Morphological study of the pineal gland of Alouatta belzebul / Estudo morfológico da glândula pineal de Alouatta belzebul

The pineal is a neuroendocrine gland responsible for the synthesis and release of melatonin. It is present in the brain of vertebrates, but its morphology and location vary considerably among species. For the species Alouatta belzebul, although some anatomical aspects of the nervous system have been described, there is no information on the morphology and histological composition of this gland. Thus, the present study aimed to describe the morphological, morphometric, and histological aspects of the pineal of Alouatta belzebul. Seven adult specimens were dissected from which the location of the gland in relation to the surrounding brain structures was described, and its length and width were measured. Histological slides were then prepared and stained using hematoxylin-eosin and PAS techniques. It was observed that the pineal of Alouatta belzebul is located superior and cranial to the cerebellum, superior to the superior colliculi and below the splenium of the corpus callosum and was classified as sub-callosal. It had an average length of 2.6mm and an average width of 1.14mm. Histologically the gland is composed of irregular strands of pinealocytes and gliocytes. The pinealocytes showed pigments similar to melanin.

A pineal é uma glândula neuroendócrina responsável pela síntese e liberação de melatonina. Está presente no encéfalo dos vertebrados, mas sua morfologia e localização variam consideravelmente entre as espécies. Para a espécie Alouatta belzebul, apesar de terem sido descritos alguns aspectos anatômicos do sistema nervoso, não há informações sobre a morfologia e composição histológica desta glândula. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever os aspectos morfológicos, morfométricos e histológicos da pineal de Alouatta belzebul. Foram dissecados sete encéfalos de espécimes adultos dos quais se descreveu a localização da glândula em relação às estruturas encefálicas circunvizinhas e foram realizadas medidas de comprimento e largura da mesma. Em seguida foram preparadas lâminas histológicas e coradas pelas técnicas de hematoxilina-eosina e PAS. Observou-se que a pineal de Alouatta belzebul localiza-se superior e cranialmente ao cerebelo, superior aos colículos superiores e abaixo do esplênio do corpo caloso e foi classificada como subcalosa. Apresentou comprimento médio de 2,6mm e largura média de 1,14mm. Histologicamente a glândula é composta por cordões irregulares de pinealócitos e gliócitos. Os pinealócitos apresentaram pigmentos semelhante à melanina.

Comparative anatomy of the encephalon of new world primates with emphasis for the Sapajus sp.

Studies about the anatomy of the New World Primates are scarce, mainly comparative neuroanatomy, then a morphological comparative analysis about the tropical Primates were performed and a effort was made for an Old World Primates and modern humans relationship for the obtained data; plus, comments about behavior e and allometry were performed to try link the high cognition and abilities of the Sapajus with the neuroanatomical results, however, despite the deep neuroanatomic data obtained, we do not found an intrinsic relation to explain that.

Estudo pioneiro para a determinação de padrões citohematológicos da medulá óssea de primatas Cebus apella / Pioneer study for determination of cytohematological standard os primate bone marrow Cebus apella

Objetivo. Sugerir parâmetros quantitativos para elementos medulares de Cebus apella. Material e Métodos. Foram estudados 06 animais, machos, com 2Kg e 5Kg, que passaram por contenção física e química para punção aspirativa de 1mL da medula óssea da tíbia de cada animal; confecção dos esfregaços; coloração hematológica e contagem de 500 células/lâmina (estudo duplo-cego). Resultados. Não houve diferença morfológica entre células hematopoiéticas de humanos e Cebus apella. A análise quantitativa mostrou série eritrocítica aumentada e séries granulocítica e linfomonoplasmocitica reduzidas em relação à humanos. Conclusão. Os resultados deste estudo pioneiro servem de apoio para futuras pesquisas com Cebus apella.(AU)

Objetive. Suggest quantitative parameters for Cebus apella medullary elements. Material and Methods. Six male animals were studied, with 2Kg and 5Kg, which underwent physical and chemical restraint for aspiration puncture of 1mL of the bone marrow of each animal's tibia; making smears; hematological staining and 500 cell / slide count (double-blind study). Results. There was no morphological difference between human hematopoietic cells and Cebus apella. Quantitative analysis showed an increased erythrocytic series and reduced granulocytic and lymphomonoplasmocytic series in relation to humans. Conclusion. The results of this pioneering study support future research with Cebus paella.(AU)

Estudo pioneiro para a determinação de padrões citohematológicos da medulá óssea de primatas Cebus apella / Pioneer study for determination of cytohematological standard os primate bone marrow Cebus apella

Objetivo. Sugerir parâmetros quantitativos para elementos medulares de Cebus apella. Material e Métodos. Foram estudados 06 animais, machos, com 2Kg e 5Kg, que passaram por contenção física e química para punção aspirativa de 1mL da medula óssea da tíbia de cada animal; confecção dos esfregaços; coloração hematológica e contagem de 500 células/lâmina (estudo duplo-cego). Resultados. Não houve diferença morfológica entre células hematopoiéticas de humanos e Cebus apella. A análise quantitativa mostrou série eritrocítica aumentada e séries granulocítica e linfomonoplasmocitica reduzidas em relação à humanos. Conclusão. Os resultados deste estudo pioneiro servem de apoio para futuras pesquisas com Cebus apella.

Objetive. Suggest quantitative parameters for Cebus apella medullary elements. Material and Methods. Six male animals were studied, with 2Kg and 5Kg, which underwent physical and chemical restraint for aspiration puncture of 1mL of the bone marrow of each animal's tibia; making smears; hematological staining and 500 cell / slide count (double-blind study). Results. There was no morphological difference between human hematopoietic cells and Cebus apella. Quantitative analysis showed an increased erythrocytic series and reduced granulocytic and lymphomonoplasmocytic series in relation to humans. Conclusion. The results of this pioneering study support future research with Cebus paella.

White matter volume and white/gray matter ratio in mammalian species as a consequence of the universal scaling of cortical folding.

Because the white matter of the cerebral cortex contains axons that connect distant neurons in the cortical gray matter, the relationship between the volumes of the 2 cortical compartments is key for information transmission in the brain. It has been suggested that the volume of the white matter scales universally as a function of the volume of the gray matter across mammalian species, as would be expected if a global principle of wiring minimization applied. Using a systematic analysis across several mammalian clades, here we show that the volume of the white matter does not scale universally with the volume of the gray matter across mammals and is not optimized for wiring minimization. Instead, the ratio between volumes of gray and white matter is universally predicted by the same equation that predicts the degree of folding of the cerebral cortex, given the clade-specific scaling of cortical thickness, such that the volume of the gray matter (or the ratio of gray to total cortical volumes) divided by the square root of cortical thickness is a universal function of total cortical volume, regardless of the number of cortical neurons. Thus, the very mechanism that we propose to generate cortical folding also results in compactness of the white matter to a predictable degree across a wide variety of mammalian species.

Descripción anatómica de la musculatura intrínseca y cavidad de la laringe en cuatro especies de primates / Anatomical description of the intrinsic musculature and cavity of the larynx in four primate species

Los primates actualmente se clasifican en "Estrepsirrinos" y "Haplorrinos". Los estrepsirrinos habitan principalmente Madagascar y el sudeste de Asia, en cambio, los Haplorrinos se subdividen en "monos del viejo mundo" y "monos del nuevo mundo", distribuyéndose los primeros en África y Asia principalmente, mientras que los últimos tienen en Centro y Sudamérica sus principales áreas de distribución. Son animales frecuentes en zoológicos y centros de rehabilitación, que presentan abundantes estudios en cuanto a su distribución, hábitat, comportamiento y medidas de conservación, pero escasos son los estudios en relación a su anatomía. Por esta razón, el objetivo de nuestro estudio fue realizar una descripción anatómica de la musculatura intrínseca y cavidad de la laringe en cuatro ejemplares de primates, los cuales fueron donados por el Zoológico del Parque Metropolitano de Santiago de Chile, correspondientes a las especies: mono araña (Ateles fusciceps), mono capuchino (Cebus albifrons), gibón de manos blancas (Hylobates lar) y lémur cola anillada (Lémur catta). La disección se realizó desde superficial a profundo en cada laringe aislada, describiendo y comparando los hallazgos anatómicos observados, utilizando como guía comparativa la literatura anatómica humana. El estudio demostró diferencias anatómicas entre los primates en estudio, así como también diferencias con lo descrito en la literatura para la anatomía de la laringe humana.

Primates are currently classified as "Strepsirrhini" and "Haplorrhini". The strepsirrhines inhabit mainly Madagascar and Southeast Asia. However, the Haplorrhini are subdivided into "old world monkeys" and "new world monkeys", the first being distributed in Africa and Asia mainly, while the main distribution areas for the latter are in Central and South America. They are frequent animals in zoos and rehabilitation centers, allowing abundant studies regarding their distribution, habitat, behavior and conservation measures, but few studies are related to their anatomy. For this reason, the aim of our study was to perform an anatomical description of the intrinsic muscles and cavity of the larynx in four specimens of primates, which were donated by the Metropolitan Park of Santiago, Chile, corresponding to species: spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps), capuchin monkey (Cebus albifrons), white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) and ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta). The dissection was performed from superficial to deep in each isolated larynx, describing and comparing the observed anatomical findings, using as a comparative guide the human anatomical literature. The study showed anatomical differences between the primates under study, as well as differences for what is described in the literature for the anatomy of the human larynx.

Estudo anatômico da origem e da área de inervação que formam o plexo braquial de macaco-prego (Sapajus libidinosus) / Anatomical study of the origin and area of innervation that form the brachial plexus of monkey-nail (Sapajus libidinosus) / Estudio anatómico dei origen y área de inervación que forman el plexo braquial de monos capuchinos (Sapajus libidinosus)

Os macacos da espécie Sapajus libidinosus, considerados animais do Novo Mundo, têm sido foco de estudos do plexo braquial. Essas pesquisas sobre as origens e distribuições dos nervos que formam o plexo braquial de primatas contribuem para o fornecimento de informações a outras áreas de atuação da veterinária: anatomia funcional, injúrias e procedimentos clínicos e cirúrgicos, bem como procedimentos anestésicos. O plexo braquial dos macacos da espécie Sapajus libidinosus é constituído por fibras neurais provenientes da união das raízes dorsais e ventrais dos segmentos vertebrais cervicais C5 a C8 e torácico T1, e organizado em quatro troncos principais, tendo ainda uma subdivisão no tronco médio. Cada tronco formou um nervo ou um grupo de nervos cuja origem variou entre os animais estudados. As origens, trajetórias e território de inervação dos troncos nervosos do plexo braquial do Sapajus libidinosus são semelhantes aos de outros primatas, porém ocorrem variações no percurso.

We studied, and herein describe, the anatomy of the brachial plexus in the Sapajus libidinosus, a New World primate species. The study of origin and distribution of the nerves that form the brachial plexus of primates contributes to the body of knowledge of veterinary functional anatomy, and can have important ramifications to clinical, surgical, and anesthetic procedures, as well as to the understanding of injures in these species. We found that the brachial plexus of Sapajus libidinosus is composed of neural fibers originating from the union of the dorsal and ventral roots of the cervical vertebral segments C5 to C8 and thoracic T1. These fibers then are organized in four main trunks, with a subdivision in the middle trunk. We concluded that the origins, trajectories and territory of innervation of the nerve trunks of the brachial plexus of Sapajus libidinosus are similar to those of other primates, with some variations occurring in the course.

Los primates de la especie Sapajus libidinosus, considerados animales del Nuevo Mundo, han sido el foco del presente estudio del plexo braquial. Esta investigación sobre las orígenes y distribución de los nervios que forman el plexo braquial de estos primates suman información en otras áreas de la veterinaria relacionadas con la anatomía funcional, procedimientos clínicos, quirúrgicos y traumas, así como también procedimientos anestésicos. El plexo braquial de los Sapajus libidinosus está formado por fibras nerviosas provenientes de la unión de las raíces dorsales y ventrales de las segmentos vertebrales cervicales C5 a C8 y torácico T1, Y se organizan en cuatro troncos principales, con una subdivisión en el tronco medio. Cada tronco formó un nervio o un grupo de nervios, cuyo origen varió entre los animales estudiados. Los orígenes, trayectos y área de inervación de los troncos nerviosos del plexo braquial del Sapajus libidinosus son similares a los de otros primates, pero se encontraron variaciones en el recorrido.

Estudo anatômico da origem e da área de inervação que formam o plexo braquial de macaco-prego (Sapajus libidinosus) / Anatomical study of the origin and area of innervation that form the brachial plexus of monkey-nail (Sapajus libidinosus) / Estudio anatómico dei origen y área de inervación que forman el plexo braquial de monos capuchinos (Sapajus libidinosus)

Os macacos da espécie Sapajus libidinosus, considerados animais do Novo Mundo, têm sido foco de estudos do plexo braquial. Essas pesquisas sobre as origens e distribuições dos nervos que formam o plexo braquial de primatas contribuem para o fornecimento de informações a outras áreas de atuação da veterinária: anatomia funcional, injúrias e procedimentos clínicos e cirúrgicos, bem como procedimentos anestésicos. O plexo braquial dos macacos da espécie Sapajus libidinosus é constituído por fibras neurais provenientes da união das raízes dorsais e ventrais dos segmentos vertebrais cervicais C5 a C8 e torácico T1, e organizado em quatro troncos principais, tendo ainda uma subdivisão no tronco médio. Cada tronco formou um nervo ou um grupo de nervos cuja origem variou entre os animais estudados. As origens, trajetórias e território de inervação dos troncos nervosos do plexo braquial do Sapajus libidinosus são semelhantes aos de outros primatas, porém ocorrem variações no percurso.(AU)

We studied, and herein describe, the anatomy of the brachial plexus in the Sapajus libidinosus, a New World primate species. The study of origin and distribution of the nerves that form the brachial plexus of primates contributes to the body of knowledge of veterinary functional anatomy, and can have important ramifications to clinical, surgical, and anesthetic procedures, as well as to the understanding of injures in these species. We found that the brachial plexus of Sapajus libidinosus is composed of neural fibers originating from the union of the dorsal and ventral roots of the cervical vertebral segments C5 to C8 and thoracic T1. These fibers then are organized in four main trunks, with a subdivision in the middle trunk. We concluded that the origins, trajectories and territory of innervation of the nerve trunks of the brachial plexus of Sapajus libidinosus are similar to those of other primates, with some variations occurring in the course.(AU)

Los primates de la especie Sapajus libidinosus, considerados animales del Nuevo Mundo, han sido el foco del presente estudio del plexo braquial. Esta investigación sobre las orígenes y distribución de los nervios que forman el plexo braquial de estos primates suman información en otras áreas de la veterinaria relacionadas con la anatomía funcional, procedimientos clínicos, quirúrgicos y traumas, así como también procedimientos anestésicos. El plexo braquial de los Sapajus libidinosus está formado por fibras nerviosas provenientes de la unión de las raíces dorsales y ventrales de las segmentos vertebrales cervicales C5 a C8 y torácico T1, Y se organizan en cuatro troncos principales, con una subdivisión en el tronco medio. Cada tronco formó un nervio o un grupo de nervios, cuyo origen varió entre los animales estudiados. Los orígenes, trayectos y área de inervación de los troncos nerviosos del plexo braquial del Sapajus libidinosus son similares a los de otros primates, pero se encontraron variaciones en el recorrido.(AU)

Identification of enterobacteria in free-living nonhuman primates in an urban park in the northern Region of the State of Paraná, Brazil / Identificação de enterobactérias em primatas não-humanos de vida livre em um parque urbano na Região Norte do Estado do Paraná, Brasil

Populations of nonhuman primates are often considered to be a link in the chain of emerging infectious diseases, as they are reservoirs for different zoonotic pathogens. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae in free-living nonhuman primates. The research was carried out in an urban park located in a city in the northern region of the State of Paraná, Brazil. The animals were captured in Tomahawk-type traps and chemically restrained, being oral and rectal samples collected with sterile swabs. For bacterial isolation, the samples were seededon MacConkey agar plates and grown under anaerobic conditions. The subsequent identification was conducted using a commercial biochemical kit. Sixteen primates identified as black-capuchin-monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) were captured. Seven different enterobacterial species were identified from the oral cavity swabs: six Escherichia coli (42.9%), three Kluyvera species (21.40%), one Serratia rubidaea(7.14%), one Enterobacter aerogenes (7.14%), one Enterobacter cloacae (7.14%), one Hafnia alvei (7.14%), and one Erwinia herbicola (7.14%). Seven different species were identified from the rectal swabs: six Escherichia coli (40%), three Kluyvera species (20%), two Enterobacter aerogenes (13.32%),one Erwinia herbicola (6.67%), one Serratia rubidaea (6.67%), one Pragia fontium (6.67%), and one Edwardsiella tarda (6.67%). The results indicate that the isolated bacteria belong mainly to the human microbiota and had crossed the interspecific barrier, contaminating the nonhuman primates.(AU)

As populações de primatas não humanos frequentemente são consideradas um elo na cadeia de doenças infecciosas emergentes, por constituírem reservatórios que propiciam o surgimento de diferentes patógenos zoonóticos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a presença de bactérias da família Enterobacteriaceae em primatas não humanos de vida livre. O estudo foi realizado em um parque urbano localizado em uma cidade da região norte do Estado do Paraná. Os animais foram capturados em armadilhas do tipo Tomahawk e submetidos a contenção farmacológica para colheita de amostras da microbiota oral e retal com zaragatoas estéreis. Para o isolamento bacteriano as amostras foram semeadas pela técnica de esgotamento em placas contendo ágar MacConkey, com posterior identificação por testes bioquímicos utilizando kit comercial. Foram capturados 16 primatas não humanos identificados como Sapajus nigritus (macaco-prego). Na cavidade oral foi possível identificar sete diferentes espécies de bactérias, sendo seis (42,9%) Escherichia coli, três espécies de Kluyvera (21,40%), uma (7,14%) Serratia rubidae, uma (7,14%) Enterobacter aerogenes, uma (7,14%) Enterobacter cloacae, uma (7,14) Hafnia alvei e uma (7,14%) Erwinia herbicola. No reto foi possível identificar sete diferentes espécies de bactérias, sendo seis (40%) Escherichia coli, três espécies de Kluyvera (20%), duas (13,32%) Enterobacter aerogenes, uma (6,67%) Erwinia herbicola, uma (6,67%) Serratia rubidae, uma (6,67%) Pragla fotiun e uma (6,67%) Edwardsiella tarda. Os resultados indicam que as bactérias isoladas são pertencentes principalmente à microbiota humana, e estão ultrapassando a barreira interespecífica e contaminando os primatas.(AU)

Visual Topography of the Pulvinar Projection Zones.

In this chapter, we describe the visuotopy of the pulvinar subdivisions P1, P2, and P4. In all primates, P1 colocalizes with the chemoarchitecturally defined PI and a small portion of PL. The peripheral visual field is represented anteriorly in the medial portion of PI, while central vision is represented more posteriorly in the medial portion of PL. The vertical meridian representation is located on the lateral edge of P1, while the horizontal meridian is represented obliquely from the lateral to the medial extent of P1. The upper visual field is represented ventrally, while the lower field is located dorsally. P2 has only been described in the macaque monkey. It contains a representation of the peripheral visual field, located in its anterior portion, and of the central field, which is located in posterior PL. P4 has a complex topographic arrangement. The representation of the vertical meridian is located on the dorsal edge of P4, while the representation of the horizontal meridian divides P4 into dorsal and ventral portions.

Comparative Pulvinar Organization Across Different Primate Species.

In this chapter, we compare the pattern of pulvinar immunohistochemical staining for the calcium-binding proteins calbindin and parvalbumin and for the neurofilament protein SMI-32 in macaque, capuchin, and squirrel monkeys. This group of New and Old World primates shares five similar pulvinar subdivisions: PIP, PIM, PIC, PIL, and PILS. In the Old World macaque monkey, the inferior-lateral pulvinar can be subdivided into the P1 and P2 fields based on its connectivity with visual area V1. On the other hand, only the P1 field and no P2 was found in the New World capuchin monkey. Notably, the similarities in chemoarchitecture contrast with the distinct connectivity patterns and the different visuotopic organizations found across the species.

Identification of enterobacteria in free-living nonhuman primates in an urban park in the northern Region of the State of Paraná, Brazil / Identificação de enterobactérias em primatas não-humanos de vida livre em um parque urbano na Região Norte do Estado do Paraná, Brasil

Populations of nonhuman primates are often considered to be a link in the chain of emerging infectious diseases, as they are reservoirs for different zoonotic pathogens. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae in free-living nonhuman primates. The research was carried out in an urban park located in a city in the northern region of the State of Paraná, Brazil. The animals were captured in Tomahawk-type traps and chemically restrained, being oral and rectal samples collected with sterile swabs. For bacterial isolation, the samples were seededon MacConkey agar plates and grown under anaerobic conditions. The subsequent identification was conducted using a commercial biochemical kit. Sixteen primates identified as black-capuchin-monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) were captured. Seven different enterobacterial species were identified from the oral cavity swabs: six Escherichia coli (42.9%), three Kluyvera species (21.40%), one Serratia rubidaea(7.14%), one Enterobacter aerogenes (7.14%), one Enterobacter cloacae (7.14%), one Hafnia alvei (7.14%), and one Erwinia herbicola (7.14%). Seven different species were identified from the rectal swabs: six Escherichia coli (40%), three Kluyvera species (20%), two Enterobacter aerogenes (13.32%),one Erwinia herbicola (6.67%), one Serratia rubidaea (6.67%), one Pragia fontium (6.67%), and one Edwardsiella tarda (6.67%). The results indicate that the isolated bacteria belong mainly to the human microbiota and had crossed the interspecific barrier, contaminating the nonhuman primates.

As populações de primatas não humanos frequentemente são consideradas um elo na cadeia de doenças infecciosas emergentes, por constituírem reservatórios que propiciam o surgimento de diferentes patógenos zoonóticos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a presença de bactérias da família Enterobacteriaceae em primatas não humanos de vida livre. O estudo foi realizado em um parque urbano localizado em uma cidade da região norte do Estado do Paraná. Os animais foram capturados em armadilhas do tipo Tomahawk e submetidos a contenção farmacológica para colheita de amostras da microbiota oral e retal com zaragatoas estéreis. Para o isolamento bacteriano as amostras foram semeadas pela técnica de esgotamento em placas contendo ágar MacConkey, com posterior identificação por testes bioquímicos utilizando kit comercial. Foram capturados 16 primatas não humanos identificados como Sapajus nigritus (macaco-prego). Na cavidade oral foi possível identificar sete diferentes espécies de bactérias, sendo seis (42,9%) Escherichia coli, três espécies de Kluyvera (21,40%), uma (7,14%) Serratia rubidae, uma (7,14%) Enterobacter aerogenes, uma (7,14%) Enterobacter cloacae, uma (7,14) Hafnia alvei e uma (7,14%) Erwinia herbicola. No reto foi possível identificar sete diferentes espécies de bactérias, sendo seis (40%) Escherichia coli, três espécies de Kluyvera (20%), duas (13,32%) Enterobacter aerogenes, uma (6,67%) Erwinia herbicola, uma (6,67%) Serratia rubidae, uma (6,67%) Pragla fotiun e uma (6,67%) Edwardsiella tarda. Os resultados indicam que as bactérias isoladas são pertencentes principalmente à microbiota humana, e estão ultrapassando a barreira interespecífica e contaminando os primatas.

Facing the facts: The Runx2 gene is associated with variation in facial morphology in primates.

The phylogenetic and adaptive factors that cause variation in primate facial form-including differences among the major primate clades and variation related to feeding and/or social behavior-are relatively well understood. However, comparatively little is known about the genetic mechanisms that underlie diversity in facial form in primates. Because it is essential for osteoblastic differentiation and skeletal development, the runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) is one gene that may play a role in these genetic mechanisms. Specifically, polymorphisms in the QA ratio (determined by the ratio of the number of polyglutamines to polyalanines in one functional domain of Runx2) have been shown to be correlated with variation in facial length and orientation in other mammal groups. However, to date, the relationship between variation in this gene and variation in facial form in primates has not been explicitly tested. To test the hypothesis that the QA ratio is correlated with facial form in primates, the current study quantified the QA ratio, facial length, and facial angle in a sample of 33 primate species and tested for correlation using phylogenetic generalized least squares. The results indicate that the QA ratio of the Runx2 gene is positively correlated with variation in relative facial length in anthropoid primates. However, no correlation was found in strepsirrhines, and there was no correlation between facial angle and the QA ratio in any groups. These results suggest that, in primates, the QA ratio of the Runx2 gene may play a role in modulating facial size, but not facial orientation. This study therefore provides important clues about the genetic and developmental mechanisms that may underlie variation in facial form in primates.

Vitrification of ovarian tissue from non-human primates

Background: One of the strategies to preserve genetic material from nonhuman primates (NHP) consists in the implementation of germplasm banks, for future application in reproductive biotechniques, as well as for biomedical research. Based on the success rates achieved in human, there is a prominent possibility to succeed also with NHP. However, studies with NHP are still scarce, especially regarding the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue.Review: Neotropical non-human primates, especially males, have been used in research related to reproductive biotechniques in Brazil. Regarding research on female reproduction and ovarian tissue preservation, most studies were performed using domestic animals as models. Current concepts and controversies in the restoration of gametes in adult females does not exclude the needs to preserve ovarian tissue. Importantly, ovarian tissue can be collected and preserved even after the death of the donors, being applied when finding dead females. Furthermore, collection of ovarian biopsies is also feasible and will not affect reproductive function. Among the cryopreservation methods, the vitrification has been indicated due to practical logistic, as well as because it will avoid the formation of large intracellular ice crystals, and it is claimed that ovarian stromal damage will be decreased under vitrification. Considering the number of threatened primate species and the needs to preserve their habitat, but also their gametes, development of preservation protocols are needed. Among the procedures, vitrification appears as a practical method to be applied in the near future. Although a low number of studies is reported, most of them were performed in the recent years. In this context, this article reviews recent information on the vitrification of ovarian tissue of non-human primates. Due to the limited number of studies in these species, observed data are compared with the literature in domestic and human mammals.[...](AU)

Vitrification of ovarian tissue from non-human primates

Background: One of the strategies to preserve genetic material from nonhuman primates (NHP) consists in the implementation of germplasm banks, for future application in reproductive biotechniques, as well as for biomedical research. Based on the success rates achieved in human, there is a prominent possibility to succeed also with NHP. However, studies with NHP are still scarce, especially regarding the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue.Review: Neotropical non-human primates, especially males, have been used in research related to reproductive biotechniques in Brazil. Regarding research on female reproduction and ovarian tissue preservation, most studies were performed using domestic animals as models. Current concepts and controversies in the restoration of gametes in adult females does not exclude the needs to preserve ovarian tissue. Importantly, ovarian tissue can be collected and preserved even after the death of the donors, being applied when finding dead females. Furthermore, collection of ovarian biopsies is also feasible and will not affect reproductive function. Among the cryopreservation methods, the vitrification has been indicated due to practical logistic, as well as because it will avoid the formation of large intracellular ice crystals, and it is claimed that ovarian stromal damage will be decreased under vitrification. Considering the number of threatened primate species and the needs to preserve their habitat, but also their gametes, development of preservation protocols are needed. Among the procedures, vitrification appears as a practical method to be applied in the near future. Although a low number of studies is reported, most of them were performed in the recent years. In this context, this article reviews recent information on the vitrification of ovarian tissue of non-human primates. Due to the limited number of studies in these species, observed data are compared with the literature in domestic and human mammals.[...]

Comparative anatomy of the gluteal muscles of Sapajus libidinosus / Anatomia comparativa dos músculos da região glútea de Sapajus libidinosus

New World primates Sapajus sp. unexpectedly display cognitive aspects, tool use, social behavior, memory and anatomical aspects similar to Old World primates, such as chimpanzees and baboons. Convergent evolutionary aspects must have occurred between Sapajus and Old World primates and should be verified not only in terms of behavior analysis, but also of anatomical structure. The pelvic region can provide data for evolutionary verification trends, since taking standing position is one of the characteristics associated to the use of tools by early humans and pongids. We used eight specimens of Sapajus libidinosus to describe the deep muscular structure of the pelvis. Unlike humans, the gluteus medius muscle in S. libidinosus is completely covered by the gluteus maximus and elongated as compared to humans and chimpanzees, putatively by the elongated pelvis of S. libidinosus. Considering origin and insertion, the gluteus maximus muscle resembles more its counterpart in baboons than in humans and chimpanzees, since this muscle in baboons is associated to semibiped posture and to the tail. Gluteus minimum, piriformis, superior gemellus, internal shutter, gemellus and lower square muscles are positioned in this order in relation to the cranial-caudal axis, with all of its tendons converging for a common insertion in the greater trochanter. The muscles of the gluteal region of S. libidinosus are similar to the baboon, especially regarding the gluteus maximus, which points to the evolutionary kinship of these animals.(AU)

Os Sapajus sp apresentam aspectos cognitivos, uso de ferramentas, comportamento social e memória, além de aspectos anatômicos, similares à primatas do Velho Mundo, como chimpanzés e babuínos, fatos inesperados para estes animais, que são primatas do Novo Mundo. Aspectos evolutivos convergentes devem ter ocorrido entre Sapajus e primatas do Velho Mundo que devem ser verificados não somente em termos de análise do comportamento, mas da estrutura anatômica. A região pélvica pode fornecer dados para a verificação de tendências evolucionárias, pois assumir a posição bípede é uma das características associadas ao uso de ferramentas pelos humanos primitivos e pongídeos. Para descrever a estrutura muscular profunda da pelve, foram utilizados oito espécimes de Sapajus libidinosus. O músculo glúteo médio em S. libidinosus, diferente de humanos, é totalmente recoberto pelo glúteo máximo, é alongado em relação aos humanos e chimpanzés, putativamente pela pelve alongada dos S. libidinosus. O músculo glúteo máximo se assemelha, considerando origem e inserção mais aos babuínos do que em humanos e chimpanzés, uma vez que em babuínos esse músculo está associado à postura semibípede e à cauda. Os músculos glúteo mínimo, piriforme, gêmeo superior, obturador interno, gêmeo inferior e quadrado estão posicionados nesta ordem em relação ao eixo crânio-caudal com todos seus tendões convergindo para uma inserção comum no trocânter maior. Os músculos da região glútea de S. libidinosus são semelhantes ao babuíno principalmente no que se refere ao músculo glúteo máximo, o que reflete o parentesco evolutivo desses animais.(AU)

Descrição anatômica do plexo braquial de Callithrix jacchus e Callithrix penicillata / Anatomic description of brachial plexus of Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata

Callithrix jacchus e Callithrix penicillata são primatas de pequeno porte cuja utilização como modelo anatômico tem se mostrado cada vez mais frequente, não somente pela praticidade no manuseio como facilidade no trato em criatório e sua taxa de reprodução. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever os componentes dos plexos braquial em Callithrix jacchus e penicillata. Para tanto, três espécimes com aproximadamente 8 anos e 240 g foram fixados em solução de formaldeído a 10%, e posteriormente dissecados e fotodocumentados. O plexo braquial do Callithrix jacchus e penicillata originou-se dos nervos espinhais C5 a T1 constituindo os troncos cranial, médio e caudal. A composição do plexo braquial destes animais se assemelha ao de outros primatas, bem como a outros mamíferos.(AU)

Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata are small primates used as anatomic model, not only for convenience in handling as ease in regard to breeding and reproductive rate. The aim of this study was to describe the components of the brachial plexus in Callithrix jacchus and C. penicillata. Three specimens about 8 years old and weighing 240g were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and subsequently dissected and photodocumented. The brachial plexus of Callithrix jacchus and C. penicillata originates from the spinal nerves C5 to T1 in continuation of the cranial, medium and flow trunk. The composition of the brachial plexus of these animals is similar to the one of other primates ands other mammals.(AU)

Developmental identity versus typology: Lucy has only four sacral segments.

OBJECTIVES: Both interspecific and intraspecific variation in vertebral counts reflect the action of patterning control mechanisms such as Hox. The preserved A.L. 288-1 ("Lucy") sacrum contains five fused elements. However, the transverse processes of the most caudal element do not contact those of the segment immediately craniad to it, leaving incomplete sacral foramina on both sides. This conforms to the traditional definition of four-segmented sacra, which are very rare in humans and African apes. It was recently suggested that fossilization damage precludes interpretation of this specimen and that additional sacral-like features of its last segment (e.g., the extent of the sacral hiatus) suggest a general Australopithecus pattern of five sacral vertebrae. METHODS: We provide updated descriptions of the original Lucy sacrum. We evaluate sacral/coccygeal variation in a large sample of extant hominoids and place it within the context of developmental variation in the mammalian vertebral column. RESULTS: We report that fossilization damage did not shorten the transverse processes of the fifth segment of Lucy's sacrum. In addition, we find that the extent of the sacral hiatus is too variable in apes and hominids to provide meaningful information on segment identity. Most importantly, a combination of sacral and coccygeal features is to be expected in vertebrae at regional boundaries. DISCUSSION: The sacral/caudal boundary appears to be displaced cranially in early hominids relative to extant African apes and humans, a condition consistent with the likely ancestral condition for Miocene hominoids. While not definitive in itself, a four-segmented sacrum accords well with the "long-back" model for the Pan/Homo last common ancestor. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:729-739, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Descrição morfológica de duas espécies de Sapajus encontradas na Paraíba: S. libidinosus e o recém-redescoberto e já criticamente ameaçado S. flavius / Morphological description of two species of Sapajus found in Paraíba: S. libidinosus and the newly discovered and endangered S. flavius

Sapajus flavius e S. libidinosus são duas espécies de macacos-prego encontrados no Estado da Paraíba. S. flavius ou macaco-prego-galego foi recentemente redescoberto e está criticamente ameaçado de extinção, sendo encontrado em fragmentos remanescentes de mata Atlântica do litoral do RN, PB, PE e AL. S. libidinosus tem uma distribuição e população maior, coexistindo de S. flavius na PB, entretanto, ocupando o oeste da PB, na caatinga. Frente à lacuna no conhecimento sobre estas espécies foi realizada a descrição morfológica das mesmas, envolvendo biometria externa, dos órgãos do trato gastrointestinal, topografia visceral e a descrição anatômica. Apesar da literatura descrever S. flavius como o menor dos Sapajus, concluímos que não há diferenças morfológicas entre as espécies estudadas. Tais informações servem de subsídios para melhores manejos visando a conservação das espécies e ajudando na classificação taxonômica desse gênero recentemente modificado.

Sapajus flavius and S. libidinosus are two species of capuchin monkeys found in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. S. flavius or Macgrave's capuchin monkey was recently rediscovered and is now critically endangered, found only in remaining fragments of Atlantic forest in the coastal region of the Brazian Northeast. S. libidinosus has a larger population and distribution, coexisting with S. flavius in Paraíba, however living in the western part of the state, in the semi-arid. Since there is a lack of knowledge about these species, a morphologic description of them was made, involving external and gastrointestinal tract biometry, visceral topography and anatomic description. Although the literature describes S. flavius as the smaller monkey of the Sapajus genus, we conclude that there are no morphological differences between these species. Such information contributes to best management practices for conservation of the species and to the correct taxonomic classification of the genus recently modified.

Technical note: Performance of semi and fully automated approaches for registration of 3D surface coordinates in geometric morphometric studies.

OBJECTIVES: One of the biggest challenges in the study of complex morphologies is to adequately describe shape variation. Here, we assess how the random sampling of surface points automatically obtained performs, when compared with observer-guided sampling procedures, and also evaluate the effect of sliding surface points by bending energy and minimum Procrustes distance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three datasets comprising structures with disparate levels of complexity and intrasample variation are as follows: mouse molars, mouse brains, and primate endocasts. Different configurations of 3D coordinates on curves and surfaces were digitized from MRI images and CT scans using semi and fully automated procedures. Shape variables were obtained by Generalized Procrustes Superpositions before and after sliding the pseudolandmarks. Multivariate analyses were used to summarize and compare shape variation. RESULTS: For the primate endocast, the semiautomated and automated strategies yield similar ordinations of specimens. Conversely, the semiautomated strategy better discriminates molar shapes between mouse groups. Shape differences among specimens are not adequately represented by the PCs calculated with surface pseudolandmarks. This is improved when the points are converted into semilandmarks by a sliding criterion. DISCUSSION: Surface semilandmarks automatically obtained from 3D models are promising although they should be used with some caution in complex structures. This approach can be taken as complementary of semiautomated procedures which perform better for assessing shape variation in localized traits previously selected while automated procedures are suitable in studies aimed at comparing overall variation in shape and when there is no previous information about highly variable anatomical regions.