New Insights into the Skull of Istiodactylus latidens (Ornithocheiroidea, Pterodactyloidea)

The skull of the Cretaceous pterosaur Istiodactylus latidens, a historically important species best known for its broad muzzle of interlocking, lancet-shaped teeth, is almost completely known from the broken remains of several individuals, but the length of its jaws remains elusive. Estimates of I. latidens jaw length have been exclusively based on the incomplete skull of NHMUK R3877 and, perhaps erroneously, reconstructed by assuming continuation of its broken skull pieces as preserved in situ. Here, an overlooked jaw fragment of NHMUK R3877 is redescribed and used to revise the skull reconstruction of I. latidens. The new reconstruction suggests a much shorter skull than previously supposed, along with a relatively tall orbital region and proportionally slender maxilla, a feature documented in the early 20th century but ignored by all skull reconstructions of this species. These features indicate that the skull of I. latidens is particularly distinctive amongst istiodactylids and suggests greater disparity between I. latidens and I. sinensis than previously appreciated. A cladistic analysis of istiodactylid pterosaurs incorporating new predicted I. latidens skull metrics suggests Istiodactylidae is constrained to five species (Liaoxipterus brachyognathus, Lonchengpterus zhoai, Nurhachius ignaciobritoi, Istiodactylus latidens and Istiodactylus sinensis) defined by their distinctive dentition, but excludes the putative istiodactylids Haopterus gracilis and Hongshanopterus lacustris. Istiodactylus latidens, I. sinensis and Li. brachyognathus form an unresolved clade of derived istiodactylids, and the similarity of comparable remains of I. sinensis and Li. brachyognathus suggest further work into their taxonomy and classification is required. The new skull model of I. latidens agrees with the scavenging habits proposed for these pterosaurs, with much of their cranial anatomy converging on that of habitually scavenging birds

Population-based reference values for the 1-min sit-to-stand test

OBJECTIVES: To determine reference values for the 1-min sit-to-stand (STS) test in an adult population. METHODS: Cross-sectional study nested within a nationwide health promotion campaign in Switzerland. Adults performed the STS test and completed questions on demographics and health behavior. RESULTS: 6,926 out of 7,753 (89.3 %) adults were able to complete the STS test. The median number of repetitions ranged from 50/min (25-75th percentile 41-57/min) in young men and 47/min (39-55/min) in young women aged 20-24 years to 30/min (25-37/min) in older men and 27/min (22-30/min) in older women aged 75-79 years. CONCLUSIONS: The reference values support the interpretation of 1-min STS test performance and identification of subjects with decreased lower body muscular strength and endurance

The role of reactive oxygen species in apoptosis of the diabetic kidney

Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by hyperglycemia can induce apoptosis of renal cells and diabetic nephropathy. The redox balance in the renal cell seems, therefore, of the utmost importance. ROS-mediated apoptosis may be further aggravated by an inadequate cytoprotective response against ROS. When there are insufficient cytoprotective and ROS scavenging molecules, ROS lead to considerable cellular damage and to a point of no return in apoptosis. Induction of cytoprotective proteins may prevent or attenuate apoptosis, renal cell injury, and finally diabetic nephropathy. Here, we discuss some mechanisms of apoptosis and several strategies that have been probed to ameliorate, or to prevent apoptosis in the diabetic kidney

Malaria vector species in Colombia: a review

Here we present a comprehensive review of the literature on the vectorial importance of the major Anopheles malaria vectors in Colombia. We provide basic information on the geographical distribution, altitudinal range, immature habitats, adult behaviour, feeding preferences and anthropophily, endophily and infectivity rates. We additionally review information on the life cycle, longevity and population fluctuation of Colombian Anopheles species. Emphasis was placed on the primary vectors that have been epidemiologically incriminated in malaria transmission: Anopheles darlingi, Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles nuneztovari. The role of a selection of local, regional or secondary vectors (e.g., Anopheles pseudopunctipennis and Anopheles neivai) is also discussed. We highlight the importance of combining biological, morphological and molecular data for the correct taxonomical determination of a given species, particularly for members of the species complexes. We likewise emphasise the importance of studying the bionomics of primary and secondary vectors along with an examination of the local conditions affecting the transmission of malaria. The presence and spread of the major vectors and the emergence of secondary species capable of transmitting human Plasmodia are of great interest. When selecting control measures, the anopheline diversity in the region must be considered. Variation in macroclimate conditions over a species' geographical range must be well understood and targeted to plan effective control measures based on the population dynamics of the local Anopheles species

Non-traumatic causes of perianal hemorrhage and excoriation in the young

© 2008 Springer. Part of Springer Science+Business MediaThe discovery at autopsy or at a death scene of fresh perianal hemorrhage and/or cutaneous excoriation in a young child is always of concern as this raises the possibility of inflicted injury. Three cases are reported where perianal bleeding and excoriation that were initially considered due to possible sexual assault were subsequently found to be of a non-suspicious nature. Case 1: A previously well 18-month-old boy was accidentally hanged. Fresh perianal hemorrhage that had raised the possibility of sexual assault was subsequently shown to be due to perineal streptococcal dermatitis. Case 2: A 2-year-old girl vomited and then stopped breathing. Fresh blood at the anus, that was also thought to be patulous, raised suspicions of sexual assault. At autopsy, however, bleeding around the normally configured anus was due to a midgut volvulus associated with intestinal malrotation. Case 3: A 21-month-old girl was found dead in her cot. Sexual abuse was suspected when lacerations were allegedly found around her anus. These were, however, due to skin lesions from her previously diagnosed ectodermal dysplasia clefting syndrome. Death was due to upper airway obstruction from acute and chronic inflammation. There was no evidence of anogenital trauma or sexual assault in any of the cases. Although inflicted traumatic causes of perianal hemorrhage and excoriation must be judiciously sought in the young, the current cases demonstrate that organic etiologies must also be considered. Perianal infections, congenital malformations of the mesentery and intestines, and inherited disorders of the skin may all produce findings that may initially suggest that sexual assault has occurred. Careful examination with appropriate photography and/or microbiological testing are required.Roger W. Byard, Terence G. Donald and Guy N. Rutt