Morphometric Variables Research Articles

Anatomical variations of the brachiocephalic artery and their clinical relevances: A cadaveric study of Ugandan population

The study examined variations in morphology and morphometry of the brachiocephalic artery and their clinical implications in dissected cadavers. Fifty-eight (58) adult cadavers, 57 males and 1 female were dissected to expose the brachiocephalic artery, and the morphological and morphometric variations were recorded.Fifty-one (51) cadavers (88%) had the BCA arising directly from the aortic arch while 7 cadavers (12%) had it originating from the common trunk with the left common carotid artery. The BCA arose on the left anterolateral to the trachea in 57 cadavers (98.3%) and one cadaver (1.7%) had it arising in the midline anterior to the trachea crossed the trachea from left to right terminating posterior to the right sternoclavicular joint where it bifurcated into the right subclavian and right common carotid artery in all cadavers. The mean lengths of the torsos and Brachiocephalic arteries were 45.78±2.93cm and 4.14±0.58cm respectively and the two parameters had statistically significant positive correlation (r=0.33, p<0.05).: A majority of the Ugandan cadaveric population have brachiocephalic arteries with the normal origin, course, and branching patterns. The occurrence of origin variants of BCA from the common trunk and anterior midline to the trachea may be associated with tracheal compression and aortic dilation; hence should be considered as a potential risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysm and during tracheostomy respectively.

Determination of skull variation in Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman sheep by geometric morphometric method

Sheep breeding has an important place in the world and in Turkey, as sheep are farm animals that provide most of their nutritional needs from pasture, have good adaptability and are low in cost. Akkaraman sheep and the Kangal Akkaraman sheep, which was considered its sub-variety until 2012, constitute half of the sheep population in Turkey. In this study, morphometric diversity between the skulls of Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman breed sheep was examined by geometric morphometric method. 2D images obtained from 3D models of 24 male sheep skulls from two different provinces were analyzed using 10 landmarks from dorsal and lateral views. The results from the dorsal view, the first three principal components (PC1, PC2 and PC3) accounted for a total of 64.13% of the morphological variation and the largest changes in are associated with external occipital protuberance, midline nasofrontal suture and rostral edge of the incisive fissure. From the lateral view, three first principal components explained the morphological variation 27.56%, 22.32% and 10.65% respectively. In the comparison of the skull morphology of Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman sheep from dorsal and lateral views, no allometric components were identified, as most of the described shape variations were not size-dependent. As a result of these analyses, more detailed information was obtained about the shape differences of the skull. Geometric morphometric analysis is successful in detecting differences in skull shape of different sheep breeds and can be successfully used for classification.

Morphometric Analysis of Growth in Captive-bred Pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina Linnaeus 1766)

ABSTRACT
 The pig-tailed macaque has a high vulnerability to human infectious disease pathogens as well as nonhuman primate viruses, making it a good animal model for biomedical research. The goals of this research are to better understand the morphometric and growth rate variations between male and female pig-tailed macaques living in tropical captivity as their natural climate, which will be useful in developing research techniques as well as modifying and developing equipment and instruments.
 The research was carried out on captive pig-tailed macaques born and kept at the Research Animal Facility in Lodaya (RAF-L) Primate Research Center IPB University (PRC-IPB). The characteristics were separated into four categories: head size, torso, upper limb, and lower limb. During the study period, 70 animals were measured, 32 males and 38 females. The repetition of measurements at distinct timepoints according to body development varies for each individual depending on the animal's situation at that time.
 There was no visible difference in body and extremity sizes between male and female animals between the ages of 1 and 4 years. Males' head proportions appear to expand consistently in height and width after they are beyond 2 years old, in contrast to females. The growth trend of females tends to decrease from one year of age until sexual maturity, in contrast to males which show a growth spurt at the ages of 1 and 4 years. Differences in size and growth rate indicating sexual dimorphism are visible after the female reaches sexual maturity.

Morphometric variations of two patellid limpets between artificial breakwaters and natural reefs

Artificial shorelines often differ from natural reefs in shape, composition, and habitat complexity. They promote higher accumulation of pollutants and increased physiological stress, which lead to changes in species distributions and ecosystem functioning. This can promote trophic shifts and reduced genetic diversity of gastropod populations inhabiting artificial shorelines and might promote morphological changes, which may influence behaviour, vulnerability to predation, feeding efficiency, sex ratios, reproductive development, and overall fitness. This study explores inter- and intraspecific shell morphometric variations in Patella rustica and P. caerulea between breakwaters (ripraps) and natural reefs in three sites of Ceuta (North Africa, Spain), including a physicochemical assessment of the studied locations: shore orientation, inclination and wave exposure, and substratum nature, heterogeneity and roughness. Limpets on artificial substrata had a slightly smaller extra-visceral cavity and flattened shell profile, which suggests that the desiccation and temperature stress driven by the lithological composition and roughness of the studied substrata might have influenced the registered shell shape variation. However, the high morphometric variation registered for both species across sites and substrata suggests that limpets' morphology might be responding to a complex interaction of environmental and ecological factors rather than solely rock type. The findings of this study highlight the complex interplay between rock type and local environmental conditions in shaping patellid limpets’ shell morphology and provide insights into the adaptive mechanisms that drive shell shape variation in limpet populations in the face of coastal sprawl and anthropogenic global change.

Linea alba 3D morphometric variability by CT scan exploration.

The width of the Linea alba, which is often gauged by inter-rectus distance, is a key risk factor for incisional hernia and recurrence. Previous studies provided limited descriptions with no consideration for width, location variability, or curvature. We aimed to offer a comprehensive 3D anatomical analysis of the Linea alba, emphasizing its variations across diverse demographics. Using open source software, 2D sagittal plane and 3D reconstructions were performed on 117 patients' CT scans. Linea alba length, curvature assessed by the sagitta (the longest perpendicular segment between xipho-pubic line and the Linea alba), and continuous width along the height were measured. The Linea alba had a rhombus shape, with a maximum width at the umbilicus of 4.4 ± 1.9cm and a larger width above the umbilicus than below. Its length was 37.5 ± 3.6cm, which increased with body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), and was shorter in women (p < 0.001). The sagitta was 2.6 ± 2.2cm, three times higher in the obese group (p < 0.001), majorated with age (p = 0.009), but was independent of gender (p = 0.212). Linea alba width increased with both age and BMI (p < 0.001-p = 0.002), being notably wider in women halfway between the umbilicus and pubis (p = 0.007). This study provides an exhaustive 3D description of Linea alba's anatomical variability, presenting new considerations for curvature. This method provides a patient-specific anatomy description of the Linea alba. Further studies are needed to determine whether 3D reconstruction correlates with pathologies, such as hernias and diastasis recti.

Description of a new species of Cyphocharax from the rio Juma, rio Aripuanã basin, southern Amazon basin (Teleostei: Curimatidae)

Abstract A new species of Cyphocharax is described from the rio Juma, which flows across the meridional Amazon basin and is a tributary of the rio Aripuanã in the rio Madeira fluvial system. Features distinguishing the new species from congeners include a longitudinally elongated caudal peduncle blotchextending from the vertical line through the adipose-fin terminus to the base of median caudal-fin rays, the number of scale series along the lateral line and between the lateral line and dorsal-fin origin, morphometric variation, and the patterns of pigmentation along the body. The species was discovered in a lesser-explored region and appears to be an endemic of the rio Aripuanã in the southern Amazon basin.

Study of digestive enzymes in marine fish, Terapon jarbua, from Pakistan.

Current analysis were performed to investigate the activity of various digestive enzymes, such as lipases, proteases and amylases in gut and their relationship to the other morphometric variables in a wild marine fish, Terapon jarbua. The descriptive data of the studied traits included fish weight, fish total length, gut weight, gut length, relative gut length, relative gut mass, Fulton's condition factor, standard length and Zihler's index. Gut length showed positive correlation with fish total length and gut weight, relative gut length (RGL) showed positive correlation with gut length. Relative gut mass (RGM) also showed positive correlation with total length (TL), gut weight (GW) and gut length (GL). Fulton's condition factor showed positive correlation with fish weight, while negative correlation with fish total length and relative gut mass. Standard length displayed positive correlation with gut weight and gut length while, it showed negative correlation with Fulton's factor. Zihler's Index displayed positive correlation with gut length, RGL and Zihler's RGM while, while showed negative correlation with Fulton's factor and fish weight. Lipase showed negative correlation with gut weight. Amylase and protease activity have no correlation with other studied traits. Lipase activity displayed negative significant correlation with gut weight. Lipase activity showed significantly negative effect on gut-weight. Amylase activity on y-axis (PC2) contributed 13% in variation but not significantly correlated with first two principal components. It showed non-significant negative correlation with fish weight, fish length and Fulton's factor while positive but not-significant correlation with other traits. Protease has positive and non-significant correlation with fish weight, RGL, Fulton's factor, lipase and amylase while non-significant negative correlation with all other traits.

Morphometric and Morphological Study of the First Rib in the Population of Rajasthan, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The first rib is the shortest, most curved and atypical of all ribs. An angle is visible between the head and the tubercle at the inferior portion of the neck, which can indicate the sex of the individual when viewed in a non anatomical position. Aim: To determine the morphometric and morphological variations of the first rib in the population of Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Anatomy Department of SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, from January 2023 to April 2024. A total of 90 adult human dry first ribs (45 right and 45 left) of unknown age and sex were studied. Intact right and left ribs were included, while damaged first ribs were excluded. Data were collected using a Vernier calliper and thread to measure length, height, angle, external length, internal length, shortest external length and shortest internal length. Morphological variations, such as the scalene tubercle and vascular groove, were observed. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare means between the right and left-sides and correlation analysis assessed relationships between angular orientation and anatomical dimensions. The statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2020 and IBM Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: The descriptive statistics for the measured variables are as follows: the mean height and length on the right-side were 6.99±3.45 cm and 26.69±2.41 cm, respectively, while on the leftside they were 7.35±2.55 cm and 26.10±2.80 cm, respectively. The angle was greater on the left-side (16.59±6.18º). Statistical analysis indicated non significant differences between all the variables of the right and left-sides (p-value &gt;0.05), except for strong positive correlations between angle and height (Right: r-value=0.986, p-value=0.001; Left: r-value= 0.952, p-value=0.001). Conclusion: The morphometric parameters of the first rib indicate non significant differences between the right and leftsides. The strong positive correlations between angle and height have clinical significance, as they can assist in forensic and anatomical studies related to intervertical dimensions and anatomical alignment based on the angular orientation of the first rib.

Morphological Evaluation of Infraorbital Canal and its Relation with Surrounding Structures Utilising CBCT: An Observational Study

Introduction: Infraorbital nerve is the largest and terminal branch of the maxillary nerve. A lack of knowledge of variations in its course, such as Infraorbital Canal Protrusion (ICP)-which refers to the extension of the nerve from the infraorbital foramen into the maxillary sinus, could lead to iatrogenic injuries during procedures of the maxilla and antrum. Aim: To analyse and determine the morphometric variations of the infraorbital canal and its association with nearby structures utilising Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. The data obtained was between November 2019 to May 2023, during which 114 CBCT scans {228 Infra Orbital Canal (IOC)} were analysed retrospectively. IOC was divided into type 1, type 2 and type 3 Measurements taken for type 3 infraorbital canals included the distance from the IOC to the Infraorbital Rim (IOR), the horizontal distance from the IOC to the long axis of the canine, the maximum length of the nerve protruding into the sinus, and the maximum distance from the center of the canal to the roof of the sinus. The association between the types of infraorbital canals and variations in adjacent anatomical structures was evaluated using independent sample t-tests, Fisher’s-exact test, One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s Chi-square test. Results: Out of 228 IOC types, 78 were classified as type 1, 23 as type 2, and 13 as type 3 on the right side and 73 were type 1 , 36 were type 2, 5 were type 3 on the left-side. Type 1 was higher in number both females and males on both sides, followed by type 2. The mean horizontal distance from IOC to the long axis of the canine {(IOC-Long axis of canine (LCR)} was statistically significant across different types on both the right and left-sides. The prevalence of Haller cells, mucosal thickening, pneumatisation of the middle concha, and maxillary sinus septa was present in 31 (27.19%), 44 (38.6%), 41 (36%), and 29 (25.4%) of the 114 individuals, respectively. Conclusion: A preoperative 3D assessment of IOC is crucial to preventing surgical complications by identifying potential anatomical variations, thereby minimise iatrogenic injuries.

Morphological and Morphometric Variations of Fovea Capitis Femoris: A Cross-sectional Study from Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Introduction: The proximal end of the femur is an important anatomical modification in humans, widely explored to acquire detailed knowledge that aids in determining the exact size of hip prosthesis and minimising postoperative complications. However, thorough analysis of the various parameters of the Fovea Capitis Femoris (FCF) is frequently overlooked, yet it is also important during reconstructive surgery of the ligamentum teres femoris, radiographic evaluation of hip dysplasia, or as an anatomical landmark in hip arthroscopy. Detailed morphological and morphometric measurements of the FCF in the West Bengal population would help bridge this gap, as there are few Indian studies regarding the fovea. Aim: To determine the morphological and morphometric measurements of the FCF in the West Bengal population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 297 dry femora from the Department of Anatomy at Kolkata Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India from October 2023 to February 2024. The position and shape of the fovea were recorded. Morphometric measurements of the fovea (depth, transverse diameter, and vertical diameter) and the head of the femur (transverse and vertical diameters) were taken using a vernier caliper. The collected data were compiled in a Microsoft Excel sheet and analysed using Jamovi software (free version). The Pearson’s correlation formula was used to determine the correlation between various parameters of the fovea and femoral head. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All femora had a single distinct fovea. The most frequent shape of the fovea was oval 135 (45.45%), and its most common position was in the posterior-inferior quadrant 263 (88.55%) of the femoral head. Regarding morphometric measurements, the mean values of the transverse diameter, vertical diameter, and Depth of the Fovea (DF) were 1.53±0.367 cm, 1.28±0.303 cm, and 0.304±0.141 cm, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the transverse and vertical diameters of the fovea (Pearson’s correlation r=0.239), and a significant p-value (p&lt;0.001) was also found between them. Conclusion: Knowledge of these variations may be useful for anatomists, radiologists, anthropologists, forensic experts, and orthopaedic surgeons when planning and executing hip replacement surgeries.

Morphometric characteristics of spiny-cheek crayfish Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817) from the Danube River on the territory of Serbia

Twenty-three morphometric characteristics of spiny-cheek crayfish Faxonus limosus from Danube, Serbia, were analyzed to describe the general body shape. Forty-eight specimens were caught in May 2022 and January 2023 and measured for morphometric variation. Also, the values of two crayfish condition indices, Fulton?s condition factor (FCF) and crayfish constant (CC), were determined. Most of the analyzed characteristics were moderately variable (CV 10-30%). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the morphological measurements. All the variables make similar contributions to the variance of the first principal component. The highest contributions are from variables CEF and ARL. ARW, CPH, ABH, CPW, and ROW significantly contributed to the second principal component variance. The population of spiny-cheek crayfish at the investigated site has a relatively stable age structure.

Expanding the knowledge of the bat fauna of the Brazilian Caatinga: new geographical records of molossid bats (Chiroptera, Molossidae) for the Chapada Diamantina region, with taxonomic notes.

The Caatinga, an exclusive biome in Brazil, is the largest tropical dry forest area in the Americas. It is characterized by a semi-arid climate and various soils that harbor a great diversity of flora and fauna. Novel records of aerial insectivorous bat species in the family Molossidae in the Chapada Diamantina, northeastern Brazil are presented. The study is based on field sampling of 115 molossid bat specimens from six genera and 12 taxonomically confirmed species, along with four taxa requiring further evaluation for definitive species identification. All specimens were obtained using mist nets around a small freshwater lagoon surrounded by semideciduous dry forest. The verified genera were Cynomops, Eumops, Molossops, Molossus, Neoplatymops, and Nyctinomops. Our findings enhance the understanding of bat diversity in the Brazilian Caatinga, with the first records of Eumopsdelticus, E.bonariensis, and Molossuscurrentium. The most abundant species were Molossusrufus, Eumopsglaucinus, Cynomopsplanirostris, Nyctinomopslaticaudatus, and Molossusmolossus. Previously unreported morphological and morphometric variations for these Caatinga taxa were examined. Additionally, information on sexual dimorphism in craniodental characteristics of Molossopstemminckii and variations in the presence of the sagittal crest in Neoplatymopsmattogrossensis are provided. Based on the voucher specimens from this study, the recognized number of species of Molossidae known from the Caatinga has increased to 21. Our results offer new insights into the taxonomy and biogeography of Neotropical molossids, highlighting their importance as members of bat communities in dry forest ecosystems from northeastern South America.

Fontes e níveis variados de zinco em rações para frangos de corte Ross 308: seu efeito no desempenho, na utilização de nutrientes, na morfologia intestinal e na composição microbiana

ABSTRACT Broilers (n=480) were used in an experiment designated for a 3(4 factorial arrangement to investigate the efficacy of three zinc (Zn) sources (organic Zn-Methionine, inorganic Zn sulphate and Zn oxide) and four inclusion rates (zero, 60, 120 and 180mg/kg of feed). Growth performance was not affect by Zn source in the entire of experimental period, however Zn level at 180 mg/kg improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to other Zn levels (P&lt;0.05). Inclusion of Zn-Methionine in the diet increased the population of Lactobacillus (P&lt;0.05), while E. coli counts decreased in birds which received Zn sulphate compared with Zn oxide group (P&lt;0.05). Inclusion 180 mg/kg of Zn decreased total intestinal aerobic bacteria in comparison to zero level (P&lt;0.05). An improvement of intestinal villus length and width was found in treatments supplemented with organic Zn (P&lt;0.05), Zn oxide increased intestinal crypt depth in birds as well (P&lt;0.05). Ileal digestibility of crude protein increased in broilers received Zn at 120 and 180 mg/kg compared with zero level (P&lt;0.05). Consequently, Zn-methionine supplement had an optimistic effect on the microbial population and intestinal morphometric variables. The level of 180mg/kg of supplemental Zn had beneficial influence on growth performance.

First data on morphometric parameters of the European conger eel (Conger conger, Linnaeus, 1758) in Béni-saf Bay (Western Algerian coasts)

A biometric study was conducted on a benthic fish of the family Congridae, the European conger eel (Conger conger Linnaeus, 1758), from the western coasts of Algeria, from Béni-Saf. This study was carried out due to the total absence of reliable and exploitable information concerning the morphometric characteristics of this fish along the Algerian coast. It was based on statistical processing of 18 morphometric variables measured on each sampled fish. the comparison between months using univariate ANOVA and multivariate MANOVA statistical tests showed significant differences in morphometric variables measured on the European conger eel (Conger conger). However, regarding the sex factor, no significant differences were observed between males and females.

Variáveis ambientais como preditoras da assembleia de peixes em sistemas aquáticos semiáridos

Abstract Aim To understand the distribution of fish species and their use of habitat, a range of environmental variables were evaluated as predictors of fish assemblage composition and richness in tropical semiarid aquatic systems. Methods We surveyed the species composition of fish assemblages in semiarid aquatic systems and established their degree of association with the structure of the aquatic habitat. Sites consisted of stream reaches with surface water flow, isolated temporary pools, and man-made reservoirs. Fish sampling was conducted on four occasions during the wet (April and June 2006) and dry seasons (September and December 2006). The correlation between richness and abundance with the habitat structure was evaluated using stepwise multiple regression. Patterns of variation in fish assemblage composition across sites were evaluated using Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling, and the Indicator Species Analysis was used to determine which species were significant indicators of sites. To establish multivariate correlations and test the hypothesis of local fish composition being associated with the environmental variables we used a Canonical Correspondence Analysis. Results Morphometric variables, stream reach width, stream length and elevation explained 75.6% of the variation in fish richness. Macrophyte cover and overhanging vegetation added to the predictive power of the model equation, where the final model explained 86.9% of the variation in fish richness. Canonical Correspondence Analysis showed a significant relationship between fish composition data and site morphology (altitude, bank slope and littoral depth). Among the water quality, habitat composition and substrate variables, temperature, sand, and gravel showed higher correlation with the CCA axes. Conclusions These results indicated that fish communities assume different structures and compositions across different habitat types following the environmental heterogeneity in dryland aquatic systems.

Predicting the presence of hypoxic hypolimnia in lakes at large spatial scales

AbstractLakes and reservoirs provide multiple essential ecosystem services to humans, and several of these require the presence of a cool, oxygen‐rich hypolimnion. These ecosystem services include supporting habitat for recreational fish species and the maintenance of a non‐eutrophic state by limiting internal nutrient loading. However, changes in land use and global warming are modifying the thermal structure of lakes worldwide, creating episodic or prolonged periods of hypoxia, changing a lakes ability to deliver certain ecosystem services. Here, we used National Lake Assessment data and machine learning approaches to identify which lake or watershed features determined the presence of a hypolimnion and which contributed to the development of hypoxia. A random forest of 1000 trees predicted the presence of a hypolimnion with 85% accuracy using commonly measured morphometric and physicochemical variables as well as land use. Mean and maximum depths had a disproportionate influence, entirely obscuring the influence of variables commonly associated with lake mixing, such as light penetration and fetch. In contrast, depth had a more restrained role to predict the presence of hypoxia; the latter was predicted with an overall accuracy of 85%, from epilimnetic nitrogen and carbon concentrations. Although the nutrient‐color groups had a minor influence in the random forests, there was a clear trend of increased hypoxia with higher turbidity. Our approach allows for the broad‐scale assessment of lakes with hypolimnia and suggests that increasing eutrophication and browning will promote profundal hypoxia, altering the delivery of certain ecosystems services.

The ontogeny of disparity in Cupressaceae seed cones.

Ontogenetic shape change has long been recognized to be important in generating patterns of morphological diversity and may be especially important in plant reproductive structures. We explore how seed cone disparity in Cupressaceae changes over ontogeny by comparing pollination-stage and mature cones. We sampled cones at pollen and seed release and measured cone scales using basic morphometric shape variables. We used multivariate statistical methods, particularly hypervolume overlap calculations, to measure morphospace occupation and disparity. Cone scales at both pollination and maturity exhibit substantial variability, although the disparity is greater at maturity. Mature cone scales are also more clustered in trait space, showing less overlap with other taxa than at pollination. These patterns reflect two growth strategies that generate closed cones over maturation, either through thin laminar scales or relatively thick, peltate scales, resulting in two distinct regions of morphospace occupation. Disparity patterns in Cupressaceae seed cones change over ontogeny, reflecting shifting functional demands that require specific patterns of cone scale growth. The evolution of Cupressaceae reproductive disparity therefore represents selection for trajectories of ontogenetic shape change, a phenomenon that should be widespread across seed plants.

Development of a non-invasive method for species and sex identification of rare forest carnivores using footprint identification technology

Many wildlife species have sex specific habitat requirements. Due to the unique requirements for birthing and raising offspring, female reproductive habitat is often a limiting factor for a population and has been identified as a priority for conservation. Therefore, the ability to detect where females persist on the landscape and identify these potential reproductive areas is essential in creating effective conservation strategies. Here we describe the development of a non-invasive method to identify species and sex based on track images collected at track plate stations using footprint identification technology (FIT). We developed this technique using data from the southern Sierra Nevada fisher (Pekania pennanti) population and a co-occurring species of conservation concern the Pacific marten (Martes caurina). We coupled track plate footprints with non-invasive genetic samples and camera trap images to create a reference dataset of known species for fisher and marten and known sex for fisher. We used FIT to geo-reference 167 marten and 367 fisher tracks (34 males, 27 females) using 7 landmark points and then extracted 124 morphometric variables (distances, angles, and areas) for use in identifying species and sex for fisher using linear discriminant analyses. Using a single variable, we found species classification accuracy >99% in distinguishing fisher from marten. For fisher sex identification our most parsimonious model consisting of only 2 variables achieved an accuracy of 94.0% for the training set and 89.4% for the test set. We also report a method to quantify classification uncertainty for each track. This method provides a rapid, cost effective, entirely non-invasive method to accurately identify sex that can easily be implemented in field studies.

Brain morphological variability between whites and African Americans: the importance of racial identity in brain imaging research.

In a segregated society, marked by a historical background of inequalities, there is a consistent under-representation of ethnic and racial minorities in biomedical research, causing disparities in understanding genetic and acquired diseases as well as in the effectiveness of clinical treatments affecting different groups. The repeated inclusion of small and non-representative samples of the population in neuroimaging research has led to generalization bias in the morphological characterization of the human brain. A few brain morphometric studies between Whites and African Americans have reported differences in orbitofrontal volumetry and insula cortical thickness. Nevertheless, these studies are mostly conducted in small samples and populations with cognitive impairment. For this reason, this study aimed to identify brain morphological variability due to racial identity in representative samples. We hypothesized that, in neurotypical young adults, there are differences in brain morphometry between participants with distinct racial identities. We analyzed the Human Connectome Project (HCP) database to test this hypothesis. Brain volumetry, cortical thickness, and cortical surface area measures of participants identified as Whites (n = 338) or African Americans (n = 56) were analyzed. Non-parametrical permutation analysis of covariance between these racial identity groups adjusting for age, sex, education, and economic income was implemented. Results indicated volumetric differences in choroid plexus, supratentorial, white matter, and subcortical brain structures. Moreover, differences in cortical thickness and surface area in frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital brain regions were identified between groups. In this regard, the inclusion of sub-representative minorities in neuroimaging research, such as African American persons, is fundamental for the comprehension of human brain morphometric diversity and to design personalized clinical brain treatments for this population.

Morphometric Diversity for Rootstock Characteristics of Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna L.) Populations in The Western Black Sea Region of Türkiye

The Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.) is native to Türkiye, where it is found only in small, scattered, and isolated populations within its natural distribution area. These remaining populations are of critical importance for conservation, for continued use as a natural reservoir, and natural selection. The trees are up to 400 years old and already well-adapted to harsh environmental conditions. In recent years, this species has drawn the attention of agriculture and forest practitioners and scientists in several countries who use this important and valuable tree species in studies of the effects of climate change. The origin and genotype of the reproductive material of this species play a key role in its adaptation to environmental conditions, and possible cultivation. The purpose of this study is to reveal the variation of genotypes selected from 13 different populations in Kastamonu and Bolu provinces in terms of rootstock characteristics. These regions are the locations where the Turkish tree hazel is most abundant. For this aim, the growth habit, vigor, number of suckers, and internode of one-year-old shoots were scored on the parent trees. A Kruskal Wallis-H test was applied to the non-parametric data to determine if there were differences among the populations for each variable and the total number of points. Then the Mann-Whitney-U test was used for differences among the groups. In addition, the phylogenetic relationship among the populations and genotypes was revealed by Cluster analysis. Among the rootstocks scored, KTU3 and KTU64 provided the highest score according to non-suckering and strong growth. It has been observed that individuals in Turkish hazelnut populations generally do not form suckers (%89.4) and show strong growth. C. colurna trees were observed to be individual and scattered in the population. Most of the trees are elderly and need to be protected in situ. Turkish hazel population will play a key role in production and sustainable such as to develop rootstock and variety in agriculture production, sustainable forest development, and for ecological adaptation in climate change scenarios.