Deep Body Research Articles

English

Aeromagnetic data over Abakaliki area of lower Benue trough, Nigeria was interpreted qualitatively and quantitatively using Oasis montaj software. The qualitative interpretation unveiled basic intrusive bodies like dykes, laccolites and batholitic bodies in the area. It also revealed fault zone which trends southeastern part of the study area. Quantitative interpretation was carried out by forward and inverse modeling, source parameter imaging and Euler deconvolution methods. Depth obtained by source parameter imaging (SPI) ranged from 99.50 to 5930.78 m. Results from this study indicate that deep seated bodies are predominant in the southwestern part of the area, while shallow bodies are predominant in the southeastern part of the area. The anomalies over the area were modeled by bodies in the form of sphere and ellipsoid by varying the total magnetic intensity parameters. Depth obtained by model A is 546 m with susceptibility value of 0.0180 signifying limestone. The height of Model B is 50 m signifying outcrop, likely to be the outcrop near college of Agricultural Sciences of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, with susceptibility value of -0.0017 signifying calcite. Depth obtained for models C, D and E are 956, 6366 and 477 m respectively, with respective susceptibility values of -0.0134, -0.009 and -0.006 signifying rock salt, quartz and Calcite. Maximum depth obtained by forward and inverse modeling is 6366m while that obtained by source parameter imaging is 5930.78 m. Key words: Abakaliki area, aeromagnetic anomalies, qualitative and quantitative interpretation, intrusive bodies, hydrocarbon accumulation.

Role of tyramine in calcium dynamics of GABAergic neurons and escape behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans

BackgroundTyramine, known as a “trace amine” in mammals, modulates a wide range of behavior in invertebrates; however, the underlying cellular and circuit mechanisms are not well understood. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), tyramine affects key behaviors, including foraging, feeding, and escape responses. The touch-evoked backward escape response is often coupled with a sharp omega turn that allows the animal to navigate away in the opposite direction. Previous studies have showed that a metabotropic tyramine receptor, SER-2, in GABAergic body motor neurons controls deep body bending in omega turns. In this study, we focused on the role of tyramine in GABAergic head motor neurons. Our goal is to understand the mechanism by which tyraminergic signaling alters neural circuit activity to control escape behavior.ResultsUsing calcium imaging in freely moving C. elegans, we found that GABAergic RME motor neurons in the head had high calcium levels during forward locomotion but low calcium levels during spontaneous and evoked backward locomotion. This calcium decrease was also observed during the omega turn. Mutant analyses showed that tbh-1 mutants lacking only octopamine had normal calcium responses, whereas tdc-1 mutants lacking both tyramine and octopamine did not exhibit the calcium decrease in RME. This neuromodulation was mediated by SER-2. Moreover, tyraminergic RIM neuron activity was negatively correlated with RME activity in the directional switch from forward to backward locomotion. These results indicate that tyramine released from RIM inhibits RME via SER-2 signaling. The omega turn is initiated by a sharp head bend when the animal reinitiates forward movement. Interestingly, ser-2 mutants exhibited shallow head bends and often failed to execute deep-angle omega turns. The behavioral defect and the abnormal calcium response in ser-2 mutants could be rescued by SER-2 expression in RME. These results suggest that tyraminergic inhibition of RME is involved in the control of omega turns.ConclusionWe demonstrate that endogenous tyramine downregulates calcium levels in GABAergic RME motor neurons in the head via the tyramine receptor SER-2 during backward locomotion and omega turns. Our data suggest that this neuromodulation allows deep head bending during omega turns and plays a role in the escape behavior in C. elegans.

Morpho-functional diversity in Diaphus spp. (Pisces: Myctophidae) from the central Atlantic Ocean: Ecological and evolutionary implications

Insight into the evolutionary radiation of organisms is partly underpinned by theories on the adaptive divergence of sensory systems, and the ecological, physiological, and behavioural adaptations to both environmental conditions and to competition for limited resources. The aim of this study is to determine the degree of phenotypic variability and functional niche overlap between Diaphus (Myctophidae) species that could account for the high level of speciation within this genus. The Diaphus specimens which were used for our study, were obtained from a survey transect across the central Atlantic Ocean. We analysed the morpho-functional features of fish body shape and sagittae otolith shape of these specimens. Although our study included only 9 species, our findings revealed a high degree of morpho-functional variability in the fish body and otolith shapes, both of which are coupled with the variations of the bioluminescent organs of the head, especially the suborbital organ situated under eye and called So-photophore. Two morphotypes were identified: ‘Diaphus-deep’ (morphotype-1) with an So-photophore, and defined by a larger otolith and a deep body, larger head, eye and mouth; and ‘Diaphus-slender’ (morphotype-2) without an So-photophore, and characterized by an increased development of anterior-dorsal margin of otolith and an enlarged body with small head, eye and mouth. Our analyses supported both the sensory drive and niche hypotheses as forces promoting the radiation within the genus Diaphus. Future studies involving a greater number of species are necessary to advance the knowledge of speciation mechanisms in myctophids.

Experimental Study of the Focused Ultrasonic System for Differential Diagnostics of the Human Hearing

In this paper the analysis of relevance and novelty of application of piezoelectric transducer for noninvasive diagnostics of a cochlea of the human by means of the focused ultrasound is carried out. To date, clinical use of ultrasound is numerous and diverse, and ultrasound diagnosis is one of the fastest growing methods in medicine. Revealed a previously unknown effect of spatial notch filtering quarter wavelength layers diffuse heat radiation. It is shown that the effect, together with a focused acoustic thermometer, allows for greater accuracy and allows measurement of the body's deep body temperature in real time.The design of the converter consists of a piezoceramic, an acoustic lens with the help of which the transformation of a flat wave front into an acoustic system with a flat piezoelement. The flat, concave lens is made of solid material, the rate of ultrasonic diffusion in which exceeds its value in water (biological tissue) for the studied acoustic system, organic glass was chosen. It is provided the theory, calculation and a design of measuring means: a high-frequency wattmeter for measurement of the electric power consumed by a piezoelectric transducer; the radiometer for measurement of acoustic power of the focused ultrasonic bunches. With their help detailed pilot study of the acoustic system is conducted, namely, parameters of her acoustic field and efficiency are determined. The theory, calculation and design are given: free float radiometer for measuring acoustic power of both focused and unfocused ultrashort beams; high-frequency wattmeter without active elements for measuring the power consumption of a piezus emitter.The experimental study of the layout of the acoustic focusing system is to measure the emitted acoustic and consumed electrical power of the piezoelectric element with the lens. The task of measuring acoustic power is solved using a radiometer. The measurement of the consumed electric power is made by means of a high-frequency wattmeter, which contains a multiplication scheme in the form of a circular scheme on four diodes and a current transformer. The received frequency dependences of radiated acoustic power, electric power consumed and the efficiency factor are obtained.The conclusion about expediency of use of this type of the electro-acoustic transducer for differential diagnostics of hearing of the human is drawn. The calculated intensity is sufficient for both diagnostic and therapeutic use of the developed acoustic system. This type of piezoelectric transducer will make it possible to distinguish between diseases of the middle ear of a person from internal diseases, and therefore to carry out differential diagnostics of the auditory system. This is especially important in clinical practice for choosing a further recovery strategy: if the loss occurs in the middle ear - the hearing aid is used, if in the inner one - is performed surgically by implantation of the cochlear implant.Ref. 10, fig. 6, tabl. 2.

Comparison of two passive methods for sampling invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) populations at different depths in artificial lakes

Sampling of benthic fish is complicated, especially in deep inland water bodies with a structured bottom. The catches were compared of rapidly spreading round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) using small fykes nets and benthic gillnets in three artificial lakes in The Netherlands over a two year period. Round gobies were captured at all depth layers in each sampled lake. Significantly larger individuals were captured in gillnets compared to fyke nets. Reference sampling in littoral areas captured a wide range in size of round gobies with beach seines. With fyke nets, the highest catches were usually achieved in the shallowest and deepest depth strata. Gillnets catch decreased at deeper layers. Both methods are passive sampling tools and did not provide the absolute catch per bottom area, however relative density estimates of round gobies at different depths or habitats are possible. Round gobies showed a significant size bias associated with capture method. Because it is important to understand the biology and ecology of invasive species like round goby, the combination of small fyke nets and gillnets appears to be a good solution to sample a variety of ranges in deep or/and structured benthic habitats.

Effects of a warm hand bath on the blood flow in the shoulder, skin and deep body temperature, autonomic nervous activity, and subjective comfort in healthy women: An experimental cross-over trial.

The present study was conducted in order to clarify the effects of a warm hand bath at 40°C for 10 min on the blood flow in the shoulder, skin and deep body temperature, autonomic nervous activity, and subjective comfort in healthy women. The study's participants were 40 healthy adult women who were randomly assigned to either a structured hand bath first and no hand bath second (Group A) or to no hand bath first and a hand bath second (Group B). The blood flow in the shoulder, skin and deep body temperature, autonomic nervous activity, and subjective comfort then were recorded in all the participants. A repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no significant difference in the blood flow in the right shoulder or deep body temperature between groups. The skin temperature of the hands, forearms, and arms was significantly increased, but not of the face and upper back. The skin temperature of the forearms was maintained at 0.5°C-1°C higher for 30 min in the hand bath group, compared with the no hand bath group. The hand bath group had a significantly higher heart rate while bathing and a significantly lower parasympathetic nerve activity level during bathing. No significant difference was seen in the sympathetic activity level between groups. The hand bath group had a significantly higher subjective comfort level. Hand baths can improve the level of subjective comfort and increase the heart rate and might affect autonomic nervous activity. The skin temperature of the forearms was maintained for 30 min in the hand bath group.

A relationship between body weight and dimensions for Arabi ewes and their lambs at weaning age in Erbil Government

The study was conducted on 126 Arabi ewes and their lambs at weaning age in the private flock in Murtkah District in Erbil Government, Kurdistan region –Iraq. Data were collected from February to May, 2017. Body weight and dimensions for dam and lambs were studied. The overall mean of dam and lamb body weight of Arabi were 41.10 and 24.94 Kg. and the overall mean for heart girth, chest depth, body length, withers height and fat-tail length and width for dams were 80.64, 35.24, 61.39, 65.27, 16.39 and 20.45 cm respectively. and for lambs were 63.26, 28.23, 50.50, 53.28, 15.20 and 19.05 cm respectively. Dams age had significant (P<0.01) effect on chest depth and (P<0.05) on dam and lamb body weight and withers height but gender had significant (P<0.05) effect on dam chest deep and lamb body length. the lamb body weight and dimensions were significant on dam body weight excluding high front. The multiple regression done to obtain the best equation predications between body weight and various body dimensions of lambs with their dams, and the best equation was for heart girth only for dams and lambs. and correlation coefficient were done among all studied characteristics.

A redescription of the gobiid fish Taenioides purpurascens (Gobiidae: Amblyopinae) with comments on, and a key to, species in the genus

The Indo-West Pacific gobiid genus Taenioides Lacepede is further defined and one of the constituent species of the genus, T. purpurascens (De Vis 1884), is redescribed. Taenioides purpurascens is known only from the southeast coast of Australia and is compared to other species in the genus: T. anguillaris, distributed from India northeastward to China, and Japan, and southward to Australia; T. gracilis, distributed along the east coast of Africa and Madagascar to India, northeastward to Japan and southward to Australia; T. kentalleni, known only from Saudi Arabia and Japan; and T. snyderi, known only from southern Japan. Taenioides purpurascens is unique within the genus in having: the fewest dorsal-fin elements (41‒44 vs. 48‒72); the fewest anal-fin elements (34‒38 vs. 41‒65); the fewest vertebrae (27 vs. 28‒45); and a 2-4-2 arrangement of the barbels on the ventral surface of the head (vs. 2-2-2, 2-3-2, or 2-4-2-2). In morphometric comparisons with these other species, T. purpurascens is shown to have the shortest and deepest body. A key to these species is provided.

Scientific rationale for changing lower water temperature limits for triathlon racing to 12°C with wetsuits and 16°C without wetsuits

ObjectivesTo provide a scientific rationale for lower water temperature and wetsuit rules for elite and subelite triathletes.Methods11 lean, competitive triathletes completed a 20 min flume swim, technical transition including bike...

Spread of the arrow bulleye Priacanthus sagittarius Starnes, 1988 in the Mediterranean Sea

Habitat of the family Priacanthidae is tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. The features of the family members are generally very big eyes, deep bodies, upturned mouth, and generally reddish color. In the this paper, we report the presence of an arrow bulleye P. sagittarius in coast of Turkey waters in the Mediterranean Sea. On the 27th December, 2017, a single specimen of P. sagittarius was collected by Mr. Hüseyin Çınar, captain of the commercial bottom trawler Furkan Reis vessel, off the Taşucu, Mersin (36°07'2.82"N 33°51'6.42"E) Turkey coasts. The specimen of P. sagittarius was collected at a depth of approximatetly 100 m by a bottom trawl net; the mesh size of 22mm. The collected specimen of arrow bulleye P. sagittarius was 255 mm total length (TL) and 307 g total weight (TW). The finding of the present study is the first record of specimen along shores of the Mediterranean of Turkey. This record suggests that this species is spread towards to west along in the Mediterranean.

Review of the genus Engyprosopon Günther, 1862 (Pleuronectiformes: Bothidae) from waters off Taiwan, with descriptions of two new species.

Species of the bothid genus Engyprosopon Günther, 1862 from the waters off Taiwan are reviewed. Nine species are recognized and described. Of the nine species, E. grandisquama (Temminck Schlegel, 1846), E. multisquama Amaoka, 1963 and E. maldivense (Regan, 1908) previously known from Taiwan are confirmed, whereas E. xystrias Hubbs, 1915, E. mogkii (Bleeker, 1854), E. longipelvis Amaoka, 1969 and E. mozambiquense Hensley, 2003 represent new records for Taiwan. Moreover, two further species are described new to science. Engyprosopon brevifrontale sp. nov. is characterized by a deep and short body, large eyes situated close to the head margin, 0 + 9-10 smooth gill rakers, strong rostral and upper orbital spines on the ocular side, small rostral spine on the blind side, and a dark blue peritoneum. Engyprosopon parvipectorale sp. nov. is characterized by the combination of serrate gill rakers, large head (3.1-3.4 in SL); extremely narrow or almost ridge-like interorbital in both sexes; ocular-side pectoral fin distinctly short (1.4-1.6 in HL) in both sexes; and no rostral or orbital spines in either sex. Detailed descriptions and a key to all of the species of Engyprosopon recorded from the waters off Taiwan are provided.

Trophic specialization and morphological divergence between two sympatric species in Lake Catemaco, Mexico.

The association of morphological divergence with ecological segregation among closely related species could be considered as a signal of divergent selection in ecological speciation processes. Environmental signals such as diet can trigger phenotypic evolution, making polymorphic species valuable systems for studying the evolution of trophic‐related traits. The main goal of this study was to analyze the association between morphological differences in trophic‐related traits and ecological divergence in two sympatric species, Astyanax aeneus and A. caballeroi, inhabiting Lake Catemaco, Mexico. The trophic differences of a total of 70 individuals (35 A. aeneus and 35 A. caballeroi) were examined using stable isotopes and gut content analysis; a subset of the sample was used to characterize six trophic and six ecomorphological variables. In our results, we recovered significant differences between both species in the values of stable isotopes, with higher values of δ15N for A. caballeroi than for A. aeneus. Gut content results were consistent with the stable isotope data, with a higher proportion of invertebrates in A. caballeroi (a consumption of invertebrates ten times higher than that of A. aeneus, which in turn consumed three times more vegetal material than A. caballeroi). Finally, we found significant relationship between ecomorphology and stable isotopes (r = .24, p < .01), hence, head length, preorbital length, eye diameter, and δ15N were all positively correlated; these characteristics correspond to A. caballeroi. While longer gut and gill rakers, deeper bodies, and vegetal material consumption were positively correlated and corresponded to A. aeneus. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that morphological divergence in trophic‐related traits could be associated with niche partitioning, allowing the coexistence of closely related species and reducing interspecific competition.

Factors associated to prevalence and treatment of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections: a seven\xa0years retrospective study in three tertiary care hospitals

BackgroundThe increasing incidence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), has resulted in a difficult problem in the current clinical anti-infective treatment. We performed a retrospective analysis of prevalence and treatment for CRE infections patients.MethodsThis study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals from January 1, 2010 to December 30, 2016. Baseline data, treatment, and outcomes were collected in patients with ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP), bacteremia, complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI)/acute pyelonephritis (AP), hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP), superficial wound infection (SWI), biliary tract infection (BTI), deep wound infection (DWI) and sterile body fluids infection (SBFI) due to CRE.ResultsOne hundred twenty-four cases of CRE infection were identified: 31 VABP, 22 bacteremia, 18 cUTI/AP, 16 HABP, 16 SWI, 9 BTI, 7 DWI and 5 SBFI. The patient population had significant immunocompromised (33 of 124, 26.6%) and severe sepsis (43 of 124, 34.7%). The most common CRE pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (84 of 124, 67.7%) and Enterobacter cloacae (24 of 124, 19.4%). And the production of IMP-type carbapenemase was the main antibiotic resistance mechanism. The majority of patients to take monotherapy for empiric therapy and dual therapy for direct treatment. Outcomes were universally poor (28-day mortality was 22.6%, 28 of 124) across all sites of infection.ConclusionsWe identified a large number of cases of CRE infection in 7 years from different parts, most of these pathogens have been confirmed to produce IMP-type carbapenemases. The retrospective analysis of cases of such bacterial infections will help to control future infections of these pathogens. Despite the high mortality rate, we still found that the selection of quinolone antibiotics can be effective in the treatment of CRE producing IMP type enzymes.

TEM observations of particles in groundwater and their prospecting significance in the Bofang copper deposit, Hunan, China

Groundwater is an important medium in geochemical research due to its mobility and low elemental background values. Currently, major ion and isotopic analyses are the methods that are most commonly used to examine elemental contents. This paper aims to explore nanoparticles related to deep concealed ore bodies in the Bofang deposit through discussions on their classification and origins and ultimately to provide recommendations for prospecting. This research takes groundwater as the main medium for TEM (transmission electron microscope) observations. All particles in deep and shallow groundwater samples contain Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Fe and other metal elements that are related to the ore body. Cu-bearing particles, which are the focus of this study, comprise the following main components: Cu-bearing particles with carriers and those without carriers. These two types of particles are discussed and classified; then, individual particles are selected. Among these particles, the Cu-bearing particles that originated from concealed ore bodies comprise the following three types: 1) Cu occurring with and migrated by geochemical carriers; 2) Cu nanoparticles physically adsorbed and migrated by Fe(OH)3; 3) Cu migrating as single Cu or Cu-O nanoparticles. These individual particles and the geological information they provide about the Bofang copper deposit suggest that metals that are captured by geochemical carriers in groundwater should be analyzed. Analysis of these particles, combined with analyses of other important prospecting geological data, could reduce the cost of drilling and narrow areas of interest.

A Comparative Study of Two Ambulatory Core Temperature Assessment Methods

Background. Given the need to identify reliable non-invasive solutions for core temperature ambulatory monitoring, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of zero-heat-flux (ZHF) temperature sensor on the forehead (TCOzhf) by comparing it with intestinal temperature (TCOpill) in different ambient and physiological conditions.Methods. Seven trained male subjects were followed during a 45-min rest period (STA) and a 25-min self-regulated cycling exercise performed in neutral (TMP, 22.8 °C) and hot (HOT, 38.5 °C) ambient temperature.Results.TCOzhf values differed from TCOpill of −0.23 ± 0.13 in STA, 0.15 ± 0.30 °C in TMP and 0.28±0.38 °C in HOT. The 95% limits of agreement showed an acceptable bias between TCOzhf and TCOpill in STA (±0.26 °C), but not in TMP and HOT (±0.60 and ±0.75 °C).Conclusion. The non-invasive ZHF sensor gave an accurate estimation of TCOpill in steady state but not during exercise. However, complementary results let suppose that ZHF performance is not affected by ambient conditions and could be a relevant alternative for deep body temperature measurement during whole-body heat stress.

Mortality tradeoff between air quality and skin cancer from changes in stratospheric ozone

Skin cancer mortality resulting from stratospheric ozone depletion has been widely studied. Similarly, there is a deep body of literature on surface ozone and its health impacts, with modeling and observational studies demonstrating that surface ozone concentrations can be increased when stratospheric air mixes to the Earth’s surface. We offer the first quantitative estimate of the trade-off between these two effects, comparing surface air quality benefits and UV-related harms from stratospheric ozone depletion. Applying an idealized ozone loss term in the stratosphere of a chemistry-transport model for modern-day conditions, we find that each Dobson unit of stratospheric ozone depletion results in a net decrease in the global annual mortality rate of ~40 premature deaths per billion population (d/bn/DU). The impacts are spatially heterogeneous in sign and magnitude, composed of a reduction in premature mortality rate due to ozone exposure of ~80 d/bn/DU concentrated in Southeast Asia, and an increase in skin cancer mortality rate of ~40 d/bn/DU, mostly in Western Europe. This is the first study to quantify air quality benefits of stratospheric ozone depletion, and the first to find that marginal decreases in stratospheric ozone around modern-day values could result in a net reduction in global mortality due to competing health impact pathways. This result, which is subject to significant methodological uncertainty, highlights the need to understand the health and environmental trade-offs involved in policy decisions regarding anthropogenic influences on ozone chemistry over the 21st century.

KPR-2579, a novel TRPM8 antagonist, inhibits acetic acid-induced bladder afferent hyperactivity in rats.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is proposed to be a promising therapeutic target for hypersensitive bladder disorders. We examined the effects of KPR-2579, a novel selective TRPM8 antagonist, on body temperature and on mechanosensitive bladder single-unit afferent activities (SAAs) provoked by intravesical acetic acid (AA) instillation in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Effects of cumulative intravenous (i.v.) administrations of KPR-2579 (0.03-1 mg/kg) on deep body temperature were investigated (N = 18). In separate animals, effects of bolus administration of KPR-2579 (0.03 or 0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) on bladder hyperactivity induced by intravesical instillation of 0.1% AA were investigated using cystometry (N = 57) in a conscious free-moving condition or urethane-anesthetized condition, and SAA measurements (N = 41) were performed in a urethane-anesthetized condition. KPR-2579 at any doses tested did not affect body temperature. In cystometry measurements, a high dose (0.3 mg/kg) of KPR-2579 counteracted the shortened intercontraction interval provoked by AA instillation. In SAA measurements, 48 single afferent fibers (n = 24 in each fiber) were isolated. AA instillations significantly increased the SAAs of C fibers, but not of Aδ fibers, in the presence of KPR-2579's vehicle and a low dose (0.03 mg/kg) of KPR-2579. Pretreatment with a high dose (0.3 mg/kg) of KPR-2579 significantly inhibited the AA-induced activation of C-fiber SAAs. The present results suggest that TRPM8 channels play a role in the AA-induced pathological activation of mechanosensitive bladder C fibers in rats. KRP-2579 may be a promising drug for hypersensitive bladder disorders.

Pleomorphic and dedifferentiated leiomyosarcoma: a clinicopathologic analysis

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic features, differential diagnosis and biological behavior of pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma (PLMS) and dedifferentiated leiomyosarcoma (DLMS). Methods: Forty-nine cases were collected from November 2007 to December 2016, including eight that diagnosed at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and 41 consultation cases. The clinical findings and pathologic features were reviewed. Immunophenotype was obtained in 33 cases and follow-up information was available in 38 cases. Results: There were 22 males and 27 females with ages ranging from 24 to 83 years (mean 52.5 years). Fifteen cases occurred in extremities, 14 in deep body cavity, 11 in the trunk, 4 in the head and neck, 2 in the bladder, and 1 each in the inguinal region, perineum and femoral vein, respectively. Tumor sizes ranged from 3 to 30 cm (mean 9.1 cm). The tumors were composed of at least small foci of typical leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and areas of high-grade pleomorphic/undifferentiated sarcoma. The typical LMS component showed the characteristic morphology of smooth muscle differentiation and was low to intermediate grade in most cases. Pleomorphic areas were mainly composed of atypical spindle and polygonal cells admixed with variable large, bizarre atypical cells and multinuclear giant cells, mostly mimicking undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. The pleomorphic and leiomyosarcomatous areas were usually intermixed, but the demarcation may be distinct or gradual in some cases. The classical LMS component was positive for at least one myogenic marker: α-SMA in 97.0%(32/33), desmin in 72.7%(24/33), H-caldesmon in 90.9% (20/22), MSA in 14/16, and calponin in 15/15 of cases. The pleomorphic sarcoma component was reactive for at least one myogenic marker in 87.9% (29/33) of cases, usually showing focal and less intense immunoreactivity than classical LMS component: α-SMA was positive in 81.8%(27/33), desmin in 48.5%(16/33), H-caldesmon in 72.7% (16/22), MSA in 12/16, and calponin in 11/15 of cases. Based on staining for muscle markers in the pleomorphic component, 29 cases were designated as PLMS, 4 as DLMS. Ki-67 index ranged from 15% to 70% (mean 40%). Follow-up data was available in 38 cases (77.6%), of which 11 patients (28.9%) died of disease, 12 patients were alive with unresectable or recurrent disease, 14 patients were alive with no evidence of disease and another one died of unrelated cause. The median disease-free and overall survival was 6 and 10 months respectively. Twelve patients exhibited local recurrence and 11 developed metastases. The median interval to progression was 8 months. Conclusions: The identification of areas of typical LMS is crucial for accurate diagnosis of PLMS and DLMS. Both PLMS and DLMS show more aggressive behavior and poorer prognosis than ordinary LMS.

Redescription of Vieja hartwegi (Taylor Miller 1980) (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from the Grijalva River basin, Mexico and Guatemala, with description of a rheophilic morph.

Vieja hartwegi was described by Taylor and Miller in 1980 based on 45 juvenile and sub-adult specimens, but this species shows an enormous variation in coloration patterns during ontogenic development and between individuals. Additionally, morphological data have demonstrated the existence of two forms in V. hartwegi: the typical morph of a moderately deep to slightly elongated body shape with midlateral band, and a rheophilic morph with an elongated to slightly deep body shape and lack of midlateral band. Herein we redescribe V. hartwegi adding adults and individuals from broad geographic ranges, as well as a rheophilic morph recently discovered in the upper reaches of the Grijalva River basin in Mexico. The set of characters include coloration, meristic, morphometric and osteological features. Vieja hartwegi is a polymorphic species whose forms may be segregating because of habitat preferences and food habits.

Cutaneous Vascular Responses of the Hands and Feet to Cooling, Rewarming, and Hypoxia in Humans

This study investigated skin vasomotor responses in the fingers and toes during cooling and rewarming with and without normobaric hypoxia. Fourteen volunteers (8 males and 6 females) were exposed to gradual air cooling (mean±SD: -0.4±0.1oC·min-1) followed by rewarming (+0.5±0.1oC·min-1) while breathing normoxic air (FIO2 0.21 at 761±3 mm Hg) or hypoxic gas (FIO2 0.12, at 761±3 mm Hg, equivalent to ~5000 m above sea level). Throughout the gradual cooling and rewarming phases, rectal temperature was measured, and skin temperatures and laser Doppler skin blood flow were measured on the thumb, little finger, and great and little toe pads. During gradual cooling, skin temperature but not deep body temperature decreased. No differences in cutaneous vascular conductance were found for the toes or thumb (P=0.169 great toe; P=0.289 little toe; P=0.422 thumb). Cutaneous vascular conductance was reduced in the little finger to a greater extent at the same mean skin temperatures (34.5-33.5oC) in the hypoxic compared with normoxic conditions (P=0.047). The onset of vasoconstriction and release of vasoconstriction in the thumb and little finger occurred at higher mean skin temperatures in hypoxia compared with normoxia (P<0.05). The onset of vasoconstriction and release of vasoconstriction in the toes occurred at similar skin temperatures (P=0.181 and P=0.132, respectively). The earlier vasoconstrictor response and later release of vasoconstriction in the finger during hypoxic conditions may result in a greater dose of cold to that digit, taking longer to rewarm following the release of vasoconstriction.