Mouth Position Research Articles

External morphology and growth patterns of larvae and juveniles of Bryconops gracilis (Characiformes, Iguanodectidae) from Amazon basin

During early development, fishes undergo significant changes that influence external morphology and the functioning of internal organs and systems. This often results in gradual variation of the morphological traits of individuals across developmental stages. The investigation of larval and juvenile fish development and growth patterns has pertinent implications for the systematic and ecological elucidation of species. Bryconops gracilis is a medium-sized fish, omnivorous that inhabits lotic and lentic environments with acidic and transparent waters in the Amazon basin. In this study, the early development of B. gracilis is described, until recently a practically unknown species. In terms of development, we used morphological, meristic, and morphometric data to characterize the larvae and juveniles. The individuals were collected in the Curuá-Una River, Amazon basin, Brazil. Fifty-four specimens were examined. Samples include individuals with 3.39 to 21.79mm SL. Yolk-sac larvae have two attachment organs on the dorsal surface of head and body. The larvae of B. gracilis are considered altricial, with a fusiform body, and the intestine reaches the median region of the body. Initially, the mouth is subterminal and becomes isognathic from the postflexion stage on. During the postflexion stage, the most relevant morphological changes occur (e.g., presence of all fins, mouth position similar to adults, increased body pigmentation), making individuals more specialized to explore new habitats and diets and maximize their chances of survival. Furthermore, vertebrae and myomeres are compared and assist with differentiating some Bryconops species at early life stages that occur in sympatry in the Amazon basin. Our results contribute to knowledge about the external morphology of neotropical freshwater fishes, enabling the identification of larvae and juveniles through traditional taxonomy and broadening the perspective on the ontogenetic study of the adipose fin in Characoidei.

Feeding ecology study of Asian redtail catfish, Hemibagrus nemurus (Teleostei: Bagridae), post-sediment flushing in Jenderal Soedirman Reservoir Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Wibowo DN, Sukmaninggrum S, Widyastuti A, Soedibya PHT, Rahayu NL. 2024. Feeding ecology study of Asian redtail catfish, Hemibagrus nemurus (Teleostei: Bagridae), post-sediment flushing in Jenderal Soedirman Reservoir Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2315-2322. Hemibagrus nemurus Vallenciennes 1840 is among the valuable fisheries commodities in Banyumas District and led to high exploitation. Research on H. nemurus is essential for its conservation, including its feeding ecology. Feeding ecology studies of H. nemurus have been conducted previously, but the relative examination of this Asian redtail catfish is lacking in Jenderal Soedirman Reservoir, Central Java, Indonesia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the feeding ecology of H. nemurus, focusing on post-sediment flushing in the Jenderal Soedirman Reservoir in 2022. Specimens were collected at nine sampling sites in the reservoir during morning and evening sessions, with observed parameters including mouth position, intestine length ratio, intestine content, and the index of preponderance (IP). The results showed that H. nemurus had a subterminal mouth position as well as shorter to slightly longer intestines than the standard body length (SL). Based on the IP value, diets inside the intestine were dominated by animal materials, namely fish compounds. Hence H. nemurus seemed to be predatory considering its detected piscivorous habits. The identified mouth position, intestine length, and dominant diets were similar to the reports on the same species from other regions. These feeding ecology data would provide essential information for the fisheries and conservation of H. nemurus in Jenderal Soedirman Reservoir.

Respiratory rate measurement by pressure variation in the high flow nasal cannula-system in healthy volunteers.

This study tests if the pressure variation in the HFNC-system may allow for monitoring of respiratory rate and the pressure difference during breathing may be a marker of respiratory effort. A HFNC system (Fisher & Paykel Optiflow Thrive 950) was modified by adding a GE Healthcare D-Lite spirometry sensor attached to a respiratory module and a pressure transducer. Participants were instructed to breathe regularly, quickly and slowly during 4 different conditions (HFNC flow 30l/min and 70l/min and with an open and closed mouth). Respiratory rate was counted based on pressure variation shown on the monitor graphs and compared with the count by observation of the participant. The pressure difference between inspiration and expiration was tested for correlation with the respiratory rate, as a surrogate marker for respiratory effort. Twenty five participants were included in this study. False detection of apnea in pressure-based measurements occurred in 10% and 11% of the measurements with open mouth position at 30l/min and 70l/min HFNC-flow, respectively, but not with a closed mouth. The 95% Limits of Agreement were - 1.85;1.91, -13.72;9,88, -2.25;2.47, -30.32;19.93 for the conditions of 30l/min -closed mouth, 30l/min - open mouth, 70l/min - closed mouth and 70l/min - open mouth, respectively. There was a correlation between pressure difference and respiratory effort, except for the condition of 30l/min with open mouth. The pressure variation in the HFNC system allows for respiratory rate and effort monitoring, but requires further development to increase precision. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05991843).

Functional modularity and mechanical stress shape plastic responses during fish development.

The adaptive potential of plastic phenotypes relies on combined developmental responses. We investigated how manipulation of developmental conditions related to foraging mode in the fish Megaleporinus macrocephalus induces plastic responses at different levels: (a) functional modularity of skull bones, (b) biomechanical properties of the chondrocranium using finite element models, (c) bmp4 expression levels, used as a proxy for molecular pathways involved in bone responses to mechanical load. We identified new modules in experimental groups, suggesting increased integration in specific head bone elements associated with the development of subterminal and upturned mouths, which are major features of Megaleporinus plastic morphotypes released in the lab. Plastic responses in head shape involved differences in the magnitude of mechanical stress, which seem restricted to certain chondrocranium regions. Three bones represent a "mechanical unit" related to changes in mouth position induced by foraging mode, suggesting that functional modularity might be enhanced by the way specific regions respond to mechanical load. Differences in bmp4 expression levels between plastic morphotypes indicate associations between molecular signaling pathways and biomechanical responses to load. Our results offer a multilevel perspective of epigenetic factors involved in plastic responses, expanding our knowledge about mechanisms of developmental plasticity that originate novel complex phenotypes.

Are Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) populations in the eastern Indian Ocean truly homogeneous? Insights from geometric morphometric analysis

The boundaries of Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) populations/stocks in the three Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) in the eastern Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Andaman Sea) are not clearly discriminated or delineated, resulting in conflicting population boundaries. Inherent limitations of the methodologies adopted could be the major reason behind this lack clarity in the population boundaries. Geometric morphometric analysis (GMA) using landmarks has been found to be the most appropriate approach under these conditions. Thus, the present study aims to differentiate between the populations of R. kanagurta in the eastern Indian Ocean (Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Andaman Sea) by employing GMA of body shape. The results indicate significant differences in body shape between the populations of R. kanagurta inhabiting the eastern Indian Ocean. The variations are primarily observed in the relative sizes of body depth, head, dorsal and anal fins, and the position of eyes, mouth, pectoral, anal, and dorsal fins. The Bay of Bengal populations were mainly characterized with a deeper body, large heads, dorsally oriented eyes, posterior pectoral fins and longer anal and second dorsal fin. Andaman populations were characterized with a more streamlined body, anterior pectoral fins, ventral eyes and shorter anal and second dorsal fins. Arabian Sea population possess an intermediate shape between Bay of Bengal and Andaman populations. These observed variations confirm that R. kanagurta constitutes a discrete population in the eastern Indian Ocean. This study provides valuable information on the population structure of R. kanagurta in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Andaman Sea, which can be useful in fisheries management and conservation efforts.

Short Communication: Aplocheilus panchax Hamilton, 1822 Found at Acidic Waters of Abandoned Ex-tin Mining Ponds as Insectivorous Fish and Its Role for Water Quality Improvement

Kepala timah fish or blue panchax is one of the species found at acidic waters of abandoned ex-tin mining pond. Kepala timah fish belongs to the extremophile fishes which can survive in extreme aquatic environments caused by pressure from environmental factors. This study aimed to confirm the kepala timah fish as a species of Aplocheilus panchax and to analyze its natural food habits. Molecular analysis through DNA barcoding was carried out by analyzing the COI gene and confirming the sequence of kepala timah fish in the gene bank on the NCBI website and constructing a phylogenetic tree for kepala timah fish to other A. panchax populations. Analysis of food habits was carried out by identifying the contents of the digestive tract of kepala timah fish which were observed microscopically. The results showed that kepala timah fish found at acidic waters of abandoned ex-tin mining pond was confirmed as Aplocheilus panchax Hamilton, 1822. Some morphological characters confirmed the similarity between kepala timah fish and A. panchax such as a silvery white spot on its head, terminal type of the mouth position, body shape was sagittiform, small dorsal fin on posterior body, and the shape of the caudal fin was rounded or rhomboid. Analysis of the contents of digestive tract showed the food habits of A. panchax found at acidic waters of ex-tin mining pond was insects. The food habits explained that A. panchax was classified as larvivorous or insectivorous fishes. The presence of A. panchax and its metabolic activity at abandoned ex-tin mining ponds can contributed to increasing organic matter in the waters so that it can be beneficial for improving water quality.

Morphological and molecular identification of java barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) from East Java Province

This study aims is compare the identification of Java barb fish (Barbonymus gonionotus) in East Java Province by morphometric and molecular identification. Molecular identification was conducted using mitochondrial DNA based on the Cytochrome Oxidase Sub Unit I (COI) region. Java barb fish samples were collected from various regions in East Java Province including Gresik, Mojokerto, Madiun, Malang, and Banyuwangi. The identification results by morphological and molecular methods showed the same results, namely Barbonymus gonionotus. Based on the morphological identification, Barbonymus gonionotus has a long and flat body shape with a raised back, terminal mouth position, silver body colour with a darker dorsal area, dorsal fin shape with weakly hardened rays, and homocercal caudal fin shape. The morphometric measurements of Java barb fish using the one-way ANOVA test showed that the five locations differed significantly. The results of the molecular research showed that all java barb fish sequences were successfully amplified with the COI gene (648 bp). The BLASTN results show the percentage identity ranges from 99.85-100%.

Niche overlap between sympatric cichlid species of the genus Rocio (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) in Guatemala

AbstractRocio is a small genus of Neotropical freshwater fishes that is distributed in Atlantic drainages of northern Middle America. Two species of Rocio, R. spinosissima and R. octofasciata, exhibit sympatry in the Río Dulce basin in eastern Guatemala. Rocio spinosissima is endemic to the Río Dulce basin, while R. octofasciata has a larger geographic range that includes this area. Our goal was to explore the ecological and morphological variation shown by these two closely related species and determine their differences. A combination of field work, analysis of museum specimens, and ecological niche modelling helped to better understand the differences in habitat and environmental characteristics, along with the body shape variation. Local‐scale environmental data suggest that both species inhabit lentic environments, with R. spinosissima using narrower and low canopy‐covered habitats and R. octofasciata inhabiting areas with a larger range of environmental characteristics. Ecological Niche Models indicated that land cover, soil, precipitation, and temperature largely define the distribution of both species. Body shape differs between species, with R. spinosissima exhibiting a rounder and deeper body while R. octofasciata is more elongated. Specimens of R. octofasciata across its distribution also show variation in head shape, mouth position, fin, and caudal peduncle characteristics, possibly as a response to trophic strategies that reduce competition. Similarities in their environments and morphologies allow us to identify broadly overlapping niches in the two species of Rocio, while the fine scale differences documented between species will have conservation implications for the endemic R. spinosissima.

The general method of the tanker car mouth pose measurement

PurposeThe coupling process between the loading mechanism and the tank car mouth is a crucial step in the tank car loading process. The purpose of this paper is to design a method to accurately measure the pose of the tanker car.Design/methodology/approachThe collected image is first subjected to a gray enhancement operation, and the black parts of the image are extracted using Otsu’s threshold segmentation and morphological processing. The edge pixels are then filtered to remove outliers and noise, and the remaining effective points are used to fit the contour information of the tank car mouth. Using the successfully extracted contour information, the pose information of the tank car mouth in the camera coordinate system is obtained by establishing a binocular projection elliptical cone model, and the pixel position of the real circle center is obtained through the projection section. Finally, the binocular triangulation method is used to determine the position information of the tank car mouth in space.FindingsExperimental results have shown that this method for measuring the position and orientation of the tank car mouth is highly accurate and can meet the requirements for industrial loading accuracy.Originality/valueA method for extracting the contours of various types of complex tanker mouth is proposed. This method can accurately extract the contour of the tanker mouth when the contour is occluded or disturbed. Based on the binocular elliptic conical model and perspective projection theory, an innovative method for measuring the pose of the tanker mouth is proposed, and according to the space characteristics of the tanker mouth itself, the ambiguity of understanding is removed. This provides a new idea for the automatic loading of ash tank cars.

X-ray diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders combined with the pathology of the cervical spine

Relevance. Given the high prevalence of temporomandibular disorders and the multiple causes of the disease, specialists assign an important role to the rational diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders.Material and methods. The study included 84 patients aged 21 to 55 years old. Of these, 69 patients were diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders. They formed group 1. The 2nd control group included 15 patients without TMDs (with no complaints of the dentoalveolar system). All patients underwent X-ray diagnosis: cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) 200 x 170 mm of the skull, including the area of C1 and C2 cervical vertebrae in the closed and open mouth position. The study used the Planmeca ProMax® 3D CT scanner.Results. All examined patients with TMDs showed the spinous process deviation angles α from the Y axis (p ≤ 0.001), which indicated 100% involvement of the cervical spine in this pathology. Subgroup A comprised 60.1% of the subjects, where the mean angle in the closed mouth position was 12.90 ± 0.55 degrees, and in the open mouth position, the mean value was 9.2 ± 0.48 degrees, the deviation angle decreased by an average of 3.7 degrees. Subgroup B included 39.9% of the subjects, where the average value was 4.50 ± 0.66 degrees in the closed mouth position and 8.40 ± 0.75 degrees in the open mouth position. The angle of deviation increased by 3.9 degrees.Conclusion. In patients with temporomandibular disorders, the proposed method of CBCT diagnosis (200 x 170) allows detection of the cervical spine (C2 region) pathology by one axial view image in the closed and open mouth position.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint: An integrative approach

BACKGROUND: According to various data, orofacial diseases occur in the population in 20%85% of cases. The most common cause of maxillofacial pain unrelated to the dental system is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which is defined as a disruption of the anatomical relationship during natural movements. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice for diagnosing joint pathology.
 AIM: MRI with static, pseudodynamic, and dynamic protocols were optimized for targeted diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction.
 METHODS: Classical examination of the TMJ is performed in a closed and open mouth position. However, the images obtained do not reflect the location of the intra-articular disc at all stages of mandibular motion.
 RESULTS: After a static examination in two oral positions, pseudodynamic sagittal T1 weighted imaging (WI) scans were obtained. The patient was asked to divide the movements from full closure to full mouth opening into five steps. The examination was conducted with the MRI operator and the patient acting together. The scans assessed the position and shape of the meniscus at five stages of mandibular movements. The performed program is leading in the assessment of the disc shape changes at each stage of the mouth opening. Wide coverage of the studied area allows to visualize both articular relations of internal structures and surrounding soft tissues, including contraction of the lateral wing muscle and superficial and deep parts of the masseter muscle. The final stage was a dynamic T2 WI scan performed by the patient individually. The obtained series of images represents sequential movements of the condyle, maximally approximating the natural mouth opening. The pulse sequence helps to assess the amplitude of motion of the mandibular condyle and hypermobility, which can be difficult when performing static images with standard mouth expanders.
 CONCLUSIONS: An optimized dynamic and pseudodynamic TMJ study protocol is an essential part of the precise diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction and allows for differential diagnosis between muscle spasm and intra-articular disc adhesion and reliable visualization of intra-articular relationships during mouth opening.

Primipara's Knowledge of Breastfeeding Techniques

Introduction: Influencing factors in the success of breastfeeding are the mother's knowledge of how to breastfeed properly and correctly, which includes the position of the mother and baby's body, the position of the baby's mouth, and the mother's nipples. Purpose: To know the knowledge of primiparous mothers about good breastfeeding techniques. Methods: Descriptive quantitative research relates and interprets data relating to facts, circumstances, and variables as they are. Results: Showed respondents had 86.6% good knowledge and 80% good knowledge. Conclusion: The respondents had a good level of knowledge and breastfeeding techniques. It is hoped that primipara mothers use good breastfeeding techniques and always add insight into science and technology in breastfeeding techniques

Evaluation of the pattern of fracture formation from trauma to the human mandible with finite element analysis. Part 1: Symphysis region.

The mandible is the largest, strongest bone in the maxillofacial region. When a fracture occurs in the mandible, its location depends on several factors: the direction of the trauma, the angle of the trauma, masticatory muscles and the quality of the bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stresses caused by trauma to the symphysis region from different angles. Computer-based mandible models were created, and a 2000 N force was applied to the symphysis at three different angles using finite element analysis. Six trauma situations were simulated with the mouth open or closed. Forces were applied to the symphysis at 90° (Model 1) in the anteroposterior direction, 45° (Model 2) in the anteroposterior-inferosuperior direction and 90° (Model 3) in the inferosuperior direction, when the mouth was open or closed. The resulting stress intensity was assessed using finite element analysis. As a result of trauma applied to the symphysis region, maximum stresses were found where the impact originated and at the condyle region (Model 2, open mouth: condyle 1 [1172 MPa]). The open mouth position caused higher stress values than the closed mouth position (Model 2, open mouth: condyle 1 [1172 MPa]; closed mouth: symphysis 4 [82 MPa]). The Model 2, open-mouth state (Model 2, open mouth: condyle 1 [1172 MPa]) sustained higher stresses than all the other models. The stress values in the mandible were affected by the force applied to the symphysis region, the angle of impact arrival and the open or closed state of the mouth. Keeping the mouth closed at the time of trauma reduced the stress value. A closed mouth during trauma directed at the symphysis reduced the possibility of mandible fractures.

Critical points in MRI examination of patients with anterior disc displacement

Objectives: The aim of this study is to de- termine the importance of the distance of tubercle head displacement when using MRI to investigate an- terior disc displacement of the CSF disc and to study when and under what conditions the term repositioning should be applied Material and method: MRI images of anterior disc mis- alignment are presented, where an attempt is made to staging the misalignment and articular disc reset. The statistical sample was patients with symptoms of pain and TMJ dysfunction, in whom anterior misalign- ment was diagnosed clinically and confirmed by MRI ex- amination in the closed mouth position. Results: The distance travelled by the tubercle head within the joint is influenced by the acquisition technique and this is crucial for the diagnosis Conclusions: The importance of condylar head move- ment is great in the study of temporomandibular joint dysfunctions and should always be evaluated in con- junction with the position of the articular disc and its morphology. When ‘reversion’ is recorded as any case where the tu- bercle head in a position of maximum opening meets the disc, regardless of the distance from the articular germ, what is interpreted as a reversion conceals the extent of the joint pathology, because it is not a restora- tion of the normal disc-condyle-physeal relationship, but a situation that is detrimental to the morphology of the disc and an intermittent opening with obstacles. Hypermobility and hypermobility often coexist with anterior disc misalignment, evading diagnosis even with MRI imaging due to the application of the passive-open- ing technique. Static imaging with active opening is currently the method of choice that provides the necessary information both for the range of tuberosity movement and for the study of disc and posterior tissue morphology.

Brain regions involved in speech production, mechanism and development

Speech might be one of the best inventions of human beings due to its critical communicative role in individuals' daily lives. Hence any study about it is valuable. To our knowledge, merely three studies focused on brain regions' associations with speech production were published more than eighteen years ago; furthermore, research on the brain areas associated with speech production is currently insufficient. The present review aims to provide information about all brain areas contributing to speech production to update the knowledge of brain areas related to speech production. The current study confirms earlier claims about activating some brain areas in the process; however, the previous studies were not comprehensive, and not all brain areas were mentioned. Three cerebral lobes are involved in the process, namely, the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes. The regions involved include the left superior parietal lobe, Wernicke's area, Heschl's gyri, primary auditory cortex, left posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTG), Broca's area, and premotor cortex. In addition, regions of the lateral sulcus (anterior insula and posterior superior temporal sulcus), basal ganglia (putamen), and forebrain (thalamus) showed participation in the process. However, there was a different brain activation of overt and covert or silent speech (Broca's and Wernicke's areas). Moreover, mouth position and breathing style showed a difference in speech mechanism. In terms of speech development, the early postnatal years are important for speech development, as well as identifying three crucial stages of speech development: the pre-verbal stage, transition to active speech, and refinement of speech. In addition, during the early years of speech development, auditory and motor brain regions showed involvement in the process.

Quantitative volume and area assessment of masticatory muscles through magnetic resonance imaging in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

To compare volume and surface area measurements of the lateral pterygoid (LPM), medial pterygoid (MPM), and masseter muscles (MM) as calculated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on the position of the temporomandibular joint disk, mouth position, and patient sex, and to calculate the correlations of the measurements among the muscles. Measurements of muscle volume and area were performed on the MRIs of 51 patients. Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to calculate the significance of differences in measurements. The Spearman correlation coefficient calculated the correlation of measurements among the muscles. The significance of difference was established at P < .05. Volume and area of the left MPM in patients with disk displacement without reduction (DDWOR) were larger than in patients with normal disk position (P ≤ .040). MM volumes were smaller with DDWOR than with DD with reduction bilaterally (P ≤ .031). The volume and area of LPM and MM were significantly different between closed and open mouth positions (P < .001). Differences in volume and area between females and males were significant for all muscles in volume (P ≤ .021) and for MPM and MM in area (P ≤ .021). Significant positive correlations were found among all muscles for volume and area. Volume and area measurements of the masticatory muscles varied according to disk and mouth position and patient sex and exhibited significant positive correlations.

Contribution of magnetic resonance imaging in the biomechanical interpretation of the temporomandibular joint. Clinical case report

X-rays and tomography, in their different modalities, are used as auxiliary diagnostic elements in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, both in static and dynamic situations; however, because they only allow the observation of bone structures, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the ideal method to analyze, among other structures, the articular disc. Among the internal disorders of the TMJ are the abnormal postural relationships between the disc, mandibular head, fossa and articular tubercle, which can even lead to a musculoskeletal condition causing noise, pain and functional limitation. The clinical evaluation of temporomandibular dysfunctions is complex, especially in asymptomatic patients; the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), place these entities within the AXIS I protocol, considering that the image is not strictly necessary. However, analyzing the disc situation statically and dynamically, with its surroundings, allows considering the loads that generate dysfunction, leading to the correct diagnosis, and selection of the best treatment. A clinical case is presented, an asymptomatic patient, without functional limitation, who reported a history of occasional mouth opening locking upon awakening. MRI was indicated, finding an abnormal position of the disc, in a static and dynamic situation; finding anterior displacement of the disc in the right and left TMJ in closed mouth position, dynamically anterior displacement without recapture in the right TMJ and with recapture in the left TMJ; Treatment was performed with Jaw Functional Orthopedics (JFO), obtaining changes in the dynamic disc-mandibular head relationship, anterior displacement with recapture of the right TMJ and total recapture of the left TMJ.

Culture of Seriola dumerili in a marine ecosystem: Insights from genetic and morphometric fish traits and implications of escape events

Commercial net-pen mariculture of Seriola dumerili recently started in Mediterranean countries. While the introduction of new species allows for product diversification and strengthens the European seafood market, net-pen farming and escape events can lead to a number of socio-economic and ecological interactions in the coastal zone. To assist in the genetic management of broodstocks and mitigate the effects of escape events, the potential of morphological and genetic traits of wild, farmed and escaped S. dumerili from the Balearic and the Adriatic Sea were examined as a proxy of wild and farmed origin. Body shape, head profile and mouth position allowed correct classification between fish groups (82%). The global FST of 0.053 across all loci showed significant subdivision between wild and farmed fish, and allowed correct assignment of escapees. Integration of both genetic and morphometric data using the R package assignPOP improved the assignment results of the escaped group with unknown origin. Potential ecological and socioeconomic implications of escape events are discussed, along with guidelines promoting sustainable development of coastal net-pen aquaculture in a future to come.

Contribution of Open Mouth Technique in 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging in Patients with Malignant Lip Neoplasm.

Objectives: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) plays an important role in evaluating head and neck cancers. However, localization and size evaluation in this region can be rough due to the multitude of the anatomic structures and physiologic uptakes. The aim of this study was to evaluate malignant lip lesions with the contribution of open mouth (OM) imaging technique at PET/CT.Methods:Fifty-six patients with malignant lip neoplasm underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. Each patient was imaged twice as whole-body PET/CT with routine closed mouth (CM) position; and OM head and neck image, standardized with a special device. Lesion maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), localization, size, and involvement of lymph nodes were evaluated.Results:Lesion localization was correctly detected in 100% of the OM images. Lesion size in PET/CT was compared with clinical, radiological (magnetic resonance imaging and CT) and/or histopathological results and the size measurement was coherent at 47.1% and 95.6% for CM and OM images, respectively. It was observed that OM acquisition did not contribute additionally in detecting regional lymph node metastasis. Forty-one PET/CT scans with CT artifacts due to dental amalgams were evaluated and 46.3% dimensional and 53.7% localization errors were detected in the CM position. There was no statistically significant difference between OM and CM SUVmax (p>0.05).Conclusion:We concluded that additional OM head and neck imaging is useful and necessary to accurately determine the localization and size of the tumor, thus enhancing the value of PET/CT in staging, treatment response assessment, and restaging of patients with malignant lip cancer with or without dental amalgam

Convergence is Only Skin Deep: Craniofacial Evolution in Electric Fishes from South America and Africa (Apteronotidae and Mormyridae).

SynopsisApteronotidae and Mormyridae are species-rich clades of weakly electric fishes from Neotropical and Afrotropical freshwaters, respectively, known for their high morphological disparity and often regarded as a classic example of convergent evolution. Here, we use CT-imaging and 3D geometric morphometrics to quantify disparity in craniofacial morphologies, and to test the hypothesis of convergent skull-shape evolution in a phylogenetic context. For this study, we examined 391 specimens representing 78 species of Apteronotidae and Mormyridae including 30 of 37 (81%) of all valid genera with the goal to sample most of the craniofacial disparity known in these clades. We found no overlap between Apteronotidae and Mormyridae in the skull-shape morphospace using PCA and a common landmark scheme, and therefore no instances of complete phenotypic convergence. Instead, we found multiple potential instances of incomplete convergence, and at least one parallel shift among electric fish clades. The greatest components of shape variance in both families are the same as observed for most vertebrate clades: heterocephaly (i.e., opposite changes in relative sizes of the snout and braincase regions of the skull), and heterorhynchy (i.e., dorsoventral changes in relative snout flexion and mouth position). Mormyrid species examined here exhibit less craniofacial disparity than do apteronotids, potentially due to constraints associated with a larger brain size, ecological constraints related to food-type availability. Patterns of craniofacial evolution in these two clades depict a complex story of phenotypic divergence and convergence in which certain superficial similarities of external morphology obscure deeper osteological and presumably developmental differences of skull form and function. Among apteronotid and mormyrid electric fishes, craniofacial convergence is only skin deep.