A case of fetal twin-to-twin cytomegalovirus infection through a dichorionic diamniotic (DiDi)-fused placenta prompted our search for possible vascular anastomoses in this type of placenta. This case and three additional DiDi-fused placentas were studied with gross (macro) sections and a three-dimensional (3D) stereomicroscopic technique. Two twins were dizygotic (they differed in gender and blood groups) and the other two were probably monozygotic. Macrosections and 3D-image analysis demonstrated side-to-side connections between small subchorionic vessels. These findings demonstrate that vascular anastomoses are present in DiDi-fused placentas.
The Chinese Pangolin (CP), Manis pentadactyla L. is one of the two pangolin species recorded in Bhutan. Not many studies, however, were carried out on the species in Bhutan. The present study was carried out to assess the habitat preference and current distribution of CP, Manis pentadactyla in Dorokha Dungkhag, Samtse from January to March 2017. Belt transect method consisting of 100 x 100 m each was used to assess the habitat preference and estimate burrow density, coupled with an extensive search of indirect signs of pangolin presence (burrows, scat, footprint, scales, scratches) was utilized to determine the current distribution of the CP. Modelling of habitat was carried out using QGIS and Maxent. A total of 181 burrows were recorded from 48 plots with burrow density of 0.104 per hectare. These were mostly distributed in the habitat dominated by needlework trees (Schima wallichii), evergreen broadleaf (Castanopsis hytrix) and shrubs (Viburnum species). The preferred habitat of the CP was recorded to range from an altitude of 1,300–1,700 m, with highest feeding activities recorded within the periphery of cardamom plantation and adjacent forested area. A higher burrow density was recorded in humid soils, with high termite presence, and in the vicinity of human settlements. Habitat modelling revealed that 23.57km2 of the study area was highly suitable and 37.88km2 was a suitable habitat for the species. Similar studies are suggested to be carried out in other parts of Bhutan in different seasons to better understand the species and its distribution in the country.
Three cases of Spitz nevus of the tongue associated with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia are reported: two occurring in children and one in an adult. The location at an unusual site and the complex pattern resulting from the intimate admixture of the neoplastic melanocytic component and the hyperplastic keratinocytic component led in each case to consider diagnoses such as malignant melanoma and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Staining for S-100 protein and keratin was useful to identify and separate the two components. Spitz nevus of the tongue carries some intriguing similarities with granular cell tumor, suggesting a possible histogenetic and pathogenetic relationship.
The non-uniformity of the distribution of biodiversity makes allocation of the limited resources available for conservation of biodiversity a difficult task. Approaches such as biodiversity hotspot identification, endemic bird areas, crisis ecoregions, global 200 ecoregions, and the Last of the Wild are used by scientists and international conservation agencies to prioritize conservation efforts. As part of the biodiverse Eastern Himalayan region, Bhutan has been identified as a conservation priority area by all these different approaches, yet data validating these assessments are limited. To examine whether Bhutan is a biodiversity hot spot for a key taxonomic group, we conducted camera trapping in the lower foothills of Bhutan, in Royal Manas National Park, from November 2010 to February 2011. We recorded six species of wild felids of which five are listed on the IUCN Red List: tiger Panthera tigris, golden cat Pardofelis temminckii, marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata, leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis, clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa and common leopard Panthera pardus. Our study area of 74 km 2 has c. 16% of felid species, confirming Bhutan as a biodiversity hot spot for this group.
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