Adult Morphology Research Articles

Effects of perinatal exposures to a TAML catalyst on the mammary gland and hormone-sensitive outcomes in male mice

Estrogenic chemicals are common pollutants in wastewater and current effluent treatment processes are not typically effective in removing these compounds. Tetra-amido macrocyclic ligands (TAMLs) are catalysts that mimic endogenous peroxidases that may provide a solution to remove environmental pollutants including low concentrations of estrogenic compounds. Yet relatively little is known about the toxicity of TAMLs, and few studies have evaluated whether they may have endocrine disrupting properties. We administered one of three doses of a TAML, NT7, to mice via drinking water throughout pregnancy and lactation. Two pharmacologically active compounds, ethinyl estradiol (EE2) and flutamide were also included to give comparator data for estrogen receptor agonist and androgen receptor antagonist activities. Male pups were evaluated for several outcomes at weaning, puberty, and early adulthood. We found that EE2 exposures during gestation and the perinatal period induced numerous effects that were observed across the three ages including changes to spleen and testis weight and drastic effects on the morphology of the mammary gland. Flutamide had fewer effects but altered anogenital distance at weaning as well as spleen, liver, and kidney weight. In contrast, relatively few effects of NT7 were observed, but included alterations to spleen weight and modest changes to adult testis weight and morphology of the mammary gland at weaning. Collectively, these results provide some of the first evidence suggesting that NT7 may alter some hormone-sensitive outcomes, but that the effects were distinct from either EE2 or flutamide. Additional studies are needed to characterize the biological activity of this and other TAML catalysts.

Two new species of the genus Trichogalumna (Acari: Oribatida: Galumnidae) from China

Two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Trichogalumna Balogh, 1960 (Acari: Oribatida: Galumnidae), Trichogalumna pseudoohkuboi sp. nov. and Trichogalumna vittateata sp. nov. are described from China based on adult morphology. Trichogalumna pseudoohkuboi sp. nov. can be distinguished from other closely related species by the very small porose areas A2 and A3 on the notogaster, the surface of gnathosoma with large granules, five pairs of epimeral setae and epimeral setal formula 1-0-2-2, wide granular band on notogaster with the central part extending forward, the base of pteromorphs smooth, the surface of notogaster porose areas without stripes and the surface of genital plate with stripes. Trichogalumna vittateata sp. nov. is characterized by notogaster with four pairs of very small porose areas, the presence of longitudinal stripes on prodorsum, and the surface of pteromorphs with distinct ridge-like stripes.

First report of Diomusguilavoguii Duverger, 1994 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae, Diomini) predating on papaya mealybug Paracoccusmarginatus from China.

Diomusguilavoguii Duverger, 1994, an adventive species, is recorded from Guangzhou (Guangdong Province), China for the first time. Larvae of D.guilavoguii were collected in association with an invasive mealybug, Paracoccusmarginatus Williams & Granara de Willink, 1992, infesting papayas, cassava and several ornamental plants. However, little has been known about the biology of D.guilavoguii, especially the morphology of their larvae since their original descriptions. Diomusguilavoguii Duverger, 1994, native to Conakry, Guinea (Africa), is recorded as established in Guangdong Province for the first time. However, it is unclear when and how D.guilavoguii spread from Africa to Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Both the adult and larva feed on the invasive mealybug Paracoccusmarginatus Williams & Granara de Willink (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae) that infests papaya and ornamental plants. In this paper, the external morphology and male genitalia of adults are re-described. The detailed descriptions of larva and pupa are also provided for the first time. The status of D.guilavoguii and D.hennessyi Fürsch, 1987 are discussed.

Morphological, acoustic and genetic identification of a reproducing population of the invasive African clawed frog Xenopuslaevis (Anura, Pipidae) recently discovered in Belgium.

Using external morphology of adults and tadpoles, osteology from high-resolution microcomputed tomography, vocalization analysis, and DNA sequence data, the identity of a reproducing Belgian population of invasive Xenopus at the current northernmost edge of the distribution of the genus in Europe was assessed. All data concur to an identification as Xenopus (Xenopus) laevis (Daudin, 1802). Genetically it is most closely related to populations of the Cape region in South Africa. No studies on the natural history of the Belgian Xenopus population and its impact on the local environment have been made to date.

A new Loriciferan, Scaberiloricus samba gen. et sp. nov., links the Higgins larva and the aberrant Shira larva

A new genus and species of Loricifera, Scaberiloricus samba gen. et sp. nov., is described from the continental shelf and slope off Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Adult morphology remains unknown for the new entity, but information is available from three different Higgins larval instars. The Higgins larva of the new species is characterised by a bulbous head and a slender, elongate trunk, separated by a constriction behind the head. The cuticle of the thorax and the posterior part of the head is characterised by numerous longitudinal zigzag folds. The new species and genus shows greatest morphological resemblance with Wataloricus japonicus, and a phylogenetic analysis based on Higgins larval morphological characters suggests that Scaberiloricus gen. nov., Wataloricus, Tenuiloricus, and Patuloricus form a monophyletic group within Pliciloricidae. The analysis furthermore suggests that the Higgins larvae of Scaberiloricus gen. nov. and Wataloricus represent transitional, evolutionary stages towards the highly aberrant Shira larvae, found in species of Tenuiloricus and Patuloricus.

The oribatid mite superfamily Eutegaeoidea (Acari, Oribatida), with descriptions of new taxa from Australia and New Caledonia and a re-assessment of genera and families.

Twenty-four new species of Eutegaeoidea from Australia and New Caledonia are described, and two new genera are proposed. These are Eutegaeus woiwurrung sp. nov., E. nothofagi sp. nov., E. bidhawal sp. nov., E. ptilosus sp. nov., Humerotegaeus carinatus gen. et sp. nov., H. concentricus gen. et sp. nov., Atalotegaeus crobylus sp. nov., Neoeutegaeus torsteini sp. nov., N. melipsilon sp. nov. N. malcolmi sp. nov., N. corniculatus sp. nov. (Eutegaeidae), Compactozetes goongerah sp. nov., C. crenellatus sp. nov. (Compactozetidae) and Pterozetes lawrencei sp. nov. (Pterozetidae) from temperate rainforests in Victoria and Tasmania; Compactozetes bundjalung sp. nov., C. calderi sp. nov., C. duonodulus sp. nov., Sadocepheus remus sp. nov. (Compactozetidae) and Porrhotegaeus githabul sp. nov. (Porrhotegaeidae fam. nov.) from temperate and sub-tropical rainforests of the Great Dividing Range in central and northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, Porrhotegaeus catherinae sp. nov. from scalybark closed forest on Lord Howe Island, Eutegaeus odontatus sp. nov. and Compactozetes pirumorpha sp. nov. from moist upland forest on Norfolk Island and Neseutegaeus wardi sp. nov. and Atalotegaeus deficiens sp. nov. from tropical rainforest and moss forest in New Caledonia. Based on the predominantly Southern Hemisphere distribution of Eutegaeoidea, indicating strong Gondwanan affinities, and the morphology of adults and immatures, this taxon is treated as distinct from the Cepheoidea which has a distribution almost entirely within the Northern Hemisphere. Eutegaeoid species previously described from Australia (Eutegaeus soror P. Balogh, 1985, Atalotegaeus mensarosi J. & P. Balogh, 1983, Neseutegaeus monteithi J. & P. Balogh, 1983, Neoeutegaeus phyllophorus J. & P. Balogh, 1983 and Porrhotegaeus ornatus J. Balogh & Mahunka, 1966) are redescribed based on type material and new distribution records provided. Species have distribution patterns predominantly indicative of short-range endemics associated with remnant Gondwanan rainforest. Neseutegaeus monteithi is recombined with Atalotegaeus Luxton, 1988a. The definitions of genera and families of Eutegaeoidea are revised, and their relationships are reconsidered. Birotegaeus Luxton, 1988a and Pareutegaeus Woolley, 1965 are designated junior synonyms of Eutegaeus Berlese, 1916. Immatures are described for the genera Atalotegaeus, Eutegaeus, Neoeutegaeus Aoki, 1964 and Porrhotegaeus J. Balogh & Mahunka, 1966. Neoeutegaeidae fam. nov. is established for Neoeutegaeus Aoki, 1964 and Humerotegaeus gen. nov., Porrhotegaeidae fam. nov. for Porrhotegaeus and Bornebuschiidae fam. nov. for Bornebuschia Hammer, 1966 and Dicrotegaeus Luxton, 1988 which had previously been placed in Cerocepheidae or Compactozetidae. Eutegaeus aysenensis Ermilov, 2021 and E. queulatensis Ermilov, 2021 from Chile, are recombined with Atalotegaeus. A key is provided to the genera of the eight families of Eutegaeoidea, as recognised herein: Eutegaeidae, Neoeutegaeidae fam. nov., Cerocepheidae, Compactozetidae, Bornebuschiidae fam. nov., Pterozetidae and Porrhotegaeidae fam. nov.

First record of the pine sawfly Neodiprion warreni (Hymenoptera, Diprionidae) in the state of Tennessee and on Pinus virginiana

Pine sawflies in the genus Neodiprion Rohwer are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and are pests of commercially important conifer trees. While sampling for Neodiprion species in eastern North America, two colonies of Neodiprion warreni Ross were discovered in Tennessee feeding on Pinus virginiana Mill. These are the first records of N. warreni in Tennessee and on the host P. virginiana. Here, we use a combination of larval and adult female morphology to confirm species identification. We also discuss two potential explanations for these observations: N. warreni was always present in Tennessee and feeding on P. virginiana but, until now, has gone unreported or these new records are attributable to a recent range expansion and host shift. We also discuss potential economic and evolutionary implications of range expansions and host shifts in plant-feeding insect pest species.

Revision of the Amphibolips niger group with the description of a new species (Hymenoptera: Cynipini).

Amphibolips is currently divided into two species-groups, clearly differentiated by adult and gall morphology. The niger group of Amphibolips species is revised. This complex includes eight species: A. gumia Kinsey, A. jubatus Kinsey, A. elatus Kinsey, A. maturus Kinsey, A. nebris Kinsey, A. niger Kinsey, A. pistrix Kinsey and A. ufo Cuesta-Porta & Pujade-Villar sp. nov. We provide descriptions of new species and re-descriptions of known species, diagnoses, keys to complexes and species. The possibility of the niger complex belonging to a new genus is also discussed.

Design Research on the Demands of Older Adults: A User-Centered Case Study of Shoes

Older people’s foot shape and physiological characteristics are very different from those of younger people. It is difficult for older adults to choose appropriate shoes in the market. This paper explores a design method for shoes for older adults who take part in activities and puts forward a feasible design strategy combined with the actual situation. The purpose of this study was to promote a shoe design strategy for older adults, to avoid inconveniences brought by unfit shoes and improve their quality of life. Two questionnaire surveys (a random questionnaire and a targeted questionnaire) were conducted to determine the demands of the users. According to the random questionnaire, three groups of older adults were identified based on their activity intensity: 1) no activity, 2) low-intensity activity, and 3) high-intensity activity. The targeted questionnaire aimed to screen the participants with activities to analyze their shoe needs and preferences. Five in-depth interviews were conducted to classify the demands on different occasions of the target group. Five reasonable scenarios of hiking, traveling, dancing, walking, and formal occasions were summarized according to older adults’ demands for shoes, and the demand models were developed respectively. To illustrate the feasibility of this method, we designed a pair of summer sports shoes for men based on the demand model and the foot morphology of older adults. The shoes designed by this method could better care for older adults’ foot health and meet their physiological and psychological needs.

Utility of HR-pQCT in detecting training-induced changes in healthy adult bone morphology and microstructure.

Healthy bone adjusts its traits in an exceptionally coordinated, compensatory process. Recent advancements in skeletal imaging via High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT) allows for the in vivo 3-dimensional and longitudinal quantification of bone density, microarchitecture, geometry, and parameters of mechanical strength in response to varying strain stimuli including those resulting from exercise or military training. Further, the voxel size of 61 microns has the potential to capture subtle changes in human bone in as little as 8 weeks. Given the typical time course of bone remodeling, short-term detection of skeletal changes in bone microstructure and morphology is indicative of adaptive bone formation, the deposition of new bone formation, uncoupled from prior resorption, that can occur at mechanistically advantageous regions. This review aims to synthesize existing training-induced HR-pQCT data in three distinct populations of healthy adults excluding disease states, pharmacological intervention and nutritional supplementation. Those included are: 1) military basic or officer training 2) general population and 3) non-osteoporotic aging. This review aims to further identify similarities and contrasts with prior modalities and cumulatively interpret results within the scope of bone functional adaptation.

Epigenetics and the evolution of form: Experimental manipulation of a chromatin modification causes species-specific changes to the craniofacial skeleton.

A central question in biology is the molecular origins of phenotypic diversity. While genetic changes are key to the genotype-phenotype relationship, alterations to chromatin structure and the physical packaging of histone proteins may also be important drivers of vertebrate divergence. We investigate the impact of such an epigenetic mechanism, histone acetylation, within a textbook example of an adaptive radiation. Cichlids of Lake Malawi have adapted diverse craniofacial structures, and here we investigate how histone acetylation influences morphological variation in these fishes. Specifically, we assessed the effect of inhibiting histone deacetylation using the drug trichostatin A (TSA) on developing facial structures. We examined this during three critical developmental windows in two cichlid species with alternate adult morphologies. Exposure to TSA during neural crest cell (NCC) migration and as postmigratory NCCs proliferate in the pharyngeal arches resulted in significant changes in lateral and ventral shape in Maylandia, but not in Tropheops. This included an overall shortening of the head, widening of the lower jaw, and steeper craniofacial profile, all of which are paedomorphic morphologies. In contrast, treatment with TSA during early chondrogenesis did not result in significant morphological changes in either species. Together, these data suggest a sensitivity to epigenetic alterations that are both time- and species-dependent. We find that morphologies are due to nonautonomous or potentially indirect effects on NCC development, including in part a global developmental delay. Our research bolsters the understanding that proper histone acetylation is essential for early craniofacial development and identifies a species-specific robustness to developmental change. Overall, this study demonstrates how epigenetic regulation may play an important role in both generating and buffering morphological variation.

Effect of six weeks of resistance training on bone preservation in older adults: a randomized control trial.

It has been established that chronic resistance exercise contributes to positive changes to bone in older adults. This study evaluated the effect of 6weeks of resistance exercise with either elastic bands or dumbbells vs. a control period on bone morphology of older adults. Fifty-seven adults (mean ± SD; age = 66.5 ± 7.09 yrs; height = 165.2 ± 10.6cm; body mass = 74.5 ± 14.6kg) were randomized into three groups (dumbbell, elastic, or control). Participants underwent a total body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan for total body and segmental bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) before and following 6-week intervention. Age-matched Z-scores for BMD and BMC were recorded. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVAs and 0.05 significance level. BMCarm improved for the dumbbell group (p = 0.016) after the training, with no change in BMD for any group (p > 0.05). Additionally, significant (time x treatment group) interaction (p = 0.024) of age-matched Z-scores indicated an improvement in only the dumbbell group after 6weeks (p = 0.015), with no change in the elastic group despite them having greater Z-scores than the control group. This study is the first to demonstrate acute normative adaptations as dumbbell-based programs may promote positive maintenance of bone metrics over 6weeks, despite the lack of significant change in absolute BMC or BMD. Adults did not lose relative bone mass with acute exercise using dumbbells as the external load applied and this may lead to positive changes following chronic training. There was no bone-related impact from elastic bands, suggesting a weighted load or force produced relative to gravity is beneficial.

The miR156-SPL4/SPL9 module regulates leaf and lateral branch development in Betula platyphylla

The miR156 gene is known to play an important role in regulating growth and development in plants. This gene is involved in the transition from juvenile to adult stages, leaf morphology, and root development, among other processes. While the function of miR156 is similar in many plants, there are also differences in the function of this gene between herbaceous and native species. We obtained BpmiR156 overexpression transgenic lines in Betula platyphylla, and the transgenic lines exhibited traits such as delayed development, dwarfism, increased leaf epidermal hairs, larger leaf basal angle and altered stem curvature, which were highly consistent with the overexpression miR156 in Arabidopsis, rice and tomato. However, we also observed a lack of apical dominance, increased number of lateral branches and increased diameter of lateral branches in transgenic B. platyphylla, which is different from the effects reported in other plants. Transgenic plants showed changes in the distribution of IAA, GA3, and Zeatin in lateral branches and main stem, and the ratio of the content of the three hormones was significantly higher than in the non-transgenic plants served as control. Additionally, overexpression of BpmiR156 caused down-regulation of BpSPL4 and BpSPL9 expression, as well as differential expression of genes involved in auxin and cytokinin synthesis such as BpARR3, BpARR11 and BpmiR172.

Vertebral pattern and morphology is determined during embryonic segmentation.

The segmented nature of the adult vertebral column is based on segmentation of the paraxial mesoderm during early embryogenesis. Disruptions to embryonic segmentation, whether caused by genetic lesions or environmental stress, result in adult vertebral pathologies. However, the mechanisms linking embryonic segmentation and the details of adult vertebral morphology are poorly understood. We induced border defects using two approaches in zebrafish: heat stress and misregulation of embryonic segmentation genes tbx6, mesp-ba, and ripply1. We assayed vertebral length, regularity, and polarity using microscopic and radiological imaging. In population studies, we find a correlation between specific embryonic border defects and specific vertebral defects, and within individual fish, we trace specific adult vertebral defects to specific embryonic border defects. Our data reveal that transient disruptions of embryonic segment border formation led to significant vertebral anomalies that persist through adulthood. The spacing of embryonic borders controls the length of the vertebra. The positions of embryonic borders control the positions of ribs and arches. Embryonic borders underlie fusions and divisions between adjacent spines and ribs. These data suggest that segment borders have a dominant role in vertebral development.

DNA barcoding of the genus Apaidia Hampson, 1900 for species delimitation from Western Mediterranean fauna (Lepidoptera, Erebidae).

The genus Apaidia Hampson, 1900 is a relict Western Mediterranean genus in the South-western part of Europe and the North-western areas of the Mediterranean Africa comprising so far three species, Apaidia rufeola (Rambur, 1832), Apaidia mesogona (Godart, [1824]) and Apaidia barbarica Legrand, 1939. According to the examined material, COI mitochondrial DNA sequences and adult morphology integration supports the existence of three main lineages of Apaidia with sequence divergence rates of approximately 4.5%, which are within the range reported for other well-defined insect species. In addition, we recovered three different BINS, suggesting the presence of different species with unique and specific identifier for A. mesogona (AEC6797), A. rufeola (AEI9539), and the Iberian-Balearic A. barbarica (AEI9540). This study contributes to a better understanding of the taxonomy of the genus Apaidia and challenges future revision of this genus in Northern Africa, as well as the presence of the Apaidia species in Western Mediterranean islands and populations located in Italy.

Taxonomic reassessment of salamanders (genus Hynobius) from Tsushima Islands, Japan, with a resurrection of Hynobius tagoi Dunn, 1923 (Amphibia: Caudata).

To clarify the taxonomic status of salamanders from Tsushima Islands, Japan, we examined two species of salamanders, Hynobius tsuensis and Hynobius sp. from Tsushima Islands, and compared them with H. nebulosus from Kyushu. We found that the three taxa differ from each other in nuclear DNA, adult morphology, and egg-sac shape, and consider them to be independent species. Based on the investigation of type specimens of the synonyms, we identified Hynobius sp. as H. tagoi Dunn, 1923 and redescribe it herein. Also, we designate a neotype for H. tsuensis and redescribe H. tsuensis. The distribution areas of the two species partly overlap but they were distinguishable by their body colorations: H. tsuensis has uniformly blackish tail sides and a distinct yellow stripe on the upper tail edge; whereas H. tagoi has brown tail sides with numerous dark stippling and without a distinct yellow stripe on the upper tail edge.

A reassessment of the Andean genus Myopella Malloch (Diptera: Anthomyiidae).

The small Andean genus Myopella Malloch with two included species, M. angustifrons Malloch and M. appendiculata (Stein), is re-examined with special attention to the morphology of the male and female abdomen and terminalia. Adult morphology corroborates the current position of Myopella as an Andean endemic genus of Anthomyiidae, but its position within the anthomyiid tree remains in doubt despite the newly attained morphological knowledge. The status of the name Myopinella Michelsen, as proposed recently to replace for the preoccupied name Myopella Malloch, is clarified.

The costs of living on the coast: Reduction in body size and size‐specific reproductive output in coastal populations of a widespread amphibian

Abstract Body size is a critical component of organismal biology. Body size is known to be influenced by a plethora of environmental conditions, among which exposure to large scale variations of salinity has been comparatively overlooked. Yet, exposure to salinity is known to affect energetic allocation toward growth and reproduction. In this study, we investigated the morphological differences between inland and coastal individuals of spined toads (Bufo spinosus) in Western France. We measured adult morphology both outside and during the reproductive season on 190 individuals, and assessed reproduction in pairs originating from inland (N = 20) and coastal (N = 30) environments. Overall, we found that adult coastal toads were smaller and lighter than inland individuals. Reproductive correlates of these differences included lower fecundity and smaller egg size (but higher egg density) in coastal females. Interestingly, these differences were not allometric correlates of body size, as coastal females invested proportionally less in all components of reproduction (fecundity, egg size and egg protection). These results suggest altered resource allocation to growth and reproduction in coastal amphibians, which may be related to the marked spatial gradient of salinity (measured in reproductive ponds) and the associated costs of osmoregulation (higher osmolality in coastal individuals), for which local adaptation and higher tolerance to salinity remains to be tested. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Dissecting morphogenetic apoptosis through a genetic screen in Drosophila.

Apoptosis is an essential cellular process both in normal development and pathological contexts. Screens performed to date have focused on the cell autonomous aspect of the process, deciphering the apoptotic cascade leading to cell destruction through the activation of caspases. However, the nonautonomous aspect of the apoptotic pathway, including signals regulating the apoptotic pattern or those sent by the apoptotic cell to its surroundings, is still poorly understood. Here, we describe an unbiased RNAi-based genetic screen whose goal is to identify elements of the "morphogenetic apoptosis pathway" in an integrated model system, the Drosophila leg. We screened about 1,400 candidates, using adult joint morphology, morphogenetic fold formation, and apoptotic pattern as readouts for the identification of potential apoptosis-related genes. We identified 41 genes potentially involved in specific aspects of morphogenetic apoptosis: (1) regulation of the apoptotic process; (2) formation, extrusion, and elimination of apoptotic bodies; and (3) contribution to morphogenesis downstream of apoptosis.

KAI2 Can Do: Karrikin Receptor Function inPlant Development andResponse to Abiotic andBiotic Factors.

The α/β hydrolase KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE 2 (KAI2) functions as a receptor for a yet undiscovered phytohormone, provisionally termed KAI2 ligand (KL). In addition, it perceives karrikin, a butenolide compound found in the smoke of burnt plant material. KAI2-mediated signaling is involved in regulating seed germination and in shaping seedling and adult plant morphology, both above and below ground. It also governs responses to various abiotic stimuli and stresses and shapes biotic interactions. KAI2-mediated signaling is being linked to an elaborate cross-talk with other phytohormone pathways such as auxin, gibberellin, abscisic acid, ethylene and salicylic acid signaling, in addition to light and nutrient starvation signaling. Further connections will likely be revealed in the future. This article summarizes recent advances in unraveling the function of KAI2-mediated signaling and its interaction with other signaling pathways.