Morphometric Methods Research Articles

MORPHOFUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TESTES IN YOUNG SEXUALLY MATURE RATS FOLLOWING PRENATAL EXPOSURE TO LOW-LEVEL ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

The aim of this study is to investigate the functional and morphological characteristics of the testes in young sexually mature rats exposed to low-intensity centimeter-range electromagnetic radiation during the intrauterine period (within the “mother-fetus” system). Materials and methods. Intrauterine exposure to electromagnetic radiation was simulated using a high-frequency generator G4-190-3/1, equipped with a P-6-23A radiating antenna. To evaluate the reproductive system, a morphological examination of the testes and measurement of blood testosterone levels were performed. Morphometric methods were employed to quantify histological findings. The area of Leydig cell nuclei was measured, and the optical density of stromal connective tissue was assessed using the PAS reaction. The proliferative activity of spermatogenic epithelium cells was determined through an immunohistochemical reaction to the Ki-67 antigen. Results. In this experiment, the consequences of intrauterine damage to the testicles of male offspring were observed. We can presume that there is not only intrauterine damage, which may undergo regeneration later in life, but also the formation of epigenetic changes of regulatory factors that affect the expression of genes determining the morphofunctional state of the spermatogenic epithelium. Epigenetic changes developed during intrauterine period can manifest throughout the offspring’s lifetime after birth. Conclusions. Functional and morphological changes were found in the testes of sexually mature young males, offspring of mothers exposed to low-intensity centimeter-level electromagnetic fields during pregnancy. Hypoplastic changes in the testicles, a decrease in the proliferative potential of the spermatogenic epithelium were revealed. Hormonal stimulation of spermatogenesis (hypertestosteronemia and an increase in the number of Leydig cells and the size of their nuclei) obviously have a compensatory nature. The obtained results provide the basis for large epidemiological studies with the involvement of a wide range of specialists in both medical and technical specialties.

The cellular-differential composition of the intestinal epithelium in various phases of inflammatory bowel diseases

BACKGROUND: The steady increase in the number of inflammatory bowel diseases and the absence of reliably significant diagnostic markers require the search for new morphological criteria for differential diagnosis. AIM: This study aimed to determine the cellular-differential composition of the intestinal epithelium in the phases of exacerbation and remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue samples of 60 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, n=30; ulcerative colitis, n=30) and with irritable bowel syndrome (control group, n=15) were studied using histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric and statistical methods. RESULTS: Distinct features of the cellular-differential composition of the epithelium in the mucous membrane of the ileum, ascending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum were identified across these conditions, with differences observed during exacerbation and remission in inflammatory bowel diseases. The proportion of goblet cells in the epithelial lining varied by intestinal region and disease type and phase. Goblet cell differentiation: 25.0% more goblet cells of the superficial epithelium between the crypts of the ileum in acute Crohn’s disease compared with remission (p=0.0002); 42.9% more goblet cells in the superficial epithelium of the ascending colon compared with irritable bowel syndrome (p=0.0001); 23.0% more goblet cells crypt in the sigmoid colon compared with ulcerative colitis in the acute stage (p=0.0024). There were no significant differences in the differentiation of Paneth cells. There was a threefold increase in endocrinocytes in the sigmoid colon in acute Crohn’s disease compared with irritable bowel syndrome (p=0.0238). Nonepithelial differon cells: fewer interepithelial lymphocytes in Crohn’s disease in remission compared with Crohn’s disease in the acute stage by 2.4 times in the sigmoid colon, 4.0 times in the rectum (p 0,0001); compared with irritable bowel syndrome by 4.8 times in the ileum, 2.7 times in the ascending intestine, 4.0 times in the sigmoid colon (p 0,05); 8.0 times in the rectum compared with ulcerative colitis in remission (p=0,0004). Additionally, the study found proliferative activity of crypt cells (mainly goblet-shaped) increased by 4.2 times in the sigmoid colon in acute Crohn’s disease compared with acute ulcerative colitis (p=0,0016). CONCLUSIONS: Morphometric parameters of the cellular-differential composition of the intestinal epithelium can serve as potential differential diagnostic criteria. Acute Crohn’s disease is characterized by a higher proliferation index in the sigmoid colon compared with acute ulcerative colitis, while Crohn’s disease in remission shows a lower number of interepithelial lymphocytes in the rectum compared with ulcerative colitis in remission.

Exploring Shape Variance in Waterbirds' Pad Feet: A Geometric Morphometric Analysis

Waterbirds usually have webbed feet, which help them move easily through water. These pad feet fall into four main categories: palmate, semipalmate, totipalmate, and lobate. In this study, morphological diversity among the pad feet of different waterbirds breeds such as the West Indian whistling duck (Anas bahamensis), mandarin duck (Aix galericulata), red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis), wood duck (Aix sponsa), mute swan (Cygnus olor), greylag goose (Anser anser), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), redhead duck (Aythya americana), Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca), and pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) was examined by the geometric morphometric method. 2D images of 12 waterbirds pad feet from different parts of Türkiye were analyzed from dorsal view. In total thirteen landmarks were used. The analysis focused on principal component 1 and principal component 2 values. Principal component 1 shows slightly greater changes occurring on the lateral toes II and IV, as well as in the interdigital webbing below the average. Principal component 2 reveals greater shape changes also on the toes II and IV, which are more lateral. Geometric morphometric analysis proves valuable in identifying variations in the shape of the pad feet among various breeds of waterbirds, making it an effective tool for taxonomic purposes.

3D morphometry of Martian craters from HRSC DEMs using a multi-scale semantic segmentation network and morphological analysis

The morphology of impact craters reveals the structure and composition of the Martian surface, especially the subsurface conditions and Martian geological history, which have increasing importance in Mars exploration missions. This work presents a 3D morphometric method for detecting and delineating Martian craters, and a 3D morphological analysis was conducted. Specifically, this work first focused on the segmentation of Martian craters. Based on the segmentation results, clustering of crater instances was then carried out. Finally, with the individual craters that were extracted, a morphological analysis involving the measurements of their diameter, depth, area, RMS height, rim height, circularity, and the statistics thereof was performed. Unlike previous studies, which have mainly used optical images and object detection approaches, this work regards crater extraction as a semantic segmentation task instead of an object detection task to better delineate the precise shape and boundary information. Digital elevation model (DEM) was utilized as primary data to directly obtain 3D information, which was converted into 3D point cloud format and fed to a multi-scale semantic segmentation network. The semantic segmentation results achieved an overall accuracy of 0.932 and mIOU of 0.871 on the test data. We automatically counted 63 craters in Noachis Terra and 40 craters in Terra Cimmeria. The 3D morphological measurements showed that 66% of the impact craters in the first region were larger than 10 km in diameter, while 50% of the impact craters in the second region were larger than 10 km. In both areas, craters could reach a maximum depth of 2000 m. With the proposed method, we can automatically conduct 3D morphological measurements of Martian craters with high efficiency that is improved by 15 times compared with that of manual crater analysis tools. The achieved 3D morphometric results can provide a reference and support for future research on Martian landforms.

Analyzing 3D facial morphology: Insights from a comparative European and South African study on population affinity, sex, age, and allometry

Variable growth patterns and multifactorial mechanisms cause variation in facial shape. These differences in facial morphology pose challenges for craniofacial reconstruction. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging modalities are a valuable resource for examining these variations. In this study, we used geometric morphometric methods to evaluate the effects of population affinity, sex, age, and allometry on the variation and covariation of hard and soft tissue facial morphology matrices in a sample of French and white South African individuals. Seventy-six and 108 cone-beam computed tomography scans of white South African and French nationals, respectively, were retrospectively acquired. Three-dimensional anatomical structures (hard and soft tissue matrices) were extracted using MeVisLab© v. 2.7.1 software for dense landmarking of 43 craniometric, 50 capulometric, and 559 sliding landmarks. Geometric morphometric analyses were used to quantify shape differences attributed to population affinity, sex, age, and allometry and assess the covariation between hard tissue structures and soft facial tissues. Hard and soft tissue facial matrices were influenced by population differences, sexual dimorphism, and aging. Compared to sex and age, population affinity had the strongest influence on variation. In French individuals, all hard and soft tissue matrices were sexually dimorphic, except for the eyes and left external auditory meatus (EAM). In white South Africans, sexual dimorphism was observed for the mouth, midface, and left EAM. Significant shape differences were also observed for specific age groups. The underlying skull and overlying soft tissues were strongly associated with the nose and anterior nasal aperture (correlation, r2-PLS = 0.976), followed by the right ear and right EAM (r2-PLS = 0.875) and the left ear and left EAM (r2-PLS = 0.871) in white South Africans. For French individuals, relatively weak to moderate correlations were observed, and the covariation between matrices was nonsignificant, except for the association between the right ear and right EAM (r2-PLS = 0.499). The smallest covariation was observed between the mouth and midfacial matrix in both populations (South African: r2-PLS = 0.464; French: r2-PLS = 0.367), which was also nonsignificant. This study revealed that 3D imaging technology and geometric morphometric methods can accurately quantify and visualize facial morphology differences. These methods can also evaluate the association between skull structure and soft facial features.

Using two- and three-dimensional landmark data to examine the shape variation of Elliptio complanata from two heavily impounded rivers in northern New York (USA)

ABSTRACT Despite vast improvements in the quantification of shape variation with geometric morphometric methods, evaluating morphological variation in unionids has remained difficult due to the lack of measurable landmarks on shells and their overall morphological plasticity. In this study, we supplement traditional two-dimensional landmark data with three-dimensional landmark data. Using photogrammetry, we generate three-dimensional models that are landmarked. This approach adds a new, third dimension to capture shape changes, providing a more detailed understanding of the shell topography. With this method, we explore the differences in shell shape along river stretches of two heavily impounded rivers in northern New York (USA). We ask whether isolation by distance, presence of dams and/or difference in land use around sampling localities impact the shell morphologies of Elliptio complanata populations. Our data suggest that, although separated for almost a century, these unionid populations do not show a pattern of increased morphological difference with distance. But we find that broad, rounded morphs that are posteriorly extended occur more frequently in reservoir environments while unaltered river habitats have a higher number of slim and more elongated variants.

Taxonomy of Iranian Asaccus (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) with description of a new species from southern Iran

We provide the first diversity assessment of Iranian species of the genus Asaccus based on COI DNA-barcoding. We analyzed 53 samples of Iranian Asaccus representing nine OTU corresponding to 10 currently recognzied nominal species, and evaluated both morphological and genetic data to support the recognition of a new species from Bandar-e Jask, Hormozgan Province, southern Iran—Asaccus authenticus sp. nov. The new species is characterized by medium body size (SVL max 55.5 mm), elongated limbs, and relatively small dorsal tubercles arranged in 12–14 regular rows. Morphologically Asaccus authenticus sp. nov. resembles both Arabian and Iranian representatives of the genus; phylogenetically it forms a highly divergent lineage with sister relationships to all other Iranian congeners. We applied the geometric morphometrics method to compare the position and shape of postmental plates for almost all members of Asaccus and evaluated the importance of this character in species diagnostics in this group. We also critically evaluate the recent phylogenetic data on Asaccus and discuss the most problematic questions on taxonomy of this genus. We also revalidate Asaccus ingae (Eiselt, 1973) as a full species; overall our work raises the total number of species of the genus Asaccus to 20.

Carapace Morphology Variations in Captive Tortoises: Insights from Three-Dimensional Analysis.

The carapace morphology of tortoises is a crucial characteristic used for species identification, with features such as shell shape, roughness, and color patterns varying among species. Understanding this morphological diversity is valuable not only for taxonomic classification but also for more specialized clinical approaches. This study investigated the morphological differences in the shells of Leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis), African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), and Greek tortoises (spur-thighed tortoises; Testudo graeca) raised in captivity. Using 3D scanners, the carapaces were modeled, and a 3D geometric morphometric method was employed to analyze shape variations and dimensional features, with landmarks applied automatically. Among the species studied, African spurred tortoises had the largest carapace size. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified PC1 and PC3 as critical factors in distinguishing between species based on morphological characteristics. Positive PC1 values, associated with a shorter carapace height, indicated a flatter or more compact shell shape. A higher PC3 value corresponded to a raised shape at the back of the shell, while a lower PC3 value indicated a raised shape at the front. Specifically, Leopard tortoises exhibited a higher carapace shape than the other species, while African spurred tortoises had shorter carapaces. An allometric effect was observed in the carapaces, where smaller specimens tended to be proportionately higher-domed, whereas larger shells displayed a lower height in shape. These findings highlight the significance of shape variations in tortoise shells, which emerge during adaptation and have important implications for taxonomy and clinical practice. Such differences should be carefully considered in veterinary care and species identification.

Arbor vitae cerebelli: Fractal properties and their quantitative assessment by novel “contour scaling” fractal analysis method (an anatomical study)

BackgroundArbor vitae cerebelli (tree-like branching white matter of the cerebellum) has a complex spatial configuration that is challenging to assess using conventional morphometric methods. This study proposes a fractal approach to describe and quantify the anatomy of Arbor vitae cerebelli. For this purpose, a new “contour scaling” method for fractal analysis of cerebellar white matter was developed. Material and methodsThe cerebella of 100 cadavers (50 male and 50 female) who died from causes unrelated to brain pathology, aged 20–95 years, were examined. Mid-sagittal sections of the cerebellar vermis were studied. The fractal dimension values of the cerebellar white matter were determined using both the developed fractal analysis method and the conventional “box counting” method, along with measurements of non-fractal parameters including cerebellar weight, area and perimeter of the vermis cross-section, perimeter-to-area ratio, and circularity. ResultsConsidering the cerebellar white matter as a tree-like fractal, it was found to have 7 or 8 primary branches, which subdivide into 10-18 second-iteration branches, 19–38 third-iteration branches, and 34–53 fourth-iteration branches. Females more often had 8 primary branches compared to males, while males had a greater number of branches in the second to fourth iterations. The mean fractal (Hausdorff) dimension was 1.697 (1.721 in males, 1.674 in females, P = 0.01). The fractal dimension correlated most strongly with the perimeter and area of the vermis cross-section and had no significant relationship with age. ConclusionThe fractal (Hausdorff) dimension, determined using the novel “contour scaling” method, quantitatively assesses the degree of branching of the cerebellar white matter. An increase in the absolute size of the cerebellum leads to a higher degree of branching of its white matter and an increase in the number of its constitutive components – white matter branches and folia.

Investigation of Glandula Uropygialis in Different Avian Species Using Morphometric and Histological Methods.

The aim of this study was to identify the glandula uropygialis's macroanatomical and histological structure in male and female birds (stork, goose, eagle, pigeon, crow and sparrowhawk) that belong to different populations. A total of 58 specimens were used in the study. The study materials were delivered to our laboratory by nature conservation and national parks, and no animals were euthanised for this study. The longitudinal and transversal lengths, dorsoventral heights and feather length of the glandula uropygialis and papilla uropygialis were measured with a digital calliper. Haematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome staining were performed for histological examinations. The shape of the glandula uropygialis was found to be pear-shaped in pigeons and sparrowhawks, heart-shaped in geese, kidney-shaped in eagles and oval-fascule-shaped in storks. In the crow, the shape of the glandula uropygialis was different from the other species in that it was located dorso-caudally. Histomorphological examination of the glands of these species revealed that the gland generally consisted of two lobes, right and left, surrounded by connective tissue from the outside. The parenchyma of these lobes consisted of tubulo-alveolar secretory glands with a radial arrangement from the periphery to the centre. The glands within the lobes differed from the periphery to the centre and although the general histomorphological appearance was similar between bird species, some differences were observed between species. Similar stromal structure was observed in all bird species evaluated in the study. However, the reticular connective tissue forming the roof of the gland was found to be more developed in pigeons, especially in Masson's trichroma staining. The degenerative layer in the glands was more prominent in the eagle, followed by the goose and crow. Although a common general histological structure was observed among bird species, simple histomorphological differences were found between these formations, but no differences were found between the sexes. The results obtained will be compared with the findings of the aves class and will provide a data source for this special gland specific to birds. It is thought that the results obtained may help to determine the functional properties of the gland and contribute to the science of ornithology.

Applications of fractal analysis techniques in magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography for stroke diagnosis and stroke-related brain damage: a narrative review

The fractal analysis technique has emerged as a novel and promising method in mathematical analysis, providing valuable insights across various fields of neuroimaging. The fractal analysis technique allows for the quantitative characterization of complex geometric structures that traditional Euclidean geometry-based morphometric methods fail to describe adequately. This review provides an overview of the principles, characteristics, and main applications of the fractal analysis technique, focusing on its applications and perspectives in stroke diagnosis based on neuroimaging data. In stroke research, the fractal analysis technique has been used to characterize brain tissue, pathological foci, and the vascular network, providing critical diagnostic and prognostic information. Researchers have applied the fractal analysis technique to brain lesions resulting from ischemic strokes to conduct geometric analyses of lesion shapes, indicating its diagnostic and prognostic values. Fractal properties have been used to study the texture of lesions, healthy tissue, and penumbra zones, which is essential for determining the presence and boundaries of damaged brain tissue. Additionally, fractal analysis of intracerebral hemorrhages has shown that hemorrhage geometry is correlated with prognosis and survival rates. This method has been used to assess cortex and white matter configurations in stroke patients, highlighting brain remodeling and compensatory changes. It has also been proven effective in detecting morphological alterations in brain structures during transient ischemic attacks. Moreover, fractal analysis of the brain vasculature revealed changes associated with ischemic stroke and hemorrhage. Overall, the fractal analysis technique in brain magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography is an informative and sensitive imaging analysis method that, with further development, can significantly improve stroke diagnosis and prognosis on the basis of neuroimaging data.

Morpho-Geometric Description of the Skulls and Mandibles of Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) from the Dancing Bear Belitsa Park.

The present study aimed to describe the skull and mandibles of the brown bear (U. arctos) from the Dancing Bear Belitsa Park using advanced 3D morpho-geometric techniques. The objective was to explore how sexual dimorphism and size influence cranial structures using advanced 3D geometric morphometric methods. Three-dimensional models of the skulls and mandibles of 12 brown bears were used. Differences in skull morphology between male and female brown bears were observed in this study. The male brown bear skull, larger than the female, exhibited a more pronounced extension of the upper part of the nuchal region towards the posterior. Additionally, the posterior part of the frontal region appeared notably thinner in male brown bears compared to females. Analysis of the mandible revealed that the masseteric fossa was more developed in males than females. These shape differences between males and females were found to be influenced by body size. Statistical analyses indicated a significant allometric effect of body size on skull PC1 values, suggesting that giant bears tend to have more elongated skulls. This implies a relationship in which larger individuals exhibit greater cranial elongation. In contrast, mandible PC1 values showed no size-related variation, indicating that mandibular shape is less influenced by overall body size. However, PC2 values in the mandible increased significantly with larger specimens, indicating a larger masseteric fossa in larger bears. This morphological adaptation potentially enhances feeding efficiency and bite strength in larger individuals, reflecting functional adaptations in brown-bear mandibular morphology. These findings contribute to our understanding of sexual dimorphism and size-related morphological adaptations in brown bears, providing insights into their adaptation biology and ecological roles within their habitats.

Gray matter volume of the feline cerebral cortex and structural plasticity following perinatal deafness

In response to sensory deprivation, the brain adapts according to contemporary demands to efficiently navigate a modified perceptual environment. This reorganization may result in improved processing of the remaining senses–a phenomenon referred to as compensatory crossmodal plasticity. One approach to explore this neuroplasticity is to consider the macrostructural changes in neural tissue that mirror this functional optimization. The current study is the first of its kind to measure MRI-derived gray matter (GM) volumes of control felines (n=30), while additionally identifying volumetric differences in response to perinatal deafness (30 ototoxically-deafened cats). To accomplish this purpose, regional and morphometric methods were performed in parallel. The regional analysis evaluated volumetric alterations of global GM, as well as the volumes of 146 regions of interest (ROIs) and 12 functional subgroupings of these ROIs. Results revealed whole-brain GM preservation; however, somatosensory and visual cortices exhibited an overall increase in volume. On a smaller scale, this analysis uncovered two auditory ROIs (second auditory cortex, A2, and ventral auditory field, VAF) that decreased in volume alongside two visual regions (anteromedial lateral suprasylvian area, AMLS and splenial visual area, SVA) that increased–all localized within the right hemisphere. Comparatively, the findings of tensor-based morphometry (TBM) generally aligned with those of the ROI-based method, as this voxel-wise approach demonstrated clusters of expansion coincident with visual- and somatosensory-related loci; although, it failed to detect any GM reductions following deafness. As distinct differences were identified in each analysis, the current study highlights the importance of employing multiple methods when exploring MRI volumetry. Overall, this study proposes that volumetric alterations within sensory loci allude to a redistribution of cortical space arising from modified perceptual demands following auditory deprivation.

Differentiating idiopathic inflammatory myopathies by automated morphometric analysis of MHC-1, MHC-2 and ICAM-1 in muscle tissue.

Diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) is based on morphological characteristics and the evaluation of disease-related proteins. However, although broadly applied, substantial bias is imposed by the respective methods, observers and individual staining approaches. We aimed to quantify the protein levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-1, (MHC)-2 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 using an automated morphometric method to mitigate bias. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed on whole muscle sections to study differences in protein expression in myofibre and endomysial vessels. We analysed all IIM subtypes including dermatomyositis (DM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS), inclusion body myositis (IBM), immune-mediated-necrotising myopathy (IMNM), dysferlinopathy (DYSF), SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination-associated myopathy. Biopsies with neurogenic atrophy (NA) and normal morphology served as controls. Bulk RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed on a subset of samples. Our study highlights the significance of MHC-1, MHC-2 and ICAM-1 in diagnosing IIM subtypes and reveals distinct immunological profiles. RNASeq confirmed the precision of our method and identified specific gene pathways in the disease subtypes. Notably, ASyS, DM and SARS-CoV-2-associated myopathy showed increased ICAM-1 expression in the endomysial capillaries, indicating ICAM-1-associated vascular activation in these conditions. In addition, ICAM-1 showed high discrimination between different subgroups with high sensitivity and specificity. Automated morphometric analysis provides precise quantitative data on immune-associated proteins that can be integrated into our pathophysiological understanding of IIM. Further, ICAM-1 holds diagnostic value for the detection of IIM pathology.

Accuracy of geometric morphometrics for age estimation using frontal face photographs of children and adolescents: A promising method for forensic practice

Age estimation is crucial in legal and humanitarian contexts. Forensic professionals may use various procedures to estimate age, including dental analysis, bone density tests, evaluation of physical characteristics including facial bone structure and development, and image-based methods. Although images are often the only material available, visual observation of photographic material is an imprecise method in age estimation, which can compromise judicial decision-making. Analyzing 4000 photographs from the Brazilian Federal Police database, representing four age groups (6, 10, 14, and 18 years), the study employed automated analysis by marking 28 photogrammetric points. Data were used to establish facial patterns by age and sex using the facial geometric morphometrics method. Performance was assessed through a Multinomial Logistic Regression model, evaluating accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity across the categorical age groups. Analyses were conducted using R software, with a 5 % significance level. The study found that facial geometric morphometrics achieved an overall accuracy of 69.3 % in age discrimination, with higher accuracy in males (74.7 %) compared to females (65.8 %) (p < 0.001). The method excelled at predicting the age of 6-year-olds with 87.3 % sensitivity and 95.6 % specificity but had lower performance at 14 years. It showed greater accuracy in distinguishing age groups with larger age gaps, achieving up to 99.5 % accuracy between certain groups, and was particularly effective in differentiating ages of 6 and 10 years in females and 10, 14, and 18 years in males. The facial geometric morphometrics emerges as a promising approach for age estimation among children and adolescents in forensic settings.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ СТРОЕНИЯ СЕМЯПРОВОДОВ У КРОЛИКОВ

The aim of the study is to investigate the anatomical and histological structure of the ductus deferens in representatives of the order Lagomorpha. The results of the micromorphology of the vas deferens in representatives of the order Lagomorpha are presented. Histological preparations were prepared and exami¬ned at the Omsk State Agrarian University (Department of Anatomy, Histology, Physiology and Pathological Anatomy). The objects of the study were material obtained from five sexually mature male Californian rabbits. For histological examination, pieces of organs were selected using the generally accepted method. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, as well as the Van Gieson method. Morphological, histological, morphometric and statistical methods were used in the study. The ductus deferens in rabbits is a paired tubular organ. The thickness of the mucous membrane of the left ductus deferens varies within 85.77 ± 3.13 μm, of the right ductus deferens was 136.14 ± 3.20 μm. The thickness of the muscular membrane of the left ductus deferens was 287.16 ± 3.48 μm, of the right ductus deferens was 333.79 ± 4.07 μm. The thickness of the adventitia of the left ductus deferens was 246.08 ± 4.75 μm, of the right ductus deferens was 258.56 ± 3.84 μm. During the study, special attention was paid to the adaptation of the muscular layer, which demonstrates a high degree of development and the ability to powerful peristaltic contractions, ensuring the movement of sex cells to the urethra. We can also assume the formation of sphincter systems of the ductus deferens in the indicated anatomical areas.

Morphological and morphometric study of the hominin dental casts from Grotta-Riparo di Uluzzo C (Apulia, southern Italy).

Grotta-Riparo di Uluzzo C (Apulia, southern Italy) is a pivotal site for investigating the evolution of the Middle Paleolithic and the earliest phases of the Upper Paleolithic in southern Italy, as the extensive stratigraphic record of this site includes a thick Mousterian sequence followed by the Uluzzian. Here, we investigate the taxonomic affinity of seven unpublished deciduous human teeth retrieved from the site of Uluzzo C in 1960. The teeth are represented by seven plaster dental casts, which are housed at the Museo Civico di Paleontologia e Paletnologia in Maglie (Lecce, Apulia). The location of the original specimens remains unknown, rendering these casts the only human remains evidence yielded by Uluzzo C to date. Based on occlusal-view photographs and digital models of the casts, we examined the external morphology and morphometry of the teeth, comparing them to Homo sapiens and H. neanderthalensis samples. Through geometric morphometric methods and statistical analyses, we analyzed the crown outline of the deciduous molars. The teeth show morphological and morphometric features that are variably found in H. neanderthalensis, H. sapiens, or both. Specifically, crown outline analysis shows that all molars fall within H. neanderthalensis variability, except for Uluzzo 853 (lower right deciduous first molar), which falls within H. sapiens variability. This study provides the first taxonomic assessment of the hominin teeth from Uluzzo C. The results contribute additional insights into the Paleolithic peopling of southern Italy during a crucial period marked by the persistence of post-Tyrrhenian Neanderthal techno-complexes and the arrival of H. sapiens.

Setting the morphologic quality limits enabling accurate classification of charred archaeological grape seeds

This study investigates the morphological changes in grape pips resulting from various charring conditions. Employing high-resolution scanning combined with morphometric measurements for morphological analysis, we aimed to understand the effects of charring on grape pips. Our morphometric analysis demonstrated significant alterations in seed shape above 250 °C. The length–width ratio and the occurrence of cracks notably changed, providing a basis for assessing charring conditions. In addition, applying a machine learning classification method, we determined that accurate classification of grape varieties by the morphometric analysis method is feasible for seeds charred at up to 250 °C and 8 h. Integrating the morphometric changes and temperature ranges suitable for classification, we developed a sorting model for archaeological seeds. By projecting length–width ratios onto a curve calculated from controlled conditions, we estimated charring temperatures. Approximately 50% of archaeological seeds deviated from the model, indicating drastic charring conditions. This sorting model facilitates a stringent selection of seeds fit for classification, enhancing the accuracy of our machine learning-based methodology. In conclusion, combining machine learning with morphometric sorting enables the identification of charred grape seeds suitable for identification by the morphometric method. This comprehensive approach provides a valuable tool for future research for the identification of charred grape seeds found in archaeological contexts, enhancing our understanding of ancient viticulture practices and grape cultivation.

A Standardized Porcine Model for Partial-Thickness Wound Healing Studies: Design, Characterization, Model Validation, and Histological Insights.

Wound healing is a complex process that is still not fully understood despite extensive research. To address this, we aimed to design and characterize a standardized porcine model for the evaluation of wound healing, dressings, cell therapies, and pharmaceutical agents. Using a standardized approach, we examined the wound healing process in 1.2 mm-deep dermatome wounds at defined positions in 11 female pigs. Unlike previous studies that have only described/analyzed selected punch biopsies, we performed and described histological analyses along the complete wound length using quantitative morphometric methods. All animals remained fully healthy following surgery and showed no signs of infection. Our histopathological evaluation using a predetermined grading score and quantitative manual morphometry demonstrated the impact of different tissue sampling methods, sampling sites, and residual dermis thickness on wound healing. Our study presents a reproducible model for wound healing evaluation and demonstrates the usefulness of porcine models for assessing dermal and epidermal wound healing. The use of histological analyses over the complete wound length provides advantages over previous studies, leading to the possibility of a deeper understanding of the wound healing process. This model could potentially facilitate future research on novel wound dressings and local wound healing therapies.

Size Gynomimicry in the Sanmartinero Creole Bovine of the Colombian Orinoquia.

Variations in the size of animals of the same species but of different sex are called sexual size dimorphism. The aim of this study was to compare the biometrics between males and females of the Sanmartinero creole bovine, of Colombia, to establish if sexual dimorphism appears in the breed. A total of 94 animals (16 uncastrated males and 78 females, average age of 4.3 ± 1.4 and 4.2 ± 2.3 years, respectively) from three different farms were measured. A total of 21 linear variables were obtained using standard morphometric methods and live weight. A one-way NPMANOVA was used to evaluate between sexes, ages, and farms, a Principal Component Analysis was used to detect the most discriminating variables, and a multivariate regression used age as an independent value. Statistically significant differences were reflected between sexes (p = 0.033) and not by age and farms. The variables that differentiated the most between males and females were those related to size (thoracic circumference, body length, dorso-sternal diameter, height at the withers, height at the rump, and horn length), variables that were biased toward males, although only the height at the withers and the rump were the ones that presented statistically significant differences.