Morphometric Results Research Articles

Toxic Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on the Lung of Adult Male Albino Rat and Possible Protective Role Of β-Carotene:Light and Electron microscopic study

Background: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are commonly used in cosmeceutical, biomedical, pharmaceutical and industrial fields but its adverse effects are also increasing alarmingly. β-Carotene is an antioxidant that can guard against the toxicity induced by TiO2 NPs.Aim of the Work: To study the histological alterations in the normal lung tissue of adult albino rats after administration of TiO2 NPs and to assess the potential protective effect of β-Carotene.Materials and Methods: four groups of adult male albino rats were used in this work; treated group received a dose of 300 mg/kg of TiO2 NPs was administered intraperitoneally daily for 14 days. Along with one protected group received 10mg/kg β-carotene by gavage for 7 days before and another 14 days with 300 mg/kg TiO2 NPs administration, in addition to one control group and one group received only β-carotene. Tissue samples from the lung were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and toluidine blue, ultrastructural study and morphometric analysis were also conducted.Results: The treated group revealed marked histological alterations appeared as vacuolated cytoplasm of pneumocytes type II and loss of lamellar bodies' characteristic pattern in addition to dilated congested pulmonary blood vessels. Morphometric results showed thickening of the interalveolar septa and increased numbers of macrophages and pneumocytes type II in comparison to the control group. In the protected group, β-Carotene co-administration with TiO2 NPs greatly preserved the normal lung structure.Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that supplements of β-carotene can reduce the detrimental effect of TiO2 NPs on lung tissues via antioxidant mechanism.

Modulating Effect of Vitamin D on iNOS, PCNA and a-SMA Expression Against Diclofenac Sodium Induced Gastric Injury in Rats

BACKGROUND: Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescription, widely used in the management of many inflammatory diseases but the side effects limiting its clinical use. The present work was carried out to detect the ameliorative effect of vitamin D against diclofenac sodium induced gastric injury in adult male albino rats.METHODS: Forty adult male Wistar albino rats were classified into four groups: G-I received no treatment (control group), G-II orally received 500 IU/kg of vitamin D daily, G-III intraperitoneally received 3 mg/kg of diclofenac sodium daily, and G-IV received both 500 IU/kg of vitamin D and 3 mg/kg of diclofenac sodium daily for 14 days. Specimens from rats' stomach were processed for light microscopy. Immunohistochemical examination was carried out to detect inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The morphometric results were analyzed statistically.RESULTS: Gastric sections of G-III displayed inflammatory cellular infiltrations and dilated congested blood vessels. Some of the gastric gland cells showed cytoplasmic vacuolation, dilated gastric pits, and cystic dilatation. There was a significant increased Masson's trichrome stain and a significant decrease in PAS. The mean area percentage of iNOS and α-SMA expression showed a statistically significant increase. The PCNA positive cells were significantly decreased in the isthmus and neck region compared with the control. While in contrast, G-IV prevented the gastric injury by increasing PAS and PCNA but decreasing Masson's trichrome stain, iNOS and α-SMA expression.CONCLUSION: Vitamin D administration prevented the structural alterations of the gastric rat induced by diclofenac sodium.KEYWORDS: diclofenac sodium, α-SMA, iNOS, PCNA, vitamin D

VARIASI MORFOMETRIK IKAN MUJAIR (Oreochromis mossambicus) PADA EKOSISTEM RAWA (LENTIK WATER) DI WILAYAH PRAFI, MASNI DAN SIDEY, KABUPATEN MANOKWARI

This study aims to determine the pattern of breeding, adaptability to the environment and feeding processes in tilapia fish Oreochromis mossambicus through morphological data, morphological data obtained through morphometric measurements that can be used to formulate the extent of the threat to local species because tilapia is an invasive fish species with morphological data. Fairly high reproduction in freshwater waters. The location of this research is swamp waters in Manokwari Regency, namely Prafi, Masni and Sidey Regions. Morphometric measurements using 14 standards. Morphometric measurement results of male fish showed that the width of the tail fin (CFW) there was a significant difference in the width of the tail fin (CFL) between the tilapia fish in the Prafi swamp with the other two marshes, the width of the tilapia fish tail fins in the Masni and Sidey swamps did not differ significantly. In female fish measurements (DFL) showed that there were significant differences while the CFW measurements contained in the Prafi swamp were different from the other two marshes. The results of the morphometric measurements show how the morphological characteristics of tilapia fish will have an impact on local fish and the amount of natural food in the Swamp.

Neuroanatomical Changes in Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: Clinical Application of 7T MRI Submillimeter Morphometry.

Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is one of the mitochondrial diseases that causes loss of central vision, progressive impairment and subsequent degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In recent years, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have revealed structural abnormalities in visual white matter tracts, such as the optic tract, and optic radiation. However, it is still unclear if the disease alters only some parts of the white matter architecture or whether the changes also affect other subcortical areas of the brain. This study aimed to improve our understanding of morphometric changes in subcortical brain areas and their associations with the clinical picture in LHON by the application of a submillimeter surface-based analysis approach to the ultra-high-field 7T magnetic resonance imaging data. To meet these goals, fifteen LHON patients and fifteen age-matched healthy subjects were examined. For all individuals, quantitative analysis of the morphometric results was performed. Furthermore, morphometric characteristics which differentiated the groups were correlated with variables covering selected aspects of the LHON clinical picture. Compared to healthy controls (HC), LHON carriers showed significantly lower volume of both palladiums (left p = 0.023; right p = 0.018), the right accumbens area (p = 0.007) and the optic chiasm (p = 0.014). Additionally, LHON patients have significantly higher volume of both lateral ventricles (left p = 0.034; right p = 0.02), both temporal horns of the lateral ventricles (left p = 0.016; right p = 0.034), 3rd ventricle (p = 0.012) and 4th ventricle (p = 0.002). Correlation between volumetric results and clinical data showed that volume of both right and left lateral ventricles significantly and positively correlated with the duration of the illness (left R = 0.841, p = 0.002; right R = 0.755, p = 0.001) and the age of the LHON participants (left R = 0.656, p = 0.007; right R = 0.691, p = 0.004). The abnormalities in volume of the LHON patients’ subcortical structures indicate that the disease can cause changes not only in the white matter areas constituting visual tracts, but also in the other subcortical brain structures. Furthermore, the correlation between those results and the illness duration suggests that the disease might have a neurodegenerative nature; however, to fully confirm this observation, longitudinal studies should be conducted.

Histological Study on the Possible Ameliorating Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma on Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Testicular Torsion Model in Adult Albino Rat

Introduction: Testicular torsion is a serious urologic problem that can cause dysfunction of the testis and fertility loss due to ischemia. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) with its high convergence of growth factor can possess a beneficial role in regenerative therapy particularly ischemia/reperfusion (1/R) injury.Aim of the work: To evaluate the possible ameliorating effect of PRP in the I/R injury in testicular torsion rat model.Materials and Methods: Thirty two adult male albino rats were used. 24 were assigned into three groups, with eight in each: Group I (Control group). Group II (Ischemia/reperfusion group) (I/R group): subjected to left testicular torsion for two hours followed by detorsion .Group III (PRP-treated I/R group) subjected to left testicular torsion for two hours followed by detorsion and PRP was injected into the testis parenchyma upon detorsion. The PRP was prepared from the remaining eight rats. Testicular sections were taken and stained with H&E, toluidine blue and immunohistochemical staining against PCNA & Bcl-2 and other samples were processed for transmission electron microscopic study. Western blot assay for caspase -3 and transforming growth factors- β(TGF-β) protein expressions. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) measurement were performed. Blood samples are collected for testosterone hormone and Inhibin-B levels assays. Morphometric and statistical analysis were done.Results: Light microscopic examination revealed testicular structural changes in I/R group, marked damage of the testis, defective spermatogenesis with wide areas of cell loss. Injection of PRP in group III resulted in improvement of testicular tissue changes .This was proved ultrastructurally and by the morphometric results, which showed significant changes in serum testosterone, Inhibin-B levels, MDA, GSH, and SOD measurement of group II when compared to the control group and was documented by Western blot assay for caspase -3 and TGF-β.Conclusion: Platelet rich plasma could be promising to have an effective role in treatment for rescuing the testis from ischemia/reperfusion injury. PRP could use as a therapeutic plan for regeneration after I/R to avoided orchidectomy.

A study on the effect of cisplatin administration on the developing cerebellum in the albino rat and possible protective role of alpha lipoic acid

The Cerebellum is highly organized structure .The aim of the present work is to study development of the cerebellum and effect of cisplatin on its development. Also, the possible protective role of alpha lipoic acid has been investigated. A total number of 40 pregnant females Albino rats were used . They divided into 4 groups: control group , cisplatin received group, alpha lipoic acid received group and both alpha lipoic acid and cisplatin received group. The rats received the treatment throughout the period of pregnancy and during the period of lactation. The offspring of rats at newly born , 10 days and 20 days old rats were sacrified. The present study showed that cisplatin causes degeneration of the neurons in the purkinje layer and granular layer in the cerebellar cortex and in deep cerebellar nuclei. Also, delayed development of the cerebellum could be observed. Morphometric results revealed statistically significant decrease in the number of pyrkinje and granule cells in cisplatin received group as compared with control group. Most of degenerative changes are improved by alpha lipoic acid.

Analyzing the geomorphometric characteristics of semiarid urban watersheds based on an integrated GIS-based approach

Water is a vital resource for life and the nucleus of everything on the globe. Nowadays, water is becoming a scarce resource, which is a menace to humankind and its future. Due to disparity in global water distribution, regions are suffering from acute water inability while others have a surplus. Water resources have to be prudently managed as they are beneficial for humanity. This study used the shuttle radar topography mission digital elevation model data to perform a detailed morphometric analysis of the Riyadh urban area. Generally, analyzing the morphometric parameters involves linear, areal, and relief aspects; therefore, the paper covered these parameters. The morphometric analysis results revealed that the Riyadh metropolitan area delineated into 40 watersheds and has eighth-order streams with a total area of 8500 km2; although the city area is 6570 km2 according to the administrative division. Consistent with statistical analysis, stream order is inversely related to the stream number with the coefficient of determination (R2) being 99%. Meanwhile, the cumulative stream length is directly proportional to the stream order with the same R2 value. Moreover, a high bifurcation ratio in most watersheds refers to less permeable rocks with a steeper slope. Consequently, the bifurcation ratio conforms to the high drainage density of the city (1.57 km/km2) and confirms the impermeability of subsurface material and mountainous relief. The Riyadh hypsometric integral is 38%, while the erosion integral value is 62%. Both values indicate that the basin is at a mature stage.

Neotectonic evidences associated with Achankovil shear zone using morphometric analysis and field investigations

Several studies have considered Achankovil shear zone as NW–SE trending Precambrian crustal scale structure. Two major faults, namely Thenmala and Thenmala south faults, are identified associated with this shear zone. The present study identified NW–SE trending segmented lineaments in these zones. Major drainages and rock units surrounding these faults show NW–SE trend. The present study applied both conventional and recent geomorphic parameters to identify anomalies related to these structures. Morphometric results suggest that the area between Thenmala fault and Thenmala south fault, especially the central part, exhibits anomalies supporting active tectonism. Field investigation carried out in this zone identified continuities of NW–SE trending faults as brittle deformation in the southeastern part of the study area. Faults observed in the well sections along these lineaments show multiple slip planes and gouge formations. Morphometric results and field evidences suggest reactivation of these NW–SE structures associated with the present stress regime of peninsular India. Moreover, several instances of historic and recent earthquakes reported from this area. Considering the general trend of the seismic source zone reported in the peninsular India the NW–SE trending faults can generate a magnitude > 5.0. In view of this peak ground acceleration is calculated for a magnitude of 5.5 as the maximum credible earthquake that can be generated by these two faults. Frequent earthquakes within short duration around these faults indicate that the above-mentioned structures may be tectonically active and may generate a ground acceleration between 2.6 and 2.8 in the nearby cities.

On the Orbit Orientation and Visual Resolution of Mammalian Gliders

In this study, I analyze the comparative visual system of gliders through orbit and skull dimensions and geometry between gliding rodents, marsupials, and colugos with their non‐gliding relatives. Gliders need: (1) the depth, distance, size, and orientation of target landing substrates prior to takeoff; (2) heading and acceleration data on movement in order to adjust while in air; and (3) to re‐position for landing based on visual approach to the landing substrate. Previous work has suggested that gliding mammals have higher orbit convergence to expand their visual fields or that these animals have larger interorbital distances to increase binocular parallax; both suggestions rely on greater depth perception as underlying functional causes. Additionally, I model the limitations imposed by visual resolution, sensitivity, and visual field sizes on distance and heading perceptions in gliders. Morphometric results do not support the suggestion that orbit dimensions and geometry vary with locomotor type; gliders do not have more convergent or widely spaced orbits. Perhaps more importantly, modeling of visual resolution of substrates at the distances commonly traversed by gliders suggests that these animals cannot rely solely on visual data for locomotor judgments.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Carpolobia Lutea Stem on Some Reproductive Parameters in Adult Male Wistar

Background: The use of medicinal plants as fertility enhancer in human is now on the increase because of the shifting of attention from synthetic drug to natural plants. Carpolobia lutea (CL) is a popular aphrodisiac herbal medicine, known for curing male sterility; increasing libido; induction of penile erection; enhancement of aphrodisiac prowess; enhancement of virility and male fertility; and augmentation of male sexual functions. The present study was therefore designed to investigate the fertility enhancement ability and possible side effect(s) of CL in male rats and also to provide insight and added to the existing knowledge available in the society on the usage of CL. Methods: A total of 20 Wistar rats with average weight of 162g were randomly grouped into 4 groups (A, B, C and D) of 5 rats per group, with group A served as the control and was administered normal saline. The remaining 3 groups (B-D) were orally administered 47mg/kgbw, 94mg/kgbw and 141mg/kgbw of Carpolobia lutea (CL) respectively for 60 days before sacrifice by cervical dislocation method. Results: The results obtained show ed that the blood testosterone of the treated rats reduced significantly. The morphometric result was good with significant increase in cross sectional area and luminal diameters in rats exposed to 141mg/kgbw and germinal epithelial diameter in rats exposed to 47mg/kgbw and 141mg/kgbw. Semen parameters showed that the sperm count was significantly increased at the high doses of 94mg/kgbw and 141mg/kgbw. The percentage of motile sperm also increased significantly while the morphological grading showed no changes at all. The experimental rats testes showed no visible lesions or the lesion was very mild (20%), seminiferous tubules were normal and concentric with intact basal membrane and lumen containing matured sperm cells together with the interstitial spaces which are well delineated and defined. Conclusion: It was concluded that the consumption of CL stem in any form can enhance the normal anatomy and physiology of testes at moderate dose and may account in part for the rationale behind its use in the management of sexual dysfunction.

The Relationships Between Propolis Collecting Capability and Morphometric Features of Some Honey Bee Races and Ecotypes in Anatolia

Propolis collecting capacity of the honey bee race, Apis mellifera L., distributed across Anatolia and Thrace regions of Turkey was investigated and correlated with morphometric characteristics. Thus, the propolis collecting behaviour of honey bee races and ecotypes naturally have been in Turkey, Apis mellifera caucasica, Apis mellifera carnica, Apis mellifera syriaca and Yigilca and Mugla ecotype of Apis mellifera anatoliaca were monitored. The mean yield of annual propolis was recorded as the following; Yigilca ecotype (111.6±27.5 g colony) A. m. caucasica (104±20.7 g colony), Mugla ecotype (103±34 g colony), A. m. carnica (91.16±17.6 g colony), and A. m. syriaca (74±6.4 g colony) in descending order. The highest propolis collecting activity was recorded for the Yigilca ecotype of A. m. anatoliaca and A. m. caucasica. Morphological features of honey bee samples were evaluated by classic morphometric technique to correlate propolis collecting capability and morphological features. Morphometric results of the present study showed that the largest wing and leg lengths belonged to Yigilca ecotype of A. m. anatoliaca and A. m. caucasica. Furthermore, Pearson correlation showed a significant relationship between some morphometric characteristics including the proboscis and mandibular sections, wing length (WL), wing width (WW), femur length (FL), tibia length (TL), basitarsus length (BL), basitarsus width (BW), and propolis collecting capability (P<0.05). Therefore, it seems that the enlargement of certain morphological properties with genetic tendency of the honey bee races and ecotypes, primarily the legs and wings, can lead to better propolis collecting capability.

Determining the Plio-Quaternary uplift of the southern French Massif Central; a new insight for intraplate orogen dynamics

Abstract. The evolution of intraplate orogens is still poorly understood. Yet, it is of major importance for understanding the Earth and plate dynamics, as well as the link between surface and deep geodynamic processes. The French Massif Central is an intraplate orogen with a mean elevation of 1000 m, with the highest peak elevations ranging from 1500 to 1885 m. However, active deformation of the region is still debated due to scarce evidence either from geomorphological or geodetic and seismologic data. We focus our study on the southern part of the Massif Central, known as the Cévennes and Grands Causses, which is a key area to study the relationship between the recent geological deformation and landscape evolution. This can be done through the study of numerous karst systems with trapped sediments combined with the analysis of a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM). Using the ability of karst to durably record morphological evolution, we first quantify the incision rates. We then investigate tilting of geomorphological benchmarks by means of a high-resolution DEM. We finally use the newly quantified incision rates to constrain numerical models and compare the results with the geomorphometric study. We show that absolute burial age (10Be∕26Al on quartz cobbles) and the paleomagnetic analysis of karstic clay deposits for multiple cave system over a large elevation range correlate consistently. This correlation indicates a regional incision rate of 83 +17/-5 m Ma−1 during the last ca. 4 Myr (Pliocene–Quaternary). Moreover, we point out through the analysis of 55 morphological benchmarks that the studied region has undergone a regional southward tilting. This tilting is expected as being due to a differential vertical motion between the northern and southern part of the studied area. Numerical models show that erosion-induced isostatic rebound can explain up to two-thirds of the regional uplift deduced from the geochronological results and are consistent with the southward tilting derived from morphological analysis. We presume that the remaining unexplained uplift is related to dynamic topography or thermal isostasy due to the Massif Central Pliocene–Quaternary magmatism. Integrating both geochronology and morphometrical results into lithospheric-scale numerical models allows a better understanding of this intraplate–orogen evolution and dynamic. We assume that the main conclusions are true to the general case of intraplate deformation. That is to say, once the topography has been generated by a triggering process, rock uplift is then enhanced by erosion and isostatic adjustment leading to a significant accumulation of mainly vertical deformation.

Evidence of widespread hybridization among couch grasses (Elymus, Poaceae)

AbstractHybridization, polyploidization, and crop‐to‐wild gene transfer within the agriculturally important tribe Triticeae are well explored experimentally, but the true consequences of both phenomena under natural conditions remain understudied. The present paper reports on an investigation of three species of couch grasses (Elymus hispidus, E. repens, and E. caninus) examining the ploidy levels and absolute genome sizes (1081 plants from 302 natural populations in Central Europe, verified by chromosome counts) and their morphological delimitation. In the present study, the hexaploid level prevailed in E. hispidus and E. repens whereas E. caninus was exclusively tetraploid. Introgressive hybridization between hexaploid species, unidirectionally shifted towards E. hispidus, was indicated by a continual pattern of genome size values. We did not find any evidence for heteroploid hybridization involving tetraploid E. caninus; however, we detected minority cytotypes among both E. caninus plants (hexaploid) and E. repens–E. hispidus hybrids (heptaploid and nonaploid) suggesting the formation of unreduced gametes. Morphometric results (367 plants, redundancy analysis, principal component analysis, and correlation analysis) mirrored the continual homoploid pattern of absolute genome size (including the unidirectional shift), and a significant correlation between absolute genome size and morphology was confirmed. Moreover, morphometric analyses detected additional characteristics for the delimitation of the Elymus taxa under study. Considering the crossability of E. hispidus with Triticum aestivum (bread wheat), the revealed extent of introgressive hybridization has implications for assessing the potential risk of gene flow between crops and troublesome weeds.

Influence of Omega-3 Supplementation on Adult Male Rat Adrenal Cortex Exposed to Stress

ABSTRACT Background: Hypothalamus-pituitary- adrenal and sympathetic adreno-medullary axes are the systems mainly implicated in preserving body homeostasis during the stress and the adrenal gland is an important organ to both systems. Stress either subacute or chronic is usually linked with adrenal alterations. Omega-3 fatty acid (O3FAs) which is present in dietary fish oil is known to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases and cancer. Also omega-3 fatty acids were mentioned to be considered as anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant agents. Aim of the work: Evaluation of the role of Omega-3 supplementation on adrenal cortical cells during exposure to stress. Materials and Methods: 3 groups of adult male albino rats were used (10 rats each): group 1 (control), group 2 (stressed for 6 weeks) and group 3 (stressed + Omega -3-treated; 300 mg/kg Omega-3 plus once daily 5 days/week for 6 weeks). Then the rats were sacrificed and the adrenal glands were extracted and processed for light, electron microscopic, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies. Results: group II revealed signs of degeneration in adrenal cortical cells; disturbed arrangement, pyknotic nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm and destructed organelles. There was reduction in ZF thickness with weak immunoexpression of Bcl-2. Omega-3 induced relative improvement of adrenal cortex in group III. This was evidenced by light, electron microscope and confirmed by morphometric and statistical results. Conclusion: Omega-3 FA supplementation influences sensitivity to stress and has strong anti-stress effects.

Ultrastructural characteristics of the mechanisms of varicose transformation of veins of different localization

To prove the role of UCTD syndrome in the development of varicose transformation of veins, by examining their wall biopsy specimens at the ultrastructural level. Vein wall fragments removed from 25 male patients were examined; their mean age was 19 years. All the patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) cases of left-sided varicocele (VC), 2) those of varicose veins in the lower extremities (VVLE), 3) control cases. Electron microscopy examination (EME) and morphometric and statistical analyses were performed. EME showed similar changes in the vein wall biopsy specimens obtained from both pediatric and adult patients with VC and VVLE. Analysis of the qualitative parameters of collagen fiber bundles revealed considerable differences in their thickness compared to those in the control group; the phenomenon of structural chaos; variability of their number in the bundles; uneven bundle thickness; abruptness of individual fibers due to their tortuous course; bundle disorganization areas and an expanded part of interfiber spaces. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a pronounced variability of numerical series when measuring their bundle thickness. The above changes indicate primary incompetence of the connective tissue framework of the varicose vein walls. The measurements of smooth muscle cells showed a decrease in their volume compared to that in the control group; there was an excessive proliferation of connective tissue between them. No substantial difference was found in the arithmetic mean of the measurements in different degrees of VC and VVLE and in the age groups for these diseases. The ultrastructural analysis and morphometric results confirm the key role of UCTD syndrome in the pathogenesis of VC and VVLE and make it possible to combine these diseases into one - systemic varicose veins.

First example of hybridisation between two Australian figs (Moraceae)

The chance discovery of an unusual Ficus specimen near Katherine in the Northern Territory prompted an investigation into hybridisation between two morphologically distinct endemic Australian sandpaper figs, Ficus aculeata A.Cunn. ex Miq. and F. coronulata Miq. In this study, genome-wide scans and morphological measurements were used to investigate the perceived hybridisation by using herbarium and freshly collected samples. Most of the putative hybrids displayed a wide variety of intermediate morphology and some individuals had characteristics consistent with the description of a third species, F. carpentariensis D.J.Dixon. Both genomic and morphometric results provided evidence of naturally occurring hybridisation events within Ficus. Additionally, the findings from this study showed possible taxonomic issues within the Northern Australian sandpaper figs that warrant further investigation.

Helix lucorum Linnaeus 1758 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Helicidae) elterjedése, héjalaktana Budapest XI. és XII. (Hegyvidék) kerületében

According to social media network Helix lucorumprefers hilly country. We present morphometric results for five populations of the Helix lucorum from lowland (XIth.) and hilly (XIIth) country. It has found the arithmetic mean of Helix luco-rum height (H) and width (W) expand, but globosity approxi-mately unchanged by height above see level.

Sex matters: Otolith shape and genomic variation in deacon rockfish (Sebastes diaconus).

Little is known about intraspecific variation within the deacon rockfish (Sebastes diaconus), a recently described species found in the northeast Pacific Ocean. We investigated population structure among fish sampled from two nearshore reefs (Siletz Reef and Seal Rock) and one offshore site (Stonewall Bank) within a <50‐km2 area off the Oregon coast. Fish from the three sample sites exhibited small but statistically significant differences based on genetic variation at >15,000 neutral loci, whether analyzed independently or classified into nearshore and offshore groups. Male and females were readily distinguished using genetic data and 92 outlier loci were associated with sex, potentially indicating differential selection between males and females. Morphometric results indicated that there was significant secondary sexual dimorphism in otolith shape, but further sampling is required to disentangle potential confounding influence of age. This study is the first step toward understanding intraspecific variation within the deacon rockfish and the potential management implications. Since differentiation among the three sample sites was small, we consider the results to be suggestive of a single stock. However, future studies should evaluate how the stock is affected by differences in sex, age, and gene flow between the nearshore and offshore environments.

Significance of the Marginal Mandibular Branch in Relation to Facial Palsy Reconstruction

The marginal mandibular branch (MMB) of the facial nerve provides lower lip symmetry apparent during human smile or crying and is mandatory for vocal phonation. In treating facial palsy patients, so far, little attention is directed at the MMB in facial reanimation surgery. However, isolated paralysis may occur congenital, in Bell's palsy or iatrogenic during surgery, prone to its anatomical course. A variety of therapies address symmetry with either weakening of the functional side or reconstruction of the paralyzed side. To further clarify the histoanatomic basis of facial reanimation procedures using nerve transfers, we conducted a human cadaver study examining macroanatomical and microanatomical features of the MMB including its axonal capacity. Nerve biopsies of the MMB were available from 96 facial halves. Histological processing, digitalization, nerve morphometry investigation, and semiautomated axonal quantification were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted with P < 0.05 as level of significance. The main branch of 96 specimens contained an average of 3.72 fascicles 1 to 12, and the axonal capacity was 1603 ± 849 (398-5110, n = 85). Differences were found for sex (P = 0.018), not for facial sides (P = 0.687). Diameters were measured with 1130 ± 327 μm (643-2139, n = 79). A significant difference was noted between sexes (P = 0.029), not for facial sides (P = 0.512.) One millimeter in diameter corresponded to 1480 ± 630 axons (n = 71). A number of 900 axons was correlated with 0.97 mm (specificity, 90%; sensitivity, 72%). Our morphometric results for the MMB provide basic information for further investigations, among dealing with functional reconstructive procedures such as nerve transfers, nerve grafting for direct neurotization or babysitter procedures, and neurectomies to provide ideal power and authenticity.

Deleterious Effect of Maternal administration of Acrylamide on Lung Development and the Prospective Effect of Ascorbic Acid: Pertinent Role of Serum Endocan

Introduction: Acrylamide (ACR) is an environmental pollutant that is present in surrounding environment and Western-style carbohydrate-rich foodstuff and tobacco smoke.Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to assess the potential histological changes in the lung of nascent rats as a consequence to maternal ACR administration and the possible protective role of ascorbic acid (ASA) in rat offspring.Materials and Methods: Pregnant rats were randomly assigned into four groups, negative control group, ASA group (100 mg/kg/day), ACR group (10 mg/kg/day) and ACR+ASA group. Ten pups from each group were sacrificed. Biochemical, histological and morphometric techniques were used to determine the effect of ACR and ASA on lung development in the offspring on postnatal days (PND) 2 and 21.Results: The results showed that ACR administration during gestational and lactation periods significantly increased the serum endocan and the lung malondialdehyde (MDA) but decreased the lung reduced glutathione (GSH) along with severe histopathological changes proved ultra-structurally. Morphometric results revealed significant increase thickness in interalveolar septa among ACR group. Concurrent administration of ASC with ACR during gestation period attenuated most of the cytoarchitecture alterations of the developing lungs.Conclusion: Maternal administration of acrylamide resulted in harmful impact on the lung histological structure of rat's offspring through its oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms. Co-administration of ASA along with ACR can ameliorate this deleterious impact through its antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties