BPs are absent in the sister group to Varanus (Lanthanotus borneensis) and the other outgroup species (Heloderma spp.). Our phylogenetic reconstruction supports the KGP prediction that BP is restricted to large-bodied taxa. Using the Hansen model of adaptive evolution

on a limited, but highly relevant morphological dataset (i.e. SVL; femur length, FL; tail length, TL), we demonstrated that these characters were not equivalent in their contribution to the evolution of BP in Varanus. SVL was significantly correlated with BP when modelled in a phylogenetic context, but the model identified random processes as dominant over adaptive evolution, suggesting that a body size threshold might be involved in the evolution of BP. A Brownian motion (BM) model outperformed HM781-36B the selection model in our analysis of relative TL, suggesting that TL and

BP evolved independently. The selection model for relative FL outperformed GW4869 inhibitor the BM model, indicating that FL and BP share an adaptive history. Our non-phylogenetic analyses involving regression residuals of FL and TL vs. SVL showed no significant correlation between these characters and BP.\n\nWe suggest that BP in Varanus provides a convergent or analogue model from which to investigate various forms of bipedalism in tetrapod vertebrate, especially other reptiles, such as theropod dinosaurs. Because BP(standing) in varanids is possibly an incipient stage to some form of upright locomotion, its inclusion as a general model in evolutionary analyses of bipedalism of vertebrates will probably

provide novel and important insights. (C) 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 97, 652-663.”
“P>Aim\n\nTo compare the haemostatic effect and tissue reactions of different agents and methods used for haemorrhage control in apical surgery.\n\nMethodology\n\nSix standardized bone defects were prepared in the calvaria of six Burgundy rabbits. Five haemostatic modalities were tested for their haemostatic effect and tissue reactions, and were compared with untreated control defects: ExpasylTM + Stasis (R), ExpasylTM + Stasis (R) Combretastatin A4 in vivo + freshening of the bone defect with a bur, Spongostan (R), Spongostan (R) + epinephrine, and electro cauterization. The haemostatic effect was analysed visually and compared using Wilcoxon’s signed rank test. Two groups of three animals were evaluated histologically for hard and soft tissue reactions related to the different haemostatic measures, after 3 and 12 weeks of healing respectively.\n\nResults\n\nExpasylTM + Stasis (R) and electro cauterization proved most effective in reducing bleeding (P < 0.05), but were accompanied by unfavourable tissue reactions, as indicated by the presence of necrotic bone, inflammatory cells and the absence of bone repair. These adverse tissue reactions did not recover substantially over time.