseudamiops cf. springeri is basically the same with that of other apogonids, supporting homology of the presence of many head SNs among the species. The SN pattern and head canals of adult Pseudamiops cf. springeri are similar to those in juvenile Pseudamia gelatinosa, implying a paedomorphic truncation of lateral line system development in Pseudamiops cf. springeri.

The diagnosis of insulinoma in perinatal women can be difficult, as hypoglycemic symptoms may be masked by pregnancy‐associated insulin resistance. In addition, when multiple insulinomas are observed, it is necessary to consider the possibility not only of MEN1, but also of insulinomatosis.

The lateral line system and its innervation were examined in two species of the family Apogonidae (Cercamia eremia [Apogoninae] and Pseudamia gelatinosa [Pseudamiinae]). Both species were characterized by numerous superficial neuromasts (SNs; total 2,717 in C. eremia; 9,650 in P. gelatinosa), including rows on the dorsal and ventral halves of the trunk, associated with one (in C. eremia) and three (in P. gelatinosa) reduced trunk canals. The pattern of SN innervation clearly demonstrated that the overall pattern of SN distribution had evolved convergently in the two species. In C. eremia, SN rows over the entire trunk were innervated by elongated branches of the dorsal longitudinal collector nerve (DLCN) anteriorly and lateral ramus posteriorly. In P. gelatinosa, the innervation pattern of the DLCN was mirrored on the ventral half of the trunk (ventral longitudinal collector nerve: VLCN). Elongated branches of the DLCN and VLCN innervated SN rows on the dorsal and ventral halves of the trunk, respectively. The reduced trunk canal(s) apparently had no direct relationship with the increase of SNs, because these branches originated deep to the lateral line scales, none innervating canal neuromast (CN) homologues on the surface of the scales. In P. gelatinosa, a CN (or an SN row: CN homologue) occurred on every other one of their small lateral line scales, while congeners (P. hayashii and P. zonata) had an SN row (CN homologue) on every one of their large lateral line scales.

Vertebral bodies of teleost fish are formed by the sclerotomal bone covering the chordacentrum. The internal part of the sclerotomal bone is composed of an amphicoelous hourglass shaped autocentrum, which is common in most fish species. In contrast, the external shape of the sclerotomal bone varies extensively among species. There are multiple hypotheses regarding the composition and formation of the external structure. However, as they are based on studies of few extant or extinct species, their applicability to other species remains to be clarified. To understand the morphology, formation, and composition of vertebral bodies in teleosts, we performed a comparative analysis using micro‐CT scans of 32 species from 10 orders of Teleostei and investigated the detailed morphology of the sclerotomal bone, especially its plate‐like ridge and trabeculae. We discovered two structural characteristics that are shared among most of the examined species. One was the sheet‐like trabeculae that extend radially from the center of the vertebral body with a constant thickness. The other was the presence of hollow spaces on the internal parts of the lateral ridge and trabeculae. The combination of different arrangements of sheet‐like trabeculae and internal hollow spaces formed different shapes of the lateral structure of the vertebral body. The properties of these two characteristics suggest that the external part of the sclerotomal bone grows outward by deposition at the bone tip, and that, concurrently, bone absorption occurs in the internal part of the sclerotomal bone. The vertebral arches were also formed by the sheet‐like trabeculae, indicating that both, the vertebral body and the arches, are formed by the same component. The micro‐CT scanning data were uploaded to a public database so they can be used for future studies on fish vertebrae.

The lateral line system and its innervation were examined in the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica. Although the species has seven lateral line canals and 13 superficial neuromast groups, the components are generally similar to those in many other teleosts. The lateral line system of A. japonica is distinctive in having a rostral commissure connecting the left and right supraorbital canals, pouches in the cephalic lateral line canals and superficial neuromasts along the lower lip, and lacking a postotic canal. Four tube-like elements, two along the supratemporal canal and the other two along the temporal portion of the trunk canal, respectively, are also reported. The functional significance of cephalic lateral line pouches, homologies of the four tube-like elements, and other distinctive characters are discussed.

BackgroundGlucagon stimulation test (GST) is often employed to assess the insulin reserve of the pancreatic beta cells in diabetic subjects. The clinical significance of the increment of plasma glucose (Δglucose) by exogenous glucagon during GST has not been elucidated. We investigated the relationship between Δglucose and clinical parameters including the liver and renal function in type 2 diabetic subjects, since we hypothesized that Δglucose is associated with the liver and renal function reflecting the capacity for gluconeogenesis in the organs.MethodsA total of 209 subjects with type 2 diabetes who underwent GST during admission were included in this cross-sectional study. We defined the difference between plasma glucose at fasting and 6 min after intravenous injection of 1 mg glucagon as Δglucose. We assessed correlations between Δglucose and clinical parameters such as diabetic duration, BMI, HbA1c, beta cell function, serum free fatty acids (FFA) which is known to stimulate gluconeogenesis, liver function, the indices of liver function, renal function, and urinary albumin excretion (UAE).ResultsIn correlation analysis, Δglucose positively correlated to FFA and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), but inversely to serum creatinine and cystatin C, although Δglucose showed no correlation with both liver function and the indices of residual liver function. Multiple regression analysis revealed that Δglucose was an independent determinant for the eGFR after 1 year, equally BMI, HbA1c, serum lipids, and UAE, which are known as the predictors for the development of chronic kidney disease.ConclusionOur results suggest that Δglucose during GST might be related to gluconeogenesis in the kidney and could be the determinant of future renal function in type 2 diabetes.

This retrospective hospital-based study aimed to determine the prevalence of congenitally missing permanent teeth in Japanese patients with cleft lip and/or palate.The records, dental casts, and X-...