Otolith Analyses Highlight Morpho-Functional Differences of Three Species of Mullet (Mugilidae) from Transitional Water

Otoliths are used in taxonomy and ichthyology as they can provide a wide range of information about specimens. They are an essential tool to monitor the most sensitive species for a sustainable exploitation level. Despite the increasing use of sagittae in research, their inter- and intra-specific variability and eco-functionality are still poorly explored. This paper aims to investigate the inter- and intra-specific variability of Mugilidae sagittae using morphological and morphometrical analysis, as well as scanning electron microscopy and shape analysis. The sagittae of 74 specimens belonging to three different Mugilidae species, collected from a coastal lagoon, were analyzed to give an accurate description of their morphology, morphometry, shape and crystalline habits. The results highlighted the intra- and inter-specific variability of sagittae, showing morphometrical differences among species and slight differences between left and right sagittae in C. labrosus individuals. Moreover, SEM images showed a peculiar crystal organization, with several different crystal habits and polymorphs. This study provides an accurate description of sagittae in the studied species, deepening the knowledge on inter- and intra-specific variations and crystal habits and providing data which will be useful for future studies on otoliths. With this data, it will be possible to improve conservation and exploitation sustainability in sensitive habitats.

Morphometrical Analysis of Dry Adult Human Hip Bones by Coxal Index

Background: The hip bone is one of the most useful skeletal elements in adult skeleton for sex determination. Hip bone may be used even when fragmentary for both medico legal and archaeological purposes. The aim of the present study is to measure few morphometric parameters of various hip bones and to assess these values both side wise and gender wise. Method: The present study was conducted in department of Anatomy, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore. 100 adult dry human hip bones were included in the study, of which 50 were male and 50 were female hip bones. 50 bones belonged to right side and 50 to left side. The morphometrical parameters measured were length, width and weight of the hip bones. Coxal index was also calculated. Result: Range, mean, median, standard deviation and standard error of mean were determined for each parameter. Conclusions were drawn after comparing the values with series of other workers. Conclusion: The values were slightly higher on the left side compared to the bones of the right side and also the values were more in male bones compared to female bones. The study would help the forensic experts and the anthropologists in specimen identification and sex determination from skeletal remains. It would also be valuable for the anatomists and the orthopedicians in their respective fields. Keywords: Hip bone, morphometry, coxal index, sexual dimorphism, hip bone weight.

Comparative Analysis of Runoff and Evaporation Assessment Methods to Evaluate Wetland–Groundwater Interaction in Mediterranean Evaporitic-Karst Aquatic Ecosystem

This work compares the applicability of several free-surface evaporation and runoff equations in simulating water level variations of small Mediterranean wetlands. The Amarga and Jarales wetland are two pilot sites with an evaporite-karst genesis located in southern Spain. The water level was continuously recorded in both wetlands, and exhaustive weather monitoring was performed. The combined datasets have permitted quantification of the surficial elements of their water budget (precipitation, runoff, and evaporation). Several campaigns of groundwater level measurements were also done to characterize the direction of groundwater flows. The morphometrical analysis of the Jarales wetland was accurately performed based on a LiDAR dataset. A total of 225 limnimetric simulations of the Jarales (90) and Amarga (135) wetlands were performed, combining different evaporation and runoff equations. During the study period, the curve number method, coupled with the Penman equation, reached the Jarales wetland’s best calibrations. The Vardavas–Fountoulakis modification of the Penman model fit better with the Amarga wetland record. The obtained results permit specification of the water budget of both wetlands during several years and confirm that the groundwater–surface water relationship affects the wetland hydric dynamic to different degrees. Nonetheless, the limnimetric models were calibrated for a short period, including dry years, making it necessary to extend the control period longer and validate the models under different hydroclimatic conditions. Finally, the differences between wetland functioning are explained in a conceptual hydrological model that can be useful for wetland conservation and management of related aquatic ecosystems. The understanding of the origin and fate of water in wetlands permits assessment of how future scenarios would affect hydric functioning and suggests adequate conservation measurements.

Terminalia arjuna supplementation ameliorates high fat diet-induced oxidative stress in nephrotoxic rats

Objectives Dietary high fat possibly causes oxidative stress; also it makes deleterious effect on kidney functions and land up in lipotoxicity in renal tissue. Lipotoxicity is the pathological situation where lipid Peroxidation occurs and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overproduction of ROS than antioxidant present in tissues cause oxidative stress. Terminalia arjuna is found to be potential antioxidant that counteract oxidative stress and possibly maintain glomerular integrity. Methods Ethanolic extract of T. arjuna (ETO) was prepared and phytochemical analysis was done. Rats were divided into four groups, having six rats in each group as following; group 1-Control (20% fat); group 2 (ETO 100 mg/kg/b.wt); group 3 (30% fat) and group 4 (30% fat + ETO 100 mg/kg/b.wt). Dietary and ETO supplementation were continued for 21 days. Gravimetric, kidney functions (blood urea and serum creatinine) and oxidative stress markers like MDA, SOD and GSH were evaluated. Histopathological analysis was done on kidney along with measurement of glomerular integrity. Morphometrical analysis of glomerular integrity was evaluated by measuring glomerular length, width, glomerular area and Bowman’s capsule radius. One way ANOVA was done for analysis of data. Results Blood urea and serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in high fat fed rats indicating renal dysfunction. High fat diet showed significant increase in MDA, decrease in SOD and GSH in rats fed with high fat diet, which indicate generation of oxidative stress. Supplementation of ETO showed amelioratic effect against high fat diet induced renal dysfunction and oxidative stress. Histopathological findings were significantly corroborated with morphometrical analysis of glomerular integrity. Conclusions Ethanolic extracts of T. arjuna supplementation found to be beneficial against high fat induced renal alterations in terms of functions and architecture.