Metagenomics of Bacterial Diversity in Villa Luz Caves with Sulfur Water Springs.

New biotechnology applications require in-depth preliminary studies of biodiversity. The methods of massive sequencing using metagenomics and bioinformatics tools offer us sufficient and reliable knowledge to understand environmental diversity, to know new microorganisms, and to take advantage of their functional genes. Villa Luz caves, in the southern Mexican state of Tabasco, are fed by at least 26 groundwater inlets, containing 300-500 mg L-1 H2S and <0.

Functional reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint with a free fibular microvascular flap.

By preserving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc in the glenoid fossa at the time of resection, correctly securing the vascularised fibular end in the fossa, and by reattaching the lateral pterygoid muscle, it is possible to maintain normal rotation, translatation, and protrusion in the TMJ and the function of the jaw can be totally restored. We describe four patients in whom good function was achieved in three; this is underlined by extensive remodelling of the condylar head seen at radiological follow-up up to 36 months.