Effect of stocking density on the behavior of newly transformed juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii

This study characterized the behavioral activity of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in the early stages of development, under different stocking densities (25 and 40 animals/m²), and during the light and dark phases of a 24-h cycle. Observations of individuals were made in 8 aquariums. Behavioral recording lasted 15 min/aquarium, 4 times/day and 4 days/week, 4 weeks in total. Food was offered twice daily. Observational methods included a combination of behavioral sampling and scan sampling. During the light phase, inactivity, cleaning and remaining in a shelter were the most frequent behaviors. During the dark phase the subjects displayed a higher frequency of feeding, exploration, swimming, and digging. At low density, the animals gained more weight and exhibited greater growth overall. These results indicate a behavioral pattern that is more favorable to animals in the lower density cultivation environment that can also create better living conditions for these shrimp, favor survival rates and therefore improve management success.     

The pedicled transposition of the digastric and stylohyoid muscles in the treatment of velopharyngeal incompetence. Anatomic basis and clinical application]

The anatomical basis for the application of neurovascular pedicled muscle transfers of the digastric and stylohyoid muscles in the treatment of velopharynx incompetence is described. The fact that the neurovascular pedicle is located in the cranial third of the muscle bellies provides the safety of the operative procedure. The muscles have to be dissected with respect to that. The direction in which the transferred muscles pull is described. The muscle transposition is combined with the classic Wardill-Kilner operation to lengthen the soft palate. The transferred muscles have to avoid scar contraction and shortening of the soft palate and to gain a muscular function of the soft palate. The clinical use is justified in rare cases as demonstrated in one case.