Morphological features of the nasal cavities of hawksbill, olive ridley, and black sea turtles: Comparative studies with green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles.

We analyzed the internal structure of the nasal cavities of hawksbill, olive ridley and black sea turtles from computed tomography images. The nasal cavities of all three species consisted of a vestibule, nasopharyngeal duct and cavum nasi proprium that included anterodorsal, posterodorsal and anteroventral diverticula, and a small posteroventral salience formed by a fossa of the wall. These findings were similar to those of green and loggerhead sea turtles (Cheloniidae), but differed from those of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelyidae).

Main airway throughout the nasal cavity of green sea turtles is lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Structural and histological features of the nasal cavity of sea turtles are largely different from those of other Testudines species. The sea turtle nasal cavity is a pair of tubular structures with three diverticula and an excavation in the center, and three types of sensory epithelium are present in these four significant structures. To more clarify the adaptation of the nasal cavity to marine life style in sea turtles, non-sensory epithelium in the nasal cavity of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were histologically determined from nostril to choanae in this study.

Impact of sleep duration during pregnancy on the risk of gestational diabetes in the Japan environmental and Children's study (JECS).

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has serious effects on both mother and child. Like Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, it is increasing in prevalence world-wide. In addition to obesity, sleep duration has been named an important risk factor.

Associations between metal concentrations in whole blood and placenta previa and placenta accreta: the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

Background: Placenta previa and placenta accreta associate with high morbidity and mortality for both mothers and fetus. Metal exposure may have relationships with placenta previa and placenta accreta. This study analyzed the associations between maternal metal (cadmium [Cd], lead [Pb], mercury [Hg], selenium [Se], and manganese [Mn]) concentrations and placenta previa and placenta accreta.