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Authors are the souls of any journal, and deserve much respect. To publish a journal manuscripts are needed from authors. Authors have a great responsibility for producing facts of their work in terms of number and results truthfully and an individual honesty is expected from authors in this regards. Both ways its true "No authors-No manuscripts-No journals" and "No journals–No manuscripts–No authors". Reviewing a manuscript is also a very responsible and important task of any peer-reviewed journal and to be taken seriously. It needs knowledge on the subject, sincerity, honesty and determination. Although the process of reviewing a manuscript is a time consuming task butit is expected to give one's best remarks within the time frame of the journal.
Salient features of the JCDR: It is a biomedical, multidisciplinary (including all medical and dental specialities), e-journal, with wide scope and extensive author support. At the same time, a free text of manuscript is available in HTML and PDF format. There is fast growing authorship and readership with JCDR as this can be judged by the number of articles published in it i e; in Feb 2007 of its first issue, it contained 5 articles only, and now in its recent volume published in April 2011, it contained 67 manuscripts. This e-journal is fulfilling the commitments and objectives sincerely, (as stated by Editor-in-chief in his preface to first edition) i e; to encourage physicians through the internet, especially from the developing countries who witness a spectrum of disease and acquire a wealth of knowledge to publish their experiences to benefit the medical community in patients care. I also feel that many of us have work of substance, newer ideas, adequate clinical materials but poor in medical writing and hesitation to submit the work and need help. JCDR provides authors help in this regards.
Timely publication of journal: Publication of manuscripts and bringing out the issue in time is one of the positive aspects of JCDR and is possible with strong support team in terms of peer reviewers, proof reading, language check, computer operators, etc. This is one of the great reasons for authors to submit their work with JCDR. Another best part of JCDR is "Online first Publications" facilities available for the authors. This facility not only provides the prompt publications of the manuscripts but at the same time also early availability of the manuscripts for the readers.
Indexation and online availability: Indexation transforms the journal in some sense from its local ownership to the worldwide professional community and to the public.JCDR is indexed with Embase & EMbiology, Google Scholar, Index Copernicus, Chemical Abstracts Service, Journal seek Database, Indian Science Abstracts, to name few of them. Manuscriptspublished in JCDR are available on major search engines ie; google, yahoo, msn.
In the era of fast growing newer technologies, and in computer and internet friendly environment the manuscripts preparation, submission, review, revision, etc and all can be done and checked with a click from all corer of the world, at any time. Of course there is always a scope for improvement in every field and none is perfect. To progress, one needs to identify the areas of one's weakness and to strengthen them.
It is well said that "happy beginning is half done" and it fits perfectly with JCDR. It has grown considerably and I feel it has already grown up from its infancy to adolescence, achieving the status of standard online e-journal form Indian continent since its inception in Feb 2007. This had been made possible due to the efforts and the hard work put in it. The way the JCDR is improving with every new volume, with good quality original manuscripts, makes it a quality journal for readers. I must thank and congratulate Dr Hemant Jain, Editor-in-Chief JCDR and his team for their sincere efforts, dedication, and determination for making JCDR a fast growing journal.
Every one of us: authors, reviewers, editors, and publisher are responsible for enhancing the stature of the journal. I wish for a great success for JCDR."
Thanking you
With sincere regards
Dr. Rajendra Kumar Ghritlaharey, M.S., M. Ch., FAIS
Associate Professor,
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Gandhi Medical College & Associated
Kamla Nehru & Hamidia Hospitals Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462 001 (India)
E-mail: drrajendrak1@rediffmail.com
On May 11,2011
Dr. Shankar P.R.
"On looking back through my Gmail archives after being requested by the journal to write a short editorial about my experiences of publishing with the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR), I came across an e-mail from Dr. Hemant Jain, Editor, in March 2007, which introduced the new electronic journal. The main features of the journal which were outlined in the e-mail were extensive author support, cash rewards, the peer review process, and other salient features of the journal.
Over a span of over four years, we (I and my colleagues) have published around 25 articles in the journal. In this editorial, I plan to briefly discuss my experiences of publishing with JCDR and the strengths of the journal and to finally address the areas for improvement.
My experiences of publishing with JCDR: Overall, my experiences of publishing withJCDR have been positive. The best point about the journal is that it responds to queries from the author. This may seem to be simple and not too much to ask for, but unfortunately, many journals in the subcontinent and from many developing countries do not respond or they respond with a long delay to the queries from the authors 1. The reasons could be many, including lack of optimal secretarial and other support. Another problem with many journals is the slowness of the review process. Editorial processing and peer review can take anywhere between a year to two years with some journals. Also, some journals do not keep the contributors informed about the progress of the review process. Due to the long review process, the articles can lose their relevance and topicality. A major benefit with JCDR is the timeliness and promptness of its response. In Dr Jain's e-mail which was sent to me in 2007, before the introduction of the Pre-publishing system, he had stated that he had received my submission and that he would get back to me within seven days and he did!
Most of the manuscripts are published within 3 to 4 months of their submission if they are found to be suitable after the review process. JCDR is published bimonthly and the accepted articles were usually published in the next issue. Recently, due to the increased volume of the submissions, the review process has become slower and it ?? Section can take from 4 to 6 months for the articles to be reviewed. The journal has an extensive author support system and it has recently introduced a paid expedited review process. The journal also mentions the average time for processing the manuscript under different submission systems - regular submission and expedited review.
Strengths of the journal: The journal has an online first facility in which the accepted manuscripts may be published on the website before being included in a regular issue of the journal. This cuts down the time between their acceptance and the publication. The journal is indexed in many databases, though not in PubMed. The editorial board should now take steps to index the journal in PubMed. The journal has a system of notifying readers through e-mail when a new issue is released. Also, the articles are available in both the HTML and the PDF formats. I especially like the new and colorful page format of the journal. Also, the access statistics of the articles are available. The prepublication and the manuscript tracking system are also helpful for the authors.
Areas for improvement: In certain cases, I felt that the peer review process of the manuscripts was not up to international standards and that it should be strengthened. Also, the number of manuscripts in an issue is high and it may be difficult for readers to go through all of them. The journal can consider tightening of the peer review process and increasing the quality standards for the acceptance of the manuscripts. I faced occasional problems with the online manuscript submission (Pre-publishing) system, which have to be addressed.
Overall, the publishing process with JCDR has been smooth, quick and relatively hassle free and I can recommend other authors to consider the journal as an outlet for their work."
Dr. P. Ravi Shankar
KIST Medical College, P.O. Box 14142, Kathmandu, Nepal.
E-mail: ravi.dr.shankar@gmail.com
On April 2011 Anuradha
Dear team JCDR, I would like to thank you for the very professional and polite service provided by everyone at JCDR. While i have been in the field of writing and editing for sometime, this has been my first attempt in publishing a scientific paper.Thank you for hand-holding me through the process.
Dr. Anuradha
E-mail: anuradha2nittur@gmail.com
On Jan 2020
Original article / research
Full Version
Morphometry of Sella Turcica, Anterior Clinoid Process and Carotico-clinoid Foramen among North Indian Population: A Cross-sectional Study
Correspondence Address :
Dr. Susmita Saha,
Sgt University Budhera, Chandu Village, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
E-mail: drsusmita.sh@gmail.com
Introduction: Sella Turcica (ST), a complex bony landmark located on the body of sphenoid bone. Its lateral bony wall mainly consists of anterior and posterior clinoid processes and optic strut which bear a strong relationship with pituitary fossa.
Aim: To estimate various morphometric parameters of ST, Anterior Clinoid Process (ACP) with its anatomical variations, Optic Strut (OS) and Carotico-clinoid Foramen (CCF) among North Indian population group.
Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional anatomical study was conducted on 30 adult dry fully ossified skull and 10 formalin fixed adult cadaveric cranial base present in the Department of Anatomy, SGT University Gurugram, Haryana, India, over a period of one year from January 2021 to December 2021 to evaluate various morphometric parameters such as anteroposterior, transverse diameter and depth of sellar region including ACPs with various bony distances. The range, mean and standard deviation of each parameters were measured by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) latest version (version 21.0) and Student’s t-test was applied for bilateral comparison. Frequency of morphological variability of CCF was calculated in percentages.
Results: Among the 40 samples (both dry skull base and cadaveric skulls) the average dimensions of ST were 10.03±2.40 mm, 13.65±2.09 mm and 5.74±1.92 mm as anteroposterior, transverse and depth, respectively. The length, width and thickness of ACP were 11.22±1.74 mm, 8.04±1.73 mm and 2.27±0.70 mm, respectively. Also the length and width of OS were 3.61±0.78 mm and 3.72±0.47 mm, respectively. Significant difference was observed for distance of ACP to OS. The frequency of CCF was 10 (25%) among the total samples both bilateral and unilateral; out of which 8 (80%) of the samples presented with incomplete foramen, 1 (10%) presented contact type of CCF, and 1 (10%) of the samples exhibited a complete variety of CCF.
Conclusion: Bilateral significant difference was observed for the transverse diameter. The mean value for length of ACP was found significant. Detailed morphometry and morphological variations of structures present in sellar region is mandatory for the clinicians specially neurosurgeons and radiologist for the diagnosis and to decide the modality of treatment.
Clinoid space, Hypophysis fossa, Internal carotid artery dimensions, Interclinoid osseous bar, Morphological variations, Optic strut
The ST is a saddle-shaped bony structure located on the upper surface of the body of sphenoid bone. The hypophysis fossa located in the centre of it lodges hypophysis cerebri or pituitary gland. So, morphological abnormalities of sellar area can lead to functional alteration of pituitary gland (1). The lateral bony wall of ST is formed by the interval between anterior and posterior clinoid process as well as posterior margin of OS (2). Anterior Clinoid Process (ACP) is situated on the medial edge of lesser wing of sphenoid and at the edge of dorsum sellae, the Posterior Clinoid Process (PCP) is located (3). ACP and OS are two anatomical landmarks, very closely related to cavernous sinus located on either side of sellar region and bear a lot of clinical significance (4). Complete or partial resection of ACP is a crucial step while performing surgical approach to cavernous sinus as well as pituitary tumours surgeries (3),(4). So, the clinicians especially neurosurgeons have to be well versed with the surgical anatomy of these bony landmarks while performing surgical interventions. Both morphological and morphometric variabilities of sellar region play a crucial role to increase the success of operative procedures in the sellar area (3). Very small bony prominences are formed at the anterior most boundary of sella on its lateral side as Middle Clinoid Processes (MCP) (5). Ligamentum ossification around the ST might form bony bridges that can connect clinoid processes to other structures. Sometimes, ACP and MCP get linked by osseous ligament leading to a foramen known as Carotico-clinoid or Clinoido Caroticum Foramen (CCF) (5). Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) can pass through this foramen. It was first introduced in 1855, by Henle J, (6) and was described as bony foramen or canal. Apart from foramen, interclinoid bridge is rarely formed can extends from ACP to PCP due to the ossification of interclinoid ligament at early stage of development (7). Normally ICA passes on the medial side of ACPs and anterosuperior part of cavernous sinus but presence of carotico-clinoid canal can lead ICA to pass through the foramen itself (8). As a result, while performing surgical interventions in the sellar region, there might be a chance to injury to the ICA. Studies have been undertaken on variations in morphometric parameters of ST among different population group like Turkish, Greeks and also South Indian especially on radiographs (cephelogram) (9),(10),(11). But to the best of our knowledge, very few studies have been undertaken on the cadavers (2),(12). Previous studies have been reported for the occurrence of CCF among different population group like South Indian (3), East Indian (13) as well as other countries like Italy (14), Poland (15) but most of the studies performed on the radiographs and few on dry skulls (3),(14),(15). Studies performed on the cadavers were less to find out the occurrence of CCF (2),(13). Another small bony bar is OS, a structure of variable dimensions connecting lesser wing of sphenoid with the body have also been mentioned in the previous literature (4). This bony pillar is situated between optic canal and superior orbital fissure. Close proximity of OS with ACP can also lead to injury of optic nerve and ICA during surgical intervention in the sellar region (16). It has been observed that while approaching sellar area, this small bony strut is often removed for an easy access to the cavernous sinus (16). Keeping this in mind, a morphometric analysis had been conducted both in dry skulls as well as cadavers among the North Indian population group. So, detailed anatomical knowledge of structures present in the sellar region will play a major role for the successful surgical interventions in the pituitary fossa and cavernous sinus.
The present cross-sectional anatomical study was performed on the 30 adult dry fully ossified skulls of unknown sexes and 10 adult formalin fixed embalmed cadaveric skulls (to maximise the sample size for the study with minimal error) of North Indian population in Department of Anatomy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India, over a period of one year from January 2021 to December 2021.
Inclusion criteria: Only dry adult unbroken skulls and formalin fixed adult cadaveric heads without any gross evidence of pathologies were selected as study materials available in the Department of Anatomy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Exclusion criteria: All broken, pathologically deformed bony skulls and cadaveric specimens with gross pathology were excluded from the study.
Sample size calculation: According to convenient sampling and taking the value as reference according to Boyan N et al., (17) the minimum number of sample size was calculated. The sampling formula is N=z2α×p×q/L2 where N is sample size; p is percentage; q=1-p, Type of error α=5%, Allowable error L= 15% of p. So, estimated sample size calculated was 40.
Study Procedure
The specimens were anonymised, randomly coded and de-linked from any identity sources (ICMR National guidelines for biomedical and health research involving human participants, ICMR, 2017, sec 5, Box 5.2) (18). Among the cadaveric heads, sellar region was exposed by proper dissection after removing the calvaria and brain. Various morphometric parameters of ST (9) (displayed in (Table/Fig 1),(Table/Fig 2) including the morphometry of ACP, OS (2),(17),(19) and some bony distances were measured by the help of a digital vernier calliper in millimetres (mm) presented in (Table/Fig 3)a,b.
Presence of CCF and its morphological variability whether complete (shows presence of bony ring or foramen), incomplete and contact form (foramen was apparently formed, but in which close inspection of the posterior wall revealed a dividing line or suture) types were also noted by subjective evaluation or by visual observation according to Keyes JE (20) and their percentages were calculated. Proper photography was conducted for the documentation.
Statistical Analysis
All morphometric dimensions were measured twice to decrease error and finally the average was taken. All the data acquired from the study was tabulated and analysed by using SPSS software (version 21.0). Bilateral comparison of the data was analysed by paired Student’s t-test and value considered as significant (p≤0.05). The graphs and tables were created in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word 2013.
In the present observational study, the mean AP diameter and transverse diameter of ST were 10.03±2.40 mm and 13.65±2.09 mm, respectively. The depth of sella was 5.74±1.92 mm. The AP diameter of OS lesser than the transverse diameter on both the sides. Significant difference was observed for the transverse diameter between right and left-side (p-value <0.001). The mean values for width and thickness of ACP on both sides were almost equal without any significant difference while the length of ACP was found significant. The descriptive analysis for all parameters of ST, OS and ACP has been displayed in (Table/Fig 4),(Table/Fig 5),(Table/Fig 6), respectively along with p-value. Descriptive statistics of various bony distances have been exhibited in (Table/Fig 7).
The morphological variability was also observed for the presence of ossified anterior clinoid ligament forming carotico-clinoid ligament and only 10 (25%) of the sample showed different types of caroticoclinoid foramen. Out of which 8 (80%) of the samples presented with incomplete foramen, 1 (10%) presented contact type of CCF, and 1 (10%) of the samples exhibited a complete variety of CCF and the morphological variability has been described in (Table/Fig 8) as graphical representation as well as photographic images has been displayed in (Table/Fig 9).
The ST is located at the centre of skull base inside the body of the sphenoid bone posseses intricate anatomical landmarks with numerous morphological variabilities. This complex anatomical bony structure has intimate relationship with cranial nerves, hypophysis cerebri, cavernous sinus as well as internal carotid artery (21). So, clinicians especially surgeons performing microsurgical interventions have to be well aware regarding this bony structure as well as need a better understanding for the variations encountered in this region (22),(23). That is why, morphometry and morphology of ST and related structures are mandatory for the clinicians to perform better surgical procedure for the well-being of the patients especially suffering from pituitary tumours. OS is one of the commonest bony points which is mostly detached while performing surgical interventions in the sellar region (24). Not only OS but also removal of the ACPs will also provide extra space in the sellar region while instrumentation of sellar area (4). So, various bony distances of OS and ACPs also play a role while executing surgical approach.
In present study, the distance between OS to ACP was significantly higher on the right-side as compared to left-side (p=0.0001). Also, it was observed that there was a significant difference in transverse diameter of OS (p=0.001). The length of OS was 3.61±0.78 mm on right-side and 3.11±0.58 mm on the left-side which was comparatively more among length observed in Korean population, where it was 2.9±1.15 mm. Among the Koreans the dimension was slightly longer on the left-side with statistical significance (25). It was also observed among the Koreans that the distance of OS to ACP ranged from 1.3-9.3 mm but in the present study, the distance was ranging from 7.2-13.1 mm in the right-side and 4.98-10.6 mm in left-side, respectively. It was also observed among the Korean population that OS is most commonly attached to the anterior 2/5th of ACP (25).
In the present study, the width and thickness of ACPs of both sides were also measured but no statistically significant difference was observed on both the sides while the length of ACPs was found significant. The length was almost similar as observed among Turkish 12-11 mm (17), Nepalese 11-10 mm (26) and SouthIndian population group 12.6-12.9 mm (27). The length of ACP was bilaterally 10-9.09 in the Korean population (25) and 10-9.3 in the population of Bosnia (28). The width in present study was around 7.9-8.04 mm which was less than width observed by other population group like Turkish 12-4 mm (17), Koreans 9-9 mm (25), Nepalese 10-11 mm (26), and also of Bosnia population 9.4-9 mm (28). Thickness of ACP was also less comparative to previous studies (17),(25),(26),(27),(28). The mean length, width and thickness of ST in the present research were 10.03±2.40 mm, 13.65±2.09 mm and 5.74±1.92 mm, respectively. These diameters were in consonance with dimensions observed in a cadaveric study among Arabians population; only the depth 10.05 mm which was higher among Arabian population (29). Among Greek (10) population in the cephalogram also the diameters of ST were less as compared to present study.
The distance between ACP to PCP on the right and left-sides in the present anatomical evaluation was 10.02±3.44 mm and 7.89±3.46 mm, respectively. But in the previous study among Chinese population on 530 skulls (2), it was observed as similar on the left-side as in the present study but among Chinese diameter on the right-side was much smaller. It was also observed among the Chinese, the occurrence of MCP and the mean area of Lateral Bony Wall (LBW) but without any significant statistical difference. (Table/Fig 10) shows the comparison of dimensions of ST and ACPs among other population groups (10),(12),(17),(19),(25),(26),(27).
The CCF develops as a result of ossification of carotico-clinoid ligament (4),(5). The presence of this foramen as well as the ossified ligament might cause clinical symptoms. It can cause entrapment of vascular structure like internal carotid artery and nerves; may cause entrapment syndrome. Numerous morphological variability has been mentioned regarding CCF in previous literature. In the present study, the total frequency of CCF was 25%; most of them were incomplete type and unilaterally situated as seen in other studies (2),(3),(5),(7),(25). In study performed by Boyan N et al., among Turkish population, the frequency of bilateral CCF was higher (17). In India, most of the studies undertaken on South Indian population for the occurrence of CCF and mostly present on one side as unilateral. In the present anatomical study, contact type of variety of CCF was also observed among North Indian population group. (Table/Fig 11) shows the comparative analysis of incidence of CCF among different other population groups (3),(7),(17),(19),(25),(28),(29),(30).
Limitation(s)
Sexual dimorphism was not observed in result. The number of dry specimens and cadaveric heads can be increased as sample size to get a more valid results for providing a baseline data for the clinicians. Also anatomical landmarks in and surrounding sellar area are the most complicated landmark while approaching surgical interventions of hypophysis cerebri, and easily explore in the radiographs. So, radiological correlations can be added along with cadaveric sagittal sections in future as a project work.
Sella turcica is an important bony landmark situated in the middle cranial fossa. In present study mean AP diameter of sella turcica was 10.03±2.40 mm. The mean values for width and thickness of ACP on both sides were almost equal. The AP diameter of OS was less than the transverse diameter. In 25% of the sample different types of CCF were found. Knowledge of morphometric parameters as well as morphological variabilities of structures present in sellar region play an immense role to enhance the success rate while performing surgical interventions by the neurosurgeons. It also provides a baseline data regarding the incidence and morphological variabilities of CCF among North Indian population group which will help the clinicians to perform a better skillful surgeries on the middle cranial fossa.
Doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2022/58224.16889
Date of Submission: Jun 04, 2022
Date of Peer Review: Jul 04, 2022
Date of Acceptance: Sep 01, 2022
Date of Publishing: Oct 01, 2022
AUTHOR DECLARATION:
• Financial or Other Competing Interests: None
• Was Ethics Committee Approval obtained for this study? No
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? No
• For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. No
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