Posterior Processes Research Articles

Morphology of the Sella Turcica in Individuals With Different Skeletal Malocclusions in Upper Egypt Assessed Using Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs.

To evaluate the morphology of sella turcica (ST) in individuals with different skeletal malocclusions in upper Egypt. 300 lateral cephalometric radiographs of adult patients of both sexes, varying ages from 18 to 30 years, were selected and divided into three equal groups, group (1): skeletal class I (control group), group (2): skeletal class II, and group (3): skeletal class III. Pre-treatment lateral cephalograms were taken from the archives of the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Minia University. The tuberculum and dorsum sella, the floor of ST, and posterior and anterior clinoid processes (ACPs) were drawn. The direct measurements such asdiameter (APD), depth (D), and length(L) of sella were measured using Silverman and Kisling methods. A significant difference was found in depth (D) between class I and class II, with class II having a greater depth.Also, the largest diameter (APD) was found in the class III group.A significant difference was found in diameter (APD) between the two age groups (from 18 to 24 years and from 25 to 30 years) Conclusion: The larger diameter values were seen in the skeletal class III subjects, while the larger depth values were observed in the class II subjects. The older age group (25-30 years) has a greater diameter than the younger one. Highly significant differences were found in length and depth between the sexes.

Chondrocranial anatomy of Testudo hermanni (Testudinidae, Testudines) with a comparison to other turtles.

Using histological cross-sections, the chondrocranium anatomy was reconstructed for two developmental stages of Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni). The morphology differs from the chondrocrania of most other turtles by a process above the ectochoanal cartilage with Pelodiscus sinensis being the only other known species with such a structure. The anterior and posterior processes of the tectum synoticum are better developed than in most other turtles and an ascending process of the palatoquadrate is missing, which is otherwise only the case in pleurodiran turtles. The nasal region gets proportionally larger during development. We interpret the enlargement of the nasal capsules as an adaption to increase the surface area of the olfactory epithelium for better perception of volant odors. Elongation of the nasal capsules in trionychids, in contrast, is unlikely to be related to olfaction, while it is ambiguous in the case of Sternotherus odoratus. However, we have to conclude that research on chondrocranium anatomy is still at its beginning and more comprehensive detailed descriptions in relation to other parts of the anatomy are needed before providing broad-scale ecological and phylogenetic interpretations.

Morphological and structural analysis of Penaeus vannamei mandibles and an attempt at real-time cannibalism monitoring based on passive acoustics

Cannibalism is a significant factor contributing to individual disability, mortality, and reduced shrimp production in commercial culture. The primary challenge of controlling cannibalism is the real-time and efficient monitoring of its occurrence. Here, we simultaneously captured high-speed video and feeding acoustics to match sound signals to feeding behaviors in Penaeus vannamei. Building upon a feeding acoustics signal acquisition system, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) was utilized to detect differences in the acoustic signals produced when shrimps fed on broken feed, pellet feed, and meat fragments of P. vannamei (cannibalism). The morphological and structural characteristics of P. vannamei mandibles were analyzed using micro-CT, nano-indentation, and Raman testing. The main findings were: (1) Feeding on meat fragments resulted in a distinct high-frequency impulse train signal that may serve as an effective indicator for monitoring cannibalistic behavior during culture. (2) Shrimps produced similar and stable acoustic signals while consuming pellet feed, broken feed, or meat fragments; however, there were significant differences in the numbers of generated pulses (P < 0.05), with broken feed < pellet feed < meat fragments. (3) The mandibles consisted of thin anterior incisors and flat thick posterior molar processes, both with stratified structures; the mandibles exhibited greater elastic modulus and hardness values in their outer layers than inner layers, and calcium phosphate deposits were present in both incisors and molar processes. The collisions between incisors showed patterns that were highly synchronized with the acoustic feeding signals. This study has expanded research on passive acoustics monitoring in crustaceans and provided crucial data for the development of precious feeding technology in crustaceans.

Morphometric Analysis of the Sella Turcica on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images.

Sella turcica is an important anatomic formation that contains the pituitary gland and is in a close neighborhood with many vital structures. It is important to know the morphometry of the sella turcica, as it is a transition point during surgical interventions such as the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to the region. The findings obtained are thought to be useful in the examination of sella turcica and surrounding structures and will contribute to the literature by knowing the morphometry of the region for the surgical method. In this study, cone-beam computed tomography images of 400 individuals, 200 females and 200 males, aged between 18 and 65 years, who did not have craniofacial pathology, who applied to Gaziantep University, Faculty of Dentistry between 2015 and 2020 for any reason, were evaluated retrospectively. In the sagittal section, 8 parameters were examined, 6 of which were transverse. The length () of the sella turcica in the sagittal plane is 10.19±1.77mm, the diameter of the sella turcica is 11.6±1.69mm, the anterior height of the sella turcica is 7.88±1.56mm, the median height of the sella turcica 8.18±1.42mm, posterior height of sella turcica 6.98±1.31mm, width of sella turcica 11.10±1.6mm. The distance between anterior clinoid processes in the transverse plane was 24.93±2.57mm, and the distance between posterior clinoid processes was 14.92±2.46mm. It was determined that there was an increase in many parameters with age, and length of the sella turcica and anterior clinoid processes were statistically significantly higher in males.

Veterinary antibiotics and metals impact the mass, composition and hydrolysis of biomass cultivated in piggery wastewater treatment photobioreactors

Photobioreactors are a promising alternative for piggery wastewater treatment which allows to produce valuable biomass, but the presence of antibiotics or heavy metals in the pig manure can influence the biomass composition and the posterior valorization processes. This study evaluates the effect of these pollutants on mass, composition and hydrolysis yields of the consortia of microalgae and bacteria obtained in a 1280 L photobioreactor treating pig manure. The photobioreactor feed was doped with 1) veterinary antibiotics; 2) copper, zinc, and arsenic; and 3) combination of both pollutants. The pollutants presence decreased the mass of biomass grown in the photobioreactor by up to 35% while glucose content of the biomass by up to 42% and increased protein and xylose by 30% and 16% due to oxidative stress. Likewise, they increased the protein solubilization yield by acid hydrolysis at 120 ºC by 32% while reduced glucose solubilization by 49% after alkaline hydrolysis at 120 ºC. Applying enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasound assisted enzymatic extractions, glucose and xylose recoveries were drastically reduced in presence of heavy metals (∼100%). Antibiotics increased xylose solubilization by ultrasonication (74%), but also its degradation, decreasing xylose recovery. Thus, the presence of all these pollutants in pig manure affected biomass production and valorization and these results must be considered for biorefinery processes.

A new species of the genus Soriculus (Soricidae, Eulipotyphla, Mammalia) from Medog in the eastern Himalaya.

Himalayan shrews of the genus Soriculus (Soricidae, Eulipotyphla), currently represented by four nominal species, are endemic to the Himalayas and the Gaoligong Mountains. In April 2022 and April 2023, a total of 10 specimens of Soriculus were collected from Beibeng and Damu, Medog County, Tibet, China. The morphology of the specimens was compared with the four recognised species of the genus Soriculus. Additionally, two mitochondrial (Cyt b and 12S) and three nuclear (APOB, BRCAI and RAG2) genes were sequenced to test the phylogenetic relationships of these specimens with the other species. Our results indicate that these specimens represent a distinct species, Soriculusbeibengensissp. nov., which is formally described here. The new species is distinguished from the other Soriculus species by the combination of darker pelages, smaller size, the relatively stubby nasal and the widened posterior processes of incisors. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the new species is sister to S.minor. The p-distance of Cyt b gene between S.beibengensis sp. nov. and other nominal Soriculus species ranges from 9.1-16.3%. This new species has a known distribution at an elevation of 1,500-2,125 m in Medog County, Tibet, China. The discovery of this new species from Medog County has important implications for interpreting small mammal biogeographic patterns in the eastern Himalaya and the mountain chains of south-west China.

The record of Vannella species (Vannellidae, Discosea, Amoebozoa) from freshwater sources in Dakahlyia Governorate, Egypt

The River Nile is the main source of fresh water in Egypt, where its water is used for irrigation, drinking, fisheries, industrial uses, and recreation. For sustainable utilization of the River Nile and its branches in the Nile Delta region, it is necessary to monitor regular investigation for the biodiversity of protozoan fauna in the Damietta branch and other freshwater canals in Dakahlyia Governorate. Water samples were collected monthly from different water sources, for 1 year, and examined for protozoans, using phase-contrast microscopy and recorded video films, The genus Vannella Bovee 1965 is recorded for the first time in four freshwater localities: Demietta branch of the River Nile, Mansouria Canal, Bouhia Canal, and Bahr El-Saghir Canal. A detailed morphological description with a brief report of their locomotion has been given for four morphologically different Vannella species. The locomotive form of Vannella sp.1 has a long pointed posterior tail and 2 lateral posterior processes. Such a tail was absent in other Vannella species. Vannella sp.2 is unique among other recorded species, where its locomotive form possesses a long posterior rounded tail region and a frontal hyaloplasm provided with a wavy surface that forms several lobes and finger-like processes during locomotion. In addition, the hyaloplasm produces several transverse waves that vary in thickness and density. The floating form of Vannella sp.2 is of a radial type and has comparatively long hyaline pointed and spiral pseudopodia. The process of transformation of locomotive form to floating form in Vannella sp.2 has been followed up using several recorded video films. The locomotive form of Vannella sp.3 is bear-shaped, while that of Vannella sp.4 has variable shapes from semicircular to rectangular and sometimes fan-shaped. During movement in vivo, locomotive cells of all Vannella species, except Vannella sp.1, move in nearly a straight line, but there were variations in their rate of locomotion. Vannella sp.4 recorded the highest rate (6.8 µm/s), followed by Vannella sp.2 (4.5 µm/s), Vannella sp.3 (2.4 µm/s), and finally Vannella sp.1 (1.0 µm/s). Molecular studies and transmission electron microscope examinations are still needed to confirm the precise identity of each Vannella species.

Petroclival Clinoidal Folds and Arachnoidal Membranes of the Anteromedial Incisural Space: Clinical Anatomy for Neuro Critical Care.

A systematic and narrative literature review was performed, focusing attention on the anatomy of the area located at the junction of the sphenoid and the basal portion of the temporal bone (petrous bone, petrous apex, upper petro-clival region) encircled by the free edge of the tentorium, the insertion of the tentorium itself to the petrous apex and the anterior and posterior clinoid processes that give rise to three distinct dural folds or ligaments: the anterior petroclinoid ligament, the posterior petroclinoid ligament and the interclinoid ligament. These dural folds constitute the posterior portion of the roof of the cavernous sinus denominated "the oculomotor triangle". The main purpose of this review study was to describe this anatomical region, particularly in the light of the relationships between the anterior margin of the free edge of the tentorium and the above-mentioned components of the sphenoid and petrous bone.

Becoming adults: exploring the late ontogeny of the human talus

IntroductionThe talus plays an important role in receiving and dissipating the forces and linking the leg and the foot. As such, it is of paramount importance to analyze how its morphology, internal and external, changes during late ontogeny and through adolescence.MethodTo explore both the external shape and the internal architecture of the talus, Geometric Morphometrics and trabecular analysis have been applied to a sample of 35 tali from modern human juveniles aged between 5 and 15 years old (Middle Neolithic (4800–4500 BCE) to mid-20th century).ResultsResults show that, as the overall size of the talus increases, the shape and orientation of talar facets also change. The youngest individuals exhibit a functional talus that is still characterized by a relatively immature shape (e.g., subtly expressed margins of articular surfaces) with articular facets only minimally rotated towards an adult configuration. In adolescents, talar shape has achieved adult form after the age of 11, with all the articular facets and posterior processes well-developed. Considering internal morphology, trabecular bone varies between age classes. While Bone Volume Fraction shifts during the age 5–15 range, Degree of Anisotropy is relatively more stable over the developmental period examined in the study since it exhibits smaller variations between age classes.DiscussionThis study examined the late ontogeny of the human talus by considering both internal and external morphology. Results suggest that, although the locomotion has already assumed an adult-like pattern, the exploration of late talar growth may help understand how the talus adapts to changes in locomotor activity and how it responds to the increase in weight. Present results can be used to a better understanding of talar plasticity, improving interpretations of adult human talar form.

Lophoura Kölliker in Gegenbaur, Kölliker & Müller, 1853 species (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Sphyriidae) off South Africa with a key to all valid species.

Lophoura Kölliker in Gegenbaur, Kölliker & Müller, 1853 is one of the eight genera of Sphyriidae which currently consists of 19 accepted species. Lophoura species are mesoparasites of various teleosts occurring worldwide. Post metamorphic females are highly transformed with longitudinally elongated cephalothoraces and elongated necks bearing holdfast organs anteriorly. The shape and structure of the holdfast organ is mostly the main character used for the identification of species. Additionally, the structure of the posterior processes attached laterally to the perianal swelling on the posterior margin of the trunk is also used to distinguish different species. The posterior processes consist of a central porous peduncle with stalks of varying shapes and sizes. The morphology of Lophoura males bear resemblance to that of lernaeopodid males. Re-descriptions of the habitus of the post metamorphic females of L. tetraloba Ho & Kim I.H., 1989, L. cf. edwardsi Kölliker, 1853, L. caparti (Nuńes-Ruivo, 1962) and L. cornuta (Wilson C.B., 1919), including notes on the immature females of L. tetraloba and L. cf. edwardsi, are provided. Additionally, information regarding the structure and position of some of the appendages of L. tetraloba, L. cf. edwardsi and L. caparti is provided. Furthermore, the study provides the first illustrated descriptions of the male of L. tetraloba. A description is also done of an incomplete unidentied Lophoura species which differs from other accepted species. A morphological identification key to post metamorphic females of all accepted Lophoura species is provided, as well as new host and geographical records of Lophoura species.

A well-preserved cranium from the Judith River Formation (Montana, USA) reveals the inner ear and neuroanatomy of a Campanian baenid turtle.

A cranium belonging to a baenid turtle was recently recovered from the lower half of the Judith River Formation, Montana. Badlands Dinosaur Museum (BDM) 004 is a well-preserved partial cranium that includes the posterior cranial vault, cranial base, and otic capsules. Based on diagnostic characters, the skull can be attributed to Plesiobaena antiqua, which has been previously reported from the Judith River Formation. It also shares with palatobaenines projecting posterior processes of the tubercula basioccipitale and a prominent condylus occipitalis with a deep central pit, demonstrating variation within the Pl. antiqua hypodigm. In a phylogenetic analysis, an operational taxonomic unit of BDM 004 was positioned within Baenodda in an unresolved polytomy with Pl. antiqua, Edowa zuniensis, Palatobaeninae, and Eubaeninae. Microcomputed tomographic (μCT) scans revealed morphology of the middle and inner ear and endocast that are largely unknown in baenids. Semicircular canals of BDM 004 are virtually identical to those of Eubaena cephalica and consistent in dimensions to those of other turtle taxa, including anterior and posterior semicircular canals that are robust and taller than the common crus and diverge from each other at an angle of approximately 90°. The digital endocast reveals a moderately flexed brain with rounded cerebral hemispheres and minimal separation between the metencephalon and myelencephalon. Its well-preserved columella auris (stapes) is gracile with a posterodorsally flared basis columella. It arcs across the middle ear and flattens near its terminus. This study adds to the understanding of baenid middle and inner ear and neuroanatomical morphology and expands the morphological understanding of Pl. antiqua.

A new pachypleurosaur from the Early Ladinian Prosanto Formation in the Eastern Alps of Switzerland

The Alpine Prosanto Formation (Middle Triassic) cropping out in the Ducan region in eastern Switzerland has yielded a rich fish and reptile fauna. Here, we present new pachypleurosaur remains from the upper part of the formation (Early Ladinian), similar to the previously known pachypleurosaurs from the Middle Triassic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte San Giorgio in southern Switzerland/northern Italy. From these remains, a new pachypleurosaur species, Prosantosaurus scheffoldi nov. gen. et spec., is described on the basis of six fairly complete skeletons, one disarticulated specimen and an isolated skull. As is typical for pachypleurosaurs and most other Triassic marine reptiles, the new taxon is based to a large degree on a combination of characters (e.g., nasals articulating broadly with the anterior margins of the prefrontals and lacking posterior processes; postorbitals with rounded anterior processes that articulate with the postfrontals anterolaterally) rather than on many unambiguous autapomorphies, although a few of the latter were found including (1) a premaxilla which is excluded from entering both the external and internal nares and (2) a parietal, which is distinctly longer than wide and carrying distinct anterolaterally angled processes. Phylogenetic relationships of the new taxon are tested within European Pachypleurosauria, revealing that the new species is the sister taxon to a clade including Serpianosaurus, Proneusticosaurus, and the monophyletic Neusticosaurus spp. Mapping of palaeogeographic and stratigraphical distribution of valid European pachypleurosaurs shows that a formerly proposed scenario of migration of pachypleurosaurs from the eastern Palaeotethys during the Olenekian into the Germanic Basin and a subsequent diversification and invasion during the Anisian into the intraplatform basins of the South Alpine realm must be re-assessed. The exceptional preservation and preparation of the Ducan fossils further allow the description of tooth replacement patterns for the first time in a European pachypleurosaur species. The “alveolarization” of replacement teeth, the horizontal replacement pattern, and the subsequent remodelling of the functional alveoli during tooth replacement supports the monophyly of Sauropterygia as discussed before.

Comparative morphological aspect of the study of bones of domestic and wild animals

At present, there is not enough information in the available literature about the anatomical features of the skull bones of various animal species, which is relevant when conducting forensic veterinary and medical examinations. Understanding of the structure of living organisms is impossible without anatomical preparations; it is necessary to clearly understand the place and position of each organ, to know all the options for anatomical relationships with neighboring organs. Knowledge of topographic anatomy is extremely important for the practitioner, it is necessary for successful diagnosis and subsequent treatment. The purpose of this work is to compare the bones of the skull of a cat, rabbit and hare, as well as to study their structure and morphometric parameters.Objects and methods. The objects of the study were the skulls of domestic and wild animals: a domestic outbred cat, a rabbit of the Gray giant breed, a brown hare. The work was carried out in several stages: digestion with the addition of sodium bicarbonate, cleaning, bleaching with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, drying, followed by morphometric measurement and visual comparison.Results. In a cat, the premaxillary bone and supraorbital process are absent, the hook of the pterygoid bone is long and rounded inwards. In rabbit and hare skulls, the anterior and posterior supraorbital processes are present on the frontal bone, and the hook of the pterygoid bone is short, sharp, and straight. The interparietal bone of the hare merged with the occipital, while in the rabbit and cat it exists as an independent bone. The information provided will greatly facilitate the conduct of a veterinary forensic examination in the investigation of crimes related to poaching.

Baastrup’s disease (kissing spines syndrome) old but often missed etiology for back pain

Background: Baastrup's disease or "kissing spines syndrome" was first described in 1933 as a cause of postural back pain, which was thought to be related to the adjacent 'kissing' of the spinous processes. The diagnosis was based on 'symptoms' of positional back pain with extension, and plain radiographs showing close approximation of the spinous processes. The aim: Baastrup’s disease is overwhelmingly underdiagnosed and often missed due to a lack of knowledge and/or improper diagnostic techniques, leading to frequent mistreatment. A case of Baastrup’s disease is reported. Case report: 70-year-old patient, with a 4 years history of back pain presented a severe neurogenic claudication for a year. Neurological evaluation was normal. Extension of the lumbar spine exaggerates the pain. Locally the pressure of the spinous processes shows a painful point located next to L4-L5. Lumbar CT scan showed a typic “kissing posterior spinous processes” associated with disc space narrowing at multiple levels especially L4-5 and L5-S1. The patient underwent a decompressive laminectomy. A neoarticulation with synovial structure was noted, between L4 and L5 spinous process. Postoperative was unremarkable with good results after two months physiotherapy program. Conclusion: Baastrup´s syndrome is more common in the lumbar spine with L4-L5 being the most affected region. Baastrup's disease is a part of dynamic degenerative process. Management must be adapted to clinical and radiological findings. Medical treatment can be conservative or surgical and an accurate diagnosis of the disease is necessary for determining appropriate treatment. If the predominant symptoms are related to neurogenic claudication or radiculopathy, surgical decompression or stabilization may be necessary.

Description of the complete larval development of Lysmata amboinensis (De Man) (Decapoda: Lysmatidae) reared under laboratory conditions.

Complete larval morphological descriptions are currently only known for three of the 48 species of genus Lysmata. The present study describes and illustrates the larval development of Lysmata amboinensis (De Man) reared under laboratory conditions. Lysmata amboinensis larval development is composed by a total of ten zoea and a decapodite stage. The first zoeal stage larvae presents sessile eyes, a carapace with a pterigostomial spine and anterio-ventral marginal denticles, a long, slender, and pointed rostrum, an antennal exopod terminally articled, a pleon with five somites, the fifth one bearing a pair of dorso-lateral spines on the posterior margin, and a triangular shaped telson with 7+7 posterior processes. The decapodite resembles a smaller adult and has extremely long antennas (more than twice the total length of the decapodite), the first two pair of pereiopods with chela, first four pairs of pereiopods with reduced and entire exopods, and fully developed pleopods. The morphological features of L. amboinensis are compared with those currently available for the larval stage of the genus Lysmata.

Morphometry of Sella Turcica, Anterior Clinoid Process and Carotico-clinoid Foramen among North Indian Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Sella Turcica (ST), a complex bony landmark located on the body of sphenoid bone. Its lateral bony wall mainly consists of anterior and posterior clinoid processes and optic strut which bear a strong relationship with pituitary fossa. Aim: To estimate various morphometric parameters of ST, Anterior Clinoid Process (ACP) with its anatomical variations, Optic Strut (OS) and Carotico-clinoid Foramen (CCF) among North Indian population group. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional anatomical study was conducted on 30 adult dry fully ossified skull and 10 formalin fixed adult cadaveric cranial base present in the Department of Anatomy, SGT University Gurugram, Haryana, India, over a period of one year from January 2021 to December 2021 to evaluate various morphometric parameters such as anteroposterior, transverse diameter and depth of sellar region including ACPs with various bony distances. The range, mean and standard deviation of each parameters were measured by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) latest version (version 21.0) and Student’s t-test was applied for bilateral comparison. Frequency of morphological variability of CCF was calculated in percentages. Results: Among the 40 samples (both dry skull base and cadaveric skulls) the average dimensions of ST were 10.03±2.40 mm, 13.65±2.09 mm and 5.74±1.92 mm as anteroposterior, transverse and depth, respectively. The length, width and thickness of ACP were 11.22±1.74 mm, 8.04±1.73 mm and 2.27±0.70 mm, respectively. Also the length and width of OS were 3.61±0.78 mm and 3.72±0.47 mm, respectively. Significant difference was observed for distance of ACP to OS. The frequency of CCF was 10 (25%) among the total samples both bilateral and unilateral; out of which 8 (80%) of the samples presented with incomplete foramen, 1 (10%) presented contact type of CCF, and 1 (10%) of the samples exhibited a complete variety of CCF. Conclusion: Bilateral significant difference was observed for the transverse diameter. The mean value for length of ACP was found significant. Detailed morphometry and morphological variations of structures present in sellar region is mandatory for the clinicians specially neurosurgeons and radiologist for the diagnosis and to decide the modality of treatment.

Molecular evidence supports the validity of three Parabrachiella species infecting mugilids

The parasitic copepod genus Parabrachiella is composed of 70 species, 14 of which are found in South America. The finding of new specimens of Parabrachiella mugilis from Turkey allowed us to compare the nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of this species with those of the South American Parabrachiella exilis and Parabrachiella platensis; all these species are parasites of mugilids. In addition, specimens of Parabrachiella fasciata, Parabrachiella oralis and Parabrachiella dispar from Chile, and Parabrachiella chevreuxi from Argentina were included in the comparison. Our results confirmed that the three Parabrachiella species parasitizing mugilids, which had been identified by morphology, are valid entities. However, P. exilis was recently synonymized with P. mugilis. The latter species showed a great genetic distance from P. exilis (16%) and was closer to Parabrachiella fasciata (13%) and to species with long posterior processes. Parabrachiella exilis and P. platensis (parasite on Mugil cephalus and Mugil liza, respectively) had a low genetic distance (9%) and Parabrachiella kabatai (parasite of Isacia conceptionis) had a low genetic distance (12-13%) from P. fasciata, P. platensis and P. exilis. In addition, the three parasitic copepods from South America have short and round posterior processes compared to other species, which have long posterior processes. Most species with long posterior processes are clustered together in a Pacific Ocean clade (P. hugu from the North Pacific Ocean), with the exception of P. chevreuxi, which has been found in the South Atlantic Ocean. This study adds seven new sequences, making a total of nine sequenced South American species of Parabrachiella.

Organic Single Crystal Patterning Method for Micrometric Photosensors

AbstractLight detection technologies are of interest due to their applications in energy conversion and optical communications. Single‐crystal organic semiconductors, such as rubrene, present high detectivities and charge carrier mobility, making them attractive for light‐sensing applications. Growth of high crystallinity organic crystals is achieved using vapor processes, forming crystals of arbitrary shapes and orientations and requiring posterior patterning processes. However, patterning the organic semiconductors using industry‐standard microfabrication techniques is not straightforward, as these often cause irreversible damage to the crystals. Here the fabrication of patterned micrometric rubrene photosensors is demonstrated through a combination of photolithography and Reactive Ion Etching steps. Protective layers during microfabrication minimize degradation of optoelectronic properties of the organic single crystals during fabrication. Crystals undergoing the patterning process presented a survival rate of 39%. Photoresponse values of up to 41 mA W−1 are obtained under illumination at 500 nm. This opens a route for the industrial‐scale fabrication process of high‐performance optoelectronic devices based on organic crystals semiconductors.

Diagnostic imaging of the ciliary body: Technologies, outcomes, and future perspectives.

The ciliary body (CB) is part of the uvea and is a complex, highly specialized structure with multiple functions and significant relationships with nearby structures. Its functions include the aqueous humor (AH) production in the ciliary processes, the regulation of the AH output through the uveoscleral pathway, and accommodation, which depends on the ciliary muscle. Also, the CB is an important determinant of angle width as it forms part of the ciliary sulcus. Until recently, knowledge of the CB was based on histological studies. However, this structure can currently be assessed in vivo using imaging techniques such as ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Both techniques have shown good reproducibility of their measurements allowing for quantification of CB dimensions and their localization. In effect, studies have shown a larger CB in myopia and its diminishing size with age. Swept-source OCT devices offer fast, non-invasive high-resolution imaging allowing the identification of multiple structures. UBM requires contact and is uncomfortable for the patient. However, this technique offers deeper imaging and therefore remains the gold standard for assessing the posterior chamber, ciliary processes, or zonula. The clinical utility of CB imaging includes its assessment in different types of glaucoma such as angle-closure, malignant or plateau iris. Diagnostic CB imaging is also invaluable for the assessment of ciliochoroidal detachment when suspected, the position after the implantation of a pre-crystalline or sulcus-sutured lenses, diagnosis or monitoring of cysts or tumors, sclerotomies after retinal surgery, intermediate uveitis, or accommodation.

The nature of damage to the structure of the spine and spinal cord in combined blunt trauma

Background. Vertebral-spinal injuries (VSIs) account for 6.326% of skeletal injuries. However, despite the relevance of VSIs in all branches of medicine, the forensic aspects of this injury are insufficiently assessed. Material and methods. The study included three groups: people who died following multiple injuries from falling from a height (82 cases); those who died following collision with moving cars (172 cases); and drivers of passenger cars who died in road accidents (61 cases). Results. The article describes in detail the results of the analysis. As part of combined injury during falls, VSI was observed in 41.5% of cases with lesions of other body parts and often covering 2 or more parts of the spine, and in terms of localization, most often in the lower neck, upper chest, and lumbar regions. Compression fractures were often noted, which resulted from falls on the legs and buttocks. In pedestrians who were injured in collisions with cars, VSI was noted in 25% cases; of these, most cases involved distraction and rotational fractures of the vertebral bodies, with detachments at the level of vertebral fractures prevailing primarily with mainly trauma of the posterior processes. Injuries to the spine structure often included cervical -occipital trauma and damage to the cervical region, as well as combined injuries to the cervical-thoracic regions; VSI in affected drivers was noted in 14.5% cases and was characterized by cervical-occipital trauma as well as lesions of the cervical, upper thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae. Сonclusion: The revealed nature of damage to the noted structures should be taken into account in the process of forensic medical diagnosis and differential diagnosis of blunt injuries, especially in conditions of non-obviousness of the circumstances of the damage. The nature, volume and localization of injuries arising from these types of blunt mechanical trauma can be important in the process of organizing and providing medical care to victims at various stages of treatment, and information on the circumstances of the origin of injuries can become the basis for developing preventive measures to prevent injuries.