Enameloid is a type of hard mineralised tissue covering teeth and dermal denticles of extant and extinct chondrichthyans. Understanding the diversity of enameloid microstructures across chondrichthyan clades is key to highlight potential phylogenetic or adaptive signals provided by histological characters. Among chondrichthyans, the enameloid microstructure of teeth and odontodes of batomorphs (skates and rays) has been understudied despite the high extant and past taxonomic and morphological diversities of this clade. Here, we focus on the sclerorhynchoid rays, a speciose extinct (Cretaceous) clade of skates that developed rostra bearing enlarged denticles in most taxa. We explore the enameloid microstructure of both teeth and rostral denticles of 13 species representing a wide range of morphologies. Our results show that the tooth enameloid microstructure of sclerorhynchoid skates achieved a complex arrangement, with a high diversity of bundled components. This microstructure is furthermore complexified by a strong degree of apico-basal variation in the organisation of the enameloid components. This organisation is the most complex known so far among batomorph teeth and probably elasmobranchs in general. Our results further confirm the presence of a similarly complex enameloid microstructure in the dermal denticles covering the elongated rostrum of these extinct skates. Most importantly, we provide evidence for the pervasiveness of this complex enameloid across rostral denticles of all studied taxa, despite the wide range of taxa and morphologies represented. The common enameloid organisation reported in both teeth and rostral denticles is, from base to the apex: a Single-Crystallite Enameloid (SCE) layer passing into Radial Bundled Enameloid (RBE) sometimes through a phase of protobundles as the enameloid thickens slightly higher in the crown, with apico-basal Parallel-Bundled Enameloid (PBE) appearing mixed with RBE bundles higher up at the base of the cusp, followed by the classical three-layered enameloid including SCE, PBE and Tangled-Bundled Enameloid (TBE) in the apex, crossed by rare Thick Radial Bundles (TRB). The presence of protobundles and RBE forming the entire enameloid thickness in the basalmost crown enameloid of teeth and rostral denticles analysed here was so far restricted to placoid scales and teeth of some hybodonts and batomorphs. Our study identified protobundles as transitional organisation between SCE and structured bundles and the RBE as an organisational stage preceding the PBE. We demonstrate that TRB are isolated RBE bundles and that both RBE and PBE bundles can participate in circumferential bundles whose development is linked with the size of the cutting edges. We found no evidence for a clear phylogenetic signal provided by the distribution of enameloid microstructure characters neither within teeth, nor among rostral denticles sampled here. Instead, we propose a possible link with geometric constraints (height, width), with SCE and RBE (with or without protobundles) being restricted to thin enameloid layers. Taken together, these results have strong implications for the understanding of enameloid character distribution in elasmobranch odontodes.
The history of anatomical dissection in nineteenth-century Britain has largely been reconstructed from archival sources, including legislation, institutional records and medical writings. Archaeological evidence for the material practices of anatomy schools, however, remains comparatively limited. In 2010, redevelopment within the main quadrangle of University College London (UCL) revealed a substantial assemblage of human and animal skeletal remains associated with the institution's early anatomy school. Excavation recovered more than 8700 human skeletal fragments and over 800 animal bones, together with artefacts dating to the late nineteenth century. Osteological analysis indicates a minimum of 38 individuals, predominantly adults aged 30-50 years, with an overall male:female ratio of approximately 2:1. Only a small proportion of bones exhibited cut marks consistent with dissection, suggesting that the assemblage partly represents the discard of a curated teaching collection rather than solely the residue of routine student dissection. The associated animal remains, dominated by domesticated taxa including cattle, sheep/goat and horse, indicate that comparative anatomy formed an integral component of the same pedagogical environment. Considered in the context of the Anatomy Act of 1832 and the expansion of metropolitan medical education, the assemblage provides rare material evidence for the procurement, pedagogical use, preparation, curation and eventual disposal of both human and animal anatomical material at one of Britain's earliest secular medical schools. The quadrangle assemblage therefore offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the everyday practice of anatomy and the complex relationship between medical education, comparative anatomy, society and the bodies of the nineteenth-century poor in London.
Machine learning models for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) diagnosis have largely inherited some structural limitations: reliance on generic, opportunistically collected feature sets; use of the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) as the sole ground truth; poor performance in multi-class severity grading; and predictions that offer clinicians no mechanistic insight. This study addresses these gaps by prospectively assembling a multi-domain dataset that, alongside established demographic, anthropometric, and questionnaire-based predictors, incorporates a panel of craniofacial and intraoral metrics specifically designed to capture the structural-anatomical contributors to OSA - integrating these into an interpretable framework for three-class severity classification evaluated against both AHI and the Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI). In this single-center study, 233 treatment-naïve adults from a tertiary referral cohort (61.8% severe OSA prevalence) underwent in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG). All predictor variables were collected prior to PSG outcome disclosure through a standardized clinical examination, requiring no overnight recording or specialized equipment. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was independently trained for three-class severity classification (No/Mild, Moderate, Severe) for each index. Model performance was evaluated on an independent test set (n = 47; 20% of the sample), with interpretability assessed using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Comparison with an anatomy-excluded ablation model was conducted to establish the added value of the full feature set. The AHI-based model achieved 87.2% overall accuracy (sensitivity/specificity: No/Mild 0.93/0.97, Moderate 0.80/0.91, Severe 0.88/0.93). The ODI-based model achieved 76.6% accuracy, offering reliable exclusion of severe desaturation burden (No/Mild specificity: 0.94). Univariate analyses confirmed significant associations between OSA severity and STOP-BANG score, age, BMI, neck circumference, observed apnea, loud snoring, high blood pressure, Cervico-Mental Angle, Mentocervical Distance, and submental fat (all p ≤ .034 for both indices). SHAP analysis further identified V-shaped maxillary arch, Mallampati score, increased overjet, and alcohol use as influential model predictors - several reaching high model rankings despite modest univariate significance. Notably, AHI and ODI models diverged in their feature weighting - anatomy-driven features dominated AHI prediction while body habitus and comorbidity markers dominated ODI. Against a conventional demographic and questionnaire-based ablation model, the full anatomy-inclusive ANN achieved substantially higher accuracy (87.2% vs. 72.3%), with the largest gain at the Moderate-class boundary (sensitivity: 0.80 vs. 0.58). As a proof-of-concept, this study demonstrates that an interpretable ML framework integrating craniofacial and intraoral assessments with standard clinical predictors can classify OSA severity across three classes and provide feature-level explanations to support clinical reasoning. By developing parallel AHI and ODI models, the framework moves beyond AHI-only paradigms, though both remain frequency-based surrogates; hypoxic burden - quantifying the cumulative oxygen desaturation load per sleep period - is the more physiologically complete target toward which this line of work should progress. Findings are limited by single-center design, spectrum bias from a tertiary referral cohort, modest sample size, and absence of inter-rater reliability data. External validation in larger, more representative populations is needed to confirm the robustness and clinical utility of this approach.
We describe and name a new species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis sp. nov. (Primates, Cercopithecidae), from the interfluve region of the Lomami and Congo (Lualaba) Rivers in east-central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Colobus congoensis is a rare and cryptic monkey, poorly known even by local communities bordering its range, some of whom use the vernacular name Likweli for the species. Between 2018 and 2022, 114 field observations were made over an estimated range of 1,700 km2. Colobus congoensis is largely restricted to high, closed canopy forest on deep clay pediments and islands of terra firme forest, where it co-occurs with two other colobine species (Piliocolobus parmentieri and Colobus angolensis). Colobus congoensis was most frequently observed in small groups (mean = 6.2 individuals), often in mixed-species associations. Mitochondrial and morphological data confirm the attribution of C. congoensis to the genus Colobus and reveal that it is the sister to Colobus satanas, from which it is geographically separated by more than 1,200 km. Comparative analysis of C. congoensis vocalizations also reveals structural similarities with C. satanas to the exclusion of other Colobus species. Among other features, C. congoensis is distinguished from C. satanas and other Colobus species by its small size, a striking orange cream patch surrounding the mouth, philtrum, and portions of the inferior nasal alae on an otherwise black face, and a white perianal patch that is covered with fine white hairs in males and is glabrous in females. We propose a preliminary IUCN Red List classification of Endangered (EN) for C. congoensis based on its small range area and population size, coupled with the projected impact of increased hunting pressure and habitat conversion. Protection of Lomami National Park, within which most of the C. congoensis range occurs, and engagement of local communities in not hunting the species are the most important actions needed to ensure the conservation of C. congoensis.
This study aimed to analyze the functional adaptations of tongue base volumetric enlargement and reduction on the kinematics of oropharyngeal structures during respiration in a minipig model. Six same-sex sibling pairs of 8-to-9-month-old Yucatan minipigs were studied. Of each pair, one was diet-induced obese with a BMI>50 (obesity-associated volume enlargement) while the other was normal-weight and underwent partial ablation of the tongue base volume (volume-reduction). Real-time X-ray video fluoroscopic images (30 frames/s) were recorded under sedation, at baseline (before surgery) and 5 weeks postoperatively. Selected landmarks of the soft palate, epiglottis, tongue base, and pharyngeal wall were digitized frame by frame for 25-30 respiratory cycles. Directional movements and distance changes of these oropharyngeal structures were analyzed within the defined coordinate system using video-analysis software. Correlations between areas of airway spaces during respiration and biometric measurements of the dissected tongue at week 5 were included. During respiratory phases, movement distances of the soft palate and the pharyngeal wall were significantly larger in the volume-reduced group than in the volume-enlarged group at baseline (p<0.05). These moving distances were also larger compared to those of the volume-enlarged group at both time points. Similarly, distance changes during inspiration between structures (soft palate-pharyngeal wall, soft palate-tongue base, and epiglottis-pharyngeal wall) were significantly larger at week 5 than at baseline (p<0.05) in both groups. Positive correlations during respiratory phases were detected between tongue volume and velopharyngeal width in the volume-reduced group (r=0.86, p<0.05). Negative correlations occurred between retromolar space area and tongue thickness in the volume-enlarged group (r=-0.9, p<0.05). These results suggest that oropharyngeal spatial dynamics are enhanced in the tongue base volume-reduced minipigs, with altered moving patterns during respiration. In contrast, smaller distance changes observed over time in the volume-enlarged group suggest continuous airway narrowing and potential restriction of airway dynamics.
Objective. Patient-specific vasculature plays a critical role in the distribution of yttrium-90 (90Y) microspheres and the resulting absorbed dose (AD) in transarterial radioembolization (TARE). We present a novel framework for generating a patient-specific hepatic vasculature model to evaluate the impact of vascular heterogeneity on90Y dose distributions. Subsequently, we investigated the feasibility of calibrating the model by using the pre-treatment [99mTc]Tc-MAA single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT study.Approach. A single patient receiving TARE for hepatocellular carcinoma was used as proof-of-concept. A standard cone-beam CT angiography (CBCT-A) study was used to identify major hepatic arteries, which were segmented using automated image-filtering methods implemented in the Insight Toolkit. An expert radiologist manually contoured the liver, perfused target area (PTA), and tumor. Deformable image registration was applied to map patient-specific anatomy onto a reference liver mesh partitioned according to the Couinaud classification. Vasculature models were generated in two ways, each comprising hepatic arterial, portal venous, and hepatic venous trees: (i) a fully synthetic model constrained to the patient's liver contour, and (ii) a segmentation-seeded patient-specific model in which virtual vessels were algorithmically extended from the extracted arterial endpoints. A vascular heterogeneity model was introduced in (ii) to generate six arterial trees spanning conditions from highly heterogeneous to uniform vascularization across the PTA. A virtual90Y administration of 2.5 GBq was simulated in each arterial tree to generate synthetic SPECT images and Monte Carlo-based AD distributions. Furthermore, we used the generated vasculature models to generate a synthetic [99mTc]Tc-MAA SPECT, which was compared with the clinical [99mTc]Tc-MAA SPECT by using 3D gamma index analysis (10%/10 mm).Main results. Analysis of dose-volume histograms and coefficients of variation demonstrated that distinct vascular architectures yield substantially different dose heterogeneity despite identical mean ADs for both normal tissue and tumor. Comparison between the synthetic and clinical [99mTc]Tc-MAA SPECT images showed a systematic dependence of gamma pass rates onα, with a maximum pass rate of 78.5%.Significance. This proof-of-concept study highlights the importance of intra-organ distribution in TARE beyond the standard use of mean AD and demonstrated the feasibility of calibrating the vascular heterogeneity model from clinical imaging. Because [99mTc]Tc-MAA particles and iodinated contrast differ in hemodynamic behavior, future studies should use multi-phase CBCT-A as the calibration reference.
The superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) and hypogastric nerves (HN) are components of the autonomic nervous system required for sympathetic regulation of the pelvic viscera. Despite their functional importance, the three-dimensional (3D) distribution and immunohistochemical composition of neurons in these structures remain poorly characterized. In this study, we used a multiscale imaging approach to generate a 3D anatomical and immunohistochemical characterization of the SHP and HN in adult humans. Both embalmed (body donor program) and unembalmed paraformaldehyde (PFA)-fixed specimens (organ donor program) were cleared using a modified Adipo-Clear/iDISCO protocol and imaged by light sheet fluorescence microscopy. Thousands of neuronal cell bodies were identified within the HN, demonstrating that this nerve does not function solely as a conduit for axons. In one HN sample analyzed along its whole length by immunohistochemistry, more than 90% of the neurons were tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-IR), so presumed to be noradrenergic. Neuronal cell bodies in both the SHP and HN were arranged in clusters of diverse size, embedded within nerve tracts rather than in discrete ganglia. High-resolution confocal microscopy of cryosections confirmed the presence of numerous TH-IR (presumed noradrenergic) neuronal cell bodies and axons in the SHP and HN. Non-noradrenergic axonal populations were also abundant. Putative afferent axons (calcitonin gene-related peptide- and substance P-immunoreactive) traversed the SHP and HN and occasionally encircled individual ganglion neurons, raising the possibility of direct sensory-motor communication at these sites. Collectively, these findings provide a new 3D anatomical and immunohistochemical characterization of the SHP and HN in the adult human. This has important implications for understanding normal pelvic autonomic function and pathophysiology of genitourinary disorders. These data and further application of our imaging approach will inform the improvement of nerve-sparing surgical techniques in the pelvic region and the development of targeted neuromodulation approaches.
Revitalization measures currently represent an important tool in ecological practice for the recovery of disturbed habitats, and their effectiveness is increasingly assessed using bioindicator groups, including ground beetles (Carabidae). Between 2020 and 2023, we conducted research in the European habitat of the Danube Floodplains, where we evaluated the impact of revitalization measures on ground beetle assemblages. The study was carried out at 15 study sites representing eight habitat types. At each site, five pitfall traps were installed in a linear arrangement. In total, 5,292 individuals belonging to 47 species were analyzed, with a mean ellipsoid biovolume of 192 mm3 per individual. PCA analysis revealed a division of species into two main clusters according to their preference for forest and open habitats, with reference sites without management characterized by a higher proportion of apterous and brachypterous species. In contrast, habitats subjected to restoration measures showed dominance of macropterous species typical of disturbed and dynamic ecosystems. Significant differences in ellipsoid biovolume and all morphometric traits were confirmed among habitats and study years. Habitats with restoration measures exhibited a gradual increase in ellipsoid biovolume and morphometric traits of individuals, indicating improved food availability and more favorable living conditions. Prediction of ellipsoid biovolume development using LSTM models (neural networks) indicated stabilization of Carabidae assemblages in forest habitats after the completion of restoration measures, whereas pronounced fluctuations persisted in open habitats, suggesting the need for a longer time period or more intensive interventions to achieve community stability. The results provide a practical basis for planning and evaluating the effectiveness of restoration and management measures in European habitats of conservation importance, as well as for biodiversity conservation and adaptive landscape management, particularly in optimizing interventions in forest and open ecosystems to achieve long-term stability of Carabidae assemblages.
Cetaceans primarily generate thrust through dorsoventral oscillations of the caudal flukes, while their flippers are generally associated with lift generation and torque production during manoeuvring. However, the humpback whale, which possesses the largest forelimbs among extant and extinct vertebrates, has been observed performing active flipper strokes that contribute to forward propulsion. This behaviour represents a unique combination of axial swimming and underwater flight among cetaceans. In this study we investigate the anatomical correlates of this rarely observed locomotor behaviour and examine how the distinctive flipper anatomy of the humpback whale compares to that of other cetaceans. We focus in particular on the musculoskeletal and tendinous organisation of the flipper. We compared the flipper musculoskeletal anatomy of the humpback whale with that of seven other cetacean species (two mysticetes and five odontocetes). A novel protocol to acquire images during dissections involving ultraviolet (UV) light was employed to enhance the contrast between skeletal elements, musculature and connective tissues, with a particular emphasis on tendons and entheses. Although all flippers are highly vascularised, antebrachial musculature is strongly reduced across cetaceans, a condition that is especially pronounced in humpback whales and several odontocete lineages that lack antebrachial muscles. These findings suggest that active control of the flipper is primarily achieved proximally at the shoulder joint between the scapula and humerus, where the musculature is markedly developed. This proximal control pattern appears to be shared among cetaceans despite substantial differences in flipper size and external morphology. Beyond its anatomical implications this study provides photographic documentation of key flipper structures across cetacean groups and demonstrates that UV-light imaging is an effective tool for revealing internal soft-tissue anatomy. This approach is likely to be valuable for the study of other anatomical systems.
New World vultures (Cathartidae) are the only birds proposed to lack a syrinx, the avian vocal organ. The prior literature is inconsistent regarding the presence or lack of key syringeal elements in Cathartidae, such as syringeal muscles, membranes, and/or modified tracheal or bronchial rings. Additionally, New World vultures have largely been described as incapable of producing vocalizations, perhaps due to their described lack of a functional syrinx; despite this, there is a diverse repertoire of sounds made by species within Cathartidae available in online sound libraries. Here, we investigate the cathartid syrinx, airway, and larynx through dissections, diffusible iodine-based contrast enhanced computed tomography (diceCT), and histology. We further assess available recordings and explore the potential identity of these as larynx- or syrinx-based vocalizations. New World vultures indeed lack labia, bronchial half-rings, and marked differentiation of the tracheobronchial juncture, challenging simple definitions of a syrinx. However, they retain extrinsic syringeal muscles, have modified terminal bronchial rings, extended bronchial membranes, and muscles from the thoracic wall extending to these bronchial membranes unknown in any other birds, all of which may be involved in sound production. This evidence, in conjunction with the variety of vocalization types produced, indicates that cathartid vultures may in fact have a novel form of the syrinx. These findings have implications for broadening our understanding of the necessary components of a syrinx and provide insights into the loss and addition of syringeal elements in Aves. Assessing syrinx diversity is essential to understanding form-function relationships in Aves and the evolution of vocal behavior.
Background and objectives Adjacent segment degeneration is a recognised consequence of spinal fusion, yet most finite element (FE) analyses emphasise controlled loading conditions such as flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending. Limited data exist on how real-world daily activities influence biomechanics at adjacent levels. This study aimed to quantify changes in range of motion and facet joint stresses at uninstrumented segments during common activities of daily living (ADLs) and to evaluate how increasing fusion length alters these parameters. Methods A validated FE model of the lumbosacral spine was developed using CT-based DICOM data from an individual with normal anatomy. After baseline validation against published range of motion data, the model was instrumented for various fusion lengths and subjected to forces representing typical ADLs, including sitting, forward bending with and without load, jumping, and lateral bending. Range of motion and facet joint stresses were recorded at adjacent unfused segments. Results Baseline range of motion values for flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending matched literature norms. Instrumentation led to a marked increase in range of motion at adjacent levels across all ADLs. The magnitude of increase rose exponentially with each additional cephalad level incorporated into the fusion construct. Facet joint stresses demonstrated a similar trend and were proportional to activity-related changes in range of motion. Caudal adjacent levels consistently experienced greater stresses than cranial levels. Interpretation and conclusions Adjacent-level range of motion and facet loading rise exponentially with longer fusion constructs, particularly under daily cyclical loads. Caudal segments endure disproportionately higher mechanical demands, potentially predisposing them to earlier degeneration.
Order Lamniformes consists of 15 extant shark species that are ecologically diverse and utilize different swimming modes and speeds. Family Lamnidae includes the shortfin mako, porbeagle, and white shark which are fast, athletic sharks that swim using oscillations confined to the caudal body and fin. Other lamniforms, like the common thresher shark (Alopiidae), sand tiger (Carchariidae), and basking shark (Cetorhinidae), swim via oscillations that begin anteriorly, impacting a greater proportion of the axial body. Swimming oscillations subject the body to repeated bending cycles, including the cartilaginous vertebral column, the main longitudinal axis of the body. Vertebrae are mineralized with the amount and arrangement varying among species. We investigated morphological variation in lamniform shark vertebrae to understand adaptations to locomotive demands among species. We examined vertebral morphology and mineral architecture of lamniform centra across three body regions (anterior, middle, and posterior) and among six species (shortfin mako, porbeagle, sand tiger, white, common thresher, and basking shark) through micro-computed tomography scans. We analyzed morphology and structure of 139 vertebrae from 24 sharks using meristics, principal component analyses, and 3D landmark-based geometric morphometrics. Through 3D quantification, we identified regional patterns in centrum size and mineral amount which also varied across shark families. In the lamnids, centra morphometrics are largest in the mid-body and decrease posteriorly simultaneous with increased counts of lamellae. Together, these trends suggest the middle body region is stabilized while allowing for rapid lateral oscillations at the precaudal pit. Cranio-caudally compressed centra with high quantities of lamellae were characteristic for common thresher shark centra, likely to support loading in multiple planes from extreme axial bending during tail-whipping behaviors. In the sand tiger and basking shark, we quantified opposing trends-large anterior centra decreased in size along the column with reduced mineralization for slow swimming. We calculated scaling relationships of mineral volume with shark size and identified a negative allometric relationship, suggesting adult sharks may adapt internal architecture rather than contributing to overall centrum size. This comprehensive analysis of calcified structure in lamniform shark centra provides a greater understanding of skeletal tissues and the adaptation of mineralized cartilage to support swimming and ecological needs.
Various parameters are used in cephalometric diagnosis to assess the sagittal discrepancy of the maxillary bases. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the horizontal and vertical dispersion of anthropometric landmarks used for plotting, and to assess the reliability of the selected cephalometric parameters. The material consisted of 24 randomly selected cephalometric radiographs. They were analyzed twice, 7 days apart, by 15 orthodontists. The horizontal and vertical dispersion (x, y) of individual anthropometric landmarks was assessed using the mean reference value, and the reliability of individual landmarks and measurements was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC(2.1)). The ICC(2.1) for each landmark ranged from 0.9907 to 0.9998. The ICC(2.1) for individual sagittal discrepancy measurements averaged 0.9370 to 0.9842. The highest reliability was achieved for the ANB, W, Sar, Wits, Tau, and Yen measurements, respectively. The obtained results indicate excellent reliability in determining landmarks. The measurements of the selected parameters assessing the sagittal incongruence relationship between the maxilla and the mandible also demonstrated excellent reliability. s The highest reliability in assessing the sagittal relationship between the maxilla and the mandible continues to be demonstrated by the ANB angle. The high and comparable values of the Sar, W, Tau, and Yen angles indicate the possibility of using these parameters interchangeably or complementarily in diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in borderline cases.
Although our understanding of ovary structure in mites is limited, it has been shown that the female gonads in these arachnids are highly diverse compared with other chelicerates. Unlike other chelicerates, which typically have a panoistic ovary with a relatively consistent architecture, mites also possess a meroistic ovary. In the panoistic ovary, germline cells differentiate into oocytes, whereas in the meroistic ovary, the germline cells differentiate into oocytes and their accompanying nurse cells. Both types of ovaries have been observed in the two mite lineages, Acariformes and Parasitiformes. Hydrachnidia (Acariformes), also known as water mites, are one of the largest groups of freshwater arthropods. However, despite their common occurrence, they are less explored compared with freshwater insects and crustaceans. Data on the structure of the ovary in water mites are scarce and originate from the 20 c. The aim of the study is to analyze the ovary structure of adult females representing five families of water mites: Arrenuridae, Hydrachnidae, Hydrodromidae, Pionidae, and Limnesiidae, using light, fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy technique was applied for 3D reconstruction of the germline cysts. Our results provide new data on the structure of the ovary in water mites, challenging earlier literature data on the panoistic ovary in this group. In all species examined, the presence of a meroistic ovary has been confirmed. The ovary contains a number of germline cysts composed of several germline cells diversified into one oocyte and a few nurse cells. Within the cysts, each cell (oocyte and nurse cells) is connected by a cytoplasmic bridge to a central cytoplasm. The oocytes start previtellogenesis and protrude on the ovary surface connected to the latter by long oocyte stalks. The nurse cells remain in the ovary wall; their nuclei are highly branched and polyploid. The nurse cells provide macromolecules and organelles to oocytes transferred by trophic cords in a microtubular-dependent manner. The results of our study indicate that the overall architecture of the ovary, the structure of the germline cysts, the pattern of germline cell differentiation, and the trophic support remain consistent across Hydrachnidia.
Troodon formosus (T. formosus) is a theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of North America. T. formosus, like many theropods, are speculated to have used their forelimbs to hunt, and the complexity of their preserved egg clutches suggests T. formosus may have also used its forelimbs to move its eggs. Understanding the morphology and range of movement of T. formosus's forelimb could help shed light onto these hypotheses. However, no complete forelimb material has yet been found for T. formosus, and a 3D reconstruction and range of motion (ROM) estimate has not been attempted. This study aims to address this gap by leveraging digital modelling technology to create the first forelimb reconstruction and ROM for T. formosus. Surface scans from multiple T. formosus fossils housed in the Museum of the Rockies (Bozeman, Montana) were digitally combined to reconstruct a nearly complete forelimb. Digital articulations based on this assembled model were compared with physical ROM using 3D printed copies. Results show higher ranges of flexion than extension in T. formosus's joints, consistent with closely related species. However, T. formosus shows higher manual extension than close relatives. The humerus also shows anatomy convergent with more basal theropod species. These differences may imply a divergent morphology and function of the manus, as well as a deviation from avian ancestor forelimb morphology. ROM results cannot confirm whether T. formosus was able to grasp objects single-handed, but two-handed apprehension of objects, including eggs, remains feasible.
Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in developing nations, including India. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP)  regarding cervical cancer screening, risk factors, and prevention strategies, along with the  barriers to participation in screening activities, among married tribal women in  Sirohi district, Rajasthan, to identify areas for improvement in this essential aspect of women's health. A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted among 170 married tribal women recruited from the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) zone in Sirohi district, Rajasthan. A  standardised, fixed-response questionnaire was used to obtain data on participants' KAP regarding cervical cancer screening. The mean age of the study population was 32.81 ± 10.5 years. Out of 170, 28 (16.5%) women had heard of cervical cancer, and 20 (11.8%) women were aware of cervical cancer screening. Only 19.4% of women agreed to undergo screening for cervical cancer. A significant proportion, 86.5% of participants, had poor knowledge, 84.1% had a negative attitude, and only 0.6% demonstrated good practices regarding cervical cancer screening. Knowledge scores were significantly associated with age group, education, socioeconomic class, and number of children (p < 0.05). Attitude scores were significantly associated with age, contraceptive method used, and tobacco use. Practice scores were significantly associated with education and menstrual cycle characteristics (p < 0.05). Identified barriers to screening included lack of awareness, financial constraints, anxiety about vaginal examinations, feelings of embarrassment, and communication difficulties. The study findings indicate a critical deficiency in knowledge, attitude, and practice as well as low willingness to participate in cervical cancer screening among tribal women. Educational interventions  through culturally sensitive awareness programs should be conducted in the local tribal language to enhance preventive healthcare in the tribal population.
The pectoral girdle of terrestrial tetrapods functions as a critical interface for transmitting loads between the trunk and forelimbs. While mammals with a parasagittal forelimb posture mainly rely on the scapula as the principal element for load bearing, talpids (Talpidae) exhibit a markedly specialised pectoral girdle related to a hyper-abducted forelimb posture. In talpids, the humero-clavicular articulation plays an important functional role, suggesting that load-transmission mechanisms within the pectoral girdle may differ from those of typical terrestrial mammals. However, because the pectoral girdle of talpids is highly developed as a fossorial adaptation, it is difficult to infer the mechanical environments experienced by each skeletal element from external morphology alone, and the mechanical roles of the pectoral girdle elements are poorly understood. To examine whether posture-related reorganisation of load-transmission pathways is reflected in bone microstructure, collagen fibre orientation weighted mean greyscale level (CFO-WMGL) and cortical bone robusticity (relative robusticity indicator: RRI) in the clavicle and scapula were evaluated in fossorial talpids (Mogera imaizumii, Mogera wogura and Urotrichus talpoides) and compared with those of the parasagittal outgroup Suncus murinus. Talpids exhibited high RRI values in both the clavicle and scapula, indicating overall mechanical reinforcement of the pectoral girdle. In contrast, CFO-WMGL showed element-specific differences among taxa. In Mogera, CFO-WMGL values were consistently higher in the clavicle than in the scapula, suggesting that the clavicle played a relatively greater load-bearing role within the pectoral girdle. Conversely, S. murinus exhibited histological characters consistent with the scapula functioning as the principal element for load bearing. These distinct histological patterns indicate that the pectoral girdle is not a mechanically uniform structure, but rather an integrated functional system in which each skeletal element performs distinct mechanical roles. These findings suggest that the evolution of the forelimb posture in talpids was accompanied by a reorganisation of load-transmission pathways within the pectoral girdle, involving a relative increase in the load-bearing role of the clavicle compared with the scapula. This study demonstrates that bone histological characters can provide insights into skeletal function that are not apparent from external morphology alone. This approach may offer a useful framework for reconstructing load-transmission mechanisms in both extant and extinct tetrapods and for investigating how the mechanical demands imposed on each skeletal element have changed during evolution. Future comparative studies across a broader range of taxa will be essential for evaluating the generality of these relationships and for advancing our understanding of the mechanical reorganisation of the vertebrate musculoskeletal system throughout evolutionary history.
Subplate neurons (SpNs) are among the earliest-born and maturing neurons in the developing cerebral cortex. They arise from multiple origins and can be classified into several subgroups based on morphology, connectivity, and gene expression. These neurons play essential roles in cortical circuit formation, yet their cellular diversity and transcriptional dynamics remain incompletely understood. Here, we characterized transcriptomic profiles of SpN subpopulations in embryonic mouse cortex using Lpar1-EGFP and NeuroD1/Cre-ERT2 (D1B) reporter lines. We applied complementary approaches of gene expression profiling, including bulk microarray analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and Visium spatial transcriptomics. At embryonic day 17 (E17), scRNA-seq identified 10 distinct Lpar1-EGFP-positive SpN clusters, which spatial transcriptomics mapped to specific cortical regions. While many markers showed enrichment within the subplate region, others extended into the hippocampus and ventral pallium (including the amygdala, claustrum, and endopiriform nucleus). Integrated analysis of Lpar1-EGFP and D1B lines revealed both overlapping and unique gene expression signatures, highlighting dynamic markers of subplate identity. Comparisons between E15 and E17 datasets showed substantial transcriptional shifts, suggesting rapid developmental changes in SpN subgroups. Validation with in situ hybridization and RNAscope confirmed the selectivity of key markers, including Cryab, Cdh13, Nr4a2, and Lmo3. Together, these findings provide a molecular framework for further classifying SpN subtypes and identifying candidate markers for transient versus persistent populations, thereby advancing our understanding of early cortical development.
This study aimed to describe a radiographic parameter for assessing forearm alignment based on the angular relationship between three anatomical axes on standard radiographs. We aimed to quantify the angular deviation between the radial neck axis, the ulnar diaphyseal axis, and the forearm rotation axis in healthy adults. A single-center observational study included 50 adults with no history of upper limb trauma or forearm pathology. Standardized bilateral anteroposterior radiographs were obtained in neutral position and full supination. Three axes were defined: the forearm rotation axis (AB axis), the ulnar axis (U axis), and the radial neck axis (R axis). Two angles (α and β) were measured, and their sum defined the Overall Linearity of the Forearm (OLF). Measurements were performed by two independent observers. Reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and agreement using Bland-Altman analysis. In neutral position, the median OLF was 2.9°, with an interquartile range of 1.02-4.47. In full supination, the median OLF was 3.2°, with an interquartile range of 1.92-4.7. Right-left correlation within the same volunteer was r = 0.75 in neutral position and r = 0.61 in supination. Inter-observer reliability was good, with ICC values of 0.805 in neutral position and 0.821 in supination. Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean bias of 0.37°, with limits of agreement ranging from - 0.34° to 1.07°. The Overall Linearity of the Forearm provides a reproducible radiographic parameter describing the angular alignment of three forearm axes on standard anteroposterior views. Further studies are required to determine its relevance in pathological conditions. IV.
Background.Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is limited by geographic disparities, surgical complexity, socioeconomic factors, and incomplete restoration of native anatomy. Customized prostheses offer a non-invasive alternative that could help mitigate some of the barriers to patients undergoing mastectomy.Objective.To develop Restora, a semi-automated software that converts clinical imaging into 3D-printable, patient-specific breast prostheses at the point of care.Methods.Twelve breast MRI datasets were segmented manually in 3D Slicer and semi-automated in Restora. Segmentation accuracy was evaluated using Dice similarity coefficients, volumetric comparisons, and surface distance metrics. Prostheses were 3D-printed using biocompatible polylactic acid, thermoplastic polyurethane, and resin to assess feasibility, print time, and material suitability.Results.Restora reduced manual intervention to a single modification per case versus 5-6 for manual segmentation. The Mean Dice coefficient was 0.82, with a mean surface deviation of 4.3 mm and volume discrepancies ranging from 5.9% to 54.7%. Prostheses were successfully printed across materials within 9-17 h, demonstrating feasibility for clinical use. Limitations included flat posterior designs and localized geometric deviations, particularly in larger breasts.Conclusion.Restora enables rapid, semi-automated generation of anatomically consistent, 3D-printable breast prostheses, reducing labor, while maintaining acceptable geometric fidelity. Future work will integrate upright imaging, improved segmentation algorithms, and post-mastectomy chest wall modeling to enhance comfort, fit, and aesthetic outcomes, supporting personalized prosthetic care for diverse patient populations.