Morphometric Data Research Articles

Otolith Shape Indices of Japanese Threadfin Bream (Nemipterus japonicus, Bloch 1791) from the Makassar Strait, Indonesia

Japanese threadfin bream (Nemipterus japonicus) is a demersal fish that plays a very important role in maintaining ecosystem stability related to webs and food chains. This fish often becomes prey for predatory fish. In efforts to reveal the relationship between predators and prey in food webs and food chains, there is still limited information due to the difficulty of identifying digested food. In connection with this, this study aims to identify the morphology shape index value otolith of Japanese threadfin bream. Sampling was carried out at the Labuang Maros Fish Landing Site with 150 samples and morphometric data were collected from 150 pairs of otoliths in April and May 2023. The calculation of the shape index uses six descriptors, which include form factor (FF), roundness (RO), circularity or compactness (C), rectangularity (Rt), ellipticity (E), and aspect ratio (AR). The results showed that there was no significant difference in the otolith morphometry of the right and left otoliths (P>0.05). Based on the shape index value obtained, it explains that the morphometric shape of the otolith of Japanese threadfin bream tends to be oval, elongated, and has an irregular surface.

Diplostomum cf. vanelli Yamaguti, 1935 (Trematoda: Diplostomidae Poirier, 1886): Morpho-Molecular Data and Life Cycle

Furcocercariae, of the trematodes from the family Diplostomidae, were found in freshwater snails—Radix auricularia, which were collected in a reservoir located on Popov Island (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan). The life cycle was experimentally reproduced for the first time, while morphometric data for the development stages were studied and described for the newly discovered trematode. Moreover, molecular data for nuclear and mitochondrial markers were also obtained. It was determined that the morphometric characteristics of the trematode coincided with the species Diplostomum cf. vanelli, the molecular data analysis validates the species independence. Furthermore, the study highlights the issue of species identification in the Diplostomum genus.

Features of determining the subspecies status of honey bees (Apis mellifera) based on morphometric wing indicators of drones

As of today, in Ukraine, there are no opportunities to conduct genetic research on a sufficient scale to identify the composition of the genomes of honey bees. Wing morphometrics of drones is a readily available alternative for obtaining information about the approximate composition of DNA. The goal of the work was to formulate the principles of the main stages of research and illustrate the procedure for obtaining morphometric data, methods of their processing, and possibilities for interpreting the obtained results. In the package of statistical data processing application programs Statistica, the classification of 2,147 drone wings obtained from 6 apiaries of Zhytomyr, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv regions was carried out according to eight indices: Ci, Dbi, Disc.sh, Pci, Ri, Ci.3, Ci.2.1, and Ci.2.2. We propose a method for obtaining morphometric wing standards of bees based on studying a significant number of bee colonies from various apiaries in specific regions of Ukraine. Using a two-stage methodology, three datasets were formed and recommended for use as standards: one for the local population of Ukrainian bees and two for populations of the A.m.mellifera subspecies distributed in the Polissia region. We analyzed the reliability of results in determining the taxonomic affiliation of bees was analyzed. Using the example of a single bee colony, a detailed procedure is demonstrated to identify taxonomic affiliation through utilization of the obtained standards. It has been demonstrated that in case of reliable identification of standards belonging to specific subspecies, it is possible to predict the likely composition of chromosomal sets in the genomes of drones, queens, and worker bees partially corresponding to the wing phenotype.

New and unusual records of Glironia venusta (didelphimorphia, didelphidae) in Brazil

Abstract The bushy-tailed opossum Glironia venusta is a rare marsupial from Amazonia, with most of the known records obtained through scant visualization/photography events or by few captures/deposit of specimens in scientific collections. This study presents unusual records for the species: the first record of individuals dead due to vehicle collision, and a specimen opportunistically trapped into a mistnet. The data presented herein provide additional morphometrical data and ecological insights about G. venusta. Although this species is considered essentially arboreal, our records indicate that movements on ground are part of its habits.

First record of Camponotus textor Forel, 1899 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Ecuador

We present the first records of Camponotus textor Forel, 1899 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Ecuador, representing the first records from west of the Andes. We explore the use of participatory science data from iNaturalist and scientific collections to understand the distribution of C. textor. While iNaturalist data alone cannot confirm the presence of C. textor due to the need for precise morphometric data, it can be a valuable tool for assessing the species’ potential distribution. This study increases Ecuador’s known ant species to 826 and Camponotus species to at least 61. Challenges in distinguishing C. textor and C. senex prevent us from determining C. textor’s native status and highlight the need for further research on Camponotus in Ecuador.

Structural neuroimaging of skin-picking disorder

BackgroundSkin-picking disorder (SPD) is conceptualized as an obsessive-compulsive and related disorder (OCRD). Patients with SPD excessively manipulate their skin, which leads to skin lesions, psychological distress, and functional impairment. The neuroanatomical facets of this disorder are still poorly understood. MethodsA total of 220 participants (123 patients with a primary diagnosis of SPD and 97 healthy controls; mean age = 30 years, 80% female) were recruited for a voxel-based morphometry (VBM) study. VBM data were compared between patients and controls, and between three SPD subgroups, each characterized by a distinct age of symptom onset (before puberty, during puberty, adulthood). ResultsRelative to the healthy comparison group, patients with SPD had significantly less grey matter volume (GMV) in regions of interest (ROIs: insula, orbitofrontal cortex, pallidum, cerebellum, supramarginal gyrus) and in the frontal pole and occipital regions (whole-brain findings). Early onset of symptoms (before puberty) was associated with elevated levels of focused skin-picking, in addition to less GMV in specific ROIs (insula, orbitofrontal cortex) as well as in paracingulate/ superior temporal regions (whole-brain findings). ConclusionsSPD-related reductions in GMV were identified in brain regions involved in interoception, emotion regulation, and motor control. This partially aligns with findings for OCD. The detection of different age-of-onset groups based on clinical as well as morphometric data points to the heterogeneity of the disorder and warrants further investigation.

Insects as radar targets: size, form, density and permittivity

ABSTRACT To make biologically useful interpretations of the echo signals from an entomological radar (a radar designed and operated to observe insects in flight), it is necessary to relate basic properties of insects (i.e. their mass, size, and form) to their radio-wave scattering characters – e.g. their radar cross-section (RCS) and its variation with aspect or beam polarization. Measurements of RCSs of live or freshly dead specimens in laboratory rigs have played an important role in establishing such relationships, but it is desirable to develop and validate methods employing numerical computation, using electromagnetic calculation software, as a more widely applicable and generalizable alternative. In such computations, the insect is represented by a model with specified size, form, and composition; composition appears as the complex relative permittivity, with both polarizability (real) and loss (imaginary) terms. As a preliminary to investigating how adequately different types of electromagnetic model perform, we have collected and analysed morphometric data on adult, flight-capable specimens of a wide range of insect species, including many known to be migratory and to fly at heights where they would be detectable by radar. Our analyses reveal that appropriate densities for prolate-spheroid models of flying insects are in the range 0.60–0.76 g cm−3, which is about half that measured for air-free samples of the solids and liquids from which insect bodies are formed. From this, appropriate permittivities for the material filling the model are found to be in the range 7–11 (real component) and 2.0–3.5 (imaginary); again, these are much lower than measured values for pure insect-body material. These results enable construction of simple electromagnetic models of insects in which both spatial dimensions and masses are accurate. Computation of model RCSs and their aspect and polarization variations, and comparison of these with laboratory measurements, will be the topic of a follow-up validation study.

Correlated evolution of beak and braincase morphology is present only in select bird clades.

Complex morphological structures, such as skulls or limbs, are often composed of multiple morphological components (e.g., bones, sets of bones) that may evolve in a covaried manner with one another. Previous research has reached differing conclusions on the number of semi-independent units, or modules, that exist in the evolution of structures and on the strength of the covariation, or integration, between these hypothesized modules. We focus on the avian skull as an example of a complex morphological structure for which highly variable conclusions have been reached in the numerous studies analyzing support for a range of simple to complex modularity hypotheses. We hypothesized that past discrepancies may stem from both the differing densities of data used to analyze support for modularity hypotheses and the differing taxonomic levels of study. To test these hypotheses, we applied a comparative method to 3D geometric morphometric data collected from the skulls of a diverse order of birds (the Charadriiformes) to test support for 11 distinct hypotheses of modular skull evolution. Across all Charadriiformes, our analyses suggested that charadriiform skull evolution has been characterized by the semi-independent, but still correlated, evolution of the beak from the rest of the skull. When we adjusted the density of our morphometric data, this result held, but the strength of the signal varied substantially. Additionally, when we analyzed subgroups within the order in isolation, we found support for distinct hypotheses between subgroups. Taken together, these results suggest that differences in the methodology of past work (i.e., statistical method and data density) as well as clade-specific dynamics may be the reasons past studies have reached varying conclusions.

Development of an Automated Morphometric Approach to Assess Vascular Outcomes following Exposure to Environmental Chemicals in Zebrafish.

Disruptions in vascular formation attributable to chemical insults is a pivotal risk factor or potential etiology of developmental defects and various disease settings. Among the thousands of chemicals threatening human health, the highly concerning groups prevalent in the environment and detected in biological monitoring in the general population ought to be prioritized because of their high exposure risks. However, the impacts of a large number of environmental chemicals on vasculature are far from understood. The angioarchitecture complexity and technical limitations make it challenging to analyze the entire vasculature efficiently and identify subtle changes through a high-throughput in vivo assay. We aimed to develop an automated morphometric approach for the vascular profile and assess the vascular morphology of health-concerning environmental chemicals. High-resolution images of the entire vasculature in Tg(fli1a:eGFP) zebrafish were collected using a high-content imaging platform. We established a deep learning-based quantitative framework, ECA-ResXUnet, combined with MATLAB to segment the vascular networks and extract features. Vessel scores based on the rates of morphological changes were calculated to rank vascular toxicity. Potential biomarkers were identified by vessel-endothelium-gene-disease integrative analysis. Whole-trunk blood vessels and the cerebral vasculature in larvae exposed to 150 representative chemicals were automatically segmented as comparable to human-level accuracy, with sensitivity and specificity of 95.56% and 95.81%, respectively. Chemical treatments led to heterogeneous vascular patterns manifested by 31 architecture indexes, and the common cardinal vein (CCV) was the most affected vessel. The antipsychotic medicine haloperidol, flame retardant 2,2-bis(chloromethyl)trimethylenebis[bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate], and tert-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate ranked as the top three in vessel scores. Pesticides accounted for the largest group, with a vessel score of , characterized by a remarkable inhibition of subintestinal venous plexus and delayed development of CCV. Multiple-concentration evaluation of nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) indicated a low-concentration effect on vascular impairment and a positive association between carbon chain length and benchmark concentration. Target vessel-directed single-cell RNA sequencing of cells from larvae treated with , perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, or benzylbutyl phthalate, along with vessel-endothelium-gene-disease integrative analysis, uncovered potential associations with vascular disorders and identified biomarker candidates. This study provides a novel paradigm for phenotype-driven screenings of vascular-disrupting chemicals by converging morphological and transcriptomic profiles at a high-resolution level, serving as a powerful tool for large-scale toxicity tests. Our approach and the high-quality morphometric data facilitate the precise evaluation of vascular effects caused by environmental chemicals. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13214.

Phenotypic and morphometric characterization of Janwal Pashmi dog

Janwal Pashmi is the medium sized dog found in the villages of Chakur tehsil of Latur and adjoining districts of Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Present investigation was carried out by collecting morphometric data on 207 Janwal Pashmi dogs from its breeding tract. Data collected was classified into two age groups, i.e. below one year (puppies) and above one year (adult). Majority of the dogs were found to be black in colour (78.26%), however, fawn (8.69%), brown (4.34%), grey (5.79%) and white (2.89%) were also noticed. Most of the dogs were found to have medium hairs length (51.20%) followed by long hairs (43.47%) and rarely short hair length (5.31%). The head was straight and wedge shaped with 69.56% and 30.43%, respectively. The colour of nostrils in majority of dogs was black (95.16%) and very few dogs had brown (3.86%) and pinkish (0.96%) colour nostrils. Eyes were light brown (47.34%) to dark brown (52.65%). Majority of dogs had long ear (54.58%) while medium sized ears were observed in 42.02% of dogs. Morphometric characters studied were body weight (BW), height at wither (HW), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), paunch girth (PG), tail length (TL), head length (HL), height at base of tail (HBT), neck length (NL), neck girth (NG), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), eye width (EYW), hind foot length (HFL), upper hind leg length (UHLL), lower hind leg length (LHLL), fore foot length (FFL), upper fore leg length (UFLL) and lower fore leg length (LFLL). The effect of sex was found to be non-significant on all the traits in puppies except BW, HW, HBT, NL, UHLL and UFLL. However, BW, HW, BL, CG, TL, HL, HBT, NL, NG, HFL, UHLL, LHLL, FFL and UFLL were found significantly higher in males of adult age group. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was given to dogs and majority of farmers used iron mesh cages for keeping dogs. The characterization of Janwal Pashmi dog done in this study may help in the registration of this dog as a breed status and further conservation.

The long‐beaked common dolphin of the eastern Pacific Ocean: Taxonomic status and redescription of Delphinus bairdii

AbstractNeritic, long‐beaked common dolphins have been described as species distinct from the more oceanic and globally distributed short‐beaked species, Delphinus delphis, although recent molecular studies have challenged this view. In the eastern North Pacific (ENP), the taxonomic status of the long‐beaked (bairdii) form has been controversial since its original description in 1873, and has vacillated between species, subspecies, and geographic forms several times. It is currently provisionally viewed as a subspecies of Delphinus delphis, D. d. bairdii. To clarify this situation, we reviewed the literature and conducted additional analyses using both newly obtained genetic and cranial morphometric data sets. The results indicate that there are diagnostic differences in skull morphology and coloration between the eastern Pacific long‐and short‐beaked forms, and near‐perfect diagnosability in mitochondrial DNA. These differences, along with indications of ecological distinctions, including important differences in life history parameters and reproductive timing, indicate that these forms are well on their way down separate evolutionary pathways. As such, we consider them to be distinct species in the eastern Pacific. The long‐beaked species is referable to Delphinus bairdii Dall, 1873, and is redescribed as such herein.

The impact of apicobasal ridges on dental load-bearing capacity in aquatic-feeding predatory amniotes

AbstractApicobasal ridges are longitudinal ridges of enamel that are particularly common in several clades of aquatic-feeding predatory amniotes, including Plesiosauria, Ichthyosauria, Mosasauridae, Crocodylia, and Spinosauridae, as well as some early members of Cetacea. Although the repeated evolution of these dental ridges in unrelated clades suggests an adaptive benefit, their primary function in feeding is debated. Hypothesized functions range from increasing tooth strength to improving prey puncture or removal efficiency, but these have never been quantitatively tested. This study utilizes finite element analysis (FEA) to assess the impact of apicobasal ridges upon tooth crown strength in aquatic-feeding amniotes. Drawing on morphometric data from fossilized tooth crowns, a set of digital models was constructed to calculate the performance of smooth and ridged tooth variants under simulated bite force loadings. The similarities in overall stress distribution patterns across models of the same tooth shape, regardless of the presence or morphology of ridges, indicate that apicobasal ridges have little impact on stress reduction within the tooth crown. Ultimately, these findings suggest that apicobasal ridges have a minimal role in improving crown strength and form a framework for future research into the remaining hypotheses.

Geomorphic signatures of neotectonic activity along the Western Andean Front in the Chilean Andes (35°S to 37°S)

AbstractCharacterizing neotectonic activity along mountain fronts in active orogens is the key to better understanding trajectories of landscape evolution, climatic‐tectonic couplings and natural hazards. One such prominent mountain front is the Western Andean Front (WAF), which defines the boundary between two main physiographic units along the Chilean Andes (15°S to 39°S): the Central Depression and Principal Cordillera. This study analyses the geomorphic imprints of neotectonic fault activity in the WAF between 35°S and 37°S. We used several topographic metrics, including the mountain‐front sinuosity index (Smf), the valley floor width‐to‐height ratio (Vf) and the stream length‐gradient (SL) index to gain information about the regional distribution of deformation patterns and its relative tectonic activity for distinctive segments. In addition, a raster map combining rock strength (RS) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) allowed discriminating lithology‐climate vs. tectonics influence on SL anomalies from catchments spanning from the main deformation zone to the regional drainage divide. We use the local relief and swath profiles to quantify the incision and transient state of mountain fronts to evaluate the geomorphic response to tectonic and/or climatic input. Our analysis highlights significant variations from north to south, delineating two distinct segments with different topographic, geomorphic and geometric fault characteristics. These segments are indented at approximately 36°S. From north to south, there is a segment with an inactive thrust front with a primarily climate‐driven fluvial response over long timescales and a second segment with a transient state adjusting to relatively high uplift rates. Morphometric data analysis, DEM‐based morpho‐structural maps, geological maps and previous research support the interpretation of two sets of neotectonic faults: (1) NNE‐striking reverse faults with a dextral slip component and (2) NW‐striking sinistral slip faults, likely a response to deformation partitioning caused by oblique subduction on a continental margin.

Three-dimensional morphometry of kidney in New Zealand rabbit using unbiased design-based stereology.

The rabbit is widely used as a laboratory animal in experimental models of kidney diseases. This species is also important from a veterinary perspective as a companion animal. Stereology has been accepted as an accurate approach to kidney morphometry. The objective of the present project was to provide normal quantitative stereological parameters for adult rabbit kidneys. The left kidneys of five adult male New Zealand rabbits were used. Isotropic sections were obtained using the orientation method. Total kidney volume was calculated by the Cavalieri principle. The volume fraction of the renal structures was estimated using the point counting system. The lengths of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) and distal convoluted tubule (DCT) were calculated using counting frames. The total glomerular number was accounted for using the physical/fractionator technique. The mean glomerular volume was obtained by dividing the total volume of glomeruli by their total number. The total volume of rabbit kidneys calculated was 10.39 ± 1.98 cm3. The fractional volume of the kidney cortex and medulla accounted for 57.79 ± 0.65% and 42.2 ± 0.65%, respectively. The total glomerular volume was 2.18 ± 0.32% of the whole kidney. The total number of glomeruli in the rabbit kidney was estimated as 204.68 ± 12 × 103. The mean glomerular volume measured 1.07 ± 0.12 × 106 μm3. The total length of PCT and DCT was 2.96 ± 0.29 km and 1.38 ± 0.24 km, respectively. These findings can be used as a reference in experimental nephrology research and may help to expand the knowledge of nephrology in mammals by comparing with available data on humans and other species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Three-dimensional morphometry of adult rabbit kidney structures was analyzed using quantitative stereology. Total volume of kidney, fractional volume of cortex and medulla, length of renal tubules and number of nephrons were estimated. These three-dimensional morphometrical data can be used as a reference in experimental nephrology research and may help to expand the knowledge of nephrology in mammals.

Morphology of the obturator nerve, an anatomical study with emphasis on its clinical implications

Background The goal of this cadaveric cross sectional study was to analyse the branching pattern of the obturator nerve morphologically and to determine its dimensions in embalmed cadavers. Methods In this cross sectional study, we examined 50 embalmed adult cadaveric lower limbs. Sex was not taken into consideration in the analysis; however, a side-based comparison was performed. The measurements were performed using a digital Vernier caliper. Results The branching of obturator nerve was observed at the pelvic cavity in 28 specimens (56%) and inside the obturator canal in 12 specimens (24%). The division of obturator nerve wasn’t observed in 10 specimens (20%). The length, width and thickness of the trunk of obturator nerve was 108.26 ± 9.53 mm, 2.84 ± 0.88 mm and 1.11 ± 0.35 mm. The width and thickness of the anterior and posterior divisions of obturator nerve measured 2.19 ± 0.82 mm, 0.9 ± 0.1 mm, 0.99 ± 0.6 mm and 0.71 ± 0.26 mm. The topography of branching of obturator nerve from the superior and inferior border of the obturator foramen was located at 1.48 ± 0.58 mm and 3.07 ± 1.1 mm away. The length of anterior division of the obturator nerve measured 110.88 ± 12.02 mm over the right side and 107.13 ± 7.81 mm over the left side. The width of the main trunk of obturator nerve was 2.87 ± 0.64 mm over the right side and 2.82 ± 0.64 mm over the left side. Conclusions We believe that morphometric data of the obturator nerve will be enlightening to the operating surgeon during procedures such as obturator nerve block, nerve transplantation, and obturator nerve repair. The dimensions of the obturator nerve observed in the present study can be utilized as a morphological database for our sample population.

Susceptibility of optic nerve head in children with posture-related elevation of intraocular pressure

Background/AimsThis work aimed to investigate changes in optic nerve head (ONH) morphometry based on Bruch membrane opening in children with extensive nocturnal intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations.MethodsThe course of Bruch membrane opening-based optic nerve head (ONH) morphometry was analysed in thirty-two patients younger than 18 years with evaluable SD-OCT examinations of the ONH and nocturnal posture-dependent IOP elevation above 25 mmHg. Longitudinal changes in neuroretinal rim tissue, as measured by Bruch Membrane opening minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, were assessed.ResultsOne year after the 24 h IOP measurement, global BMO-MRW (− 1.61 ± 16.8 µm, n.s.; p = 0.611) and RNFL (+ 0.64 ± 3.17 µm; n.s.; p = 0.292) measurements were not significantly different from the baseline. No significant BMO-MRW reduction (− 3.91 ± 24.3 µm; n.s. p = 0.458) or deviation in RNFL thickness (+ 1.10 ± 3.52 µm) was observed at the four-year follow-up. Absolute IOP values measured in the supine position did not correlate with changes in global BMO-MRW or RNFL thickness.ConclusionPosture-dependent IOP elevations do not seem to influence retinal nerve fibre layer thickness or Bruch membrane opening-based morphometric data in childhood.

Creation of Machine Learning-Based Fish Classification Systems Based on Morphometric and Mathematical Transform Data

The accurate classification of fish species is crucial for various ecological, conservation, and fisheries management applications. Traditional methods relying solely on manual observation or morphological characteristics can be time-consuming and prone to errors. In recent years, advancements in machine learning (ML) techniques coupled with morphometric and mathematical transform data have shown promising results in automating and enhancing fish species classification processes. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the development and application of ML-based fish classification systems utilizing morphometric measurements and mathematical transforms. The core of this paper focuses on the integration of morphometric and mathematical transform data with ML algorithms for fish classification. In this review commonly employed ML algorithms, including but not limited to support vector machines (SVM), artificial neural networks (ANN), random forests (RF), and convolutional neural networks (CNN). Furthermore, this work discuss feature selection techniques to optimize classification performance and reduce dimensionality. These may include the incorporation of multimodal data sources, transfer learning approaches, and the development of user-friendly tools for field biologists and conservationists. Overall, this paper serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers and practitioners interested in leveraging ML techniques for accurate and efficient fish species classification.

Is promiscuity the key? Multiple paternity in the garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus)

Many mammals have a promiscuous mating system with multiple sired litters. Promiscuity can increase the genetic variability, reduce the risk of inbreeding, and increase the effective population size, and is therefore crucial for preventing genetic loss and maintaining adaptability. This is particularly true for small and threatened populations. The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) is a threatened species, which exhibited a drastic decline over the last 20–30 years. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the mating system of the garden dormouse in mountain forest habitat by parentage analyses using 5 polymorphic microsatellite markers combined with morphometric data and information about the nesting behavior. Genetic parentage analyses revealed that 64% (9 of 14) of the litters were sired by at least two males, suggesting that garden dormice have a promiscuous mating system. The genetic findings were further supported by indirect indicators of promiscuity, such as testes, that were nearly four times larger than predicted for a rodent of its body mass and only slight male biased sexual size dimorphism. The finding of a promiscuous mating system in garden dormice should be taken into account in future conservation efforts. Due to its habitat preferences and limited dispersal potential garden dormice are vulnerable to forest fragmentation. The connection of suitable habitats facilitates dispersal and promotes access to potential mating partners, which could be especially important for populations colonizing new habitats. Access to potential mates may also reduce inbreeding, loss of genetic variability which is crucial for populations viability and survival.

Comparison of the blood biochemical values of foraging and nesting Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Sinaloa, Mexico

Our study aimed to establish reference values for nesting females and compare them with those previously reported to understand olive ridley turtles' health status and contribute to long-term health assessment and monitoring in foraging and nesting areas from the state of Sinaloa, Mexico. In August and September 2018, morphometric data and biochemical profiles were collected from 33 nesting olive ridley turtles from Ceuta Beach Sanctuary (CBS) and 14 foraging female turtles captured at the foraging site, Navachiste Marine Area (NMA). Nesting turtles sampled had greater CCL (65.86 ± 1.70 cm) than those from the foraging area (61.54 ± 1.22) (p < 0.05). Regarding biochemical profiles, post-nesting turtles had higher packed cell volume (PCV), albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cholesterol, triglycerides, and calcium than turtles from the foraging area (p < 0.05). Phosphorus levels were higher in foraging turtles than in nesting turtles (p = 0.001), while the remaining parameters showed no significant differences. The present study describes for the first time the blood biochemical values of nesting turtles from the Ceuta Beach Sanctuary in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, similar to those of foraging turtles from the north of the state. The significant differences observed between the two analysis groups may be due to the energy reserves and reproductive and nesting activity of the nesting turtles, so the blood biochemistry values described in this study can be used as a standard reference blood value for the olive ridley turtle population of Sinaloa, Mexico.

Morphological study of the popliteus muscle-tendon complex in formalin embalmed adult cadavers

Background The dimensions of popliteus muscle and its tendon are subjected to variability in the origin, mode of insertion, innervation patterns and vascular supply. The aim of this study was to measure the length, thickness and width of the popliteus muscle and its tendon at its different parts. The objectives were to study the topographic anatomy of the neurovascular structures of the popliteus and also to determine the dimensions of the popliteo-fibular ligament. Methods This descriptive cross sectional institutional based study included 50 formalin embalmed adult lower limb specimens. The measurements were performed by using the digital Vernier caliper. Results The length of the popliteus muscle belly along the upper and lower border were 44.2±6.63 mm and 89.26±14.41 mm, width of the muscle belly at midpoint, musculotendinous junction and insertion were 28.45±6.85 mm, 11.7±3.5 mm and 75.95±10.7 mm. The thickness of muscle belly at the midpoint was 2.55±0.55 mm. The length of popliteal tendon, width at origin and at musculotendinous junction were 24.85±2.15 mm, 7.55±1.55 mm and 8.5±1.15 mm. The thickness of tendon of popliteus was 2.6±0.75 mm. The length of nerve to popliteus was 50.44±8.66 mm and its origin was located 27.54±6.18 mm from the intercondylar line. The distance of origin of medial and lateral geniculate arteries from the intercondylar line were 26.26±10.47 mm and 20.76±5.19 mm. The distance of division of popliteal artery was 49.44±16.26 mm from the intercondylar line. The length and width of the popliteo-fibular ligament was 17.84±3.43 mm and 7.36±1.9 mm individually. Conclusions This study offered detailed morphometric data of the popliteus and it is believed that the data of this anatomical research is enlightening to orthopedic surgeons particularly in the field of arthroscopic and plastic surgery. The data can be considered as the database from our population.