Prevalence and Magnitude of Olfactory Dysfunction in Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Although allergic rhinitis (AR) can negatively impact the ability to smell, the degree to which this occurs is not clear and prevalence estimates vary among studies. This study had 4 main objectives: (1) To estimate the prevalence and the degree of olfactory dysfunction in AR patients; (2) To compare olfactory perception between AR patients with different persistence and severity of symptoms and determine if olfactory testing may aid in differentiating among Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) groups; (3) To determine whether allergic reactions to different allergens differentially impact olfactory function, and (4) Verify possible changes in the olfactory epithelium (OE) caused by AR. METHODS: One hundred thirty-three patients with AR and one hundred controls were tested. The main outcome was the score in University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT®). The OE was examined using immunofluorescence markers for neuronal activity, apoptosis, oxidative stress, signal transduction, eosinophils, and epithelial thickness. RESULTS: Prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in the AR patients was higher (AR: 42.9% vs controls: 9%, P < .001). No difference was found either between intermittent and persistent disease cases (P = .58) or between cases with mild and those with moderate/severe symptomatology (P = .33). Lower olfactory capacity was not associated with the reaction to more (P = .48) or diverse types of allergens (Ps > .05). Although not significant, patients with AR had a greater amount of eosinophilia and a lower amount of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) in the OE. CONCLUSION: The study highlights a higher prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in AR patients compared to controls, but olfactory testing may not effectively differentiate AR severity or allergen sensitivities. Although trends suggest potential pathophysiological changes in the OE of AR patients, further research is needed to validate these findings.

The skull of Liolaemus huayra compared to other species of Liolaemus and Phymaturus (Squamata, Liolaemidae).

Despite the extensive study of various aspects of the genus Liolaemus, there remains a scarcity of information regarding the osteology of species. In the last two decades, over 100 species have been described within the genus, but still less than 10% of the Liolaemus species includes any osteological data. In this study, we provide a description of the skull of Liolaemus huayra, a taxon closely related to the L. dorbignyi clade (a subset of the L. montanus group). The species was originally described in 2008 based on a few specimens from the Sierra de Quilmes, Tucumán. By obtaining new specimens from a nearby locality (La Ovejería, Catamarca), we were able to prepare the skulls of two males and two females specimens. Despite the limited sample size, we observed intra-specific variability in characters such as postorbital and nasal shape, as well as mandibular curvature. We also document some inter-specific differences based on the scarce osteological information available from other species within the genus. This description constitutes a significant contribution to the osteology of the Liolaemidae clade. We emphasize the importance of detailed descriptions that provide morphological characters suitable for inclusion in comprehensive phylogenetic analyses.

Unwrapping broken tails: Biological and environmental correlates of predation pressure in limbless reptiles.

Studying species interactions in nature often requires elaborated logistics and intense fieldwork. The difficulties in such task might hinder our ability to answer questions on how biotic interactions change with the environment. Fortunately, a workaround to this problem lies within scientific collections. For some animals, the inspection of preserved specimens can reveal the scars of past antagonistic encounters, such as predation attempts. A common defensive behaviour that leaves scars on animals is autotomy, the loss of a body appendage to escape predation. By knowing the collection site of preserved specimens, it is possible to assess the influence of organismal biology and the surrounding environment in the occurrence of autotomy. We gathered data on tail loss for 8189 preserved specimens of 33 snake and 11 amphisbaenian species to investigate biological and environmental correlates of autotomy in reptiles. We applied generalized linear mixed effect models to evaluate whether body size, sex, life-stage, habitat use, activity pattern, biome, tropicality, temperature and precipitation affect the probability of tail loss in limbless reptiles. We observed autotomy in 23.6% of examined specimens, with 18.7% of amphisbaenian and 33.4% of snake specimens showing tail loss. The probability of tail loss did not differ between snakes and amphisbaenians, but it was higher among large-sized specimens, particularly in adults and females. Chance of tail loss was higher for diurnal and arboreal species, and among specimens collected in warmer regions, but it was unaffected by biome, precipitation, and tropicality. Autotomy in limbless reptiles was affected by size-dependent factors that interplay with ontogeny and sexual dimorphism, although size-independent effects of life-stage and sex also shaped behavioural responses to predators. The increase in probability of tail loss with verticality and diurnality suggests a risk-balance mechanism between species habitat use and activity pattern. Although autotomy is more likely in warmer regions, it seems unrelated to seasonal differences in snakes and amphisbaenians activity. Our findings reveal several processes related to predator-prey interactions involving limbless reptiles, demonstrating the importance of scientific collections to unveil ecological mechanisms at different spatio-temporal scales.

Lipoenxertia autóloga: uma boa opção para tratamento de deformidade facial após traumatismo craniano / Autologous fat transplantation: a good option for treatment to facial deformity after head trauma

Corrigir deformidades na face ainda é um grande desafio para o cirurgião dermatológico. As opções terapêuticas podem variar conforme a etiologia, a localização, os custos e a experiência do médico-assistente. Apesar de alguns trabalhos demonstrarem controvérsias quanto aos resultados do uso de lipoenxertia autóloga (LA) para tratamento de depressões na face, relatamos um caso com bom resultado estético, após duas sessões de LA, em paciente masculino com afundamento facial após traumatismo craniano

Correcting facial deformities is still a significant challenge for the dermatological surgeon. The therapeutic options may vary depending on the etiology, location, costs, and attending physician's experiences of the. Although some studies have shown controversies regarding the results of using autologous fat transplantation (AFT) to treat facial depression, we report a case with good aesthetic results after two sessions of AFT in a male patient with a depressed facial fracture after head trauma.

Evaluation of ocular involvement in patients with Hansen's disease.

Hansen's disease (HD) belongs to the group of neglected diseases and can cause physical deformities and disabilities, in addition to leading to social discrimination. Ocular involvement in HD is estimated at 70-75% worldwide. About 10-50% suffer from severe ocular symptoms and loss of vision occurs in approximately 5% of cases. Ocular changes may persist or worsen even after patients are considered cured and it is necessary to better understand these conditions in order to determine the need for additional public policies. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of ocular involvement in patients with HD at two specialist referral centers for treatment of the disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted with ophthalmological evaluations of patients with HD from June 2017 to June 2018. Diagnostic ocular findings, corrected visual acuity, and refractive error were described. Findings were correlated with patients' clinical and epidemiological variables. A total of 86 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 50.1 years, predominantly males (59.3%), and with multibacillary HD (92%). The prevalence of ophthalmologic changes was 100% and the most common were dysfunction of the Meibomian glands (89.5%) and dry eye syndrome (81.4%). Cataracts were observed in 22 patients (25.6%), but best corrected visual acuity was normal or near normal in 84 patients (97.7%) and there were no cases of bilateral blindness. Patients with some degree of physical disability had more ophthalmological alterations, involving both the ocular adnexa (p = 0.03) and the ocular globe (p = 0.04). Ocular involvement is common in patients with Hansen's disease, reinforcing the importance of ophthalmologic examination in the evaluation and follow-up of these patients.

You Can't Run, but You Can Hide: The Skeleton of the Sand-Swimmer Lizard Calyptommatus leiolepis (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae).

Squamates exhibit a vast diversity of body plans, which directly determines habitat use and preference. Here the skeleton of the sand-swimmer burrower gymnophthalmid, Calyptommatus leiolepis, is analyzed to investigate how its peculiar fossorial locomotion affects its osteology. Calyptommatus leiolepis is a limb-reduced, short-intermediate tailed lizard. Although there are other studies on its general anatomy, we performed a detailed description of its skeleton. Using high-resolution computer tomography, each bone element within the skeleton was digitally segmented and a detailed description rendered. Anatomical features related to burrowing include the head having a shovel-like snout with a well-developed horizontal soft tissue ridge, nasal cartilages that exclude sand from the nostrils, reduced eyes covered by a brille, lack of forelimbs, extreme reduction of hind limbs, and imbricated scales among others. The genus Calyptommatus has unique features such as a triradiate jugal (with digit-like posterior projections), a reduced pectoral girdle and forelimbs, parasternal processes that interconnect the ribs, and a single digit in the hind limbs. When comparing this species with other gymnophthalmid lizards including, fossorial species, it is clear that Calyptommatus exhibits the highest number of structural modifications within the family. Despite its specialized morphology, it still retains characters that link this genus to other members of Gymnophthalmidae when included in a phylogeny based solely on phenotypic data. Anat Rec, 303:1305-1326, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Los Juegos Serios, su aplicación en la Seguridad y Salud de los Trabajadores / Serious Games, their Application in the Health and Safety of Workers

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Seguridad Industrial es una de las áreas multidisciplinarias que más herramientas, técnicas y modelos poseen para intervenir las actuaciones o comportamientos humanos ante el riesgo y para ello de forma estratégica utiliza como fundamento la capacitación, el entrenamiento y aprendizaje permanente de las experiencias vividas. Uno de los aspectos esenciales para mejorar la efectividad de estas acciones es la introducción de tecnología virtual e inmersiva, como un recurso que permite mejorar la rapidez, ubicación y creación de escenarios complejos en los cuales se simulen situaciones muy peligrosas. Dentro de este contexto los juegos serios (SG) han ido ocupando importantes espacios en los procesos asociados con la inducción, la capacitación y el entrenamiento en Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo. OBJETIVO: Revelar la amplia y versátil aplicación que vienen obteniendo los juegos serios en los diversos campos y enfoques que configuran el alcance de la Seguridad y Salud en el trabajo, resaltando sus beneficios y potencialidades. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Revisión descriptiva y narrativa de la información que ha sido publicada a través de textos, revistas y congresos, sobre juegos serios entre los años 2005 y 2018, discriminado por los siguientes enfoques o campos del conocimiento: Seguridad y salud en el trabajo, juegos serios, multimedia, simulación y computación. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIÓN: La aplicación de juegos serios se erige como una forma novedosa y efectiva para transformar y reemplazar de manera progresiva la formación tradicional de cumplir los procesos de inducción y entrenamiento, siendo de gran interés para industrias con procesos peligrosos, en especial del sector de la construcción y la industria química

INTRODUCTION: Industrial Safety is one of the multidisciplinary areas that have the most tools, techniques and models to intervene in actions or human behaviors against risk, using for this purpose strategically training and permanent learning as a basis for life experiences. One of the most essential aspects to improve the effectiveness of these actions is the introduction of virtual and immersive technology, allowing a speed increase, location and creation of complex scenarios in which very dangerous situations are simulated. Within this context, Serious Games (SG) have occupied important spaces in those processes associated with induction, training and coaching in Health and Safety at Work. AIM: To reveal the wide and versatile application that Serious Games are being obtained in different fields and approaches that make up the scope of Health and Safety at Work highlighting their benefits and potentialities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive and narrative review of the information published in texts, journals and conferences between 2005 and 2018 has been carried out on the following topics: Safety at Work, serious games, multimedia, simulation and computing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The application of Serious Games in the processes of induction and training stands as a novel and effective way to transform and gradually replace the traditional training, being of great interest for industries with dangerous processes, especially of the construction sector and the chemical industry. Although it is necessary to improve the effectiveness evaluation on a large-scale application understanding the application process with all the resources that must compromise the trainings, a large part of the Serious Games applied to Occupational Health and Safety have already been developed between the years 2005-2017

How common are cranial sesamoids among squamates?

Sesamoids are elements that originate as intratendinous structures due to genetic and epigenetic factors. These elements have been reported frequently in vertebrates, although cranial sesamoids have been recorded almost exclusively in non-tetrapod Osteichthyes. The only tetrapod cranial sesamoids reported until now have been the transiliens cartilage (of crocodiles and turtles), and another one located in the quadrate-mandibular joint of birds. Here, we examined seven squamate species using histological sections, dissections of preserved specimens, dry skeletons, cleared and stained specimens, computed tomographies (CT), and report the presence of other cranial sesamoids. One is attached to the cephalic condyle of the quadrate, embedded in the bodenaponeurosis and jaw adductor muscles of Ophiodes intermedius (Anguidae). The other sesamoid is found at the base of the basicranium of several squamates, capping the sphenoccipital tubercle, on the lateral side of the basioccipital-basisphenoid suture. This bone has previously been reported as "element X." We reinterpret it as a basicranial sesamoid, as it is associated with tendons of the cranio-cervical muscles. This bone seems to have the function of resisting tension-compression forces generated by the muscle during flexion the head. This element was previously known in several squamates, and we confirmed its presence in three additional squamate families: Gymnophthalmidae, Gekkonidae, and Pygopodidae. The evidence suggests that cranial sesamoids are a widespread character in squamates, and it is possible that this feature has been present since the origin of the group.

The Skull of Phyllomedusa sauvagii (Anura, Hylidae).

The hylid genus Phyllomedusa comprises charismatic frogs commonly known as monkey, leaf or green frogs, and is the most diverse genus of the subfamily Phyllomedusinae, including about 31 species. Although there is some information about the anatomy of these frogs, little is known about the osteology. Here the adult skull of Phyllomedusa sauvagii, both articulated and disarticulated, is described and the intraspecific variation is reported. Additionally, cartilage associated with the adult skull, such as the nasal capsules, auditory apparatus, and hyobranchial apparatus, are included in the analysis. Further examination of disarticulated bones reveals their remarkable complexity, specifically in the sphenethmoid and of the oocipital region. The description of disarticulated bones is useful for the identification of fossil remains as well as providing morphological characteristics that are phylogenetically informative. When comparing the skull morphology with the available information of other species of the genus, Phyllomesusa sauvagii skull resembles more that of P. vaillantii and P. venusta than P. atelopoides.

A method for non-experts in assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders--ERIN.

A practical method for non-experts in assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is presented. Evaluación del Riesgo Individual (Individual Risk Assessment) (ERIN) is based on available ergonomic tools, epidemiological evidence and the joint IEA-WHO project for developing WMSDs risk management in developing countries. ERIN focuses primarily on the interaction of some physical workplace factors but also includes the workers' assessment. A scoring system has been proposed to indicate the level of intervention required to reduce the risk of injury. A worksheet has also been designed for increasing the usability of the method. Preliminary tests show that it is easy and quick to use, but further work is needed to establish its reliability and validity. The use of ERIN can contribute to the prevention of WMSDs in Cuba and other developing countries.

Sistema Integrado de Gestión de Calidad, Seguridad y Ambiental en un centro biotecnológico / Integrate system of quality management, safety and environment in a biotechnology center

La compatibilidad de las normas internacionales de gestión de calidad, seguridad y ambiental marcó la tendencia a la integración de los sistemas. En el año 2008 la Vicepresidencia de Calidad del Instituto Finlay se trazó como objetivo el diseño e implementación de un sistema integrado de gestión (SIG). Se analizaron las normas de gestión, aplicaciones prácticas internacionales y documentos regulatorios y recomendativos para la industria farmacéutica. Se utilizó el método de expertos y las técnicas de trabajo en grupo para la toma de decisiones durante el diseño e implementación del sistema. Como resultado del trabajo se obtuvo, entre otros: la política integrada, los documentos que soportan el SIG, un comité de revisión, el tratamiento de no conformidades de auditorías integradas con enfoque CAPA y la revisión periódica de la eficacia del sistema por la Dirección. Se analizaron sus riesgos, se evaluaron las causas asociadas a los indicadores críticos y se establecieron prioridades para su atención inmediata a través de planes de acción para mejorar. Se definió y dotó a la Dirección de la institución de una herramienta que le permitió gerenciar a través de indicadores cuantitativos las actividades operacionales desde la óptica de la calidad, el cuidado al trabajador y al medio ambiente e integrar esfuerzos y voluntades de cada parte del sistema hacia un objetivo común y lograr un aumento de la excelencia en el trabajo, para una mayor calidad y eficiencia(AU)

The integration of management systems has been marked by compatibility between international standards on quality, occupational health and safety, and environmental management. In 2008, the Vice-Presidency of Quality from Finlay Institute adopted as an objective to achieve the design and implementation of an Integrated Management System (IMS). Management standards, practical applications in other countries and regulatory documents for the pharmaceutical industry were analyzed. The method of experts and team work was used to make decisions during the system design and implementation phases. Some results were: the Integrated Policy, support documents to the IMS, a Review Committee, treatment of non-conformities resulting from integrated audits using CAPA´s approach, and finally the periodical review of the system's performance and efficacy by the Direction. The risks of the system were analysed, the causes associated to critical indicators were evaluated and the priorities for immediate attention through action plans for the continuous improvement were defined. The system provides tools to the Direction to manage operational activities through quantitative indicators performance under the view of quality, worker care and environment preservation, to integrate efforts and commitment towards a common objective: To achieve work excellence for a greater quality and efficiency(AU)

[Evaluation of meniscal morphology and relation between the diagnostic findings of magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy in lesions of the knee]. / Evaluación de la morfología meniscal y relación entre los hallazgos diagnósticos de las imágenes de la resonancia magnética y de la artroscopia en lesiones de la rodilla.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in the diagnosis of meniscal lesions of the knee. The purpose of this study was to relate the findings of MRI and arthroscopy and to evaluate the morphology of the menisci with tears. 39 patients of both genders were included, whose age range was 13 to 74 years old (mean: 42.6 years), with and without a history of trauma, who underwent MRI and arthroscopy of the knee, due to symptoms of articular lesion. The images of magnetic resonances were analyzed independently by two specialists prior to the arthroscopy. The measurements of the medial and lateral menisci were made in each meniscal horn with sagital images in protonic density and fat-suppression. MRI detected 8 cases of tear of the lateral meniscus of the 11 catalogued by arthroscopy, and 11 cases of tears of the medial meniscus of the 13 catalogued by arthroscopy. The sensibility and specificity of MRI for the lateral meniscal tears were 72% and 100%, and for the medial tears were 85% and 89%. The meniscal tears were localized mainly in the posterior horn. The dimensions of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus were larger in disrupted menisci (height, 7.1 +/- 1.3 mm vs. 6.1 +/- 0.7 mm, p < .05; wide, 10.2 +/- 1.6 mm vs. 8.8 +/- 1.3 mm, p < 0.05). A meniscal tear produces morphological changes, particularly in the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Magnetic resonance constitutes the imaging technique of choice for the diagnosis of the meniscal tears.

Evaluación de la morfología meniscaly relación entre los hallazgos diagnósticos de las imágenes de la resonancia magnética y de la artroscopia en lesiones de la rodilla / Evaluation of meniscal morphology and relation between the diagnostic findings of magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy in lesions of the knee

Las imágenes de resonancia magnética (IRM) son de utilidad en el diagnóstico de lesiones meniscales de la rodilla. El objetivo fue relacionar los hallazgos de las IRM y de la artroscopia, y valorar la morfología de los meniscos con rupturas. En el estudio se incluyeron 39 pacientes, de ambos sexos, cuyo rango de edad fue de 13 a 74 años (media: 42,6 años), con y sin antecedentes de trauma, a quienes se le indicó estudio de IRM y artroscopia de la rodilla, debido a clínica de lesión articular. Las IRM fueron analizadas por dos especialistas de manera independiente antes de la artroscopia. Las mediciones de los meniscos medial y lateral se realizaron en cada cuerno meniscal en las imágenes sagitales, en densidad protónica y en supresión grasa. Las IRM detectaron 8 casos de ruptura del menisco lateral de los 11 catalogados por artroscopia y 11 casos de ruptura del medial de los 13 precisados artroscópicamente. La sensibilidad y especificidad de las IRM para las rupturas meniscales laterales fueron 72% y 100%, y para las mediales, 85% y 89%. Las rupturas meniscales afectaron mayormente al cuerno posterior. Las dimensiones del cuerno posterior del menisco lateral fueron mayores en meniscos rotos (altura, 7,1 ± 1,3 mm vs 6,1 ± 0,7 mm, p < 0,05; ancho, 10, 2 ± 1,6 mm vs 8,8 ± 1,3 mm, p < 0,05). La ruptura meniscal condiciona cambios morfológicos particularmente en el cuerno posterior del menisco lateral. La resonancia magnética constituye la técnica de imágenes de elección para el diagnóstico de las lesiones meniscales.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in the diagnosis of meniscal lesions of the knee. The purpose of this study was to relate the findings of MRI and arthroscopy and to evaluate the morphology of the menisci with tears. 39 patients of both genders were included, whose age range was 13 to 74 years old (mean: 42.6 years), with and without a history of trauma, who underwent MRI and arthroscopy of the knee, due to symptoms of articular lesion. The images of magnetic resonances were analyzed independently by two specialists prior to the arthroscopy. The measurements of the medial and lateral menisci were made in each meniscal horn with sagital images in protonic density and fat-suppression. MRI detected 8 cases of tear of the lateral meniscus of the 11 catalogued by arthroscopy, and 11 cases of tears of the medial meniscus of the 13 catalogued by arthroscopy. The sensibility and specificity of MRI for the lateral meniscal tears were 72% and 100%, and for the medial tears were 85% and 89%. The meniscal tears were localized mainly in the posterior horn. The dimensions of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus were larger in disrupted menisci (height, 7.1±1.3 mm vs. 6.1 ± 0.7 mm, p <.05; wide, 10.2 ± 1.6 mm vs. 8.8 ± 1.3 mm, p < 0.05). A meniscal tear produces morphological changes, particularly in the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Magnetic resonance constitutes the imaging technique of choice for the diagnosis of the meniscal tears.

Relación entre la inclinación troclear femoral lateral y la condromalacia patelar evaluada con imágenes de resonancia magnética y artroscopia / Relationship between the inclination and lateral femoral trochlear chondromalacia patella evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy

La condromalacia patelar está asociada a inestabilidad rotuliana. La inclinación troclear femoral lateral se ha vinculado a inestabilidad patelar, pero no se conoce su asociación con la condromalacia patelar. Se incluyeron 39 pacientes, ambos sexos, edades de 13-74 años, a quienes se realizó resonancia magnética y artroscopia de la rodilla. La sensibilidad y especificidad de la resonancia magnética para la condromalacia patelar fue 84 por ciento y 71,4 por ciento. El grado leve de condromalacia patelar afectó más a hombres y pacientes más jóvenes, mientras que los grados moderado y severo afectaron más al sexo femenino y pacientes de más edad. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los valores de inclinación troclear femoral lateral de los pacientes con y sin condromalacia patelar. Sin embargo, en la condromalacia patelar severa la inclinación troclear femoral lateral fue menor, particularmente en comparación a los casos moderados (17,6º vs. 21,8º, P=0,06). La inclinación troclear femoral lateral y la inestabilidad patelar podrían estar asociadas a condromalacia patelar severa, pudiendo condicionar progresión de la enfermedad

The patellar chondromalacia is associated to rotulian instability. The lateral femoral troclear inclination is linked to patellar inestabily; however, there are not studies about linking it to patellar chondromalacia. 39 patients of both genders were included; age range between 13-74 years, who underwent magnetic resonance and arthroscopy of the knee. The sensitivity and specificity of the magnetic resonance for patellar chondromalacia were 84 percent and 71.4 percent. Mild cases were more frequents in men and younger subjects. Moderate and severe grades were more frequents in the femenine gender and affect older patients. There were not significant differences between the values of lateral femoral troclear inclination of the patients with and without chondromalacia patellar. However, the lateral femoral troclear inclination was lower in the severe patellar chondromalacia, particularly in comparison to moderate cases (17.6º vs. 21.8º, P=0.06). The lateral femoral troclear inclination and patellar instability could be associated to severe patellar chondromalacia; They may be according the progression of the disease

Embryonic development of the skeleton of Amphisbaena darwini heterozonata (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae).

An assemblage of amphisbaenian embryos has allowed us to characterize the external morphology of the developing embryos as well as the chondrification and ossification sequences of their skeletal elements. The external characterization of embryos serves as an incomplete developmental table. In contrast to the condition in other squamates, the premaxilla seems to arise azygously from the beginning or to represent very early fusion during embryogenesis. The tabulosphenoid forms from two cartilages to which are added extensive membranous ossifications. The two parietals engage in medial fusion at the midline, where the anterior process of the synotic tectum ossifies and forms the sagittal crest. The lateral element-X does not ossify until very late in embryogenesis and is interpreted as an epiphysial ossification. The compound mandibular bone arises from the ossification of the posterior part of Meckel's cartilage and the fusion of at least two dermal centers, interpreted as surangular and splenial. The vertebral column shows an antero-posterior gradient of vertebral differentiation. The number of vertebrae is fixed from the beginning of their differentiation. The remnants of pectoral and pelvic girdles are represented by cartilaginous rods. Some reproductive data obtained during the collection of data could be compared with those from the literature. J. Morphol. 239:1-25, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.