scholarly journals Holistic description of new deep sea megafauna (Cephalopoda: Cirrata) using a minimally invasive approach

BMC Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Ziegler ◽  
Christina Sagorny

Abstract Background In zoology, species descriptions conventionally rely on invasive morphological techniques, frequently leading to damage of the specimens and thus only a partial understanding of their structural complexity. More recently, non-destructive imaging techniques have successfully been used to describe smaller fauna, but this approach has so far not been applied to identify or describe larger animal species. Here, we present a combination of entirely non-invasive as well as minimally invasive methods that permit taxonomic descriptions of large zoological specimens in a more comprehensive manner. Results Using the single available representative of an allegedly novel species of deep-sea cephalopod (Mollusca: Cephalopoda), digital photography, standardized external measurements, high-field magnetic resonance imaging, micro-computed tomography, and DNA barcoding were combined to gather all morphological and molecular characters relevant for a full species description. The results show that this specimen belongs to the cirrate octopod (Octopoda: Cirrata) genus Grimpoteuthis Robson, 1932. Based on the number of suckers, position of web nodules, cirrus length, presence of a radula, and various shell characters, the specimen is designated as the holotype of a new species of dumbo octopus, G. imperator sp. nov. The digital nature of the acquired data permits a seamless online deposition of raw as well as derived morphological and molecular datasets in publicly accessible repositories. Conclusions Using high-resolution, non-invasive imaging systems intended for the analysis of larger biological objects, all external as well as internal morphological character states relevant for the identification of a new megafaunal species were obtained. Potentially harmful effects on this unique deep-sea cephalopod specimen were avoided by scanning the fixed animal without admixture of a contrast agent. Additional support for the taxonomic placement of the new dumbo octopus species was obtained through DNA barcoding, further underlining the importance of combining morphological and molecular datasets for a holistic description of zoological specimens.

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 683
Author(s):  
Matilde Lombardero ◽  
Mario López-Lombardero ◽  
Diana Alonso-Peñarando ◽  
María del Mar Yllera

The cat mandible is relatively small, and its manipulation implies the use of fixing methods and different repair techniques according to its small size to keep its biomechanical functionality intact. Attempts to fix dislocations of the temporomandibular joint should be primarily performed by non-invasive techniques (repositioning the bones and immobilisation), although when this is not possible, a surgical method should be used. Regarding mandibular fractures, these are usually concurrent with other traumatic injuries that, if serious, should be treated first. A non-invasive approach should also first be considered to fix mandibular fractures. When this is impractical, internal rigid fixation methods, such as osteosynthesis plates, should be used. However, it should be taken into account that in the cat mandible, dental roots and the mandibular canal structures occupy most of the volume of the mandibular body, a fact that makes it challenging to apply a plate with fixed screw positions without invading dental roots or neurovascular structures. Therefore, we propose a new prosthesis design that will provide acceptable rigid biomechanical stabilisation, but avoid dental root and neurovascular damage, when fixing simple mandibular body fractures. Future trends will include the use of better diagnostic imaging techniques, a patient-specific prosthesis design and the use of more biocompatible materials to minimise the patient’s recovery period and suffering.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-Jeong Kim ◽  
Giovanni Davogustto ◽  
William G Stevenson ◽  
Roy M John ◽  
◽  
...  

Non-invasive ablation of cardiac tissue to control ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a novel therapeutic consideration in the management of ventricular arrhythmias associated with structural heart disease. The technique involves the use of stereotactic radiotherapy delivered to VT substrates. Although invasive mapping can be used to identify the target, the use of non-invasive ECG and imaging techniques combined with multi-electrode body-surface ECG recordings offers the potential of a completely non-invasive approach. Early case series have demonstrated a consistent decrease in VT burden and sufficient early safety to allow more detailed multicenter studies. Such studies are currently in progress to further evaluate this promising technology.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 638-644
Author(s):  
Akriti Batra ◽  
Vabitha Shetty

Dental caries is not merely a continuous and one-way process of demineralisation of the mineral phase, but repeated episodes of demineralisations and remineralisation. The remineralisation process is a natural repair mechanism to restore the minerals again, in ionic forms, to the hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystal lattice. It occurs under nearneutral physiological pH conditions whereby calcium and phosphate mineral ions are redeposited within the caries lesion from saliva and plaque fluid resulting in the formation of newer HAP crystals, which are larger and more resistant to acid dissolution. An insight into the caries process’s multifactorial aetiopathogenesis has resulted in a paradigm shift towards minimally invasive dentistry. This era of personalised care using the medical model for caries management assimilates the signs of examining, diagnosing, intercepting, and managing dental caries at a microscopic level. Fluoride mediated salivary remineralisation system is considered the cornerstone of non-invasive approach for managing non-cavitated carious lesions. However, the effect of fluoride was found to be limited to the outer surface of the tooth, and it was observed that fluoride does not influence the modifiable factors in dental caries such as the biofilm. Hence, fluoride does not reduce the cariogenic challenge especially for high-risk individuals. Due to this gap in the conventional fluoride therapies, non-fluoridated remineralising systems have emerged, which interact with the tooth by delivering calcium and phosphorous ions, modifying the biofilm and neutralising the organic acids. This review re-examines the philosophy behind non-fluoridated remineralisation, their mode of action, availability in the market and evidence-based studies of the most promising advancements in remineralisation approaches. KEY WORDS Caries, Minimally Invasive Dentistry, Remineralisation, Non-Fluoridated Remineralising Systems


Author(s):  
Barbara Cisterna ◽  
Federico Boschi ◽  
Anna Cleta Croce ◽  
Rachele Podda ◽  
Serena Zanzoni ◽  
...  

Optical Imaging (OI) is an emerging field developed in recent years which can be a very versatile, fast and non-invasive approach for the acquisition of images of  small (few centimetres) sized samples, such as layers of cells (in vitro), small animals (in vivo), animal organs (ex vivo) and innovative materials. OI was primarily developed for biomedical applications to study the progression of some pathologies and to assess the efficacy of new pharmaceutical compounds. Here we applied the OI technique to a completely new field: the study of food optical properties. In this case we exploited the optical properties of endogenous molecules, which are generally considered responsible of a background noise affecting the investigation. Here we used this sort of “noise”, named autofluorescence, to obtain information on the drying of Corvinone grapes employed for Amarone wine production. OI can provide interesting information and, inserted in a multimodal approach, it may be a real support to other techniques in the description of a biological phenomenon.


2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Dominguez-Escrig ◽  
K. Sahadevan ◽  
P. Johnson

Advances in imaging techniques (CT and MRI) and widespread use of imaging especially ultrasound scanning have resulted in a dramatic increase in the detection of small renal masses. While open partial nephrectomy is still the reference standard for the management of these small renal masses, its associated morbidity has encouraged clinicians to exploit the advancements in minimally invasive ablative techniques. The last decade has seen the rapid development of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and novel ablative techniques such as, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and cryoablation (CA). In particular, CA for small renal masses has gained popularity as it combines nephron-sparing surgery with a minimally invasive approach. Studies with up to 5-year followup have shown an overall and cancer-specific 5-year survival of 82% and 100%, respectively. This manuscript will focus on the principles and clinical applications of cryoablation of small renal masses, with detailed review of relevant literature.


2018 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 6005-2018
Author(s):  
MAŁGORZATA GRELA ◽  
PIOTR LISTOS ◽  
MAGDALENA GRYZIŃSKA ◽  
WOJCIECH CHAGOWSKI ◽  
GRZEGORZ BUSZEWICZ ◽  
...  

An autopsy or necropsy can be performed only once; therefore, its proper execution is of fundamental importance in explaining the cause of death. The protocol with photographic documentation is an integral part of the autopsy, but sometimes it does not fully reflect the state of the body and the pathological changes observed at each stage of the procedure. These shortcomings are addressed by modern imaging techniques, which are increasingly used during the autopsy of human bodies, but quite rarely during necropsy of animals. Non-invasive techniques (CT, MRI, or photogrammetry with laser body scanning), or in some cases also minimally invasive techniques (biopsy), enable comprehensive analysis of the carcass, but Virtopsy is only a supplement to the classical autopsy, especially in veterinary forensic medicine..


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karel M Van Praet ◽  
Markus Kofler ◽  
Timo Z Nazari Shafti ◽  
Alaa Abd El Al ◽  
Antonia van Kampen ◽  
...  

Minimally invasive coronary revascularisation was originally developed in the mid 1990s as minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting is a less invasive approach compared to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to address targets in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Since then, MIDCAB has evolved with the adoption of a robotic platform and the possibility to perform multivessel bypass procedures. Minimally invasive coronary revascularisation surgery also allows for a combination between the benefits of CABG and percutaneous coronary interventions for non-LAD lesions – a hybrid approach. Hybrid coronary revascularisation results in fewer blood transfusions, shorter hospital stay, decreased ventilation times and patients return to work sooner when compared to conventional CABG. This article reviews the available literature, describes standard approaches and considers topics, such as limited access procedures, indications and patient selection, diagnostics and imaging, techniques, anastomotic devices, hybrid coronary revascularisation and outcome analysis.


Zoosymposia ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALEXANDER ZIEGLER

Tomographic imaging techniques such as micro-computed tomography (μCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) permit the gathering of digital anatomical data from whole animal specimens non-invasively. The resulting datasets can be used for direct observation of the two-dimensional tomographic image data as well as for manual and semi-automated three-dimensional modelling. Freshly fixed specimens as well as preserved museum material can be successfully ana­lyzed using this approach, giving the zoomorphologist a powerful tool for large-scale comparative studies. In order to demonstrate the principle suitability of non-invasive imaging in echinoderm research, μCT scans of 199 and MRI scans of 92 sea urchin (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) species were acquired, resulting in a total of 203 analyzed echinoid species. The taxa selected represent 50 of the currently recognized 60 extant sea urchin families. The present article lists all spe­cies that have been analyzed so far and provides information about the scanning parameters employed for each dataset. Furthermore, the workflow established to generate three-dimensional models of sea urchins is outlined. Using a number of examples from μCT as well as MRI scans performed on echinoids, the potential of the systematic approach described here is highlighted. Finally, the suitability of non-invasive imaging techniques for the study of other echinoderm taxa is assessed based on multimodal datasets of representative species.


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