Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects

Two human clinical studies were performed. One was an open-label non-controlled study involving 30 healthy female subjects for 8 weeks. Significant improvements were observed by combining 6 mg per day oral supplementation and 2 ml (78.9 μM solution) per day topical application of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin derived from the microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis showed improvements in skin wrinkle (crow's feet at week-8), age spot size (cheek at week-8), elasticity (crow's feet at week-8), skin texture (cheek at week-4), moisture content of corneocyte layer (cheek in 10 dry skin subjects at week-8) and corneocyte condition (cheek at week-8). It may suggest that astaxanthin derived from H. pluvialis can improve skin condition in all layers such as corneocyte layer, epidermis, basal layer and dermis by combining oral supplementation and topical treatment. Another was a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study involving 36 healthy male subjects for 6 weeks. Crow's feet wrinkle and elasticity; and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were improved after 6 mg of astaxanthin (the same as former study) daily supplementation. Moisture content and sebum oil level at the cheek zone showed strong tendencies for improvement. These results suggest that astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis may improve the skin condition in not only in women but also in men.     

Egg yolk antioxidant deposition as a function of parental ornamentation,age, and environment in great tits Parus major

Females can modify phenotype of their offspring through the deposition of biologically active compounds into eggs, including carotenoids, vitamins and other antioxidants. Understanding patterns of deposition is critical for better insight into the significance of maternal effects. Here we investigated how egg yolk antioxidants (lutein, zeaxanthin, β‐carotene, vitamin A and E) related to environmental conditions and parental characteristics in great tits Parus major using data from three breeding seasons. Male and female traits included condition, age and multiple feather ornaments, both carotenoid‐ and melanin‐based (carotenoid and UV chroma of yellow breast feathers, area of black breast band, white cheek immaculateness). Yolk mass increased with ambient temperature during laying, laying date, and the area of male black breast band. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E increased with laying date. Total antioxidants increased with female age, immaculateness of female white cheek patch, and UV chroma of carotenoid‐based yellow breast feathers of the social mate. These patterns were thus consistent with 1) environmental effects on yolk mass and composition, 2) higher quality females depositing more antioxidants, and 3) differential allocation of resources in females in relation to male ornamentation. Overall, environmental factors, female traits, and male traits all had an influence on egg yolk characteristics in this socially monogamous songbird.     

The hamster cheek pouch as a convenient ectopic site for studies of uterine morphogenesis and endocrine responsiveness

The Syrian hamster cheek pouch was evaluated as a convenient transplantation site for studies of estrogen-dependent uterine growth and morphogenesis. At one month of age, hosts were either ovariectomized (Ovex) or ovariectomized and estrogen implanted (Ovex+E2), and at the same time the uterus from a 7-day old untreated donor was transplanted into the host's right cheek pouch. Periodic inspection (by simple eversion of the pouch) revealed viable transplants in the majority of hosts for both groups, and clear evidence of estrogen-dependent transplant growth that continued for at least 9 months. At that time, weight of the transplanted uterus was comparable to that of a given host's own in situ uterus, but uteri at both sites weighed six to eightfold more in Ovex+E2 hosts than in Ovex hosts. Histological analysis also revealed similar degrees of endometrial atrophy in Ovex hosts and hypertrophy/hyperplasia in Ovex+E2 hosts for both in situ and transplanted uteri. Furthermore, while only scant and rudimentary endometrial glands developed in both in situ and transplanted uteri within Ovex hosts, uteri at both sites within the Ovex+E2 hosts were riddled with cystic glandular structures and exhibited marked leukocytic infiltration. These data demonstrate that neonatal uteri transplanted to the hamster cheek pouch will grow, differentiate and follow an endocrine-responsive morphogenetic program that is quantitatively and qualitatively consistent with that of the host's in situ uterus. Lastly, we were able to cleanly separate epithelium from the stroma of 5-day old hamster uteri, reassociate the two tissues in vitro, transplant the recombinants into cheek pouches of adult female hamsters and subsequently observe growth and maintenance of a generally normal uterine morphology and differentiated function.     

The differential use of cheek pouches in a troop ofPapio ursinus

Cheek pouches, one of the distinguishing characters of the Cercopithecinae, are structures used for the temporary storage of food. Their size and frequency of use within a given species are related primarily to the amount of conspecific competition for food. In relation to total body size, members of the genusPapio are considered to have relatively small cheek pouches which are said to be used only occasionally to maximize food harvest when local clusters of food are encountered. This investigation represents 165 hours of observation on a troop ofPapio ursinus at Mkuzi Game Reserve in Natal, South Africa. At the time of observation the choice of foods in the home range was restricted and usually found in abundance only in small clusters of trees. Given that conspecific competition would have been pronounced under these conditions, it was thought that any differences in the frequency of cheek pouch use related to age, sex, rank, or the reproductive state of an animal would be readily recognizable. The results indicated that cheek pouches were used differentially throughout the day, with virtually all ages of each sex displaying the same general pattern of maximal cheek pouch use during the middle of the day. In each sex there was an age graded diminution of the frequency of cheek pouch use from juveniles to adults. This trend was more pronounced in males resulting in a substantial sex difference in the use of cheek pouches between adult males and females. In addition, there was some indication that differences in the frequency of cheek pouch use between adult males were correlated with rank. Although a pattern of cheek pouch use and rank was not evident amongst adult females, there was an association between reproductive state and the frequency of cheek pouch use. Overall, body size, dominance, and energetic demands appeared to be the most significant factors underlying the differences in cheek pouch use in this troop.     

Determination of relative age in the dugong Dugong dugon (Müller) from a study of skulls and teeth

The dugong is a rare animal and virtually nothing is known of the time scale of its life cycle. A collection of 41 skulls and lower jaws, all from the north-eastern coastal region of Australia, was studied with the primary aim of relative age determination. It was found that they fell naturally into three groups corresponding roughly with skull size, according to number of incisors, number and state of eruption of cheek teeth and position of the cheek teeth in the jaw. These groups were arbitrarily termed adults, adolescents and juveniles. Skull measurements and state of fusion of skull sutures upheld these life stage groups, and to some extent helped to subdivide them. Further subdivision into a relative age sequence was achieved by "state of succession of cheek teeth" groups, and an index of size for the last cheek tooth. Sexual dimorphism is also discussed.     

Morphology and relationships of the orangutan fatty cheek pads

The present paper examines the anatomical relationships as well as possible developmental and functional relationships of the fatty cheek pad characteristic of the adult male orangutan. The research involves the dissection of 11 orangutans of both sexes in a variety of age categories. All specimens possess either a fat pad or a subcutaneous connective tissue fascial compartment in the lateral face extending superiorly from slightly above the inferior border of the mandible to the temporal region. In immature specimens as well as adult females, fat deposits within the connective tissue compartment are scarce or nonexistent, whereas pubescent male specimens or older possess accumulations of fibro-fatty tissues in this region. The extensive fat accumulations of the adult male cheek flange are related to age and sex and to modifications in related facial musculature, especially mm. platysma, zygomaticus, orbicularis oculi, and orbitotemporalis and frontalis. These muscles are clearly related to the cheek pad structures in both sexes but appear to assume a supportive role in the males. The cheek pad has no direct bony attachments, but its mass may have a significant effect on facial morphology. The development of the cheek pad is temporally variable and its function remains speculative although the presence of a fully developed flange may be related to behavioral modifications.     

Color changes in the haircoat of patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas)

Caged patas monkeys were evaluated monthly to determine changes in the color of their hair during infancy, adolescence, pregnancy and lactation. From birth until 3 months of age the facial and anterior crown hairs were short, sparse, and completely black. The body fur was a fine, short, fawn-colored hair mixed with longer black hairs which produced a black-tipped effect. During the second 3 months of life the body fur and anterior crown fur became coarser, longer, and changed to a red-brown color. The facial hairs thickened and became longer, but remained totally black. A thin line of black hairs outlined the brow and temple. The black chin hairs were gradually replaced by white from 7 to 24 months of age, and the upper lip hairs changed from black to white during the second year of life. Color changes related to pregnancy and lactation were confined to the nosepatch, cheek, and browline hair. The nosepatch and cheek hair changed from black or grey to completely white, and the browline faded to the approximate color of the body fur. These changes began approximately at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, maximized during the third month of lactation, began to darken 1 to 2 months later, and returned completely to the black, nonpregnant colors approximately 1 year postpartum. In one nonlactating female, the darkening was delayed until 500 days postpartum and in one female ovariectomized in the light color phase, the darkening was complete 200 days later. The cause of these changes is believed to be hormonal, resulting from altered endocrine function during maturation and pregnancy, which may alter melanocyte stimulating hormone activity.     

猕猴颊齿大小的性差研究初报

对28例太行山成年猕猴(♂10,♀18)的上、下颌颊齿齿冠面积进行测量。运用SPSS 10.0统计软件的多变量分析,选择有关颊齿变量建立性别判别函数。结果表明:猕猴颊齿具有明显的性差。选择不同的变量和选择不同的判别函数其性别正确判别率不同。上、下颌颊齿的性差有一定差异。使用逐步判别法建立判别函数,其性别正确判别率上颌颊齿为89.3%,下颌颊齿为92.3%。     

Competition, predation, and the evolutionary significance of the cercopithecine cheek pouch: the case of Cercopithecus and Lophocebus

Reports of cercopithecine cheek pouch use and functional significance are largely anecdotal, and to date there have been no investigations into its use by species living in closed forest habitats. Here, I report on cheek pouch use in Cercopithecus ascanius and Lophocebus albigena in the Kibale National Park, Uganda, between July-October 1997. Two hypotheses were evaluated: this feature was selected for because of its role in 1) increasing feeding efficiency via a reduction in potential feeding competition, and/or 2) reducing vulnerability to predation. Results indicate that both species were more likely to use their cheek pouches when feeding on contestable foods and, after filling cheek pouches, retreated to more densely vegetated ("safer") positions for processing food. There was no influence of age and sex on L. albigena cheek pouch use. Subadult C. ascanius cheek-pouched less frequently than adults, although there were no differences between adult males and females. There was no relationship between feeding-patch size and number of plant food items cheek-pouched in either species. However, the diameter of breast height (dbh; a measure of patch size) of trees in which C. ascanius used their cheek pouches was significantly larger than the dbh of trees in which they did not. Both species were more likely to use their cheek pouches in the presence of greater numbers of conspecifics. These data provide insight into the relationship(s) among oral anatomy and feeding efficiency, and facilitate understanding into the selection for this important oral feature in stem cercopithecines.     

Sexual character intensity and its relationship to breeding timing, fecundity and mate choice in the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus

Reproductive success and the intensity of five separate seasonal sexual characters, expressed similarly in both sexes and likely to be dependent on age and/or individual condition, were documented at a colony of great cormorants at Lake Naivasha, Kenya (00°46' S, 36°22' E) in 1996. The characters assessed were head filoplumes, thigh patch feathers, colour of cheek, neck and upper breast plumage, colour of gular skin, and colour of suborbital skin. More intensely developed sexual characters at the time of pair formation were associated with significantly earlier breeding. Pairs that bred earlier fledged significantly more chicks than those breeding later. However, correlations between the number of chicks fledged and the intensity of the parents' sexual characters at pair formation were generally weak and not significant. An exception was the colour of the cheek, foreneck and upper breast plumage: males (but not females) with the darkest plumage in these areas fledged significantly more chicks than others. Correlations between paired male and female sexual character intensity were weak, and significant only in the case of suborbital skin colour. Other factors may have been more important than these characters in influencing mate selection.     

DISCOVERY OF THE UPPER CHEEK TEETH OF GOBIOLAGUS TOLMACHOVI (LAGOMORPHA, MAMMALIA)

<正> The upper cheek teeth of a Late Eocene laporid, Gobiolagus tolmachovi, are described here for the first time.Of 9 genera of Palaeolaginae of Leporidae, it is only the genus Gobiolagus, whose upper cheek teeth have never been reported before.The specimen was collected by the Sino-Soviet Palaeontological Expedition team in Shara Murun area, Nei Mongol in 1960. Its geological age is considered to be of Late oEcene (Shara Murun Formation).     

Normal levels of vitamin A in tissues of the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) determined colorimetrically

Vitamin A levels in tissues of 20 normal adult hamsters on a standard diet were measured colorimetrically. No significant difference between male and female animals was found for any of the tissues sampled. The mean vitamin A value for blood plasma in 20 animals was 53.4 micrograms/dl. Mean values for liver, kidneys, flank skin and cheek pouch were 813, 1.29, 1.84 and 1.31 mg/g wet weight, respectively. The vitamin assay was less suitable for small organs such as trachea.     

Cheek tooth erosion in male babirusa (genus Babyrousa)

The wear on the occlusal surfaces of male babirusa cheek teeth was evaluated in 53 skulls of Babyrousa babyrussa from Buru and the Sula Islands and 87 skulls of B. celebensis from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Based on the comparative lengths of their continually growing maxillary canine teeth, the skulls were divided into five ‘age categories’ (A–E). Numerical and symbolic codes representing tooth wear were applied to each pillar (cusp region) of the mandibular and maxillary permanent third and fourth premolar teeth, and the first, second and third permanent molar teeth. There was no significant difference between the tooth wear patters of skulls in groups A and B, or in groups C and D, and so these were amalgamated. There was close correspondence in wear patterns between each side of the mouth in both species and in each age group. The wear patterns of the mandibular and maxillary teeth, although not identical, were very similar, as were the wear patterns of both species. In group A + B for both species tooth wear was relatively slight, with the M1 teeth experiencing most relative wear. There was almost no wear of the M3 teeth. In group C + D substantial wear of upper and lower M1 was evident. In group E more widespread wear of the cheek teeth was seen, with increased severity of M1 tooth wear, yet there was comparatively much less M2 and M3 tooth wear. The pattern of cheek tooth wear of the Babyrousa spp. was different from that shown by Sus scrofa. Differences in diet selection and processing were highlighted as potential contributing factors. The pattern of cheek tooth wear in male babirusa was not adequate for use to monitor their age.     

Movement of the human pelvis and displacement of related anatomical landmarks on the body surface

Anatomical landmarks on the body surface can be measured with high accuracy by using rasterstereography and surface curvature analysis. The present study shows that the lumbar dimples can be localized with a statistical error of about 1 mm. It is generally assumed that the dimples are in close relation to the pelvis (in particular to the PSISs) and may thus be taken as indicators for pelvis movements. By introducing an artificial pelvis tilt of up to +/- 10 degrees this relation was examined. In fact, a nearly perfect correlation (r approximately equal to 0.99) between landmark and pelvis movements was observed. Asymmetries of pelvis motion due to scoliotic deformity were not observed. There was, however, a systematic lag of the dimple movements, resulting in a displacement of the dimples of up to +/- 1.5 mm relative to the pelvis (for +/- 10 degrees pelvis tilt). Either a soft tissue effect or a torsion of the pelvis may be responsible for this behaviour. The theory of pelvis torsion is confirmed by the fact that the orientation of the back surface at the locus of the dimples reveals a corresponding torsion of similar magnitude and sign. A torsion angle of about +/- 1.5 degrees in either sacro-iliac joint is sufficient to explain the observed dimple lag and the surface torsion. An independent measurement (e.g. using roentgenphotogrammetry) would be desirable to further validate this theory. According to our measurements the dimples of the PSISs cannot be taken as exact indicators for orientation and movement of the pelvis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The cheek plumage patch is an amplifier of dominance in great tits

Amplifiers are signals that enhance the perception of other signals or cues, but no studies to date provide empirical evidence for the role of these signals in a reproductive context. Here we use the white cheek patch of great tits as a model for studying this issue. Aggressive interactions decrease patch immaculateness, so patch size may be an amplifier of dominance, that is, more clearly reveal status. If so, in high-quality individuals patch size should correlate positively with reproductive success (here estimated by laying date, assuming that the earlier the better), whereas low-quality individuals with a large patch should only more clearly reveal their low quality and thus suffer low reproductive success, which is exactly the pattern found in males. In contrast, the cheek patch does not seem to function as an amplifier in female great tits.     

Use of low-dose chlorpromazine in conjunction with environmental enrichment to eliminate self-injurious behavior in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)

A 7-year-old, captive-bred, female rhesus macaque was placed in a quarantine facility upon arrival at our institution. At release from quarantine, she was observed pawing at and chewing on her left cheek. Physical examination revealed ulcerative lesions on the buccal surface of the left cheek. Initial differential diagnoses included Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (B virus)-induced lesions and bacterial infection. Dental abnormalities and cheek pouch foreign body were ruled out during the physical exam. Treatment with 30 mg/kg cefazolin intramuscularly every 12 h was initiated. Twelve days later, the animal presented with a 2 x 2-cm, full-thickness erosion involving the opposite (right) cheek. Treatment with buprenorphine (0.1 mg/kg intramuscularly every 24 h) was initiated. Cultures for B virus were negative, and only nonpathogenic bacteria were isolated from swabs of the lesions. Hematology and serum chemistry profiles were normal. A wedge biopsy of the lesion revealed no definitive etiology. Further observation revealed that the lesions likely resulted from self-injurious behavior (SIB). Treatment with low-dose chlorpromazine (1 mg/kg intramuscularly once daily for 25 days, and then 0.5 mg/kg intramuscularly once daily for 25 days) was initiated. Bodyweight and condition were maintained during therapy, and serial hematology and serum chemistry profiles were normal. The animal was moved into a different room, and a toy "necklace" was created. The SIB was eliminated, and lesions healed within 35 days. Presently, 20 months after presentation, this animal remains in good health.     

A comparison of the occurrence of common dental abnormalities in stabled and free-grazing horses

The purpose of this study was to gain evidence on the prevalence of dental abnormalities in stable-kept horses in comparison with free-living horses. It is expected that free-living horses that graze for as much as 16 h/day will have fewer dental abnormalities than stable-kept horses. In this study, the latter group was fed a diet that was based on a relatively high-energy, cereal-based feed. This was thought to be a representative of common practice in domesticated, stable-kept horses. Compound diets such as this have previously been shown to increase the frequency of chewing cycles and decrease mediolateral excursion. The occurrence of 10 named dental abnormalities present in the dentition of 60 Thoroughbred-type horses was recorded. Half of the population was at grass all year round in New South Wales, Australia. The remainder were stabled for 24 h/day in Gloucestershire, UK. All horses were between 5 and 15 years of age. The same, experienced, equine dental technician examined all horses using a full-mouth speculum and produced a routine dental chart. Stable-kept horses had a significantly higher total occurrence of abnormalities (P < 0.001) than free-living horses. The stable-kept group had a significantly higher prevalence of exaggerated transverse ridging across the occlusal surface of the cheek teeth, focal or ramped overgrowths of the cheek teeth and periodontal disease (P < 0.01 in all cases). All horses in both groups had some occurrence of sharp edges of the buccal and lingual edges of the cheek teeth. The results are in agreement with anecdotal evidence that a fibre-based, grazed diet results in fewer dental abnormalities. However, sharp edges may occur even with what is perceived as a 'natural' diet.     

记三列齿科一新属

<正> 本文所记述的标本,是1972年袁祖银同志与笔者在云南进行野外工作时采集的。化石产于云南禄丰的下禄丰组深红层地层中,与周明镇教授描述过的禄丰兽(Lufengia)同层。由于风化,头骨缝合线不清楚,但就头骨显示出的其他特征,不难看出,此标本系代表三列齿科(Tritylodontidae)中一新种属。本文承王哲夫、侯晋封同志分别照相和绘图,谨此表示感谢。     

Cranial ontogenetic variability,sex ratio and age structure of the Red fox

Describing the sex ratio, age structure of the population and ontogenetic variability of Red fox, Vulpes vulpes (Canidae, Carnivora) skull parameters, this study is based on 416 male and 289 female skulls collected in the Czech Republic. The skulls analysed came from feral individuals, that were shot by hunters. The male to female ratio was 1:0.69 regarding the whole population. Individuals younger than one year prevailed in the population (54% males, 48% females were in their first year of life). Four growth patterns of skull dimensions were described. The first group included mainly skull length dimensions (e.g. condylobasal length). They grew rapidly until the sixth month of life, becoming stabilised afterwards. The second group comprised parameters that were stable throughout the life (e.g. cheek tooth rows). Measurements representing the third growth pattern showed continual growth (mainly width dimensions, e.g. zygomatic breadth). Conversely, smaller dimensions of postorbital breadth were observed after the sixth month of life. Postorbital breadth represented the fourth growth pattern. It was concluded, that male and female Red foxes had similar ontogenetic skull development, even though there were some differences, e.g. in jugular breadth, which increased after the age of six months in males unlike in females.     

Cheek pouch use, predation risk, and feeding competition in blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni)

The adaptive function of cheek pouches in the primate subfamily Cercopithecinae remains unresolved. By analyzing the circumstances of cheek pouch use, we tested two hypotheses for the evolution of cercopithecine cheek pouches proposed in earlier studies: (1) cheek pouches reduce vulnerability to predation, and (2) cheek pouches increase feeding efficiency by reducing competition. We studied two groups of wild blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni) in the Kakamega Forest, Kenya, conducting focal observations of feeding individuals. Monkeys were less exposed while emptying their cheek pouches than filling them, supporting the predation-avoidance hypothesis. We investigated several measures of competitive threat, but only one supported the competition-reduction hypothesis: when the nearest neighbor's rank increased, subjects were more likely to increase than to decrease cheek pouch use. Overall, our findings supported the predation-avoidance hypothesis more strongly than the competition-reduction hypothesis. We suggest that variation in cheek pouch use may reflect differing behavioral strategies used by cercopithecines to mitigate competition and predation, as well as factors such as resource size and distribution, home range size, and travel patterns.