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This paper presents a novel bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm termed the Fossa Optimization Algorithm (FOA), which emulates the natural hunting behavior of the fossa in its habitat. FOA draws its core inspiration from the two-stage hunting technique of the fossa, involving an initial attack on a spotted lemur followed by a pursuit through the trees. The theoretical framework of FOA is elaborated, and its implementation is mathematically modeled in two distinct phases: (i) exploration, which simulates the fossa's positional adjustments during the initial attack on the lemur, and (ii) exploitation, which models the positional changes of the fossa during the chase. The efficacy of FOA is tested against twenty-two constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite, as well as four engineering design challenges. The optimization results demonstrate FOA's strong capabilities in both exploration and exploitation, maintaining a balance that facilitates convergence to optimal solutions. FOA's performance is benchmarked against twelve established algorithms, showing that it consistently outperforms its competitors by delivering superior results and ranking as the top optimizer in most of the evaluated functions. These findings indicate that FOA is highly effective in addressing optimization tasks in real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terms fossa and fovea are found in Terminologia Anatomica, however, there is no clear difference between both terms. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the coherence between the lexical, morphological and etymological relationship of the term's fossa and fovea with their use in Terminologia Anatomica. The terms fossa and fovea were consulted in Terminologia Anatomica (Federative International Programme for Anatomical Terminology, 2019) and in International Anatomical Terminology (Federative Committee on Anatomical Terminology, 2001). Subsequently, a search for both terms was carried out in Latin-Spanish and English-Latin dictionaries. Finally, the terms fossa and fovea were consulted in the Diccionario de la Real Academia Española and in the Diccionario panhispánico de términos médicos de la Real Academia Nacional de Medicina de España to know the definitions in the medical area. The search reported that the term "fossa" comes from the Latin fossa, which means "excavation, ditch, ditch; hole, hole." For its part, "fovea" comes from the Latin fovea, which means "small hole." Therefore, the difference between fossa and fovea is determined by their size according to their definitions. However, in Terminologia Anatomica, structures have been described with the diminutive of fossa and fovea, which makes the differentiation of the terms according to their size more complex. Furthermore, the lack of unification in the nomenclature between fossa, fovea and their diminutives generates great confusion and inconsistencies in the translations from Latin to English and Spanish in Terminologia Anatomica that reduce the precision of the nomenclature. Therefore, we propose the unification of the terms fossa and fovea based on the size of the anatomical depression and clarify their translation into English and Spanish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We diagnosed Mycobacterium tuberculosis in captive lemurs and a fossa in Antananarivo, Madagascar. We noted clinical signs in the animals and found characteristic lesions during necropsy. The source of infection remains unknown. Our results illustrate the potential for reverse zoonotic infections and intraspecies transmission of tuberculosis in captive wildlife.

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الملخص: تظهر معظم أمراض البلعوم السفلية على شكل اورام أو نمو من أصول خلوية مختلفة. هذه الأورام قد تشمل المشيمية، الدموية، المتضخمة، والأورام غير الضارة أو الخطيرة. يعتبر الورم الدموي تشوه بؤري حميد في الأنسجة مكان نشأتها. تفتقر عادة الى سمات مميزة محددة وغالبا ما يتم تصنيفها على انها اورام دون النظر في خصائصها المرضية او سلوكها البيولوجي. هنا، نناقش حالة رجل يبلغ من العمر ٥٦- عاما والذي تعرض لعسر بلع تدريجي لمدة أربعة أشهر مع توقف النفس اثناء النوم وتغير في الصوت. لم يكن هناك ورم واضح في الرقبة أو تضخم غير طبيعي في العقد اللمفاوية. شوهد كيس متجانس على الجانب- الأيسر مثل -الكتلة بواسطة منظار الحنجرة في الحفرة الكمثرية. كانت الحبال الصوتية ظاهرة ومتحركة. أظهر التصوير المقطعي المحوسب- المحسن انسدادا في الجيب الكمثري على الجانب الأيسر من خلال تعزيز ضعيف لورم الأنسجة الرخوة غير المتجانسة. نشأ الورم من الطية الليفية اليسرى وتم استئصاله عن طريق تنظير الحنجرة- المجهري. أدى تحليل الأنسجة الى تشخيص الورم الدموي الشحمي Abstract: Most hypopharyngeal disease presentations involve tumours or growths of various cellular origin. These lesions may include choristomas, hamartomas, hyperplasia, and harmless or dangerous neoplasms. A hamartoma is a benign focal malformation of tissue at the site of origin that lacks specific distinguishing features and is often designated as a neoplasm without consideration of pathology or biological behaviour. Here, we discuss the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with gradual dysphagia for 4 months along with sleep apnoea and voice changes. No palpable neck masses or abnormal lymphadenopathy was found. A left-sided homogeneous cyst-like mass was seen in the piriform fossa on laryngoscopy. The vocal cords were visualized and mobile. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan showed the obliteration of the piriform sinus on the left side by a faintly enhanced heterogeneous soft tissue lesion. The lesion originated from the left aryepiglottic fold, and was approached via micro-laryngoscopy and excised. Histopathological analysis led to a diagnosis of lipomatous hamartoma.

The Posterior fossa is the commonest site of primary intracranial tumors in children, for the last two decades the over-all survival and 5-years progression-free survival of children with posterior fossa tumors (PFT) like Medulloblastoma& Ependymomas has been doubled due to the improvement in the diagnostic tools and the advances in the surgical techniques approaching total or near total resection. The aim of the study is to find the relation of histopathology and the extent of excision with mortality and survival. A total of twenty eight cases with Histologically (26 cases) and two cases radiologically (CT-scan and MRI) confirmed pediatric posterior fossa tumors treated in Erbil Teaching Hospital between ,Jan.2013 and Dec.2015 were included in the study As a result the twenty-eight pediatric patients were included in the study, mean age was (8 years),16 boys and 12 girls, mean follow-up period was 14 months,11 cases had Medulloblastoma (39%), 5 cases had Ependymoma (18%), 9 cases had Astrocytoma(32%) , 2 cases had Brainstem mass (7%) and one case had Choroid plexus papilloma (4%).Tumor resection was performed in 26 patients, Twenty cases had total resection (77%), and six Pts .had subtotal resection (23%), two cases without surgery During the follow-up period out of the 20 cases that had total resection nineteen are still alive(95%) and only one died (5%),six cases that had Subtotal resection; four of them are dead (67%) and only two cases are still alive(33%). Two cases that had no surgery both of them are dead (100%).Eleven cases of Medulloblastoma 8 of them had gross total resection and three of them had subtotal resection, 9 of them still alive (82%) and two are dead (18%). Nine Pts of Astrocytoma, 8 of them had total resection and one subtotal; eight of them are still .(alive (89%) and only one died (11% Five pts with Ependymoma, three had total resection and two had subtotal resection, three are still alive (60%) and two dead (40%). Two cases of Brainstem mass not operated and both are dead, One case of Choroid papilloma totally resected & still alive. In conclusion treatment of posterior fossa tumors in children with surgery yields long survival rates, children with gross total resection or a near total resection had better outcome. Histopathology subtypes of the tumors were associated with a favorable outcome for Astrocytoma which has less mortality and better survival rate than others

Copyright of Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Myxopapillary ependymomas are a variant of ependymoma located almost exclusively in the conus medullaris-cauda equina-filum terminale region of the spinal cord. Intracranial myxopapillary ependymomas are rare, occurring either through cerebrospinal fluid seeding from the spinal cord or as primary intracranial myxopapillary ependymoma. We present a case of a large myxopapillary ependymoma in the cerebellum of a 33-year-old male, in whom the tumor was found incidentally after presentation following trauma; however, he did endorse a history of migraines and nausea/vomiting. The tumor was stereotactically resected with gross total resection. This may represent possibly the largest intracranial primary myxopapillary ependymoma. Of note, the World Health Organization 2021 classification re-classified myxopapillary ependymoma grading from grade 1 in 2016 classification to grade 2 in 2021 classification, in light of frequent recurrences, and follow-up with surveillance is recommended.

Abstract In tropical Africa, wild meat consumption by rural communities who live in or near protected areas can be a major challenge in the conservation of threatened species. Lemurs and the fossa are among the species consumed in Makira Natural Park, Madagascar. Because of their low reproductive rates and the high human population density, these species are known to be hunted unsustainably. We estimated the prevalence of lemur and fossa meat consumption in villages within and around Makira Natural Park using an indirect questioning method, the unmatched count technique (UCT), and compared it with results from direct questioning. The UCT revealed that 53.0% of households had eaten lemur meat over the previous year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.0–64.1%) and 24.2% had eaten fossa meat (95% CI: 14.2–34.2%). The percentage of households that ate lemur meat estimated through the UCT was more than 3.3 times higher than that obtained from direct questioning, and 12 times higher for fossa. Our estimates will be used to define the scale needed for a behavior change campaign to be conducted in the study area and will serve as a baseline to assess the impact of conservation activities aimed at reducing the consumption of lemurs and fossas.

In tropical Africa, wild meat consumption by rural communities who live in or near protected areas can be a major challenge in the conservation of threatened species. Lemurs and the fossa are among the species consumed in Makira Natural Park, Madagascar. Because of their low reproductive rates and the high human population density, these species are known to be hunted unsustainably. We estimated the prevalence of lemur and fossa meat consumption in villages within and around Makira Natural Park using an indirect questioning method, the unmatched count technique (UCT), and compared it with results from direct questioning. The UCT revealed that 53.0% of households had eaten lemur meat over the previous year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.0–64.1%) and 24.2% had eaten fossa meat (95% CI: 14.2–34.2%). The percentage of households that ate lemur meat estimated through the UCT was more than 3.3 times higher than that obtained from direct questioning, and 12 times higher for fossa. Our estimates will be used to define the scale needed for a behavior change campaign to be conducted in the study area and will serve as a baseline to assess the impact of conservation activities aimed at reducing the consumption of lemurs and fossas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to systematize neurosurgeons' practical knowledge of venous sacrifice as applied to the posterior fossa region and to analyze the collected data to present and preserve relevant experience and expert knowledge for current and future practicing neurosurgeons. The venous structures assessed were the superior petrosal vein (SPV), sigmoid sinus (SS), and the tentorial veins (TV). The survey is constructed to obtain surgeons' idea of assessed risk when sacrificing specific venous structures during posterior fossa surgery. They were asked how they prep for surgery, number of operations conducted, and their basis of knowledge. Collected data were mainly qualitative and analyzed with a mixed-method approach. A mean absolute deviation was calculated measuring rate of disagreement for a given substructure. Consensus existed among the participating surgeons that sacrificing the SPV and the TV was considered safe. Although, the risk of death when occluding major structures like the main trunk of the SPV, one of the SS' and or a total occlusion of all TV yielded high risk of death. The risk of infarction was often too apparent to discredit even with low risk of death among an experienced class of surgeons. Our findings provide an overview of surgical risk associated with venous sacrifice. This will minimize cases where indispensable practical knowledge on safe handling veins in the cerebellopontine angle is either to be lost or taught among few when the neurosurgeons retire. This will lower the disagreement regarding risks and increase the quality of surgical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical experience in pineal surgery is largely confined to a few experienced surgeons and may be lost when they stop their practice. The objective of this study is to systematically preserve and analyze valuable practical knowledge of pineal region surgical venous anatomy. A survey was constructed to obtain experienced surgeons' perception of estimated risks and individual experience following occlusion of veins during pineal surgery. Data were qualitative and analyzed with a mixed methods approach. Of the 126 invited neurosurgeons, 40 submitted completed questionnaires. General agreement existed of which veins were associated with high and low risks following occlusion. The risk of death was estimated to be high with sacrifice of the vein of Galen (83%), both internal cerebral veins (69%) and the basal veins (58%). The risk of death was estimated to be lower with the sacrifice of both superior vermian veins (13%) and one internal occipital vein (10%). Importantly, a sub-group of experienced surgeons reported substantial risk of death and consequences with the sacrifice of cerebellar bridging veins (8–13%). Our findings provide a coherent picture of surgical risk with venous sacrifice, which can inform the surgical community of systematically gathered views from aggregated surgeries of a very large cohort of patients. Extensive presurgical radiological workup and anatomical studies seemed to correlate more cautious risk estimations. Our findings increase available knowledge of risks of venous complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossas (Cryptoprocta ferox) are the top, endemic predators of Madagascar. Their populations are dwindling and are reported as "Vulnerable" by IUCN. In an effort to combat this, zoological facilities have placed the species on a captive breeding program. This study focuses on concerns one of those zoos had about their captive C. ferox. The purpose of this study was to collect activity budgets on the C. ferox to determine if there is a change in behavior due to construction occurring around the C. ferox's habitat, analyze behavior changes during estrus, determine any behavior changes, as well as addressing other concerns staff members of the zoo had. Some of those concerns included how often stereotypic behaviors were displayed and how much time C. ferox spent observing the male C. ferox next to her habitat. All visible behaviors were recorded and analyzed by finding frequencies of the observed behaviors, while comparing those to time periods where there was a presence or absence of construction and estrus. This study's findings showed that the subject did display behavior changes during estrus and did not display any major behavior changes in response to a presence of construction occurring. Since all activity budgets were collected, this study analyzed other factors including usage of enrichment and stereotypic behaviors. This study showcases the variety of behaviors a female C. ferox may exhibit in ex-situ conditions while also providing proposals to discourage unwanted behaviors and enhance animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazilian academic production could use more deep works on the history and education of mathematics. Facetas do Diamante - Facets of the Diamond -, which is mainly written in Portuguese and published by the Brazilian Society for the History of Mathematics - SBHMat -, comes into our hands as a satisfactory and competent attempt to better the situation. Before getting on with the review, however, it is by no means unimportant to understand how a book with such a title is related to mathematics. The fact is that its title - Facets of the Diamond - is related to the idea according to which mathematics is said to be so austere and imperious that it can be compared with a diamond. Keeping this analogy in mind, it is said that, just like a diamond, mathematics has many facets. In order to approach some of them, as it is said in the introduction, it would be necessary to think of mathematics as a cultural product of society or, in a narrower sense, as a technique mankind uses to produce culture. It is also important to note that the scope of the book is not that wide because to consider mathematics in all its aspects would be too pretentious a project to be undertaken in a single work. The book, thus, concerns only three facets: 1) Mathematics Education (p. 09-106), 2) History of Mathematics (p. 107-202) and 3) The Relations between Mathematics Education and History of Mathematics (p. 203-271).

In recent years, new archaeological research has been carried out in the mauretanian city and in the roman military camp of Tamuda (northern Morocco), under the EAT project(Economy and Crafts at Tamuda). This paper presents a synthesis of the main previous results (recovery of the dossiers of the old excavations of Montalbán, Quintero and Tarradell, and new inscriptions associated with the so calledEastern Balneum); and mainly the unpublished results of the last interventions. Especially the finding of a violent and widespread destruction of the Oriental Quarter (“Barrio Oriental”) of Tamuda, dated in the first half of the Ist century BC, documented stratigraphically in two buildings with well-preserved material contexts. This tabula rasa of the site could be associated with the presence of Sertorius in the North African region, and with the episodes linked to the succession of the Mauritanian monarchs; and the first data on the possible fossa (perimetral defense ditch) of the Roman military camp, abandoned in the 5th century CE, which is one of the few documented ones in the castella and castra of Mauretania Tingitana.

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens houses two fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), a male and a female. C. ferox is an endangered species of Malagasy mongoose from the island of Madagascar. In October of 2018, an amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) was moved across from the male and female C. ferox. This study was used to identify if the presence of P. p. orientalis would affect the stereotypic pacing behavior of the female C. ferox. Staff were also curious about the impact of daily-renewed enrichment on the frequency of pacing in the female. Our analysis showed the P. p. orientalis did not have a significant impact on pacing or behavior in the female C. ferox. The exchange of enrichment every day did not result in a significant difference in the frequency of pacing. Several solutions were presented to the staff to relieve the amount of pacing and to ensure successful breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western Madagascar's deciduous forest is an important, threatened habitat to little‐known Eupleridae, such as the fosa Cryptoprocta ferox. Using camera‐trap grids established in two important deciduous forests, Ankarafantsika National Park and Andranomena Special Reserve, we explore the activity patterns of endemic and exotic carnivores and evaluate how exotics may be influencing fosa temporal activity across these two protected areas. Three methodologies, kernel density, circular and wave analysis, were used to evaluate the activity pattern overlap between exotic free‐ranging cats Felis sp. and dogs Canis familiaris, exotic small Indian civets Viverricula indica and the endemic fosa. Our results showed fosas to be cathemeral, peaking in activity in the evening and at dawn. Cats were nocturnal, whilst also highly active at dusk. Civets did not display a dominant period of activity, but were relatively more active in the night, and at dusk. In contrast, dogs were diurnal and also active at dawn, in alignment with human activity. Fosa activity significantly overlapped with the nocturnal cat and civet, whilst being distinct from the diurnal dog and humans. Our results suggest that there is potentially a competitive impact of exotic free‐ranging dogs and cats when present across fosas' dry forest habitat. This highlights the need for further examination into the impact of Madagascar's exotic carnivores, and the experimental trial to investigate the impact of their removal (or reduced abundance), on Madagascar's wildlife. This study used camera traps and three methodologies, kernel density, wave and circular analysis to study the activity patterns of exotic carnivores and the endemic fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox) in western Madagascar's deciduous forests. The results demonstrated fosas to be cathemeral, significantly overlapping in temporal activity with the predominately nocturnal cat (Felis sp.) and civet (Viverricula indica), whilst being distinct from the diurnal dog (Canis familiaris). The potential competitive impact of exotic free‐ranging carnivores on fosa in western Madagascar is discussed, and the experimental trial of their removal from forests explored as a potential solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess postoperative rhinological complaints, length of hospital stay and complications related to endoscopic, endonasal trans-sphenoidal procedures. Patients and methods: From May 2001 through May 2007, a retrospective analysis was conducted on a series of 39 patients that underwent endonasal surgery and 9 patients that had craniotomy removal of pituitary tumors. Questionnaires were filled out at both 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery, most of which were completed in the outpatient department if the patient was discharged. Nasal packing lasted for 72 h in 29 patients, but not in the last 10 patients. Results: Of the 12 patients with preoperative headache, 50% had complete resolution, 33% had partial resolution and 17% reported no change. The frequency of rhinological complaints declined between the two questionnaires (p

Copyright of Revista Competitividade e Sustentabilidade - ComSus is the property of Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Parana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which differs anatomically and biochemically from hyaline cartilage-covered joints, is an under-recognized joint in arthritic disease, even though TMJ damage can have deleterious effects on physical appearance, pain and function. Here, we analyzed the effect of IL-1β, a cytokine highly expressed in arthritic joints, on TMJ fibrocartilage-derived cells, and we investigated the modulatory effect of mechanical loading on IL-1β-induced expression of catabolic enzymes. TMJ cartilage degradation was analyzed in 8−11-week-old mice deficient for IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA−/−) and wild-type controls. Cells were isolated from the juvenile porcine condyle, fossa, and disc, grown in agarose gels, and subjected to IL-1β (0.1−10 ng/mL) for 6 or 24 h. Expression of catabolic enzymes (ADAMTS and MMPs) was quantified by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Porcine condylar cells were stimulated with IL-1β for 12 h with IL-1β, followed by 8 h of 6% dynamic mechanical (tensile) strain, and gene expression of MMPs was quantified. Early signs of condylar cartilage damage were apparent in IL-1RA−/− mice. In porcine cells, IL-1β strongly increased expression of the aggrecanases ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 by fibrochondrocytes from the fossa (13-fold and 7-fold) and enhanced the number of MMP-13 protein-expressing condylar cells (8-fold). Mechanical loading significantly lowered (3-fold) IL-1β-induced MMP-13 gene expression by condylar fibrochondrocytes. IL-1β induces TMJ condylar cartilage damage, possibly by enhancing MMP-13 production. Mechanical loading reduces IL-1β-induced MMP-13 gene expression, suggesting that mechanical stimuli may prevent cartilage damage of the TMJ in arthritic patients.

The knee is likely to get hurt due to its excessive weight-bearing, for which it is surrounded by strongly tensioned ligaments, connectives and muscles. These highly active structures are imbedded in fatty tissue. The Fatty and loose connective tissue of the knee recently gained a renaissance in research. While the Hoffa fat body in the ventral knee attracted attention over the last years, we have investigated a smaller, dorsal fat body, ventral to the popliteus muscle. This fat body has not been described before. 11 knees of 11 fresh specimens were investigated. All muscles but the popliteus muscle were removed. The popliteus was released from its tibial origin and dissected towards its tendinous insertion. Thereby, a subpopliteal fat body (SFB) was shown. The related vessels and nerves were evaluated. The size of the body was measured. Examples of histological slices were stained with HE and immunostained against neurofilament. The SFB lies ventral of the popliteus muscle at the concave posterior tibia and attaches to the periosteum and the popliteus muscle. It is not attached to the posterior cruciate ligament. It is separated from the subpopliteal recess by a lamella deriving from the fibular head. Arterial and venous vessels are seen entering the SFB, deriving from the popliteal artery or the anterior tibial artery. A subbranch of the tibial nerve was seen to reach the SFB. The SFB could be identified in MRI scans and in plastinations. Primarily, the SFB provides a gliding space for the mobile part of the popliteus muscle over the tibia. The SFB lies within the tibial concavity, ventral to the popliteus muscle. This is exactly where embryologically, the popliteal artery passes through, before its involution in later stages. Therefore, the SFB may show the former perivascular autonomic nerves which encompass the embryologically created arteries, from which we have seen the arterial remnants. The nerves seen here form neurovascular bundles which could be a source of pain, when compressed. This anatomy may explain the autonomic component of pain in the deep lateral region of the knee. The SFB is functional fat, comparable to the Hoffa's fat pad in the ventral knee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of wild meat for subsistence or as a luxury good is debated. We investigated the role of wild meat in food security in Madagascar, where consumption is poorly understood in urban areas and at regional scales. Using semi-structured interviews (n = 1339 heads-of-households, 21 towns), we aimed to: (1) quantify the amount and purpose of, (2) understand the drivers of, and (3) examine changes in wild meat consumption. Few respondents preferred wild meat (8 ± 3%) but most had eaten it at least once in their lifetime (78 ± 7%). Consumption occurred across ethnic groups, in urban and rural settings. More food insecure areas reported higher rates of wild meat consumption in the 6–8 months prior to interviews. Consumption was best explained by individual preferences and taboos. Less than 1% of respondents had increased consumption during their lifetimes. Wild meat prices showed no change from 2005–2013. Most consumption involved wild pigs and smaller-sized animals, though they were consumed less in the years following the 2009 coup. These data illustrate the differences between urban and rural communities, the occasions in which wild meat is used a source of food security, and provide evidence that some taxa are not hunted sustainably in Madagascar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Posterior fossa anomalies are the group of heterogeneous malformations which are relatively common but still unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the presence of concurrent anomaly in fetuses diagnosed with posterior fossa anomaly, and the methods of pregnancy termination. Methods: A total of 56 cases matching the criteria and established with the posterior fossa anomaly during prenatal period were determined by ultrasonography or fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) where possible. Medical histories, presence of concurrent anomalies, confirmation of diagnoses postnatally, results of fetal MRI if any, results of cases which were terminated and had autopsy, and genetic evaluations were recorded. The anomalies (posterior fossa anomaly and additional concurrent anomalies) found in the autopsy in cases, which were terminated, were compared with the anomalies detected during prenatal diagnosis. Results: Of 56 cases with posterior fossa anomaly detected by prenatal ultrasonography, 29 cases had Dandy-Walker malformation (51.7%), 19 cases had mega cisterna magna (33.9%), and 8 cases had hypogenesis/hypoplasia (14.2%). Termination option was preferred by 11 patients. Mean diagnosis week of patients who had termination was 22.0±4.36 weeks of gestation, mean diagnosis week of patients who delivered was 31.0±4.73 weeks. Twenty-one (37.5%) patients refused karyotype analysis. The results of karyotype analysis of 31 (55.3%) patients were normal. 46XY,ins(12;2) was found in one fetus, L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) gene mutation was found in one fetus, and trisomy 18 was found in one fetus. Conclusion: In cases with posterior fossa anomaly, karyotype analysis and the presence of additional concurrent anomaly are the elements that should be included in the patient follow-up. Fetal MRI, beginning to draw attention today, is a method useful in posterior fossa evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Cerebellar stroke causes major morbidity in the aging population. Guidelines from the American Stroke Association recommend emergent decompression in patients who have brainstem compression, hydrocephalus, or clinical deterioration. The objective of this study was to determine 30-day and 1-year mortality rates in patients >60 years old undergoing emergent posterior fossa decompression. Methods Surgical records identified all patients >60 years old who underwent emergent posterior fossa decompression. Mortality rates were calculated at 30 days and 1 year postoperatively, and these rates were compared with patient and procedure characteristics. Results During 2000–2014, 34 emergent posterior fossa decompressions were performed in patients >60 years old. Mortality rates at 30 days were 0%, 33%, and 25% for age deciles 60–69 years, 70–79 years, and ≥80 years. Increasing age (alive at 30 days 75.2 years ± 1.7 vs. deceased 81.1 years ± 1.7, P = 0.01) and smaller craniectomy dimensions were associated with 30-day mortality. Mortality rates at 1 year were 0%, 50%, and 67% for age deciles 60–69 years, 70–79 years, and ≥80 years. Increasing age was significantly associated with mortality at 1 year (alive at 1 year 72.3 years ± 2.0 vs. deceased 81.1 years ± 1.2, P < 0.01). Type of pathology, side of pathology, volume of bleed/infarct, and placement of an external ventricular drain were not associated with mortality. Age was independent of admission Glasgow Coma Scale score as a predictor of mortality at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year postoperatively. Conclusions Increasing age and smaller craniectomy size were significantly associated with mortality in patients undergoing emergent posterior fossa decompression. Among patients ≥80 years old, one-quarter were dead within 1 month of the operation, and more than two-thirds were dead within 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To conduct a literature review to assess the effectiveness of first trimester ultrasonographic markers of spina bifida (SB) integrating data with our prospective experience. Methods: The analysis of the SB cases that we prospectively detected in the first trimester, between January 2012 and February 2014, and a systematic review of all the papers evaluating the effectiveness of SB ultrasonographic markers at 11-14 weeks, namely brain stem diameter (BS), fourth ventricle/intracranial translucency (IT), cisterna magna (CM), brain stem/occipital bone distance (BSOB), the ratio between BS and BSOB. Some studies assess only the effectiveness of IT, others include more parameters, and few include them all. Results: We prospectively detected four SB cases, three open (OSB) and one closed (CSB), in a low risk population undergoing first trimester screening. In the three OSB, CM (in 2/3 cases) and BSOB (3/3) distance were below the 5th percentile, BS and BS/BSOB ratio (3/3) were above the 95th percentile. In the CSB, all the measurements were within normal limits. Conclusion: The literature and our data agree that most fetuses with OSB demonstrate in the first trimester positive sonographic markers in the posterior fossa, but additional prospective studies are needed to establish the best protocol for OSB screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor muscle (RCPm) is one of the deepest and shorter muscles of the posterior region of the neck. RCPm arises from the posterior tubercle on the posterior arch of atlas and inserts on the squamous part of the occipital bone, inferior to the inferior nuchal line and lateral to the external occipital crest at midline. Based on their anatomical location, and their functional role, is considered to be a head extender muscle and an active element in the stabilization of the occipitoatlantal joint. During routine examination of the skulls, in the Morphology Laboratory of the Basic Biomedical Sciences Department, University of Talca, Chile, two unusual fossas were found in the squamous part of occipital bone, of an adult human skull of masculine sex. No other significant bony anomaly was noted, but it is observed that the elevations and depressions are well marked in the skull. The anatomical location of this fossa suggests a relationship with the RCPm muscle that is described in the same location of this finding. Therefore, it is postulated that prolonged improper posture from an early age, could generate a mechanical compression which would result in the finding fossas; this based on Wolff's law, which states that the bone tissue adapts to the mechanical demands placed on him. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Madagascar's Eupleridae carnivores are perhaps the least studied and most threatened family of Carnivora. Investigating potential direct and indirect competition among these native species and sympatric exotic carnivores is necessary to better direct conservation actions. From 2008 to 2013, we photographically surveyed a diverse rainforest landscape, comparing six native and three exotic carnivores' activity patterns throughout the diel cycle. We used hierarchical Bayesian Poisson analysis to describe the activity patterns of Madagascar's carnivore community, assessed effects of season and site on temporal activity patterns, and estimated coefficients of overlap between carnivore pairings to assess effects of body size and ecological niche on temporal overlap among native and exotic carnivores. We observed changes in temporal activity patterns across seasons particularly during the austral summer (hot-dry season) for four native and two exotic carnivores, including evidence of fossa Cryptoprocta ferox altering their temporal activity during their mating season (hot-dry season). We found evidence of high overlap between natives and exotics indicating the potential for increased interactions and competition. The greatest overlap in temporal activity occurred between both ring-tail Galidia elegans and brown-tail vontsira Salanoia concolor and exotic dogs Canis familiaris. Cr. ferox, falanouc Eupleres goudotii and spotted fanaloka Fossa fossana also overlapped in activity with the nocturnal, exotic Indian civet Viverricula indica. Cr. ferox avoided humans and Ca. familiaris across all seasons. Unexpectedly, carnivore body size and ecological niche were not important predictors of temporal overlap. Previous research has shown these native and exotic carnivores overlap spatially and these new findings of temporal overlap among native and exotic carnivores add urgency to the need to manage exotic carnivores across Madagascar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the stress patterns in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during mandibular protraction at different horizontal advancements with constant vertical height in a construction bite using a three-dimensional finite element method. Materials and Methods: A three-dimensional computer-aided model was developed from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a growing boy (age 12 years) using MIMICS software (version 7.0, Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Stresses with constant vertical opening of 5 mm changing the sagittal advancements from 0 mm to 5 mm and 7.5 mm were recorded. Differences in magnitude and pattern of stresses were compared. Results: The tensile stresses in the posterosuperior aspect of the condylar head and on the posterior aspect of the glenoid fossa migrated posteriorly with increased bite advancements. The location of tensile stresses changed in the condylar head and fossa on mandibular protraction of 5 mm to 7 mm. Conclusion: This study indicates that larger horizontal advancements of construction bites may not be favorable for tissues of TMJ. Clinical application necessitates study on an animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predator-primate interactions are understudied, yet predators have been shown to influence primate behavior, population dynamics, and spatial distribution. An understanding of these interactions is important for the successful management and conservation of these species. Novel approaches are needed to understand better the spatial relationships between predators and primates across changing landscapes. We combined photographic surveys of predators and humans with line-transect sampling of lemurs across contiguous and fragmented forests in Madagascar to 1) compare relative activity; 2) estimate probability of occupancy and detection; 3) estimate predator-primate and local people-primate co-occurrence; and 4) assess variables influencing these parameters across contiguous and fragmented forests. In fragmented (compared to contiguous) forest sites endemic predator and lemur activity were lower whereas introduced predator and local people activity were higher. Our two-species interaction occupancy models revealed a higher number of interactions among species across contiguous forest where predator and lemur occupancy were highest. Mouse lemurs show evidence of 'avoidance' (SIF < 1.0) with all predator species (endemic and introduced) in contiguous forest whereas white-fronted brown lemurs show 'attraction' (SIF > 1.0) with feral cats and local people in contiguous forest. Feral cats demonstrated the highest number of interactions with lemurs, despite their distribution being limited to only contiguous forest. Distance to forest edge and distance to nearby villages were important in predicting predator occupancy and detection. These results highlight the growing threat to endemic predators and lemurs as habitat loss and fragmentation increase throughout Madagascar. We demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel combination of techniques to investigate how predator species impact primate species across a gradient of forest fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Within the fossa of the submaxillary gland (FSG), there is a portion superior to the mandibular canal (SMCP) that can affect implant placement. Our study evaluated this specific portion's prevalence and its average dimensional difference between the first and the second molar regions in a dental implant population. Materials and Methods: From 112 patients' mandibular cone beam computerized tomography scans, the SMCPs of the FSG's horizontal and vertical dimensions in the first and second molar positions on both sides were digitally measured. Results: The SMCP of the FSG is larger in the second molar region than in the first molar region in >90% of cases. Average differences were 2.3 mm horizontally and 2.7 mm vertically. Gender difference and intraindividual's left/right variation were both clinically less significant in magnitude than the difference between the molar regions. Taking the 2-mm safety margin above the mandibular canal into consideration, the SMCP of the FSG remained high in prevalence. Conclusions: The SMCP of the FSG may complicate implant placement more in the second molar region than in the first. Implant planning in the posterior mandibular molar regions should include a SMCP of the FSG evaluation using computer tomography especially in the second molar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest carnivores are threatened globally by logging and forest fragmentation yet we know relatively little about how such change affects predator populations. This is especially true in Madagascar, where carnivores have not been extensively studied. To understand better the effects of logging and fragmentation on Malagasy carnivores we evaluated species composition, density of fossa Cryptoprocta ferox and Malagasy civet Fossa fossana, and carnivore occupancy in central-eastern Madagascar. We photographically-sampled carnivores in two contiguous (primary and selectively-logged) and two fragmented rainforests (fragments <2.5 and >15 km from intact forest). Species composition varied, with more native carnivores in the contiguous than fragmented rainforests. F. fossana was absent from fragmented rainforests and at a lower density in selectively-logged than in primary rainforest (mean 1.38±SE 0.22 and 3.19±SE 0.55 individuals km−2, respectively). C. ferox was detected in fragments <2.5 km from forest and had similar densities in primary and selectively-logged forests (0.12±SE 0.05 and 0.09±SE 0.04 adults km−2, respectively) but was absent in fragments >15 km from forest. We identified only two protected areas in Madagascar that may maintain >300 adult C. ferox. Occupancy of broad-striped mongoose Galidictis fasciata was positively related to fragment size whereas occupancy of ring-tailed mongoose Galidia elegans elegans was negatively associated with increasing exotic wild cat (Felis spp.) activity at a camera site. Degraded rainforest fragments are difficult environments for Malagasy carnivores to occupy; there is a need to prioritize the reconnection and maintenance of contiguous forest tracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Primary brain tumors are the most common solid neoplasms of childhood, representing 20% of all pediatric tumors. The best current estimates place the incidence between 2.76 and 4.28/100,000 children per year. Compared with brain tumors in adults, a much higher percentage of pediatric brain tumors arise in the posterior fossa. Infratentorial tumors comprise as many as two thirds of all pediatric brain tumors in some large series. Tumor types that most often occur in the posterior fossa include medulloblastoma, ependymoma, cerebellar astrocytoma and brainstem glioma. Materials & Methods All pediatric cases of posterior fossa tumor that were considered for surgery from 1981 to 2011 were selected and the demographic data including age, gender and tumor characteristics along with the location and pathological diagnosis were recorded. The surgical outcomes were assessed according to pathological diagnosis. Results Our series consisted of 84 patients (52 males, 32 females). Cerebellar symptoms were the most common cause of presentation (80.9%) followed by headache (73.8%) and vomiting (38.1%). The most common histology was medulloblastoma (42.8%) followed by cerebellar astrocytoma (28.6%), ependymoma (14.3%), brainstem glioma (7.2%) and miscellaneous pathologies (e.g., dermoid, and tuberculoma) (7.2%). Conclusion The diagnosis of brain tumors in the general pediatric population remains challenging. Most symptomatic children require several visits to a physician before the correct diagnosis is made. These patients are often misdiagnosed for gastrointestinal disorders. Greater understanding of the clinical presentation of these tumors and judicious use of modern neuroimaging techniques should lead to more efficacious therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although primates have remarkable olfactory capabilities, their ability for olfactory predator recognition is still understudied. We investigated this cognitive ability in wild gray and golden-brown mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis) that were confronted with four different olfactory stimuli, derived from two Malagasy predators (fossa and barn owl) and two local nonpredator species (brown lemur and sifaka). The predator response was tested (1) in a systematic cage setup and (2) in a two-way choice experiment with two Sherman traps on platforms in the forest (stimulus trap vs. nonstimulus trap). For part 1, the study animals were housed in cages during habituation and 5 days of experiments. One stimulus was tested per night and was presented underneath a drinking bottle. The changes in the time spent close to the stimulus and the drinking time at the bottle were used as indicators of predator recognition. A timidity score was established by classifying the strength of the antipredator response during the experiment. The study animals spent significantly less time drinking and less time in the stimulus area when confronted with fossa odor compared with the other stimuli. The timidity score was significantly higher during the fossa stimulus compared with the nonpredator and the control stimuli. The two-way choice experiments revealed a complete avoidance of the fossa odor, which was not found with the other stimuli. Thus, wild mouse lemurs showed clear signs of olfactory predator recognition in the case of the fossa in both experiments, but no signs of avoidance to the other presented stimuli. The lack of owl avoidance may be explained by less or no aversive metabolites in the owl stimulus or by lower significance for olfactory recognition of aerial predators. Furthermore, the results showed slight differences between the two mouse lemur species that may be linked to differences in their ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venice lagoon formed part of a network of inland waterways used for navigation in the northern Adriatic, an almost continuous system of lakes, river-mouths and canals, at least partly pre-Roman in origin. The fossae which cross the present lagoon are the continuation of a complex system of natural watercourses and artificial canals between Ravenna and Aquileia. Two Roman buildings discovered on the present San Felice canal could be interpreted as providing navigational assistance at points linking the sea and inland routes. © 2009 The Authors [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical excision of the maxilla either as a primary procedure or after radiotherapy continues to play an important role in the management of carcinoma of the maxillary sinus. A majority of these cancers are seen in T3–T4 stage. Recurrence at the infratemporal fossa has been recognized as a major cause of failure. Although the importance of inclusion of the pterygopalatine fossa in the field of excision has been recognized, there is no uniform approach for en bloc removal of the pterygopalatine fossa. Transmandibular approach has been described for purpose and practiced at the Bangalore Institute of Oncology for the past 8 years with success. This paper presents the technique used, its benefits and the results obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperative hunting has been documented for several group-living carnivores and had been invoked as either the cause or the consequence of sociality. We report the first detailed observation of cooperative hunting for a solitary species, the Malagasy fossa ( Cryptoprocta ferox). We observed a 45 min hunt of a 3 kg arboreal primate by three male fossas. The hunters changed roles during the hunt and subsequently shared the prey. We hypothesize that social hunting in fossas could have either evolved to take down recently extinct larger lemur prey, or that it could be a by-product of male sociality that is beneficial for other reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) is one of eight carnivore species endemic to Madagascar. This species lives in the forests of Madagascar and is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN due to the loss and fragmentation of its natural habitat and the hunting pressure of local people. Twenty-six nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated from genomic DNA derived from a free-ranging fossa from Betampona, Madagascar. Population genetic parameters were estimated on 28 individuals from nine European zoos establishing a baseline to study the genetic health and diversity of captive fossas to support the European Breeding and Conservation Program (EEP). The marker suite averaged 4.4 alleles per locus with an average polymorphic information content of 0.478. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the diet of fossas (Cryptoprocta ferox) in a dry deciduous forest of western Madagascar from 376 scats collected between June 1994 and September 1996, from which 554 prey items were identified. More than 90% of these were vertebrates, and more than 50% were lemurs. No other nonprimate mammal includes such a high proportion of primate items in its diet. The principal prey comprised approximately 6 lemur species and 2 or 3 spiny tenrec species, along with snakes and small mammals. Significant differences were apparent in the composition of the scats in wet and dry seasons, with a higher proportion of Tenrec in the former, and fewer lemurs. Within the confines of a diet of vertebrates, fossas appeared to be opportunistic predators. For those prey types for which data were available, a significant relationship was found between the estimated relative number of individuals taken of any one type of prey and its abundance. Fossas were estimated to remove up to 19% of their prey populations per year. This high impact suggests that they were living close to the maximum population density possible on the available prey. Species of a wide range of body masses were included in the diet. Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), weighing more than one-half of the body mass of the fossa, constituted approximately 11% of the prey biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sealant placement commonly is employed in molars with deep fissures to protect the teeth from occlusal caries. Some have advocated the same preventive approach for deep occlusal fossae in permanent molars. The decision of whether or not to place a sealant depends largely on the dentist's assessment of the depth of the acclusal fossae. The purposes of this in vitro study were to: (1) evaluate the morphology and determine the actual depth of acclusal fossae from newly erupted permanent first molars; (2) compare them with depth assessments obtained from visual examination, and (3) characterize how pediatric dentists look at the occlusal surfaces to assess fossae depth. Methods: Fossa depth of 48 intact permanent molars was measured by a computerized micro measurement system (Michigan Laser Digitizer) and compared with the depth assessed during a bench-tap examination conducted by a panel of pediatric dentists. Results: The computerized and visual measurements were positively and significantly correlated (r=0.64, P<.001). Agreement as measured by the Kappa statistic was moderate (K=0.46; 95% confidence interval=0.22-0.71; P<.001). Conclusion: Pediatric dentists' perception of fossa depth in permanent molars correlates moderately well with the actual fossa depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurenteric or enterogenous cysts are rare, congenital, benign lesions of the central nervous system. Not more than 35 case reports of neurenteric cysts occurring in the cranial cavity have been documented. We describe two cases of intracranial neurenteric cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Encephalomyelitis due to Toxoplasma gondii was diagnosed in a fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox). The animal had ataxia, atrophy of hind limb muscles and progressive wasting before dying 12 months after the onset of clinical signs. Toxoplasmosis was suspected antemortem based on clinical signs and the detection of T. gondii DNA by PCR on EDTA-blood from live animal. Necropsy revealed necrotizing gastritis and severe emaciation. The main histological lesions included non-suppurative encephalomyelitis, with dilation of myelin sheaths and swollen axons in the spinal cord, and multifocal gliosis in the brain with intralesional protozoan cysts that stained positive for T. gondii immunohistochemistry. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of toxoplasmosis in a fossa, and a new host record. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study that described an intestinal T-cell lymphoma in a fossa with pancreatic lymph node and liver involvement. An overview of lymphoma as one of the most common tumor occurring in domestic and wild animals, especially in cats, is presented. It discusses the fossa used in the study, the immunohistochemistry performed in the study, and the effects of transmural T-cell lymphoma on cats.

We describe seven polymorphic markers that have been developed for the Malagasy civet ( Fossa fossana) or Fanaloka, a nocturnal viverrid carnivore endemic to the island of Madagascar. We report primer sequences and annealing temperatures, as well as observed and expected heterozygosity values for each of these markers. The genotype frequencies for six of the markers significantly differed from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. This deviation may have been due to the presence of null alleles or to small sample size in conjunction with a high level of polymorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which differs anatomically and biochemically from hyaline cartilage-covered joints, is an under-recognized joint in arthritic disease, even though TMJ damage can have deleterious effects on physical appearance, pain and function. Here, we analyzed the effect of IL-1β, a cytokine highly expressed in arthritic joints, on TMJ fibrocartilage-derived cells, and we investigated the modulatory effect of mechanical loading on IL-1β-induced expression of catabolic enzymes. TMJ cartilage degradation was analyzed in 8–11-week-old mice deficient for IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA−/−) and wild-type controls. Cells were isolated from the juvenile porcine condyle, fossa, and disc, grown in agarose gels, and subjected to IL-1β (0.1–10 ng/mL) for 6 or 24 h. Expression of catabolic enzymes (ADAMTS and MMPs) was quantified by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Porcine condylar cells were stimulated with IL-1β for 12 h with IL-1β, followed by 8 h of 6% dynamic mechanical (tensile) strain, and gene expression of MMPs was quantified. Early signs of condylar cartilage damage were apparent in IL-1RA−/− mice. In porcine cells, IL-1β strongly increased expression of the aggrecanases ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 by fibrochondrocytes from the fossa (13-fold and 7-fold) and enhanced the number of MMP-13 protein-expressing condylar cells (8-fold). Mechanical loading significantly lowered (3-fold) IL-1β-induced MMP-13 gene expression by condylar fibrochondrocytes. IL-1β induces TMJ condylar cartilage damage, possibly by enhancing MMP-13 production. Mechanical loading reduces IL-1β-induced MMP-13 gene expression, suggesting that mechanical stimuli may prevent cartilage damage of the TMJ in arthritic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some primates have a protuberance on the lateral surface of the mandible, and some have a fossa. We investigated some species of primates in order to clarify morphological characteristics of the protuberance and/or fossa on the lateral surface of the mandible by using computed tomography. Both protuberance and fossa were found in some species of the Macaca, and each structure was found about 10%. The protuberance was found in the Cercocebs and Cercopithecus, and the fossa was found in the Papio, Mandrillus, Colobus and Hylobates. The protuberance didn't appear until M3s erupted. Well-developed protuberance was laid from P4 to M3 region. There found 3 types of protuberances; (1) the protuberance continue on the oblique line, (2) the protuberance is localized on the mandibular base, (3) the protuberance is situated the central part of the mandibular body. The 3rd type was often well-developed. The protuberance was composed of compact bone, and was similar to the mandibular tori in humans that were found on the internal surface of the mandible. There were the 3 types of the fossa; (1) the bone width of the mandible was thin in the center of the fossa, (2) the curvature of the external table of the mandible made a fossa, (3) the external surface of the mandible was looked like concave because of the thickened mandibular base. In the 2nd and 3rd types, the mandibular thickness did not change between the area of fossa and the other area. The 1st type of fossa was found in the Papio and Mandrillus, the 2nd type was found in the Macaca, Cercocebs and Cercopithecus, and the 3rd type was found in the Hylobates and Colobus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]