Morphometric Comparison Research Articles

Prevalence and Morphometric Comparison of Trichostrongylus spp. among Sheep and Goats from Kashan Abattoir, Central Iran

Prevalence and Morphometric Comparison of Trichostrongylus spp. among Sheep and Goats from Kashan Abattoir, Central Iran

Morphometric Parameters and Geospatial Analysis for Flash Flood Susceptibility Assessment: A Case Study of Jeddah City along the Red Sea Coast, Saudi Arabia

Flash floods are one of the most common and destructive natural hazards, and recent flood events show their severe impact on Saudi Arabia. Flash floods are increasing year by year in duration and intensity, resulting in huge destructive impacts for the nation concerned. Anticipating the spatial patterns and occurrence of rainfall-induced floods is in high demand. Recent technique-based studies and their comprehensive results aid in understanding the flood potential of the drainage basins and in minimizing the risks of a threat to humans and of economic damage. Jeddah City is located at the western coast of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia and is one of the most important coastal cities in the Arabian Kingdom. It has experienced several destructive flash flood events, particularly in 2009 and 2011, causing serious damage and significant loss of life. An analysis of the morphometric parameters using geospatial techniques provides significant insights into the hydrological response of the drainage basins to major heavy rainfall events. In this paper, two relative flood susceptibility scenarios were produced: drainage basin levels and very accurate pixel-level conditions. The morphometric comparison levels suggest that basins 1 and 7 are very high, whereas the other basins have moderate and low levels. The derived flood susceptibility map was integrated with the topographic position and wetness algorithms (TPI and TWI) through overlay processing. The integration analysis aids in realizing the relationship between the general basin morphometric characteristics and the in situ relief for producing the flood susceptibility spots over the entire basins. Thus, the method of this paper can be applied to evaluate the site-specific plan minimizing the effects of flash flood risks in similar areas.

A taxonomic revision of the Sinopterus complex (Pterosauria, Tapejaridae) from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota, with the new genus Huaxiadraco.

Tapejarids are edentulous pterosaurs particularly abundant in the Chinese Jiufotang Formation, counting with over 10 described specimens and dozens of undescribed ones. A total of seven nominal tapejarid species (within two genera) have been proposed, though it is disputed how many of those are valid instead of sexual or ontogenetic morphs of fewer, or a single, species. However, detailed revisions of the matter are still lacking. In the present work, we provide a specimen-level survey of anatomical variation in previously described Jiufotang tapejarid specimens, as well as of six new ones. We present qualitative and morphometric comparisons, aiming to provide a basis for a taxonomic reappraisal of the complex. Our results lead us to interpret two Jiufotang tapejarid species as valid: Sinopterus dongi and Huaxiadraco corollatus (gen. et comb. nov.). Our primary taxonomic decisions did not rely around cranial crest features, which have typically been regarded as diagnostic for most of these proposed species albeit ever-growing evidence that these structures are highly variable in pterosaurs, due to ontogeny and sexual dimorphism. However, a reassessment of premaxillary crest variation in the Sinopterus complex reveals that while much of the observed variation (crest presence and size) can easily be attributed to intraspecific (ontogenetic and sexual) variation, some of it (crest shape) does seem to represent interspecific variation indeed. A phylogenetic analysis including the species regarded as valid was also performed.

Trilobite tridents demonstrate sexual combat at 400 Mya

The Devonian trilobite Walliserops carries a remarkable anterior cephalic trident posing a challenge to functional interpretation. A unique teratological specimen of Walliseropstrifurcatus showing four, rather than three tines, is inconsistent with possible hypotheses connecting the trident to feeding techniques and suggests a sexually selected function. Malformations in a variety of living organisms support this conclusion. Morphometric comparisons to similar structures used for intraspecific combat in dynastine beetles show that the trident occupies a comparable shape space consistent with the hypothesis that it was a sexual combat weapon, the oldest reported example of its kind. This lends further credibility to the idea that some trilobites may have been strongly sexually dimorphic.

The characterization of bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) coprolites in the archaeological record

The archaeological record of the Lagar Velho rock shelter (Lapedo Valley, Leiria, Portugal) bears testimony to several significant Upper Palaeolithic occupations, most notably the Lapedo Child burial (LV1) dating from the Gravettian. Excavations undertaken at the site since 2018 have seen the recovery of a large quantity of coprolites, above all in layer 143 (c. 29 ka cal BP). The study of these fossilized remains points to the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) as the main coprogenic agent and provides the first descriptions of these avian coprolites in archaeological assemblages. The analyses reported involved the comparison of the coprogenic samples with modern bearded vulture scats. A new morphotype is proposed for discriminating the faeces of this avian scavenger based on (1) macroscopic analyses, (2) morphometric comparisons with other fossil and modern scats and (3) their mineralogical and elemental composition. Among the criteria proposed here to identify the coprolites of the bearded vulture are their cylindrical shape, diameter, pointed extremities and homogeneous porous texture, as well as their massive internal texture, hard consistency and total absence of bone inclusions (attributable in all likelihood to a high digastric juice acidity capable of dissolving bones). Our results indicate that, as well as being used by humans for short-term stays, the Lagar Velho rock shelter was used by the bearded vulture as a nesting site. We provide new evidence from Iberia of the activity of this avian scavenger as a bone accumulator in archaeological sites.

The effect of different types of storage solutions on saphenous vein endothelial integrity in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Background/Aim. Taking into consideration the justified popularity of total arterial revascularization, the saphenous vein graft (SVG) is still one of the most utilized conduits in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). One of the determining factors of this conduit?s durability is its endothelial integrity at the time of surgery. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of different storage solutions on SVG endothelial integrity in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 (T2DM) and non-T2DM patients undergoing CABG. The solutions under evaluation were heparinized saline solution (0.9% NaCl), heparinized autologous whole blood, Bretschneider (histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate ? HTK) solution, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) solution. Methods. Forty patients were included in this study and were divided into two groups: group A with 23 T2DM patients and group B with 17 non-T2DM patients. The effects of these solutions were examined by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34 antibodies and morphometric comparison in histologic samples of T2DM patients undergoing CABG between July 2021 and September 2022 with samples provided by non-T2DM patients. Results. In this study, the FFP solution showed the most prominent positive effect on the preservation of SVG endothelial integrity, with an average cell integrity preservation of 92.2%. HTK solution was found to be the least effective, with an endothelial cell preservation integrity of 26.77%. There was no marked statistically significant difference in results from groups A and B. There was a noticeable contrast in preserving SVG endothelial integrity between the two patient groups, T2DM and non-T2DM patients, although it was not statistically significant. Conclusion. The storage solution with the most beneficial effect on SVG endothelial integrity preservation was the FFP solution when harvested via the conventional open method in CABG.

Morphometric characterization and comparison of the African rhinoceros beetle (AfRB) Oryctes monoceros Olivier (Coleoptera: Dynastidae) populations from different agro-ecological zones in Ghana

Morphometric characterization and comparison of the African rhinoceros beetle (AfRB) Oryctes monoceros Olivier (Coleoptera: Dynastidae) populations from different agro-ecological zones in Ghana

A Morphometric Analysis of the Santolina chamaecyparissus Complex (Asteraceae).

The genus Santolina (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) includes 26 species of aromatic evergreen shrubs endemic to the western Mediterranean Basin. Santolina is widely used as ornamental plant, in xerigardening, and in ethnobotany. The Santolina chamaecyparissus complex, including about half of the known species diversity, has been properly investigated on systematic and taxonomic grounds only recently, and a complete morphometric study is still missing. Here we provide a morphometric characterization and comparison of all the 14 species of this complex, using both univariate and multivariate analyses. Our results suggest that species of this complex can be distinguished using combinations of quantitative and qualitative character-states, mostly related to the leaf morphology. The analysis of S. villosa, a tetraploid/hexaploid Spanish endemic, showed that the two cytotypes cannot be safely identified based on morphology. Coupling this evidence with available phylogenetic information, we conclude that there is no reason to split the two cytotypes of S. villosa in two distinct taxa. An identification key for all the species of the complex is presented.

Aesthetic Reconstruction of Onco-surgical Mandibular Defects Using Free Fibular Flap with and without CAD/CAM Customized Osteotomy Guide: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BackgroundReconstruction of mandibular defects following ablative surgery remains a challenge even for experienced surgeons. Virtual planning and guided surgery, including computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), afford optimized ways by which to plan complex surgery. This study aimed to evaluate and compare aesthetic outcome and surgical efficiency of free fibular flap (FFF) with and without CAD/CAM customized osteotomy guide (COG) for reconstruction of onco-surgical mandibular defects.MethodsTwenty-two patients indicated for segmental mandibulectomy were randomly assigned to either CAD/CAM with COG group or that without COG- Model based reconstruction (MB group) at a 1:1 ratio. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by means of morphometric assessment and comparison for each differential area (DAr) and angle (DAn) in the affected side to the contralateral side of the mandible using computerized digital imaging analysis (CDIA) based on the post-operative 3D CT-scan. Subjective evaluation was performed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Patient’s Satisfaction Score (PSS). Surgical efficiency was a secondary outcome and evaluated as total operative time and ischemia time.ResultsThe mean sagittal DAr was significantly lower in the COG group (277.28 ± 127.05 vs. 398.67 ± 139.10 mm2, P = 0.045). Although there was an improvement in the axial DAr (147.61 ± 55.42 vs. 183.68 ± 72.85 mm2), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.206). The mean differences (Δ) in both sagittal and coronal DAn were significantly lower in the COG group than in the MB group (6.11 ± 3.46 and 1.77 ± 1.12° vs. 9.53 ± 4.17 and 3.44 ± 2.34°), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the axial DAn between the two groups (P = 0.386). The PSS was significantly higher in the COG group, reflecting better aesthetic satisfaction than in the MB group (P = 0.041). The total operation and ischemia time were significantly shorter in favor of the COG group with a mean of (562.91 ± 51.22, 97.55 ± 16.80 min vs. 663.55 ± 53.43, 172.45 ± 21.87 min), respectively.ConclusionThe CAD/CAM with COG is more reliable and highly valuable in enhancing aesthetic outcomes and surgical efficiency of mandibular reconstruction by FFF compared to that without COG (MB reconstruction).Trial registrationThis trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration number: NCT03757273. Registration date: 28/11/2018.

Morphology and Morphogenesis of Pseudourostyla levis (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia) from River Yamuna, Delhi, India.

The ciliated protozoa, Pseudourostyla levis was collected from river Yamuna in Delhi (India). Morphometric characterization and cortical morphogenesis during the division cycle was investigated. The ciliate Pseudourostyla measures 274µm × 80 µm in protargol stained preparations. Cortical structures include buccal, frontal and somatic ciliature. The main morphogenetic events during division cycle in P. levisincludes, partial retention of parental adoral membranelles, dedifferentiation of parental midventral cirri to form frontoventral complex and formation of marginal rows on each side from a common marginal primordium. In the present study, the morphometric comparison of the present isolate with congeners is also presented.

New Report of Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1819) in the Ionian Sea with an In-Depth Morphometrical Comparison with All Mediterranean Records

Monitoring the occurrence and distribution of rare fish species is essential, especially in a semi-closed basin such as the Mediterranean Sea. Biologically interesting species often represent fishing waste (being part of the by-catch) and therefore are not retained, leading to a huge gap in data collection. Here we report about the occurrence in the Ionian Sea of a Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1819) specimen, a mesopelagic fish from the order Lampriformes considered rare in the whole Mediterranean basin. The sample was captured at a depth of 720 m off the coast of Noto (Sicily, Italy) by deep-sea longline fisheries. The biometrics and meristic data were compared with all the available data on specimens previously reported in the Mediterranean Sea. It is interesting to note that, among the few records in the literature, most reports mention a lower depth range for this species. In fact, it is quite known that juvenile specimens of Z. cristatus were frequently found in shallow waters, while information about the biology of the adult stage is scarce, indicating they would seem to prefer much deeper environments. Considering the difficulty to collect data on this rare fish, this contribution can help to improve the knowledge about its distribution.

Morphometric and Biomechanical Comparison of the Scapular Spine and Coracoid Graft in Anterior Shoulder Instability

Background: The scapular spine has been described as a relatively new bone graft alternative used in glenoid augmentation. The classic Latarjet procedure, which transfers the coracoid as a graft, is regarded as the gold standard. The comparison of these 2 techniques has not been fully reported. Purpose: To compare the anatomic and biomechanical properties of glenoid augmentation using scapular spine graft or coracoid graft. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The study used 20 fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders. A 25% anterior glenoid defect was created, and the specimens were divided randomly to receive glenoid augmentation by scapular spine or coracoid grafts. For both procedures, the grafts were secured to the glenoid defect with 2 screws. Morphometric data, including the glenoid articular area, amount of restoration, and graft dimensions, were obtained. A biomechanical test was conducted in a direct-loading scenario. The construct stiffness, cyclic displacement, and ultimate failure of each specimen were collected. Results: No significant difference was found in glenoid articular restoration between the scapular spine group and the coracoid group (31% vs 33%, respectively; P = .311). Morphometric analysis indicated that coracoid grafts exhibited significantly greater thickness and height than scapular spine grafts. In biomechanical results, the scapular spine group exhibited significantly greater construct stiffness than the coracoid group (206.3 ± 58.8 vs 148.3 ± 76.0 N/mm, respectively; P = .023). The average failure load in the scapular spine group was not significantly higher than that in the coracoid group. No significant differences in cyclic displacement were found between the 2 techniques. Conclusion: In a simulated 25% anterior glenoid bony defect, a scapular spine graft was comparable with the classic Latarjet procedure in restoring the glenoid articular dimension and exhibited superior construct stiffness in a cadaveric model. Clinical Relevance: The scapular spine may serve as an alternative graft choice in glenoid augmentation surgery considering the amount of articular restoration and initial fixation stability.

Examining competition during the agnathan/gnathostome transition using distance-based morphometrics

AbstractThe rise of jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes) and extinction of nearly all jawless vertebrates (agnathans) is one of the most important transitions in vertebrate evolution, but the causes are poorly understood. Competition between agnathans and gnathostomes during the Devonian period is the most commonly hypothesized cause; however, no formal attempts to test this hypothesis have been made. Generally, competition between species increases as morphological similarity increases; therefore, this study uses the largest to date morphometric comparison of Silurian and Devonian agnathan and gnathostome groups to determine which groups were most and least likely to have competed. Five agnathan groups (Anaspida, Heterostraci, Osteostraci, Thelodonti, and Furcacaudiformes) were compared with five gnathostome groups (Acanthodii, Actinopterygii, Chondrichthyes, Placodermi, and Sarcopterygii) including taxa from most major orders. Morphological dissimilarity was measured by Gower's dissimilarity coefficient, and the differences between agnathan and gnathostome body forms across early vertebrate morphospace were compared using principal coordinate analysis. Our results indicate competition between some agnathans and gnathostomes is plausible, but not all agnathan groups were similar to gnathostomes. Furcacaudiformes (fork-tailed thelodonts) are distinct from other early vertebrate groups and the least likely to have competed with other groups.

A New Species of Sprentascaris (Nematoda: Raphidascarididae) in Hypostomus commersoni (Pisces: Loricariidae) from Argentina.

To report a new species: Sprentascaris pampayensis, a Raphidascarididae parasite from the Neotropical region. During a parasitological survey, specimens were collected of a new species of Sprentascaris from Hypostomus commersoni Valenciennes from urban lakes in Santa Fe City, Santa Fe Province, in the Pampean region of Argentina. Morphological and morphometric descriptions, and molecular analyses were performed. The new species, S. pampayensis n. sp., is characterized by having slightly extended lateral wings in both sexes, oral structure with three well-developed lips with double papillae, ventrolateral lips with an amphidial pore. Triangular buccal opening with three well-developed lips with flattened extensions at their bases, which end in a pointed manner towards the back. Males have 17 pairs of preanal papillae, 1 pair of adanal papillae, 3 pairs of postanal papillae and 1odd median postanal papilla located between the first and second pairs, unusual shape of caudal papillae with the central tubular part conspicuously elevated. Females have pre-equatorial vulva, smooth-shelled eggs, and mature embryonated eggs. Sprentascaris pampayensis n. sp. differs morphologically and genetically from S. manherti Petter and Cassone, 1984, S. lanfrediae Melo, Santos, Giese, Santos and Santos, 2011 and S. andersoni Malta, Paiva, Elisei, Tavares and Pereira, 2018. Morphological and morphometric comparison also distinguishes it from S. pimelodi Petter and Cassone, 1984, S. hypostomi Petter and Cassone, 1984, S. marano Ramallo, 2009, and S. saltaensis Ailán-Choke, Ramallo and Davies, 2017. Sprentascaris pampayensis n. sp. is a new parasitic nematode of Hypostomus commersoni.

Minimal change prion retinopathy: Morphometric comparison of retinal and brain prion deposits in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is the most commonly diagnosed human prion disease caused by the abnormal misfolding of the ‘cellular’ prion protein (PrPC) into the transmissible ‘scrapie-type’ prion form (PrPSc). Neuropathologic evaluation of brains with sCJD reveals abnormal PrPSc deposits primarily in grey matter structures, often associated with micro-vacuolar spongiform changes in neuropil, neuronal loss, and gliosis. Abnormal PrPSc deposits have also been reported in the retina of patients with sCJD, but few studies have characterized the morphology of these retinal PrPSc deposits or evaluated for any retinal neurodegenerative changes. We performed histopathologic and morphometric analyses of retinal and brain prion deposits in 14 patients with sCJD. Interestingly, we discovered that the morphology of retinal PrPSc deposits generally differs from that of brain PrPSc deposits in terms of size and shape. We found that retinal PrPSc deposits consistently localize to the outer plexiform layer of the retina. Additionally, we observed that the retinal PrPSc deposits are not associated with the spongiform change, neuronal loss, and gliosis often seen in the brain. The stereotypic morphology and location of PrPSc deposits in sCJD retinas may help guide the use of ocular imaging devices in the detection of these deposits for a clinical diagnosis.

Morphometric and molecular characterization of Kudoa encrasicoli n. sp. (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) from the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (L.) (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae)

The European anchovy represents the main fisheries for countries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins. The skeletal muscle of 13 of 48 (27.1%) Engraulis encrasicolus (L.) specimens from North East Atlantic waters (FAO 27.8.c) was found infected with interfibrillar elongated plasmodia (130-980 µm in length) containing mature myxospores belonging to the genus Kudoa Meglitsch, 1947. No flesh softening was found associated with infection. Fresh myxospores were 10.8 ± 0.7 (9.1-12.3) µm in width 1, 11.3 ± 0.9 (9.5-13.4) µm in width 2, 6.7 ± 0.4 (5.8-7.4) µm in thickness, and 6.9 ± 0.5 (5.8-7.5) µm in length. They were almost stellate in apical view having three pointed-edged shell valves bearing three small polar capsules equal in size 5.0 ± 0.3 (4.4-5.4) μm long and 2.4 ± 0.2 (2.0-3.0) μm wide, and one rounded- to rarely bluntly pointed-edged shell valve bearing a large and particularly wide polar capsule 6.8 ± 0.4 (5.9-7.6) μm long and 4.1 ± 0.2 (3.6-4.4) μm wide. Morphological and morphometrical comparisons between these myxospores and those of Kudoa thyrsites (Gilchrist, 1923) from the clupeid Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum) (North East Atlantic waters, FAO 27.9.a), with which exhibited a similarity of 98.9% and 96.2% using SSU and LSU rDNA sequences, respectively, support the creation of Kudoa encrasicolin. sp. Morphometrical analysis of the polar capsules of flattened myxospores is suggested as a useful approach to differentiate phylogenetically related kudoids with stellate or almost stellate myxospores bearing four polar capsules.

Morphometric Properties Comparison of Some Turkish and Foreign Apricot Variety Grown at High Altitude

Apricots are becoming more preferred because of their usage in the fresh, dried, and processing industries and are appreciated by consumers for their pleasant flavor, aroma, and high nutritional value. Apricot cultivation is mostly performed by native varieties in Turkey, and there is insufficient knowledge about the characteristics of foreign varieties. In this study, important Turkish and foreign varieties were evaluated according to their morphological properties using multivariate analyses. The highest fruit weight was detected as 31.90 g (Sakıt-2) in the Turkish varieties and detected 22.36 g (Precoce de Colomer) in the foreign varieties. The highest fruit height, thickness, stone height, and weight were detected in ‘Alyanak’ and ‘Sakıt-2’ the Turkish apricot varieties. The ‘Soğancı’ and ‘Sakıt-2’ were characterized by the highest stone thickness, pH, fruit height, and weight in Turkish varieties, whereas ‘Precoce de Tyrinthe’ had the highest total soluble solids in the foreign varieties. The correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive correlations between examined features in Turkish and foreign varieties. In the principal component analysis, the first five components elucidated 93.59% of the total variance. Examined traits were separated into three groups, and ‘Sakıt-2’, ‘Alyanak’, ‘Hasanbey’, and ‘Hacihaliloğlu’ at the Turkish varieties were placed in the first two groups and characterized by fruit and stone traits, while the foreign varieties formed the other group and were characterize by pH, TSS, and colorimetric traits. The study put forward useful information for the comparison of morphometric traits between Turkish and foreign varieties, and the results can be used in future apricot breeding programs.

Taxonomy and distribution of a common arboreal lizard, Bronchocela jubata Dumril amp; Bibron, 1837 (Reptilia: Agamidae), with designation of its lectotype from Java, Indonesia.

Bronchocela jubata Dumril and Bibron, 1837 is one of the commonest species of the genus, known mostly from Java Island and southern parts of Sumatra. It is rare in Bali and Borneo. The juveniles are often confused with its morphologically similar congener, B. cristatella, which occurs widely throughout the Indonesian Archipelago and Peninsular Malaysia. We examined the morphology of B. jubata based on museum specimens including its two available syntypes, and redescribed the species based on the lectotype designated herein. We highlight the characters of B. jubata with a morphometric comparison to its sympatric congener B. cristatella from Java Island, Indonesia. Based on the current distribution pattern and the apparent threats, we update the conservation status of B. jubata using IUCN Red List Criteria, and propose that it be considered as a species of Least Concern (LC), endemic to the Greater Sundaic Islands.

PM 7/40 (5) Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida

PM 7/40 (5) <i>Globodera rostochiensis</i> and <i>Globodera pallida</i>

Discovering Plum, Watermelon and Grape Cultivars Founded in a Middle Age Site of Sassari (Sardinia, Italy) through a Computer Image Analysis Approach.

The discovery of several waterlogged plant remains in a Middle Ages context (1330–1360 AD) in Sassari (NS, Sardinia, Italy) enabled the characterisation of archaeological plum fruit stones and watermelon and grape seeds through computer image analysis. Digital seed/endocarp images were acquired by a flatbed scanner and processed and analysed by applying computerised image analysis techniques. The morphometric data were statistically elaborated using stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA), allowing comparisons among archaeological remains, wild populations and autochthonous cultivars. Archaeological samples of plum were compared with 21 autochthonous cultivars of Prunus domestica from Sardinia, while archaeological watermelon seeds were compared with 36 seed lots of Citrullus from Europe, Africa and Asia. Moreover, archaeological grape seeds were compared with 51 autochthonous traditional cultivars of Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera from Sardinia, 16 cultivars from Tuscany, six cultivars from Liguria, and eight cultivars from Catalonia (Spain). Archaeological plum remains showed morphological affinity with five cultivars of Sardinia. Seed features of the archaeological watermelon remains demonstrated affiliation with a proper sweet dessert watermelon, Citrullus lanatus, and similarity with some Sardinian cultivars. Regarding the archaeological remains of grape, morphometric comparisons showed a high similarity with autochthonous cultivars from Catalonia and Liguria. This study provides new information about ancient fruit cultivated and consumed during the Middle Ages in Sardinia.