Effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Research on the effects of physical exercise on canine body composition is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score (BCS) and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs. Twenty-one healthy dogs of different breeds exercised together with their owners during an eight-week programme consisting of jogging and strength exercises. Standardised measurements were performed in triplicates with a measuring tape on standing dogs. Chest circumference was measured at three anatomical locations, abdomen at two and thigh at one. Data on bodyweight, BCS (9-point scale) and circumferences were analysed with mixed model repeated measures analyses to evaluate changes after the programme and effects of target distance. RESULTS: Seven dog owners choose a target distance of 2 km and 14 owners choose 5-10 km. Mean BCS decreased (P = 0.007) after the programme (5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 4.7 ± 0.6) but there was no effect of target distance. Almost all chest and abdominal circumference measurements decreased (P ≤ 0.007) with the 2 km group driving the reduction in chest circumference and the 5-10 km group driving the reduction in abdominal circumference. In contrast, thigh circumference (28.8 ± 0.4 vs. 30.2 ± 0.4) increased (P = 0.007) while bodyweight was maintained. There were positive correlations between BCS and abdominal/chest ratios before and after the programme (Pearson correlation; R square ≤ 0.43, P ≤ 0.0012) but the mean ratio remained constant. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated a redistribution between total body fat and muscle mass in body composition of normal weight to slightly overweight dogs after the physical exercise programme. The use of bodyweight alone was not a reliable evaluation method to complement the BCS assessment. However, repeated measurements of chest, abdominal and thigh circumference might aid in the assessment of body composition in dogs performing physical exercise. Further research should include a control group and objective evaluations of total body fat and lean mass, in order to investigate the effectiveness of physical exercise as a freestanding method for decreasing BCS and increasing muscle mass in overweight dogs.

Morphometric study of the legs of the main Chagas vector, Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

In triatomines, vectors of Chagas disease, active dispersal takes place by walking and flying. Flight has received more attention than walking although the last is the dispersal modality used by nymphs due to their lack of wings and also used by adults, which would facilitate the colonization and reinfestation of houses after vector control actions. The present work studied the morphometrical variation of Triatoma infestans legs, the main vector of Chagas disease the Southern Cone of South America. We described morphometric traits and the natural variation of each leg segment. Different linear, size and shape variables of each component of the three right legs of fifth instar nymphs of T. infestans were analyzed using morphometric tools. We analyzed differentiation, variation and correlation for each segment across the fore-, mid and hind legs using different statistical approaches such as general linear model, canonical variates analysis, test of equality of coefficient of variation and partial least square analysis. We also analyzed variation and correlation between segments within each leg with partial least square and morphometric disparity analyses. Our results showed that the segments differed between legs, as general trends, the dimensions (length, width and/or size) were greater in the hind legs, smaller in the forelegs and intermediate in the mid ones. The femur and tibia (length and/or width) showed differences in morphometric variation between legs and the femur and tibia showed the highest levels of correlation between legs. On the other hand, in the fore- and mid legs, the femur (length or width) showed similar variation with tibia and tarsus lengths, but in the hind legs, the femur showed similar variation with all segments and not with the tibia length, and there were strong correlations between linear measurement within each leg. Our results suggest that the femur and tibia could play a determining role in the coordination between the legs that determines the walking pattern. Considering that these segments would also be linked to the specific function that each leg has, this study suggests a preponderant role of the femur and tibia in the walking locomotion of T. infestans.

Maternal protein supplementation during mid-gestation improves offspring performance and metabolism in beef cows.

This study examined the impact of maternal protein supplementation during mid-gestation on offspring, considering potential sex-related effects. Forty-three pregnant purebred Tabapuã beef cows (20 female and 23 male fetuses) were collectively managed in a pasture until 100 d of gestation. From 100 to 200 d of gestation, they were randomly assigned to the restricted group [(RES) - basal diet (75% corn silage + 25% sugar cane bagasse + mineral mixture); n = 24] or control group [(CON) - same basal diet + based-plant supplement [40% of crude protein, 3.5 g/kg of body weight (BW); n = 19]. From 200 d of gestation until parturition, all cows were equally fed corn silage and mineral mixture. During the cow-calf phase, cows and their calves were maintained in a pasture area. After weaning, calves were individually housed and evaluated during the backgrounding (255 to 320 d), growing 1 (321 to 381 d), and growing 2 (382 to 445 d) phases. Offspring's blood samples were collected at 210 and 445 d of age. Samples of skeletal muscle tissue were collected through biopsies at 7, 30, and 445 d of age. Muscle tissue samples were subjected to reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Prenatal treatment and offspring's sex (when pertinent) were considered fixed effects. The significance level was set at 5%. At mid-gestation, cows supplemented with protein reached 98% and 92% of their protein and energy requirements, while nonsupplemented cows attained only 30% and 50% of these requirements, respectively. The RES offspring were lighter at birth (27 vs. 31 kg), weaning (197 vs. 214 kg), and 445 d of age (398 vs. 429 kg) (P ≤ 0.05). The CON calves had greater (P < 0.05) morphometric measurements overall. The CON offspring had ~26% greater muscle fiber area (P ≤ 0.01). There was a trend (P = 0.06) for a greater Mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase mRNA expression in the Longissimus thoracis in the CON group at 7 d of age. The Myogenic differentiation 1 expression was greater (P = 0.02) in RES-females. Upregulation of Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 was observed in RES offspring at 445 d (P = 0.04). Expression of Fatty acid binding protein 4 (P < 0.001), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (P < 0.001), and Stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase (P < 0.001) was upregulated in CON-females. Therefore, protein supplementation during gestation enhances offspring growth and promotes favorable responses to lipogenesis, particularly in females.

In tropical conditions, beef cows on pasture often experience protein restriction during mid-to-late gestation, potentially impacting offspring development negatively. To address this, we investigated the effects of strategic protein supplementation for pregnant beef cows fed low-quality forage during mid-gestation on the postnatal growth trajectory of their offspring. The supplementation program, implemented during mid-gestation, increased dry matter intake by addressing nitrogen deficiency in the rumen, resulting in meeting 98% and 92% of protein and energy requirements in supplemented cows. In contrast, nonsupplemented cows met only 30% and 50% of these requirements, respectively. Consequently, protein supplementation positively influenced the postnatal growth trajectory of the offspring, attributed to beneficial changes in secondary myogenesis and hypertrophy processes. Supplementing cows with crude protein also stimulated lipogenesis, potentially contributing to intramuscular fat deposition, particularly in females. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of nutritional interventions for pregnant beef cows fed low-quality forage.

Correlation between temporomandibular joints and craniocervical posture in patients with bilateral anterial disc displacement.

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of temporomandibular joints and craniocervical posture in adult patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement, and to explore their correlation, which may provide some clinical value for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. METHODS: Ninety-eight adult patients were divided into 3 groups: 29 patients in bilateral disc normal position group (BN), 33 patients in bilateral Anterior Disc Displacement With Reduction group (ADDWR) and 36 patients in bilateral Anterior Disc Displacement Without Reduction group (ADDWoR). Dolphin and Uceph software were used to measure 14 items of temporomandibular joint and 11 items of craniocervical posture for comparison and correlation analysis between groups. RESULTS: There were significant differences in bilateral joint space between three groups. Compared with the BN, the anteroposterior diameter of the condyle was significantly reduced, the condyle was significantly displaced posteriorly and superiorly in the ADDWR and ADDWoR, but the joint fossa width and joint fossa depth did not change significantly. Cervical curvature and inclination were greater in patients with anterior disc displacement than BN, indicating that the craniocervical posture of adult patients with anterior disc displacement was extended and protrusive. CONCLUSION: Anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint can displace the condyle upwards and posteriorly and reduce the anteroposterior diameter of condyle, and then make the condyle closer to the wall of articular fossa to induce joint symptoms. Additionally, craniocervical postural position is significantly affected, which may be related to compensate for the effects of airway space.

Morphometric Measurements and Muscle Atrophy Scoring as a Tool to Predict Body Weight and Condition of Horses.

Accurate estimation of body weight (BW) and condition (BCS) is important in the equine practice. The main goal of this research was to develop models for the prediction of BW and BCS of horses in the practice using both common morphometric measurements and measurements of Cresty Neck Score (CNS) and Muscle Atrophy Scoring System (MASS) as a measure of muscularity. Our model showed that the BW of horses could be predicted with high reproducibility (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.97), accuracy (0.99), and precision (0.97) using the morphometric measurements of the height at withers, circumference of the chest, cane circumference, body length, and body circumference as well as the BCS, CNS, and muscle atrophy score of the hindlimbs. The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the BCS of horses can be predicted with the data of parameters such as age, body length and an index consisting of measurements of the body circumference to height of withers, and the atrophy of the neck. Future research should use larger cohorts of animals to validate the findings of this study.

Record of New Termite (Blattodea, Termitidae) Species in Togo West Africa.

In Africa, despite their economic and ecological importance, termites are still relatively unknown. Their systematic remains uncertain, the approximate number of species for many biogeographic areas is underestimated, and there is still confusion in the identification of the species for many genera. This study combined morphological traits with morphometric measurements to determine several species collected in Togo and provided head illustrations of soldiers. Termites were sampled within the frame of transects laid in several landscapes inside three different parks including: Fosse aux Lions, Galangashie, and Fazao Malfakassa. Samples were grouped by morphospecies and measurements of part of the body (length and/or width of head, mandible, pronotum, gula, and hind tibia) were conducted. Twelve termite species including Foraminitermescorniferus, Lepidotermes sp., Noditermes cristifrons, Noditermes sp. 1 and Noditermes sp. 2, Promirotermes holmgren infera, Promirotermes sp., Unguitermes sp., Amitermes evuncifer, A. guineensis, A. truncatus, and A. spinifer were separated and pictured. Ten new species were added to the check list of the country, including five unidentified ones. Further studies such as biomolecular analysis should be carried out in order to clarify the status of these unknown species.

Morphometric analysis of the nasal septum in normal Chinese individuals using a three-dimensional model of the nasal septum with facial CT scanning.

OBJECTIVES: Three-dimensional (3D) models were reconstructed based on computed tomography (CT) scan data and to analyze the morphometric characteristics of the nasal septum in Chinese individuals. METHODS: Ninety-six healthy adults aged 20-83 years old without confirmed nasal disorders were enrolled in this study from 2014 to 2015. 3D models of the nasal septum were reconstructed based on their CT scan data, and 7 indices were used for the evaluation of the spacial structure of the nasal septum. RESULTS: Data of the nasal septum revealed larger nasal septum volumes in males than those in females (P<0.01). The ratio of the cartilage volume to the total septal volume significantly decreased with age (P=0.010), whereas the ratio of the vomer volume to the total volume significantly increased with age (P=0.018). There were no significant correlations of the nasal septum with age (P=0.666) and gender (P=0.55). CONCLUSIONS: The reconstructed 3D model of the nasal septum demonstrates that the septal volume was larger in males than in females, and the ratio of vomer volume and cartilage volume to total septal volume changed with age, which may provide a reference for clinical treatment.

Study of racial profile of the native Guajolote (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) in two regions of Mexico: morphometric characterization.

The present study aimed at the morphometric characterization of the native Guajolote reared in two regions of Mexico using multivariate analysis techniques. Data from a total of 362 unrelated native Guajolotes (257 males and 105 females) were used: of these, 160 were from the Central region and 202 were from the Southeast region. The birds were also grouped according to age, as youngs (≤ 8 months; n = 150) and adults (≥ 9 months; n = 212). The body weight (BW) and nine morphometric measurements-chest circumference (CC), body length (BL), body height (BH), neck length (NL), peak length (PL), shank length (SL), shank diameter (SD), wing length (WL) and wing width (WW)-were measured. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) due to the effect of region, sex and age for most of the morphometric measurements evaluated. There was a high percentage of positive and significant correlations (p < 0.001; p < 0.01) between the variables. In each region, three principal components were extracted that represented more than 75% of the accumulated variation among the variables. The most discriminating morphometric measurements between populations were WW, PL and NL. The Mahalanobis distance between the males and females of the two populations was 37.457 and 29.310 (p < 0.001), respectively. This differentiation can contribute to the definition of the phenotypic standard of this poultry genetic resource for its official recognition as a breed, as well as in the orientation of its genetic improvement programs in the future.

Morphometric evaluation, locational relationship, and surgical significance of the maxillofacial region landmarks / Evaluación morfométrica, relación de ubicación e importancia quirúrgica de los puntos de referencia de la región maxilofacial

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to examine the localization of the landmarks in the maxillofacial region and their relations with each other and to evaluate them morphologically and clinically. Our study included 41 dry adult human skulls of unknown age and sex of Anatolian population. Statistical analysis of the data obtained in our study was performed with SPSS v.20.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Statistical significance was accepted as P ? 0.05. Whereas the mean right supraorbital depth (SOD) value was significantly greater than the mean left SOD value (p 0.05). Correlation values in our study varied between -0.156 and 0.612. The highest correlation value was obtained in the positive direction between the orbital height (OH) and supraorbital foramen-infraorbital foramen (SOF-IOF) measurements (r = 0.612, p < 0.001). We believe that measurements of the orbit, SOF, and IOF and our data on their localizations, along with the relationships that we observed in our study will allow surgeons to avoid damaging the neurovascular bundles during surgical interventions and local anesthesia procedures in the frontal, periorbital, and maxillofacial regions.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la localización de los hitos en la región maxilofacial y sus relaciones entre sí y evaluarlos morfológica y clínicamente. Nuestro estudio incluyó 41 cráneos humanos adultos secos de edad y sexo desconocidos de la población de Anatolia. El análisis estadístico de los datos obtenidos en nuestro estudio se realizó con el software SPSS v.20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, EE. UU.). La significación estadística se aceptó como P ? 0,05. Mientras que el valor medio de la profundidad supraorbitaria derecha (SOD) fue significativamente mayor que el valor medio de la SOD izquierda (p 0,05). Los valores de correlación en nuestro estudio variaron entre -0,156 y 0,612. El mayor valor de correlación se obtuvo en la dirección positiva entre las medidas de altura orbitaria (OH) y foramen supraorbitario-foramen infraorbitario (SOF-IOF) (r = 0,612, p <0,001). Creemos que las mediciones de la órbita, SOF e IOF y nuestros datos sobre sus localizaciones, junto con las relaciones que observamos en nuestro estudio, permitirán a los cirujanos evitar dañar los haces neurovasculares durante las intervenciones quirúrgicas y los procedimientos de anestesia local en la zona frontal, periorbitaria. y regiones maxilofaciales.

Morphometric Analysis of parameters of Internal Carotid Artery-Potential Clinical Implications.

BACKGROUND: The study in consideration aimed to do morphometry of internal carotid artery (ICA) and substantiate any differences significant in relation to sex and age on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) imaging. OBJECTIVES: Our study aims to ascertain morphometric parameters of ICA through DSA evaluation and to build a normative data which is accurate enough for the neurovascular procedures to be performed. The study will also carry out correlation of morphometry of intracerebral blood vessels with sex, age, and side-related dimorphism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study, cross-sectional in design was done on 70 patients (>20 years). Diameter of different segments of ICA were measured after imaging was done on DSA using a Philips biplane system clarity (Allura FD20/20). Statistical analysis was done. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: In males, mean diameter of petrous, cavernous, supraclinoid, and choroidal segments of ICA were more when compared to females. Statistically significant differences were found in supraclinoid segment of ICA between males and females. The mean diameter of supraclinoid and choroidal segments of ICA showed a decreasing trend from younger to older age groups. The difference in the mean diameter of petrous segment of ICA with increasing age was statistically significant. The results of our study show that differences were statistically significant in supraclinoid segment of ICA in males and females. Neurosurgeons in order to be confident in tackling the various emergencies in this region need to have in-depth knowledge of morphometery of cerebral arterial circle.

Analysis of posterior circulation diameters depending on age, sex and side by computed tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND: Posterior circulation of brain is important because of vital organs' blood supply provided by them. In this study, we evaluate the relationship of posterior circulation measurements with age, gender and side by using computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 199 brain CTA examinations were retrospectively analysed for all posterior circulation arteries (vertebral artery, basilar artery, posterior cerebral artery [PCA], superior cerebellar artery [SCA], anterior inferior cerebellar artery, and posterior inferior cerebellar artery [PICA]) to compare the difference based on age, gender and side. RESULTS: There is no correlation between age and the mean diameters of all vessels (p > 0.05). The mean diameter of left vertebral artery was higher than right vertebral artery in all genders (p = 0.004 for males and p < 0.001 for females). The mean diameter of left SCA and PICA were higher than right SCA and PICA in females (p = 0.032 and p = 0.027, respectively). The mean diameters of basilar, left PCA, left SCA, left vertebral, right PCA, right SCA, right PICA and right vertebral artery were higher in males and that differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.006, p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.002, and p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The posterior circulation vessel diameter is not affected by aging. The mean diameters of basilar artery, both PCAs, both SCAs, right PICA, both vertebral arteries were higher in males. The mean diameter of left vertebral artery is higher than that of right vertebral artery in all genders.

The Value of Morphometric Measurements in Risk Assessment for Donor-Site Complications after Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

Microsurgical abdominally-based reconstruction is considered the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction. Despite refined surgical procedures, donor-site complications still occur, reducing patient satisfaction and quality of life. Recent work has outlined the potential of morphometric measurements in risk assessment for postoperative hernia development. With rising demand for personalised treatment, the goal of this study was to investigate their potential in risk assessment for any donor site complication. In this retrospective cohort study, 90 patients were included who each received microsurgical breast reconstruction at the hands of one surgeon between January 2015 and May 2017. Donor-site complications formed the primary outcome and were classified according to Clavien-Dindo. Morphometric measurements were taken on a routinely performed computed tomographic angiogram. Complications occurred in 13 of the 90 (14.4%) cases studied. All patients who developed any type of postoperative donor site complication had a history of abdominal surgery. The risk of postoperative complications increased by 3% with every square centimetre of omental fat tissue (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.06, and p-value = 0.022). Morphometric measurements provide valuable information in risk assessment for donor-site complications in abdominally-based breast reconstruction. They may help identify personalised reconstructive options for maximal postoperative patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Morphometric Analysis of the Corpus Callosum According to Age and Sex in Middle Eastern Arabs: Racial Comparisons and Clinical Correlations to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This study sought to examine the influence of age and sex on morphometric measurements of the corpus callosum (CC) within Middle Eastern Arab population, in order to obtain reference data and conduct racial comparisons with previously reported measurements from other ethnicities. Furthermore, it aimed to investigate CC variations that may occur in children with autism. To this end, magnetic resonance images of normal brains were acquired from three different age groups, consisting of children, younger adults, and older adults. Brain images were also acquired from boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The CC length, area, and thickness were measured. The CC length was smaller in children than in the other age groups, but no difference in CC length was found between younger and older adults. The CC area and thickness were greater in younger adults than in children and older adults, and greater in older adults than in children. With regard to sexual dimorphism, the CC area and forebrain volume were larger in male children than in female children. No sex-related differences in CC area or thickness were found in adults. However, the ratio of CC area to the forebrain volume was greater in adult females than in males, owing to the smaller forebrain volume in females. The absolute length of the CC was greater in older adult males than in their female counterparts. In addition, significant differences in CC measurements were found in comparison to measurements obtained from other ethnicities. Lastly, significant reductions in CC area and thickness were found in boys with ASD compared to their neurotypical peers. In conclusion, age and sex significantly influence morphometric measurements of CC in Middle Eastern Arab population. This study points to the presence of racial differences in CC size. Finally, it reveals that children with ASD display a distinct reduction in CC size compared to neurotypical children of the same ethnicity.

The use of the geometric morphometric method to illustrate shape difference in the skulls of different-aged horses.

The geometric morphometrics method (GMM) is a technique to study scale and shape relationships of structures using Cartesian geometric coordinates rather than linear, areal (of area), or volumetric variables. GMM has been of great value in many biological studies, but does not appear to have been used to examine equine skulls.In this exploratory study, twenty-nine normal equine heads of three different age groups: <5 years old (N = 9), 6-15 years old (N = 10) and > 16 years old (N = 10) were examined.Computed tomography (CT) bone window DICOM images were reconstructed into isosurfaces (3-dimensional contoured surfaces), onto which landmarks were added using Stratovan Checkpoint® software. Data from 29 landmarks were analysed using MorphoJ analysis, which applies a Procrustes fit, prior to reducing data dimensionality through principal component (PC) analysis. PCs with and without allometry were considered. Allometric shape described by PC1 accounted for 27% of variance. Loading pertaining to: the pterygoid process, bilaterally; caudal aspect of hard palate; tip of nasal bone; ethmoid sinuses, bilaterally; caudal aspect of the ventral conchal bulla, bilaterally and caudal aspect of the vomer bone suggest that these anatomical structures are predictive of age group. When allometric effects (shape variation explained by size) were removed, PC1 was unable to distinguish horses by age group. Allometric shape differences could distinguish the youngest versus the two older age groups. The potential applications of GMM in equine diagnostic imaging are wide ranging and include the investigation of changes in the equine skull with respect to genetics and characterisation of conformation-related diseases affecting the teeth, jaws and sinonasal compartments.

A computed tomography-based morphometric study of the styloid process.

BACKGROUND: The styloid process (SP) refers to a cylindrical piece projecting from the inferior of the temporal bone, situated anterior to the stylomastoid foramen. It is an anatomic formation close to major vessels and nerves, and its excessive elongation results in pathologies leading to anatomical disorders, such as Eagle's syndrome. Several studies have been conducted on SP in relation to its close proximity to vessels and nerves, but there is no study that reveals its distance to important anatomical formations, such as the internal auditory meatus (IAM), carotid canal (CC), cochlea, tegmen tympani (TT) and tragus. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of Eagle's syndrome based on morphometric measurements of SP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient files archived in the Radiology Department of Adiyaman University Training and Research Hospital were retrospectively examined. The study was carried out on the data of patients for whom specialist radiologists found no pathology findings on the computed tomography images. A total of 77 individuals (36 females and 41 males) aged 22 to 54 years were included in the study. The length of SP and its distances to IAM, cochlea, CC, TT and tragus were obtained using computed tomography radiological measurements. RESULTS: When the individual measurements performed on computed tomography images were evaluated in men and women, no significant difference was found concerning the distance between SP and various anatomic structures in close proximity to SP (p > 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the genders in length of the right SP (p = 0.003) and left SP (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: This anthropometric study revealed the standard morphometric measurements of SP. We believe that the data obtained will help clinicians to identify and diagnose pathologies more easily.

Principal component analysis of linear measures of young horses national champions of Mangalarga Marchador breed / Análise de componentes principais das medidas lineares de equinos jovens campeões nacionais da raça Mangalarga Marchador

ABSTRACT: The conformation is directly related to the quality of the movements, and can direct the selection by equine aptitude. This study aimed to identify which are the morphometric measurements that explain the total variance available in the marcha batida and picada gaits of young Mangalarga Marchador horses. Analyses were performed by evaluating 20 linear measurements of 420 champion horses. Measures were separated by gender (male-M and female-F), type of marcha, (batida-MB e picada-MP) and divided into eight age groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify which measurements were most important in determining marcha variance by selecting principal component (PC) which sum of eigenvalues ​​was able to explain the minimum percentage of 80% of the total variation. The PC number varied randomly according to age groups, being 2 to 3 in both genders in MP, 3 to 4 for M-MB, and up to 5 for F-MB, suggesting lower overall variability in MP, and higher in F-MB. There was no defined pattern concerning the amount of PC per age group, demonstrating that each category may have independent variations. Although, some repetitions of variables occurred similarly in different ages, sexes, and marcha types, the responsibility for the highest occurrence of variation was the posterior cannon and gaskin length. The significant variance in the length of these segments, regardless of gender, age, and marcha, and the fact they are not measured daily suggested there is not only a lack of standardization of these segments, but there is also size compensation among them since the group evaluated is composed of breed champions.

RESUMO: A conformação pode estar diretamente relacionada a qualidade dos movimentos direcionando a seleção dos equinos por aptidão. Objetivou-se identificar quais medidas lineares explicam a variância total disponível nas marchas batida e picada em cavalos jovens da raça Mangalarga Marchador. As análises foram realizadas pela avaliação de 20 medidas lineares de 420 equinos campeões de exposições, separados por sexo (macho-M e fêmeas-F), tipo de marcha (batida-MB e picada-MP) e oito grupos etários. Utilizou-se análise de componentes principais (ACP) para identificar quais características eram mais importantes na determinação da variância das marchas, selecionando aquelas contidas em CP, cuja soma de autovalores foi capaz de explicar o percentual mínimo de 80% da variação total. O número de CP variou de acordo com as faixas etárias, sendo de 2 a 3 em M e F-MP, de 3 a 4 para M-MB e até 5 para F-MB, o que sugere menor variação em animais de MP, e maior em F-MB. Não houve padrão na quantidade de CP por classe etária demonstrando variações independentes entre categorias. A maior variância geral foi explicada pelo comprimento de canela posterior e perna. A grande variância no comprimento desses segmentos, independentemente de sexo, idade, tipo de marcha e o fato dos mesmos não serem mensurados cotidianamente, sugere que não ocorre somente a ausência de padronização, mas também há compensação de tamanho entre eles, visto que se avaliou apenas animais campeões da raça.

Sexual Dimorphism for Coping Styles Complements Traditional Methods for Sex Determination in a Multivariety Endangered Hen Breed.

Sex determination is key to designing endangered poultry population conservation and breeding programs when sex distribution departs from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. A total of 112 Utrerana chickens (28 per variety, partridge, black, white, and franciscan) were selected for hatching day sexing. Sex assignation was performed through 10 methods. Three sex assignment criteria comprised criteria found in literature, opposite criteria to that in the literature, and composite criteria combining methods reporting the highest predictive success from the previous ones. This study aims to determine which method combinations may more successfully determine sex across the four varieties of Utrerana endangered hen breed to tailor noninvasive early specific models to determine sex in local chicken populations. Although the explanatory power of the three assignation criteria is equal (75%), assignation criteria 2 resulted to be the most efficient as it correctly assigns males more frequently. Only methods 3 (English method), 5 (general down feathers coloration), 7 (wing fan), and 10 (behavior/coping styles) reported significant differences regardless of the variety, hence, are appropriate for early sexing. Sex confirmation was performed at 1.5 months old. Identifying sex proportions enhances genetic management tasks in endangered populations, complementing more standardized techniques, which may result inefficient given the implicit diversity found in local populations.

Comparative analysis of the shape and size of the middle ear cavity of turtles reveals no correlation with habitat ecology.

The middle ear of turtles differs from other reptiles in being separated into two distinct compartments. Several ideas have been proposed as to why the middle ear is compartmentalized in turtles, most suggesting a relationship with underwater hearing. Extant turtle species span fully marine to strictly terrestrial habitats, and ecomorphological hypotheses of turtle hearing predict that this should correlate with variation in the structure of the middle ear due to differences in the fluid properties of water and air. We investigate the shape and size of the air-filled middle ear cavity of 56 extant turtles using 3D data and phylogenetic comparative analysis to test for correlations between habitat preferences and the shape and size of the middle ear cavity. Only weak correlations are found between middle ear cavity size and ecology, with aquatic taxa having proportionally smaller cavity volumes. The middle ear cavity of turtles exhibits high shape diversity among species, but we found no relationship between this shape variation and ecology. Surprisingly, the estimated acoustic transformer ratio, a key functional parameter of impedance-matching ears in vertebrates, also shows no relation to habitat preferences (aquatic/terrestrial) in turtles. We suggest that middle ear cavity shape may be controlled by factors unrelated to hearing, such as the spatial demands of surrounding cranial structures. A review of the fossil record suggests that the modern turtle ear evolved during the Early to Middle Jurassic in stem turtles broadly adapted to freshwater and terrestrial settings. This, combined with our finding that evolutionary transitions between habitats caused only weak evolutionary changes in middle ear structure, suggests that tympanic hearing in turtles evolved as a compromise between subaerial and underwater hearing.

Análisis morfométrico de la apófisis coracoides mediante tomografía computarizada en Chile / Morphometric coracoid process analysis by computed tomography in Chile

OBJETIVO: Determinar la morfometría de la apófisis coracoides (Cor) mediante tomografía computarizada de hombro (TC hombro) en población chilena. MÉTODO: 162 TC hombro (90 género femenino y 72 masculino), edad promedio 55,9 20,2 años, fueron analizadas mediante sistema computacional IMPAX. RESULTADOS: Largo total Cor promedio de 41,0 2,5 mm. Largo promedio del pilar superior de 20,5 2 mm. Altura media pilar superior de 9,2 1,2 mm. Ancho promedio pilar superior de 10,3 1,5 mm. Altura media de la base de 13,4 1,8 mm. CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestra población el pilar superior es más ancho que alto y el largo total de Cor es aproximadamente el doble del largo del pilar superior. Todas las dimensiones de Cor son mayores en el género masculino versus femenino. Al comparar la morfometría de Cor, nuestra población es similar a otros grupos étnicos según lo descrito en la literatura. Nivel de evidencia: III.

PURPOSE: Define the morphometric measurements of the coracoid process (Cor) in Chilean population through the analysis of shoulder computed tomography (shoulder CT) METHOD: 162 shoulder TC (90 females and 72 males), average age 55.9 20.2 years, were analyzed by IMPAX software. RESULTS: The mean total Cor length was of 41.0 2.5 mm. Average upper pillar length was 20.5 2 mm. The mean upper pillar height was 9.2 1.2 mm. The mean upper pillar width was 10.3 1.5 mm. Average base height was 13.4 1.8 mm. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, upper pillar is wider than high and the total Cor length is approximately twice than upper pillar length. All Cor dimensions are greater in males versus females. The Cor morphometric measurements in our population is similar to other ethnic groups as described in the literature. Level of evidence: III.

Classifying different Iberian pig genetic lines by applying chemical-instrumental parameters of dry-cured Iberian shoulders.

Iberian pigs are an autochthonous porcine breed mainly bred in southwestern of Iberian Peninsula, this herd traditionally feeds on acorn and pasture, in an extensive production system. In this study, the main objective was for classifying Iberian shoulders from different genetic lines of pigs and their crossed genetic lines. For that, morphology parameters, fatty acid profile and volatile compounds were determined on two batches of dry-cured Iberian shoulders. The samples were acquired from the same place of the dry-cured Iberian shoulders. From these data, two databases were created, for training and validation purpose. Results on this study, firstly demonstrate the capability of data mining techniques in order to classify shoulder as function as Iberian pig genetic lines by using of different quality characteristics. Four classification models were developed and tested in the training database and all models achieved a percentage of correct classification higher than 75%. Then, the same four classification models were performed in the validation database and the model of J48 decision tree and fatty acid profile reached the highest correct classification percentage (91.67%), and from Retinto genetic line (95.65%). From this classification model, a software application was developed in order to determine in a semi-automatic way the genetic line of the dry-cured Iberian shoulder. This application could be used in the meat industries for determining relationships between genetic line and meat quality or performance of noble parts.