Morphometric Profile Research Articles

Morphometric mapping of the macrostructural abnormalities of midsagittal corpus callosum in Wilson's disease.

Background and PurposeThe corpus callosum (CC) consists of topographically arranged white matter (WM) fibers. Previous studies have indicated the CC to be discretely involved in WD. In this study, we strived to characterize the macrostructural properties of the CC using midsagittal cross-sectional area and thickness profile measurements.Materials and MethodsThis study was performed using archived magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 14 patients with WD and 14 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Using an automated software pipeline for morphometric profiling, the midsagittal CC was segmented into five sub-regions (CC1–5) according to the Hofer–Frahm scheme. The mean thickness and area of different CC segments and their clinical and cognitive correlates were identified.ResultsThe mean area was significantly different only in CC2 segment (94.2 ± 25.5 vs. 118.6 ± 19.7 mm2, corrected P < 0.05). The mean thickness was significantly different in CC1 (5.06 ± 1.15 vs. 6.93 ± 0.89 mm, corrected P < 0.05), CC2 (3.73 ± 0.96 vs. 4.87 ± 1.01 mm, corrected P < 0.05), and CC3 segments (3.42 ± 0.84 vs. 3.94 ± 0.72 mm, corrected P < 0.05). The age at onset of neurological symptoms and MMSE score was significantly correlated with the morphometric changes of CC1 and CC2 segments.ConclusionMorphological changes of the CC are discrete in WD. Morphometric loss of CC was associated with an earlier onset of neurological symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in WD.

Morphometric profile of tendocalcaneus of South Africans of European ancestry using a cadaveric approach.

Tendocalcaneus is a strong tendon that is vital for bipedalism in humans. Despite its tremendous strength, the tendocalcaneus is prone to damage and degeneration causing mobility problems and pain. Morphometric dimension of the tendocalcaneus is of benefit to the surgical repair and reconstruction of the damaged tendon. Cadaveric approach provides a realistic method for determining tendocalcaneus morphometry and as at present only two cadaveric studies on Indian population is available. Thus this study presents data on tendocalcaneus morphometry in South Africans of European ancestry using a cadaveric approach. A total of 66 lower limbs (32 left and 34 right legs) sourced from 49 male and female cadavers were used. After careful dissection of the posterior aspect of leg, the medial and lateral length, distal width, distal circumference and proximal width of the tendocalcaneus were measured. The data showed a high degree of reproducibility indicating that the measurements obtained using cadaveric approach were precise and accurate. There was no difference in measurements between the sides. Measurements in the males were generally higher than in the females. Strong associations were observed between the paired measurements of the medial and lateral tendon length and between the distal width and distal circumference. The data obtained will be useful in predicting tendocalcaneus size during the surgical reconstruction of the tendocalcaneus.

Multidisciplinary approach detects speciation within the kissing bug Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus populations (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Reduviidae).

BACKGROUND Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus (Hemiptera-Reduviidae) is a triatomine species with a wide geographic distribution and a broad phenotypic variability. In some countries, this species is found infesting and colonising domiciliary ecotopes representing an epidemiological risk factor as a vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease. In spite of this, little is known about P. rufotuberculatus genetic diversity.METHODS Cytogenetic studies and DNA sequence analyses of one nuclear (ITS-2) and two mitochondrial DNA sequences (cyt b and coI) were carried out in P. rufotuberculatus individuals collected in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico. Moreover, a geometric morphometrics study was applied to Bolivian, Colombian, Ecuadorian and French Guiana samples.OBJECTIVES To explore the genetic and phenetic diversity of P. rufotuberculatus from different countries, combining chromosomal studies, DNA sequence analyses and geometric morphometric comparisons.FINDINGS We found two chromosomal groups differentiated by the number of X chromosomes and the chromosomal position of the ribosomal DNA clusters. In concordance, two main morphometric profiles were detected, clearly separating the Bolivian sample from the other ones. Phylogenetic DNA analyses showed that both chromosomal groups were closely related to each other and clearly separated from the remaining Panstrongylus species. High nucleotide divergence of cyt b and coI fragments were observed among P. rufotuberculatus samples from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico (Kimura 2-parameter distances higher than 9%).MAIN CONCLUSIONS Chromosomal and molecular analyses supported that the two chromosomal groups could represent different closely related species. We propose that Bolivian individuals constitute a new Panstrongylus species, being necessary a detailed morphological study for its formal description. The clear morphometric discrimination based on the wing venation pattern suggests such morphological description might be conclusive.

Live Imaging and Analysis of Cilia and Cell Cycle Dynamics with the Arl13bCerulean-Fucci2a Biosensor and Fucci Tools.

The cell and cilia cycles are inextricably linked through the dual functions of the centrioles at both the basal body of cilia and at mitotic centrosomes. How cilia assembly and disassembly, either through slow resorption or rapid deciliation, are coordinated with cell cycle progression remains unclear in many cell types and developmental paradigms. Moreover, little is known about how additional cilia parameters including changes in ciliary length or frequency of distal tip shedding change with cell cycle stage. In order to explore these questions, we have developed the Arl13bCerulean-Fucci2a tricistronic cilia and cell cycle biosensor (Ford et al., Dev Cell 47:509-523.e7, 2018). This reporter allowed us to document the heterogeneity in ciliary behaviors during the cell cycle at a population level. Without the need for external stimuli, it revealed that in several cell types and in the developing embryo cilia persist beyond the G1/S checkpoint. Here, we describe the generation of stable cell lines expressing Arl13bCerulean-Fucci2a and open-source software to aid morphometric profiling of the primary cilium with cell cycle phases, including changes in cilium length. This resource will allow the investigation of multiple morphometric questions relating to cilia and cell cycle biology.

Accuracy and reliability of two body weight estimators based on linear measurements in horses

Estimation methods are routinely used to determine the body weight of a horse when a scale is not available. However, it is important to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of these predictions since nutritional management and drug dosage, among others, require knowledge of the animal€™s weight. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of estimated weights of horses using two prediction models, and to discuss the effect of the predictions on animal management. Seventy-one adult male animals (40 mules and 31 horses) were weighed on a precision scale (control weight). Chest circumference and body length were measured and used to estimate body weight using the two models. Accuracy was evaluated by analysis of fit indices, comparison of squared prediction errors, delta Akaike€™s information criterion, and decomposition of the mean squared error of prediction. For economic evaluation, three production scenarios were established: simple (worming + forage), traditional (worming + forage + concentrate mixture), and traditional with supplementation (worming + forage + concentrate mixture + supplementation). Economic values were collected through a pricing survey carried out in the Midwest region of Brazil and converted to US dollars. Percent differences in costs were evaluated using Fisher€™s exact test. The most suitable model for the morphometric profile of the animals was that using a combination of chest circumference and body length. The differences in economic values between production scenarios were significant (P&lt;0.05). Losses using the inadequate model are 10% higher compared to control; thus, in a facility with 20 equids that uses this model, the losses are ‰ˆ US$ 10,000/year. When investment in a scale is not possible, it is fundamental to evaluate which model is more compatible with the body biotype of the herd since all types of management that depend on the body weight of the animals may result in significant economic losses.

Morphometric Profile of Distal Biceps Tendon: A Cadaveric Approach

Morphometric Profile of Distal Biceps Tendon: A Cadaveric Approach

Prirodnyye usloviya reki Dnestr v yeye nizhnem techenii

One of the largest rivers in Europe is the navigable Dniester. Today, it is extremely insufficiently used in the water transport system of Ukraine. In addition, it is the main river on the territory of Moldova and can be actively used for transport needs. The purpose of the study is an analytical characteristic of the navigation value of the Dniester. The main content of the analysis was reduced to graphic constructions: the location and planned location of courses, plotting optimal depths on the plan, drawing up morphometric profiles of river courses, etc. A navigation map of the Dniester estuary was built with a standard grid of depths, which were brought to the normal water level. The article also uses data on the natural conditions of the Dniester River based on research data obtained in the 1970s. The comparison of straight and curvilinear courses is carried out, the navigational importance of the Dniester estuary is studied. Recommendations for supporting favorable navigation conditions in the Dniester and in the estuary are determined. It is shown that within the lower course of the Dniester the greatest depths are found in straightened (7.4 m versus 5.8 m) parts. Minimum depths of 2–3 m are generally close to the banks, and maximum depths of 10–12 m are found in the middle parts of the course where they generally coincide with the midstream. Such depths facilitate movement of small and medium-sized river vessels. Recommendations for the updated navigation options for the state of the Dniester River and Dniester estuary are given. It is concluded that in case of resumption of navigation in the Dniester and Dniester estuary Ukraine will receive significant economic benefits.

Personalized estimates of morphometric similarity in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are associated with brain morphometry alterations. This study investigates inter-individual variability in brain structural profiles, both within diagnostic groups and between patients and healthy individuals. Brain morphometric measures from three independent samples of patients with schizophrenia (n = 168), bipolar disorder (n = 122), and healthy individuals (n = 180) were modeled as single vectors to generated individualized profiles of subcortical volumes and regional cortical thickness. These profiles were then used to compute a person-based similarity index (PBSI) for subcortical volumes and for regional cortical thickness, to quantify the within-group similarity of the morphometric profile of each individual to that of the other participants in the same diagnostic group. There was no effect of diagnosis on the PBSI for subcortical volumes. In contrast, compared to healthy individuals, the PBSI for cortical thickness was lower in patients with schizophrenia (effect size = 0.4, p ≤ 0.0002), but not in patients with bipolar disorder. The results were robust and reproducible across samples. We conclude that disease mechanisms for these disorders produce modest inter-individual variations in brain morphometry that should be considered in future studies attempting to cluster patients in subgroups.

Muscle fiber type, postmortem metabolism, and meat quality of Nellore cattle with different post-weaning growth potential

Animal selection based on growth rate has received greater attention as a selection index. While many have evaluated the effect of growth rate on muscle characteristics and meat quality, few studies have attempted to evaluate how selection based on growth rate alters muscle fiber characteristics and influences postmortem metabolism and subsequent meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate muscle fiber type, postmortem metabolism and meat quality of Nellore cattle selected for different growth rates. Two-hundred and fifty non-castrated Nellore males differing in post-weaning growth potentials were used. Muscle from 10 high growth potential animals (EPDH) and 10 low growth potential animals (EPDL) were analyzed for muscle morphometric profile, postmortem metabolism, and meat quality. EPDH animals were heavier and had higher hot carcass weight and larger diameter and cross-sectional area of fast oxidative-glycolytic fibers, while EPDL animals had higher area percentage of slow oxidative fibers. Moreover, EPDH presented higher glycogen concentrations than EPDL cattle. Glucose concentrations were higher at 240, 720, and 1440 min postmortem, while G6P was higher from 30 to 1440 min postmortem in EPDL animals. Finally, EPDH animals produced less tender meat when compared to that of EPDL cattle. In conclusion, genetic selection based on growth potential is associate with a shift in fiber type towards a more glycolytic type of muscle that is associated with changes in meat tenderness.

Variations in mandibular coronoid process-A morphometric treatise

Introduction: The Coronoid process is a triangular upward projection from antero-superior part of ramus of mandible giving attachment to two important muscles of mastication. Aims: The aim of our study was to observe the variations in shape and size of coronoid process and establish the morphometric profile in Indian population. Materials and Methods: The material for this study comprised of 500 adult human mandibles. The shape of coronoid process was observed and its height and length were measured. Results: Three variants of coronoid process were observed (round, triangular and hook) with incidence percentage 46, 42 and 12 respectively. The mean value of height and length of coronoid process came out to be 60.62 mm and 12.53 mm respectively. Conclusions: This morphometric treatise provides valuable inputs relevant for anthropological comparisons, forensic investigations and reconstructive procedures. Keywords: Mandible, Coronoid process, Rounded, Triangular, Hook.

Chronic intermittent ethanol and lipopolysaccharide exposure differentially alter Iba1-derived microglia morphology in the prelimbic cortex and nucleus accumbens core of male Long-Evans rats.

Accumulating evidence has linked pathological changes associated with chronic alcohol exposure to neuroimmune signaling mediated by microglia. Prior characterization of the microglial structure-function relationship demonstrates that alterations in activity states occur concomitantly with reorganization of cellular architecture. Accordingly, gaining a better understanding of microglial morphological changes associated with ethanol exposure will provide valuable insight into how neuroimmune signaling may contribute to ethanol-induced reshaping of neuronal function. Here we have used Iba1-staining combined with high-resolution confocal imaging and 3D reconstruction to examine microglial structure in the prelimbic (PL) cortex and nucleus accumbens (NAc) in male Long-Evans rats. Rats were either sacrificed at peak withdrawal following 15days of exposure to chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) or 24hr after two consecutive injections of the immune activator lipopolysaccharide (LPS), each separated by 24hr. LPS exposure resulted in dramatic structural reorganization of microglia in the PL cortex, including increased soma volume, overall cellular volume, and branching complexity. In comparison, CIE exposure was associated with a subtle increase in somatic volume and differential effects on microglia processes, which were largely absent in the NAc. These data reveal that microglial activation following a neuroimmune challenge with LPS or exposure to chronic alcohol exhibits distinct morphometric profiles and brain region-dependent specificity.

Is multivariate analysis a useful tool to assess the morphometric profile of endangered goats?

Abstract The Moxoto was the first local breed officially recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture; it is under serious threat as well as other locally adapted goat breeds. To be inserted into conservation programs, it is necessary to characterize their phenotype profile. Many statistical tools are available to assess the phenotypic profile of endangered breeds, and, in this context, multivariate techniques may be useful, as they consider all the variables simultaneously. In this study, factor analysis, and canonical discriminant analysis were used to characterize the phenotypic profile of the Moxoto breed. It was used 11 morphometric variables (Head length =HL ; Face width = FW ; Head width = HW ; Body length = BL ;Chest girth = CG; Wither height = WH ; Sacral Region height = SRH; Croup width = CW; Croup length = CL; Shin perimeter = SP, and Ear size = ES) collected from different herds (populations), located in the center of breed origin. Through factor analysis, the variables CG, CL, FW, CW, WH, SRH, and ES were identified as the most important to explain the total variation. On the other hand, the variables HL, FW, HW, ES, CG, BL, SRH, and CW were identified as having greater discriminatory power to explain the variation between herds (populations). Multivariate analysis proved to be efficient to characterize the morphometric profile of the Moxoto breed, and these results may be the first step for a conservation program for the breed.

Morphometric Evaluation of Collateral Ligaments of the First Metacarpophalangeal Joint

Introduction The collateral ligaments of the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint provide stability to the thumb. Injury to these collateral ligaments occurs more commonly in sports accidents leading to joint instability, weakness in pinch and grip strength. Normal morphometric measurements of collateral ligaments are essential for primary repair or reconstruction of the injured ligament. Hence, the objective of the study is to give the detailed morphometric profile of the proper collateral ligaments of the MCP joint of the thumb.Materials and Methods A total of 55 adult cadaveric hands were included in the study taken from 18 male (36 hands) and 10 female (19 hands) cadavers. Out of 55 hands, 28 belonged to the left side, while 27 were of the left side. The MCP joints were dissected to expose the collateral ligament complex. The length and width of the proper ligaments were measured.Results Both the proper collateral ligament attachments and the direction of the fibers were defined. Overall length and the width of both the proper collateral ligaments showed no statistically significant difference of mean between the left and the right sides. However, the length of both the proper collateral ligaments is significantly less in females compared with the males.Conclusion The morphometric details of the proper collateral ligaments obtained from this study would be useful for hand surgeons during surgical correction of the injured collateral ligaments either by primary repair or reconstruction with a tendon graft.

Morphometric geometric differences between right and left human tali: A cadaveric study of fluctuating asymmetry via systematic measurement and three-dimensional scanning.

Little is known about differences in the size and morphology of the right and left human tali. The present study demonstrates differences between right and left talar morphometric geometric profiles as fluctuating asymmetry in matched pairs of cadaveric specimens. In total, 24 tali were collected in this study. All eligible tali were systematically measured with a Vernier caliper and three-dimensional laser scanner, which provided data for further analysis regarding the talar morphometric geometric profiles. Data were calculated to demonstrate differences between the right and left talar profiles using a matched-pair method, including the general size of the talus. The average talar length was 53.5 mm, the average talar dome height was 31.2 mm, and the average talar body width was 41.3 mm. The average anterior trochlear width, middle trochlear width, posterior trochlear width, and trochlear length were 31.8, 31.2, 28.3, and 30.7 mm, respectively. Eleven matched pairs of intact tali were eligible for the matched-pair study. Paired t-tests showed significant differences in the talar dome height (P = 0.019), middle trochlear width (P = 0.027), and posterior trochlear width (P = 0.016) between the right and left tali. However, there were no significant differences in the surface area or volume between the right and left tali. Significant differences in the morphometric profile were found between the right and left matched pairs of tali. This basic information indicates that the profile of the contralateral talus may not be used as a single reference to reconstruct or duplicate the talus of interest in certain conditions such as talar prosthesis implantation or customized total ankle replacement.

Multiplexed single-cell morphometry for hematopathology diagnostics.

The diagnosis of lymphomas and leukemias requires hematopathologists to integrate microscopically visible cellular morphology with antibody-identified cell surface molecule expression. To merge these into one high-throughput, highly multiplexed, single-cell assay, we quantify cell morphological features by their underlying, antibody-measurable molecular components, which empowers mass cytometers to 'see' like pathologists. When applied to 71 diverse clinical samples, single-cell morphometric profiling reveals robust and distinct patterns of 'morphometric' markers for each major cell type. Individually, lamin B1 highlights acute leukemias, lamin A/C helps distinguish normal from neoplastic mature T cells, and VAMP-7 recapitulates light-cytometric side scatter. Combined with machine learning, morphometric markers form intuitive visualizations of normal and neoplastic cellular distribution and differentiation. When recalibrated for myelomonocytic blast enumeration, this approach is superior to flow cytometry and comparable to expert microscopy, bypassing years of specialized training. The contextualization of traditional surface markers on independent morphometric frameworks permits more sensitive and automated diagnosis of complex hematopoietic diseases.

Morphometry and comparative histology of sinus and atrioventricular nodes in humans and pigs and their relevance in the prevention of nodal arrhythmias

The cardiac conduction system is a network structure that allows the initiation and fast propagation of electrical impulses that trigger the electrical depolarization of the myocardial tissue. The purpose of this work is to study the histological and morphometric characteristics of the different components of the sinus and atrioventricular nodes in humans and pigs and their relationship with supraventricular arrhythmias.In this study, we describe the morphometry of the sinus and atrioventricular nodes of 10 adult humans and 10 pig hearts. A computerized morphometric study has been carried out, where we determined the number of cells that compose the nodes as well as different parameters related to their shape and size.The sinus node in human and pig is a compact structure, whose shape is oblong. Their cells (nodal and transitional cells) are pale and located in the center and the periphery, respectively. The atrioventricular node has also a shape oblong. P cells are pale in both species, but in humans, they are smaller than cardiomyocytes. The T cells are small and pale in both species, identified by hematoxylin-eosin and desmin stains. We have observed through a morphometric profile that the structure of sinus and atrioventricular nodes of pigs and humans show few differences. Pigs can be used as models for hemodynamic applications and experimental studies that include atrial electrical conduction and, in this way, prevent the presentation of arrhythmias that can generate sudden deaths in humans and pigs.

The Navicular Prosthesis Template: A Cadaveric Study of the Talonavicular Morphometric Profiles and Side-to-side Differences

Category:Hindfoot, Midfoot/Forefoot, TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:The navicular bone destruction is a challenging condition in the foot surgery. This can be occurred from severe comminuted fracture, avascular necrosis from steroid used or Mueller-Weiss Syndrome, etc. However, little is known about the treatment option which can spare the talonavicular or naviculocuneiform joint regarding this condition. The navicular prosthesis replacement may be the promising option in the future. This study is to present the talonavicular (TN) ratio, other morphometric profiles, and side-to-side differences for the template of customized navicular prosthesis manufacturing.Methods:A total of eight matched pairs of the ankle (16 ankles) were collected in this study. The measurements were performed regarding the morphometric profiles of navicular and talar head. All data were recorded and analyzed to determine the TN ratio to be the template of navicular prosthesis manufacturing. The TN width ratio was calculated as talar head width was divided by navicular width in axial view. The TN height ratios were calculated as talar head height was divided by navicular height at the central arc in sagittal view. Medial and lateral navicular heights were also recorded in sagittal view. The medial, lateral, and central arc lengths of navicular were recorded from the cadaveric specimens.Results:The average talar head width was 28.5 +/- 3.2 mm. The average talar head height at central arc was 26.6 +/- 2.2 mm. The average navicular heights at medial, lateral rims, and central arc were 16.8, 21.4, and 24.5 mm respectively. The average navicular lengths at medial, lateral rims, and central arc were 18.6, 15.3, and 18.4 mm respectively. The average navicular width was 40.4 +/-2.7 mm. The average TN width ratio was 0.7 +/- 0.1. The average TN height ratio at central arc was 1.2 +/- 0.2. The side-to-side differences were insignificantly found on all talonavicular morphometric profiles (P>0.05).Conclusion:Based on this study, the talonavicular ratios and the morphometric profiles were demonstrated in the cadaveric specimens. The contralateral side of navicular can be the template for the manufacturing of the customized navicular prosthesis for the pathologic side due to the insignificant differences of side-to-side morphometric profiles. These data may help develop the customized navicular prosthesis to replace in the challenging pathologic condition of navicular.

Posterior Talofibular Ligament: The Relationship between its Length and Talar Morphometric Profiles

Category:Ankle, SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Posterior talofibular ligament is one of the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle. However, little is known about its anatomic profile especially on the relationship between its length and the morphometric profiles of talus. The present was to analyze the correlations between PTFL length and the talar morphometric profiles in the cadaveric specimens. The PTFL variation was also reported in this study.Methods:A total of twenty four cadaveric ankles as twelve matched pairs of ankle were collected in this study. All ankles were measured with a Vernier caliper which provided the data for further analysis regarding the PTFL length and the talar morphometric profiles. The data was calculated to demonstrate the relationship between PTFL length and the morphometric profiles of talus. There was a cadaveric ankle which was not used in the study due to its absence of PTFL.Results:An average length of PTFL was 23.9+/-6.9 mm. In overall, an average talar length (TaL) was 53.5 millimeters (mm). An average talar dome height (TaH) was 31.2 mm. An average talar body width (TaW) was 41.3 mm. The average anterior trochlear width (TrAW), middle trochlear width (TrMW), posterior trochlear width (TrPW), and trochlear length (TrL) were 31.8, 31.2, 28.3, and 30.7 mm. Based on twenty three ankles, the paired samples T-test showed the significantly negative correlations between PTFL length and TrL (Pearson’s r correlation coefficient: -0.432; P-value: 0.039). Other correlations were in negative values but P-values > 0.05. There were 16 ankles (84.2%) with 1 PTFL band and 3 ankles (15.8%) with 2 bands from 19 ankles with complete data.Conclusion:The present study may be a first study which delineates the relationship between PTFL length and the morphometric profiles of talus. The PTFL length was negatively correlated with talar size especially on the trochlear length of talus.

Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging reveals alterations of sensorimotor circuits in restless legs syndrome.

Integrated information on brain microstructural integrity and iron storage and its impact on the morphometric profile is not available in restless legs syndrome (RLS). We applied multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion tensor imaging, the transverse relaxation rate (R2*), a marker for iron storage, as well as gray and white matter volume measures to characterize RLS-related MRI signal distribution patterns and to analyze their associations with clinical parameters. Eighty-seven patients with RLS (mean age 51, range 20-72 years; disease duration, mean 13 years, range 1-46 years, of those untreated n = 30) and 87 healthy control subjects, individually matched for age and gender, were investigated with multimodal 3T MRI. Volume of the white matter compartment adjacent to the post- and precentral cortex and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the frontopontine tract were both significantly reduced in RLS compared to healthy controls, and these alterations were associated with disease duration (r = 0.25, p = 0.025 and r = 0.23, p = 0.037, respectively). Corresponding gray matter volume increases of the right primary motor cortex in RLS (p < 0.001) were negatively correlated with the right FA signal of the frontopontine tract (r = -0.22; p < 0.05). Iron content evaluated with R2* was reduced in the putamen as well as in temporal and occipital compartments of the RLS cohort compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Multimodal MRI identified progressing white matter decline of key somatosensory circuits that may underlie the perception of sensory leg discomfort. Increases of gray matter volume of the premotor cortex are likely to be a consequence of functional neuronal reorganization.

Morphometry and longitudinal profile of the river cobras sub-basin in planning the location of underground dams

A study was carried out in the sub-basin of the River Cobras with the aim of evaluating the morphometric characteristics and longitudinal profile of the river basin as a tool for planning the location of underground dams. Morphometric parameters - compactness coefficient, form factor, drainage density and circularity index - were determined. An equilibrium profile was also performed in order to understand the dynamics of erosion and disposition in the sub-basin under study. The results showed that the River Cobras sub-basin is strongly elongated, with low drainage density and high rates of runoff in alluvial areas. The equilibrium profile indicated that the middle course (18 km, stretch 2) of the sub-basin includes a first-order anomaly and is susceptible to erosive processes along this stretch. The lower course (10 km, stretch 3) also has a first order anomaly; however, with a tendency to favour the aggregation of sedimentary material (larger sedimentary bundle) coming from the middle course. The middle course of the sub-basin has potential for the construction of submersible underground dams; whereas in the lower course, the construction of submerged underground dams is recommended. The physical morphometric parameters should not be analysed in isolation, but together with other aspects of surface- and groundwater quality, the recharge area and the social or production demand on the sub-basin.