Accessory Points Research Articles

Deep-Sea Tardigrades from the North-Western Pacific, with Descriptions of Two New Species

Three deep-sea tardigrade species were identified from the sediment samples collected during the four German–Russian joint deep-sea cruises that were conducted in the North-Western Pacific: Coronarctus sonne sp. nov., Moebjergarctus okhotensis sp. nov., and Angursa cf. bicuspis. Specimens of those species were collected at depths between 1700 and 5410 m. The new species Coronarctus sonne sp. nov. belongs to the Cor. tenellus group of species on the basis of morphological traits such as the short cephalic appendages and heteromorphic claws. The structure of the secondary clavae and two points, with an accessory point and a primary point simultaneously on the internal and external claws on legs IV, are significant characteristics distinguishing Coronarctus sonne sp. nov. from other described species. Moebjergarctus okhotensis sp. nov. is characterized by having cephalic cirri with the long smooth portion of the scapus and annulated scapus only in the basal portion, the structure of the male and female reproductive system, and differences in the sizes of some structures compared to the other described species. An analysis of the results of four deep-sea expeditions indicates a patchy distribution of tardigrades in the North-Western Pacific.

Foot reflexology in painful conditions: systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Because foot reflexology is commonly associated with other interventions, its benefits are difficult to establish. In addition, systematic reviews have been carried out many years ago, analyzing unspecific parameters and with controversial results. Thus, the objectives of this study were: to analyze the results of randomized controlled trials with a control group in painful conditions, using foot reflexology as a single intervention; describe the proposed application and methodological quality of the studies (PEDro scale). CONTENTS: The PEDro, Pubmed, Scielo and LILACS data bases were consulted, searching for clinical trials with the following keywords and Boolean index: Foot Reflexology AND pain; reflexology foot massage AND pain (English, Portuguese and Spanish). These keywords should have been present in the title or summary of the article for inclusion, directing to pain and moving away from other variables. 95 studies were found, 17 were selected and most of the results were favorable. The usual application varies from 2-30 minutes of stimulation on each foot, varying between massaging in general or using the somatotopic map stimulating the solar plexus, pain correspondence zone and accessory points related to the diagnosis. In short, the studies showed moderate to good methodological quality according to the PEDro scale. CONCLUSION: Foot reflexology has shown promise for pain relief as an isolated therapy in neuromusculoskeletal cases in hospital and outpatient settings. The hope is that studies of excellent methodological quality can support this statement in the near future.

Two new tardigrade species (Echiniscidae and Doryphoribiidae) from the Salta province (Argentina).

Tardigrades from Argentina are poorly known. Two new species from the Salta province are described in the present contribution: Pseudechiniscus saltensis sp. nov., and Doryphoribius cephalogibbosus sp. nov. The former species belongs to the novaezeelandiae group and, apart from the nominal species of the group, it is similar to nine congeneric species by the following characters: the absence of spines on legs I and lateral papillae, the scapular plate with a transversal fold, the presence of projections at the posterior margin of the pseudosegmental plate, caudal plate not faceted, and cuticular ornamentation in the form of heads (capituli) of endocuticular pillars, protruding through epicuticle and joined by striae. However, the new species differs from all of them in important qualitative (e.g. colour, different division of plates, details of cuticular ornamentation, claws etc.) and morphometric characters. The new species exhibits a unique morphology of gonopore and anus. Doryphoribius cephalogibbosus sp. nov., by the presence of two macroplacoids, dorsal gibbosities, and inhabiting terrestrial environment, belongs to the flavus group and differs from all members of the group in having ten, instead of nine, rows of gibbosities (X:2-4-6- 6-6-6-6-4-2-2+2[LI-III]), with as a peculiar exclusive character, the presence of the two cephalic gibbosities, never reported in other Doryphoribius species. Moreover, the new species differs from the other species of the group by morphometric and more detailed morphological characters. The new species description also gave an occasion to discuss the issue of gibbosity arrangement in other species and address the morphology of claw accessory points.

Filling of small oval root canals: influence of sealer placement and filling technique.

<p>Objectives: The aim of this study was to carry out a morphometric analysis of small oval root canals filled with GuttaFlow 2 sealer (Coltène/Whaledent) using different methods of sealer placement and different root canal filling techniques.<br /> Method and materials: Eighty extracted mandibular incisors with small oval root canals were instrumented with the Self-Adjusting File (Redent Nova). GuttaFlow 2 was placed using a lentulo spiral, paper point, master point, or sonically activated CanalBrush (Coltène/Whaledent), followed by the placement of a master point and accessory points (M?P+) (part 1). GuttaFlow 2 was placed using a lentulo spiral without a gutta-percha point, together with a single point, with a chloroform-dipped master point, or the latter with accessory points (ChMP+) (part 2). Serial cuts were made at 1-mm intervals up to 10&nbsp;mm. The percentages of gutta-percha filled area (PGFA), sealer, voids, and debris were evaluated using interactive image analysis software.<br /> Results: For part 1 of the study (sealer placement), significant differences regarding PGFA at 2 and 5&nbsp;mm from the apex were found, whereas for part 2 (filling technique), significant differences were found at all levels besides 2 and 4&nbsp;mm (Kruskal-Wallis test, P&nbsp;=&nbsp;.05). ChMP+ reached 85% PGFA at 3&nbsp;mm from the apex, but only 30% near the apex. The MP+ groups showed a relatively equal distribution of PGFA by 60% to 80% at different levels. GuttaFlow 2 without a gutta-percha point exhibited significantly more voids and debris than the other groups (Kruskal-Wallis test, P&nbsp;=&nbsp;.05).<br /> Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, MP+ could be recommended for clinical use. The presence of voids and debris for the group without a gutta-percha point needs further investigation.</p>.

RENDIMENTO E DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE PESCARIAS DE ARRASTO DE FUNDO PARA PEIXES DIVERSOS NA COSTA NORTE DO BRASIL.

A pescaria de arrasto de fundo para peixes diversos dispõe de considerável importância na costa norte do Brasil, apresentando grande diversidade de espécies capturadas, com ampla notoriedade para a família Scianidae. Entre essas espécies, destaca-se a pescada-gó (Macrodon ancylodon), responsável por 64% de toda biomassa capturada dessa modalidade de pescaria, assim caracterizada como a espécie-alvo. Setenta e sete vírgula quatro por cento da produção capturada é aproveitada, enquanto 22,6% dela é rejeitada, geralmente por apresentar indivíduos em sua fase juvenil ou por apresentar baixo ou nenhum valor econômico. Entre essas espécies descartadas, destacam-se o baiacu (Colomessus psitacus), a arraia (Dasyatis guttata) e o peixe-espada (Trichiurus lepturus). A produção média capturada por períodos de monitoramento foi de 24 t, havendo um esforço médio de 2,11 horas e CPUE com tendência de crescimento ao longo dos períodos. A prática dessa pescaria concentra-se em uma área específica da parte interna da plataforma continental amazônica. Nessa área, foi identificado um centro de captura, onde o esforço ocorre com maior constância e 88% da produção é proveniente dele. No entanto, tem-se a presença de pontos periféricos de esforço, porém os mesmos não se diferenciam em relação à composição capturada, admitindo-se que são somente pontos acessórios dessa modalidade de pesca.Palavras-chave: pesca industrial, produção, estuário, aproveitamento, rejeição.

Meplitumenaluna gen. nov., sp. nov. an interesting eutardigrade (Hypsibiidae, Itaquasconinae) from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

A new genus of Itaquasconinae, Meplitumengen. nov., and a new species, Meplitumenalunasp. nov., are described. The new genus has characters present in other genera of Itaquasconinae but in a unique combination. The spiral thickening of the bucco-pharyngeal tube is also present anteriorly to the insertion point of the stylet supports, excluding only the short portion where the apophyses for the insertion of the stylet muscles (AISM) are present. This character is similar to Astatumen Pilato, 1997 but Meplitumengen. nov. differs from this genus as stylet furcae are shaped differently and as stylet supports and placoids are present. The presence of a spiral thickening in a portion of the buccal tube anterior to the stylet supports distinguishes the new genus from Mesocrista Pilato, 1987, Platicrista Pilato, 1987 and Itaquascon de Barros, 1939. Meplitumengen. nov. also differs from Mesocrista, in having the caudal processes of the AISM pointing laterally (instead of postero-laterally), and the apices of the caudal processes of the stylet furcae unswollen. From Itaquascon the new genus also differs by having more robust stylet supports, pharyngeal bulb with placoids, stylet furcae differently shaped. Meplitumengen. nov. also differs from Platicrista in having caudal processes of the AISM more robust and not flexible, and more slender stylet supports. The new species, Meplitumenalunasp. nov., has a cuticle with a very faint roughness at the caudal extremity of the body, and eyes probably absent. The pharyngeal bulb is long, with two long, narrow, rod-shaped macroplacoids; a microplacoid and septulum are absent. The claws are well developed with main branches provided with accessory points, and at the base of the claws, a structure interpretable as a very thin lunule is present. Other cuticular thickenings on the legs are absent.

Tardigrades of the Canopy:Milnesium burgessinov. sp. (Eutardigrada: Apochela: Milnesiidae) a New Species from Kansas, U.S.A.

Milnesium burgessi nov. sp. is a new species of tardigrade described from the canopy of eastern Kansas, USA. This unique tardigrade of class Eutardigrada, order Apochela and family Milnesiidae is characterized by its smooth cuticle, six peribuccal lamellae, long primary branch of the claws with accessory points, a claw configuration of [3-3]-[3-3] and a buccal tube that is significantly shorter than other species.

Macrobiotus nebrodensis and Adropion vexatum, two new species of Eutardigrada (Tardigrada, Parachela) from Sicily.

Two new species of Eutardigrada are described from Sicily: Macrobiotus nebrodensis sp. nov. and Adropion vexatum sp. nov. The former species, belongs to the Macrobiotus hufelandi group, and is characterised by having a small, faint, microplacoid, and variable egg processes (most processes are shaped in the form of an inverted goblet with jagged terminal disc, but others are long, or very long, with a very small terminal disc). Adropion vexatum sp. nov. is characterised by having smooth cuticle, steep, vertical front to the head, pharyngeal tube longer than the pharyngeal bulb, which has small apophyses and three rod-shaped macroplacoids (microplacoid and septulum absent); long placoid row, about half the length of the pharyngeal bulb; main branches of claws with accessory points; lunules and other cuticular thickenings absent on the legs (small dots excluded).

New records of tardigrades from Colombia with the description of Paramacrobiotus sagani sp. nov. and Doryphoribius rosanae sp. nov.

By examining material collected in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Department of Magdalena, Colombia), the authors report a new record for the entire South America, Doryphoribius gibber Beasley & Pilato, 1987, and two species new to science, Paramacrobiotus sagani sp. nov., and Doryphoribius rosane sp. nov., are described. Paramacrobiotus sagani sp. nov. belongs to the richtersi group, vanescens subgroup (by having sculptured egg areolae) and is characterized by a peculiar cuticular granulation, trunco-conical egg processes with cylindrical indented apices, and other more detailed cha-racters both qualitative and metric; by the unique combination of characters, it differs from all the other known species of the genus. Doryphoribius rosanae sp. nov. is characterized by reticulated dorsal cuticle with gibbosities (formula IX:4-6-2-6-2-6-4-2-2), two macroplacoids in the pharynx without microplacoid or septulum, and large, stout claws without "free" accessory points but with lunules. It differs from all the other Doryphoribius species with gibbosities by having a unique formula, as well as other more detailed characters. Thanks to this contribution, the number of tardigrade species known for Colombia increases from 52 to 55.

Two new species of Eutardigrada from Victoria Land, Antarctica

Two new species are recorded from Victoria Land (Antarctica): Mixibius felix sp. nov. and Milnesium validum sp. nov. A third species, Diphascon sanae Dastych, Ryan &amp; Watkins, 1990, is a new report for this region of the Antarctic continent. Mixibius felix sp. nov. has a smooth cuticle, eyes present, bucco-pharyngeal apparatus of the Mixibius type (rigid buccal tube without ventral lamina and with hook-shaped asymmetrical apophyses for the insertion of the stylet muscles); stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube at 65.7–68.0% of its length; pharyngeal bulb with apophyses and two macroplacoids; microplacoid and septulum absent; as is characteristic of the genus, the external claws are of Isohypsibius type and the internal are a modified Isohypsibius type. Milnesium validum sp. nov. has smooth cuticle; eye spots present; six triangular peribuccal lamellae with basal stripes; stylet supports inserted on the cylindrical buccal tube at 61.1–64.8% of its length; claw configuration [3-3]-[3-3] (i.e. all secondary claws with three points); secondary claws stout, with distal portion clearly wider than the basal portion and each with a rounded basal thickening (lunule); primary claws with accessory points; a long cuticular bar present under claws I–III. Adding the three above mentioned species, the list of species present in Victoria Land rises from 12 to 15; 11 of these are recorded exclusively to this region of the Antarctic continent.

Two new species of Tardigrada (Eutardigrada: Ramazzottiidae, Macrobiotidae) from the supralittoral zone of the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula rocky shores.

Two new species of Eutardigrada were found in supralittoral lichens, growing on rocky shores at two localities of the Western Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Ramazzottius littoreus sp. nov., found in San Cibrao (North of Spain), has the dorsal cuticle sculptured with small tubercles and claws with accessory points similar to R. oberhaeuseri. It can be distinguished from all the other known Ramazzottius species with the same type of cuticular sculpture by the dotted egg shell and the peculiar reticulation visible at the bulbous base of egg processes. Macrobiotus halophilus sp. nov., found in Cascais (Centre of Portugal), belongs to the Macrobiotus hufelandi group. The slightly wrinkled egg shell and egg processes in the shape of inverted chalice with dentate distal disc, identifies it as a member of the Macrobiotus persimilis subgroup. The new dioecious species differs from the six other species of the M. persimilis subgroup by a unique combination of some characters (small and very sparse circular cuticular pores, granulation on legs I-III and dentate lunules on legs IV), by measurements of some structures (claws and buccal apparatus), and by the number, dimension and shape of egg processes.

An integrative description of Mesobiotus ethiopicus sp. nov. (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada: Parachela: Macrobiotidae: harmsworthi group) from the northern Afrotropic region

A new species of the Mesobiotus harmsworthi group is described from Ethiopia. An integrative taxonomy approach was applied by combining morphological and morphometric analyses-imaging under phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy with molecular analysis (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and COI markers)-to cross-verify the status of the population as a new species. The specimens of Mesobiotus ethiopicus sp. nov. are most similar to two taxa of the harmsworthi complex: M. harmsworthi obscurus (Dastych, 1985) and M. peterseni (Maucci, 1991). Nevertheless, the new species can be easily distinguished from the first of these taxa by the absence of additional teeth in the oral cavity and by a different accessory point morphology on the claws, and it can be distinguished from the second species mostly by a completely different egg process anatomy. Mesobiotus ethiopicus sp. nov. is only the second tardigrade species formally described as new for science from Ethiopia so far.

Two new species of Milnesium (Tardigrada: Milnesiidae).

Two new species of Milnesium are described: Milnesium vorax sp. nov from Sicily and Milnesium tumanovi sp. nov. from Crimea. Milnesium vorax sp. nov. is uncoloured, with eye spots, smooth cuticle, wide buccal tube, stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube at almost 62 % of its length; claws with configuration [2-3]-[3-2]; accessory points present on the main branches. Milnesium tumanovi sp. nov. is also uncoloured, has eye spots, smooth cuticle, and wide buccal tube, but it has the stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube at about 52 % of its length, and claws with configuration [3-3]-[3-3]; the accessory points are present on the main branches.

Tardigrades of the Tree Canopy: Milnesium swansoni sp. nov. (Eutardigrada: Apochela: Milnesiidae) a new species from Kansas, U.S.A.

Milnesium swansoni sp. nov. is a new species of Eutardigrada described from the tree canopy in eastern Kansas, USA. This species within the order Apochela, family Milnesiidae, genus Milnesium is distinguished by its smooth cuticle, narrow buccal tube, four peribuccal lamellae, primary claws without accessory points, and a secondary claw configuration of [3-3]-[3-3]. The buccal tube appears to be only half the width of the nominal species Milnesium tardigradum for animals of similar body length. The species adds to the available data for the phylum, and raises questions concerning species distribution.

Two new freshwater eutardigrade species from Sicily.

Two new species of freshwater Eutardigrada are described from Sicily: Isohypsibius rusticus sp. nov. and Isohypsibius zappalai sp. nov. The former species has eye spots, ornamented body surface with many, variously sized tubercles; bucco-pharyngeal apparatus of the Isohypsibius type; pharyngeal bulb with apophyses and two rod-shaped macroplacoids; microplacoid absent; claws, of the Isohypsibius type, well developed, with long and thin common basal portion; main branches of all claws without free accessory points; very thin lunules present; cuticular bars on the legs absent. Isohypsibius zappalai sp. nov. has eye spots; entire body surface with small tubercles rounded in shape, fairly uniformly sized and tending to form transverse lines; bucco-pharyngeal apparatus of the Isohypsibius type, pharyngeal bulb with apophyses and two macroplacoids; microplacoid absent; claws of the Isohypsibius type, well developed, with long common basal portion and both main and secondary branches with a wide proximal portion. Main branches of all claws with accessory points; small, flexible lunules present; cuticular bars on the legs absent.

A new tardigrade, Mutaparadoxipus duodigifinis gen. nov., sp. nov. (Heterotardigrada: Arthrotardigrada), from the Southeastern United States.

A new genus and species of Arthrotardigrada is described from Florida, USA based on its unique adhesive pad/claw combinations. Mutaparadoxipus duodigifinis gen. nov., sp. nov., is characterized by well-developed, ventral secondary clavae that are adjacent to the mouth, pointed lateral and caudal alae, seminal receptacles with coiled ducts opening lateral to the gonopore, and all legs with digits bearing proximal adhesive pads. Distal claws are present on digits I-III of legs I-III, but are missing from digit IV. On leg IV, distal claws are present only on digits II & III. A single accessory point is present on claws II & III only. This is the fourth species discovered to date with proximal adhesive pads, increasing support for a clade of adhesive-padded arthrotardigrades, and is likely the sister taxon of Paradoxipus orzeliscoides. The incomplete set of claws may represent an evolutionary step in a progressive loss of claws hypothesized to have occurred within the Halechiniscidae. The subfamily Orzeliscinae is amended as a result.

Two new tardigrade species from Sicily.

Two new species of tardigrades are described from Sicilian moss samples: Macrobiotus insuetus sp. nov. and Diphascon (Diphascon) procerum sp. nov. Macrobiotus insuetus sp. nov. is a species of the harmsworthi-group characterized by both posterior and anterior claws of the hind legs, which are different in shape from those of the first three leg pairs. The IV claws have extended basal tract where the branches are joined and the secondary branch breaks at near right angle to the primary branch and is clearly shorter than the main branch and the secondary branch of claws I-III. The eggs are not areolated and have conical processes with a reticular ornamentation. Diphascon (D.) procerum sp. nov. has a delicate cuticular ornamentation of very small tubercles, almost dots; two macroplacoids and septulum are present; thin accessory points are present on the main branches of the slender claws; lunules are absent but the base of the external claws of the hind legs are enlarged and slightly indented; a cuticular bar is present near the internal claw of the first three leg pairs and two cuticular bars are present on the hind legs between the base of the claws and near the base of the anterior claw.

&lt;strong&gt;Two new tardigrade species from Sicily&lt;/strong&gt;

Two new species of tardigrades are described from Sicilian moss samples: Macrobiotus insuetus sp. nov. and Diphascon (Diphascon) procerum sp. nov. Macrobiotus insuetus sp. nov. is a species of the harmsworthi-group characterized by both posterior and anterior claws of the hind legs, which are different in shape from those of the first three leg pairs. The IV claws have extended basal tract where the branches are joined and the secondary branch breaks at near right angle to the primary branch and is clearly shorter than the main branch and the secondary branch of claws I-III. The eggs are not areolated and have conical processes with a reticular ornamentation. Diphascon (D.) procerum sp. nov. has a delicate cuticular ornamentation of very small tubercles, almost dots; two macroplacoids and septulum are present; thin accessory points are present on the main branches of the slender claws; lunules are absent but the base of the external claws of the hind legs are enlarged and slightly indented; a cuticular bar is present near the internal claw of the first three leg pairs and two cuticular bars are present on the hind legs between the base of the claws and near the base of the anterior claw.

A new tardigrade Doryphoribius maasaimarensis sp. nov. (Eutardigrada: Hypsibiidae) from Kenya.

A new tardigrade, Doryphoribius maasaimarensis sp. nov., is described from a moss sample collected in Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya. The new species is characterized by having a reticulate dorsal cuticle with small tubercles; nine transverse rows of dorsal gibbosities (configuration IX:4-6-4-6-4-6-4-4-2); pharyngeal bulb with two macroplacoids and no microplacoid; claws with short and thin accessory points; small, smooth lunules under the claws. The new species is most similar to Doryphoribius zyxiglobus (Horning, Schuster & Grigarick, 1978). Both exhibit two macroplacoids, similar cuticular pattern and the same configuration of gibbosities. However, in Doryphoribius maasaimarensis sp. nov. the cuticular tubercles are less close, buccal tube slightly longer with respect to the body length, more gradual curvature of the buccal tube, different claws shape and thinner accessory points.

Remarks on Doryphoribius flavus (Iharos, 1966), and description of three new species (Tardigrada, Hypsibiidae)

The author examined paratypes of Doryphoribius flavus (Iharos, 1966) (formerly Hypsibius (Isohypsibius) flavus Iharos, 1966), and the holotype and paratypes of D. citrinus (Maucci, 1972) (which is considered a junior synonym of D. flavus), furnishing new details, both qualitative and metric, to the description of the species, and providing a discussion on the synonymy. Specimens, previously attributed to these species, from Amazonia, South Africa, and Bali, were also examined and proved to belong to three species new to science: Doryphoribius amazzonicus sp. nov., Doryphoribius bindae sp. nov., and Doryphoribius solidunguis sp. nov. Doryphoribius amazzonicus sp. nov. has a reticular cuticular ornamentation with ridges forming a tubercle at each crossing; legs lacking cuticular ornamentation; buccal tube slightly longer than in D. flavus with respect to the body length, stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube in a slightly more caudal position; peribuccal papulae present; teeth and ridges appear to be absent in the buccal cavity; pharyngeal bulb with apophyses and two macroplacoids; claws slightly shorter and stouter than in D. flavus. Accessory points and smooth lunules present. No other cuticular thickening present on the legs. Doryphoribius bindae sp. nov. has a delicate reticular cuticular ornamentation formed by narrow ridges with a tiny tubercle at each crossing; a fine reticular design present on the legs; peribuccal papulae present, buccal armature with only one dorsal tooth near the medial margin of each stylet sheath. Pharyngeal bulb with apophyses and two macroplacoids. Accessory points and small lunules present. No other cuticular thickening present on the legs. Doryphoribius solidunguis sp. nov. has a very obvious reticular cuticular ornamentation with an irregular shape and size mesh (usually large) delimited by thick, sometimes protruding ridges that may form tubercles at crossings; cuticle of the legs smooth; peribuccal papulae present and two pairs of dorsal teeth lying along the anterior margins of the stylets sheaths. Pharyngeal bulb with apophyses and two macroplacoids. The claws are large and stout with very small accessory points; lunules present, those of the inner claws more evident than in similar species; a cuticular bar is present on the first three pairs of legs. Doryphoribius flavus was considered widespread, but this work exposing cryptic species indicates that the geographic distribution is more restricted.