Gavialoidea is presently composed of only two extant
crocodylian species, the Indian gharial Gavialis gangeticus, and
the false gharial Tomistoma schlegelii , both from southeast Asia.
However, Gavialoidea displays a rich and near-cosmopolitan
diversity in the fossil record, with over 40 species currently
recognized. Several of these gavialoids are recovered from
Cenozoic deposits in the Mediterranean region, with many
assigned historically to the genus Tomistoma . However, recent
phylogenetic analyses do not typically recover these species as
closely related to the false gharial, with several fossil species
in need of taxonomic revision. Here, we present a detailed
re-evaluation of one of these species, Tomistoma cairense from
the Middle Eocene Mokattam Formation of Egypt, based on the holotype skull and several referred specimens. Supplemented by endocranial anatomy revealed
via computed tomography (CT), we identify numerous anatomical differences with T. schlegelii
and other gavialoids, including the approximately contemporaneous Egyptian species, Eogavialis
africanum and Paratomistoma courti . These differences are reinforced through phylogenetic analysis
under maximum parsimony, in which T. cairense is recovered as a gavialoid that does not cluster with
T. schlegelii or Mediterranean taxa. We erect a new genus name for T. cairense , with the resultant new
combination of Herugavialis cairensis diagnosed by several characteristics, including telescoped orbits.
An apparent decline in Mediterranean gavialoid diversity during the Late Eocene–Oligocene is potentially
driven by a reduction in habitat, as a result of global cooling and declining eustatic sea level.
Warming in the Miocene might have facilitated a subsequent rebound in gavialoid diversity, prior to
the extirpation of crocodylians in the Mediterranean region in the Late Miocene, which might have
been caused by the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The taxonomic revision of additional Mediterranean
gavialoid species should facilitate greater insight into their evolutionary history and demise.

ABSTRACT: The mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amine, 2-amino-3 methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), is produced while cooking protein-rich foods. Mesenchymalstemcells(MSCs)(ascell-basedtherapy)andAnnonamuricata(graviola) (asanaturalproduct)bothpossesspreventivecapacitiesagainst freeradical toxicity in varioustissues.ThisstudyaimstocomparethetherapeuticpropertiesandeffectsofAD MSCsandgraviolaonIQ-induced liver toxicityandDNAdamage inrats. Sixtyadult maleratsweredividedintofourgroups:normalunexposedcontrol, IQ, IQ+graviola, and IQ+AD-MSCs. After 6weeks, the ratswere sacrificed, and liver tissueswere examinedforhistopathological changesusinghematoxylin−eosinstaining. p53protein expressionwasevaluatedbyimmunohistochemistry,andDNAdamagewasmeasuredby using the comet test.Our findings indicated thatAD-MSCtherapy led to themost significantimprovementinDNAdamage,apoptosis,andp53,LPO,AST,andALTlevels causedby IQtoxicity. Additionally, AD-MSCs reducedseverehistological alterations (damageandfibrosis)inlivercellsinducedbyIQ.However, theeffectivenessofgraviolatreatment islimited,severelyrestrictingits useforchroniclivertoxicity. Inconclusion, theinitial stageof IQ-inducedlivertoxicityiscausedbyoxidativestress-inducedDNA damage.Comparedwithgraviola,AD-MSCsexhibitmorepotent therapeuticeffectsagainst IQ-inducedliverdamage

Background Leiurus quinquestriatus is one of the world’s most dangerous scorpions. The present study was con ducted to describe the histology, and histochemistry of the venom gland in males and females, and measurements of the concentrations of elements, and proteins profiles in this scorpion. Results Light microscopic examination revealed paired glands located inside the telson’s vesicle. Moreover, three types of secretory granules in the venom gland were varied between males and females. Electrophoresis revealed three protein bands (165, 93, and 24 kD) in females, while males exhibited only two bands (165 and 93 kD). Fur thermore, the elemental analysis of the venom gland indicated increased concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn), in males than in females (P < 0.001). In contrast, levels of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) were higher in female scorpions (P < 0.001). Conclusion In conclusion, the presence of significant structural differences in the venom gland apparatus between males and females may provide good evidence about the composition of the venom in both sexes. The variations related to secretory granules, protein profile, and concentrations of different elements in male and female venom glands are useful for understanding the mechanisms of venom activity, suggesting that the male scorpions of L. quinquestriatus may be more toxic than female ones.