Adult Specimens Research Articles

Integrative taxonomy reveals two new species of Maritrema Nicoll, 1907 (Digenea: Microphallidae Ward, 1901), parasitizing birds in the Gulf of Mexico.

Members of the genus Maritrema Nicoll, 1907 include endoparasites of aquatic birds and mammals, distributed worldwide. Adult specimens were collected from the intestines of three bird species (the great black hawks, Buteogallus urubitinga Gmelin; laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla Linnaeus; and the willet, Tringa semipalmata Gmelin) in three localities along the Gulf of Mexico. Photogenophores were sequenced for the large subunit (LSU) from nuclear rDNA, and the new sequences were aligned with other microphalloid sequences available in GenBank. The maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses revealed three independent lineages, one corresponding to a previously described species, Maritrema corai Hernández-Orts, Pinacho-Pinacho, García-Varela & Kostadinova, 2016, and two representing two undescribed species. These two new species are described in the current study. Maritrema itzamnai n. sp. can be morphologically differentiated from its four congeneric species occurring in coastal areas of Mexico by having smaller oral (20-29 × 20-38 μm) and ventral (20-39 × 19-33 μm) suckers. In addition, Maritrema itzamnai n. sp. possess annular vitellarium instead of a horseshoe-shaped vitellarium. Maritrema kukulkanni n. sp. can be distinguished from its congeneric species reported from Mexico by possessing a larger oesophagus (44-117μm) and by having a vitellarium distributed in both the hindbody and forebody. Maritrema corai is the third species recorded in this study parasitizing the great black hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga); this represents a new host and locality record, expanding its distribution range from the Mexican Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

A biomechanical investigation comparing a novel bone cement bridging screw system with conventional treatment methods for Kummell’s disease

Based on the characteristics of Kummell’s disease (KD) and related anatomical structures of the thoracolumbar spine, a novel bone cement screw system has been designed to effectively avoid the cement loosening and displacement. This experiment aimed to assess the biological effects of the novel bone cement screw system in KD on fresh cadaveric thoracolumbar spine specimens, thereby discussing its potential application value and providing a foundation for clinical implementation. This study employed a total of 50 fresh female adult cadaver specimens. Each specimen underwent extraction of the T12 to L2 segment followed by the creation of an artificial KD model at the L1 segment and subsequent establishment of five distinct types of bone cement repair models. Model A represents the percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) model, Model B combines PVP with unilateral percutaneous pediculoplasty (PPP), Model C combines PVP with bilateral PPP, Model D introduces the novel bone cement screw combined with unilateral PVP, and Model E combines the novel screw with bilateral PVP, each group consists of 10 specimens. Subsequently, the six-axis spine robot was employed to execute cement three-dimensional biomechanical strength tests in six directions, including anterior flexion and posterior extension, left and right lateral bending, as well as left and right rotation. The novel bone cement screw, whether used unilaterally or bilaterally in combination with the PVP model, exhibits significantly reduced bone cement mobility and superior biomechanical stability during anterior flexion, posterior extension, left lateral bending, and right lateral bending (P<0.05).No significant differences were observed among the five models under both left and right rotation (P > 0.05).When comparing the novel bone cement screw combined with PVP unilaterally and bilaterally, no statistically significant difference was observed in the stability of bone cement across all six directions of motion (P>0.05). To conclude, this novel bone cement bridging screw system exhibits superior biomechanical stability compared to commonly used treatments. Furthermore, both unilateral and bilateral implementations of the novel bone cement screw system yield without significant differences observed. These findings present a reliable and innovative approach for clinical management of KD.

A self‐cooling self‐humidifying mosquito carrier backpack for transporting live adult mosquitoes on foot over long distances under challenging field conditions

AbstractIt is often necessary to use motorised transport to move live mosquitoes from distant field collection points into a central insectary, so that their behavioural and/or physiological phenotypes can be assessed under carefully controlled conditions. However, a survey of heritable insecticide susceptibility traits among wild‐caught Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes, collected across an extensive study area composed largely of wilderness in southern Tanzania, necessitated that live mosquitoes were carried on foot over distances up to 25 km per day because most of the area was impassable by car, motorcycle or even bicycle during the rains. A self‐cooling, self‐humidifying carrier backpack was therefore developed that allows live adult mosquito specimens to be transported across rugged miombo woodland and floodplain terrain throughout the year. This wettable backpack was fabricated from stitched Tanzanian kitenge cotton fabric and polyvinyl chloride–coated fibreglass netting that allows easy circulation of air in and out. An outer cover flap made of cotton towelling embedded inside a kitenge envelope overhangs the fibreglass netting upper body of the bag, to protect mosquitoes from direct sunlight, and can be soaked with water to maintain low temperature and high humidity inside. Mean survival of insectary‐reared female An. arabiensis transported through nine different mobile camps inside the 509 km2 Ifakara‐Lupiro‐Mang'ula wildlife management area (ILUMA WMA), over up to 143 km and 25 days, was statistically indistinguishable from those left in the field insectary over the same period. Although considerable variance of survival was observed between different batches of mosquitoes from the insectary and between individual cups of mosquitoes, the different levels and positions inside the backpack had no influence on this outcome. Temperature and humidity inside the backpack were maintained at standard insectary conditions throughout, despite much more extreme conditions immediately outside. When the backpack was used to transport wild An. arabiensis and Anopheles quadriannulatus across a much larger study area of &gt;4000 km2, encompassing the ILUMA WMA, some nearby villages and adjacent parts of Nyerere National Park (NNP), it achieved a mean survival rate of 58.2% (95% confidence interval 47.5–68.2). Encouragingly, no difference in survival was observed between ILUMA WMA and NNP even though transport back from NNP involves much longer distances, sometimes involving lengthy journeys by car or boat. Overall, this mosquito carrier backpack prototype appears to represent a viable and effective method for transporting live wild‐caught mosquitoes on foot across otherwise impassable terrain under challenging weather conditions with minimal detrimental impact on their survival.

Lessons from long‐term research: Diptera species turnover and dominance shifts with respect to climate‐driven changes

Abstract The diverse pressures of climate change have influenced many habitats, especially freshwater ones, due to their greater sensitivity to stressors. Aquatic Diptera make up more than 50% off all aquatic insect species described, which makes them an ideal group to monitor changing climate as their diverse assemblages can reflect functions within the entire community. The aim of this research was to identify variations in the aquatic dipteran community during a 15‐year period at a tufa barrier in a karst barrage lake system and to determine the environmental factors that have the highest influence on this community. We analysed monthly data collected between 2007 and 2021, when we collected adult specimens using 6 pyramid‐type emergence traps. In total, 167 taxa from 13 different families were gathered. NMDS based on Bray–Curtis similarity analysis amongst assemblages revealed the segregation of samples based on different current velocities and substrates, indicating the importance of microhabitats in dipteran community structuring. Dipteran taxa indicative of specific 5‐year time periods within the research were identified and were associated with changes in environmental conditions especially discharge. The threshold indicator taxa analysis revealed specific species' responses to changing discharge rates. The study shows that discharge rate, not water temperature, is the critical factor shaping dipteran composition, whether by removing or adding taxa to the community. Species turnover showed an overall decrease in species numbers, that is, species richness, throughout the research period. We conclude that changes in the dipteran community, because of the vast functional traits, niches, adaptations and species diversity of the group, are not visible when analysing just the diversity indices. When determining environmental influence on the community in long‐term research, they should be combined with other data such as the overall abundance, the total number of species, as well as the species turnover.

Ultrastructural Changes in the Tegument and Tissues of Fasciola hepatica Adults and Their Eggs Due to the Effect of an Ethyl Acetate Extract of Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. spp Mexicana.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of an ethyl acetate extract of Artemisia ludoviciana on the viability of adult Fasciola hepatica parasites and eggs. The collection of plant material was performed as described in previous reports. The dried material was macerated with ethyl acetate. Ovicidal assays were performed at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500mg/L A. ludoviciana extract. Bioassays of fasciolicidal efficacy in adult specimens of F. hepatica were performed at extract concentrations of 125, 250, 375 and 500mg/L. The effects of triclabendazole, a reference drug, and artemisinin were also evaluated. The ovicidal effectiveness of the extracts obtained after 16 h of incubation at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500mg/L was 48%, 52%, 87%, 89% and 92%, respectively (p < 0.05), and the fasciolicidal efficiencies during the first 24h post-treatment ranged from 82 to 100% (p < 0.05). In both cases, scanning electron microscopy revealed damage to the shells of the eggs treated with the extract, compromising their stability. In adult fasciolae, alterations to the integument that resulted in its erosion and detachment were observed. Histopathological studies of the affected specimens revealed damage to the tegumentary and subtegumentary cells and alterations in the ovaries, testicles and intestine. This damage was more severe after treatment with the extract than after treatment with the other compounds. Extract of A. ludoviciana causes damage to the tegument, intestine, ovaries, testes and eggs of F. hepatica.

Anatomical research and clinical application of multistage advancement in dorsal finger V-Y flap.

To investigate the anatomical basis and clinical efficiency of the advancement distance in dorsal digital V-Y advancement flap. Thirty-four fingers in 11 fresh adult hand specimen were selected, V-Y flap was performed with the digital artery as vascular pedicle, and the advancement distance was measured. The relationship between the distance and extensibility of skin, sliding degree of subcutaneous superficial fascia, angular displacement of digital arterial dorsal branch, elasticity of digital artery was discussed. Two cases were provided to demonstrate the feasibility and importance of this flap. In the dorsal digital V-Y advancement flap simulated on fresh adult hand specimens, the mean advance distance of the middle segment flap and proximal segment flap is 18 ± 0.8 mm and 34 ± 1.7 mm, respectively, and the maximum can reach 24 and 45 mm, respectively. Two cases of dorsal digital V-Y advancement flaps were designed and performed in the dorsal side of the ring finger middle segment and the thumb proximal segment, respectively. The advancement distances were 25 and26mm, respectively. All flaps survived completely and the incisions healed by first intention. The flap texture wasgood, the affected finger was symmetrical, and the activity and sensation restored well. The dorsal digital V-Y advancement flap with the digital artery as the main vascular pedicle can exert four factors for advancement effect, and significantly increase the advancement distance. The operation is simple, the blood supply is reliable, and the postoperative sensation is normal. It is an ideal flap for repairing the digital dorsal defect.

Defensive Behavior and Integumentary Morphology of the Hairy Dwarf Porcupine Coendou spinosus (Rodentia: Erethizontidae).

New World porcupines (Erethizontidae) exhibit behaviors and possess integumentary structures, including the quills, that are used for self-defense. The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) has been well studied regarding these features; however, information is lacking for the South American Coendou species. We describe the defensive behavior and integumentary morphology of Coendou spinosus to understand the defensive strategies of this species and to compare with those reported for other species. We assessed the behaviors related to warning, defense, and escape of eight porcupines, as well as the characteristics of their pelage and quills. Furthermore, we microscopically analyzed skin samples of a roadkill adult male specimen. Similar to E. dorsatum, C. spinosus exhibited omnidirectional quill erection, revealing an aposematic color and, with their backs toward the perceived human threat, they performed quick tail and body movements to strike the hands of the human trying to capture them by the tail. Furthermore, C. spinosus presented an integumentary structure similar to that of E. dorsatum, and mechanisms to facilitate quill release when touched, penetration, and fixation in the opponent. The most distinct warning behavior noted was the vibration of the quills, which has not been reported for Erethizon. Our study confirms that, like other erethizontids, C. spinosus does not attack but exhibits warning, defense, and escape mechanisms and behaviors when threatened or touched. The dissemination of such information helps to counter the negative stigma associated with porcupines, as they can be the victims of attacks by dogs and humans, and to promote their conservation.

Ontogeny and associated changes of the extinct sloth Simomylodon uccasamamensis (Xenarthra, Mylodontidae) from the Pliocene of the eastern Puna, Argentina.

Within Xenarthra (Eocene-Recent), Folivora developed (late Eocene-Recent) a remarkable diversity with respect to ecology and taxonomy over its evolutionary history. Knowledge of the diversity achieved by members of this clade in high-altitude areas of South America (i.e., Altiplano and Puna regions of Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina) has been improved in recent decades. A particular example involves the late Neogene Mylodontidae Simomylodon uccasamamensis, known mostly from multiple specimens recovered from the Bolivian Altiplano. Although several anatomical descriptions of this ground sloth have been published, almost nothing is known about its ontogenetic development and the associated morphological changes. Here we describe and compare new specimens of S. uccasamamensis from the upper level of the Tafna Formation (Pliocene) in the eastern Puna (ca. 3800 masl), Argentina, representing the southernmost record of this species. The new material is represented by specimens showing different ontogenetic stages, from infant to adult. One subadult specimen reached an estimated body mass of ca. 232 kg. The comparative study of external and internal morphology (the latter obtained from CT scans and radiography) shows remarkable changes in the mandible and molariforms associated with ontogeny; in addition, evidence suggests that the mfs2-3 are the first functional teeth, followed by mf1 and cf1. Based on our body mass estimates (ca. 232 kg.), we inferred an average lifespan of 14 years, 9-month gestation time, and sexual maturation at 4.1 years, quite similar to the values we obtained based on estimated body masses of adult specimens from Bolivia published by previous authors. Along its latitudinal distribution (ca. 14° S-21° S) S. uccasamamensis co-occurred with other ground sloths (e.g., Megatheriinae, Thalassocninae, and Scelidotheriinae), suggesting niche partitioning. The presence of this medium-sized ground sloth is consistent with the similarity between the faunas of eastern Puna and the Bolivian Altiplano during the Pliocene, which is also concordant with what was observed in other clades, such as Rodentia and Notoungulata.

Genome report: First whole genome sequence of Triatoma sanguisuga (Le Conte, 1855), vector of Chagas disease.

Triatoma sanguisuga is the most widespread triatomine bug species in the United States (US). The species vectors the human parasite Trypanosoma cruzi , which causes Chagas disease. Vector-borne Chagas disease is rarely diagnosed in the US, but T. sanguisuga has been implicated in a handful of cases. Despite its public health importance, little is known about the genomics or population genetics of T. sanguisuga . Here, we used long-read sequencing to assemble the first whole genome sequence for T. sanguisuga using DNA extracted from one adult specimen from Delaware. The final size of the genome was 1.162 Gbp with 77.7x coverage. The assembly consisted of 183 contigs with an N50 size of 94.97 Kb. The Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Ortholog (BUSCO) complete score was 99.1%, suggesting a very complete assembly. Genome-wide GC level was 33.56%, and DNA methylation was 18.84%. The genome consists of 61.4% repetitive DNA and 17,799 predicted coding genes. The assembled T. sanguisuga genome was slightly larger than that of Triatominae species Triatoma infestans and Rhodnius prolixus (949 Mbp with 90.4% BUSCO score and 706 Mbp with 96.5% BUSCO score, respectively). The T. sanguisuga genome is the first North American triatomine species genome to be sequenced, and it is the most complete genome yet for any Triatominae species. The T. sangsuiga genome will allow for deeper investigations into epidemiologically relevant aspects of this important vector species, including blood feeding, host seeking, and parasite competence, thus providing potential vector-borne disease management targets and strengthening public health preparedness.

A murine experimental model of the pulmonary thrombotic effect induced by the venom of the snake Bothrops lanceolatus.

The venom of Bothrops lanceolatus, a viperid species endemic to the Lesser Antillean Island of Martinique, induces thrombosis in a number of patients. Previous clinical observations indicate that thrombotic events are more common in patients bitten by juvenile specimens. There is a need to develop an experimental model of this effect in order to study the mechanisms involved. The venoms of juvenile and adult specimens of B. lanceolatus were compared by (a) describing their proteome, (b) assessing their ability to induce thrombosis in a mouse model, and (c) evaluating their in vitro procoagulant activity and in vivo hemostasis alterations. Venom proteomes of juvenile and adult specimens were highly similar, albeit showing some differences. When injected by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route, the venom of juvenile specimens induced the formation of abundant thrombi in the pulmonary vasculature, whereas this effect was less frequent in the case of adult venom. Thrombosis was not abrogated by the metalloproteinase inhibitor Batimastat. Both venoms showed a weak in vitro procoagulant effect on citrated mouse plasma and bovine fibrinogen. When administered intravenously (i.v.) venoms did not affect classical clotting tests (prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time) but caused a partial drop in fibrinogen concentration. The venom of juvenile specimens induced partial alterations in some rotational thromboelastometry parameters after i.v. injection. When venoms were administered i.p., only minor alterations in classical clotting tests were observed with juvenile venom, and no changes occurred for either venom in rotational thromboelastometry parameters. Both juvenile and adult venoms induced a marked thrombocytopenia after i.p. injection. An experimental model of the thrombotic effect induced by B. lanceolatus venom was developed. This effect is more pronounced in the case of venom of juvenile specimens, despite the observation that juvenile and adult venom proteomes are similar. Adult and juvenile venoms do not induce a consumption coagulopathy characteristic of other Bothrops sp venoms. Both venoms induce a conspicuous thrombocytopenia. This experimental model reproduces the main clinical findings described in these envenomings and should be useful to understand the mechanisms of the thrombotic effect.

A success for community science: Carmenta brachyclados sp. nov. (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae, Synanthedonini), a clearwing moth from Guyana discovered with its hostplant indoors in Wales (United Kingdom)

A new species of Sesiidae, Carmenta brachyclados Sterling &amp; Lees, 2024 is described from adult specimens, pupal exuviae and larval borings which were accidentally transported to South Wales, United Kingdom. DNA barcoding and morphological evidence shows that this species is native to the Neotropics, where it feeds in the seedpods of the leguminous tree, Mora excelsa Benth. (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae) and that it is related to a group of seed-feeding species of clearwing moths within the genus Carmenta Edwards, 1881, naturally occurring in the Neotropics and southern Nearctic, although C. mimosa Eichlin &amp; Passoa, 1984 has been introduced in Australia and elsewhere as a biological agent.

A-106 Determination of Urinary NGAL Reference Intervals from Specimens of Healthy Adult and Pediatric Individuals

Abstract Background Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a 25kDa protein implicated in multiple biological processes, including attenuation of apoptosis and differentiation of renal tubule epithelial cells and nephrons. NGAL is also produced and secreted by injured kidney tubule epithelial cells. As such, NGAL can serve as an early urinary biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI). This multi-site, cross-sectional study aimed to establish reference intervals for urinary NGAL (uNGAL) in healthy pediatric and adult populations using a particle-enhanced turbidimetric assay. Methods Apparently healthy individuals, aged ≥ 3 months, were eligible for this study. Subjects with an active urinary tract infection (UTI) on the day of sample collection, acute kidney injury (AKI) or a history of AKI, stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), known congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, known urothelial, urological, or kidney malignancies were excluded from the study. Subjects with uncorrected congenital heart disease, having undergone solid organ or bone marrow transplantation, receiving renal replacement therapy, and having undergone surgery (urologic, nephrectomy, or correction of congenital heart disease) were also excluded. A total of 688 subjects were screened, 677 were eligible, and 629 (91.4%) were considered evaluable per the protocol. The 59 excluded subjects were ineligible due to missing/incorrect information in the informed consent form, or not evaluable due to meeting exclusion criteria, mostly a positive UTI test. Urine samples were tested for NGAL on a Roche cobas® c501 analyzer in single determinations. Results Tables 1 and 2 describe the NGAL summary statistics and central 95% reference intervals by age and gender. Conclusions These data demonstrate the normal urine NGAL values in an apparently healthy pediatric and adult populations.

Integrative taxonomy of Gymnobela and Pontiothauma (Conoidea: Raphitomidae) from Australian waters provides more evidence of transoceanic distribution in deep-sea gastropods

ABSTRACT The deep-sea raphitomid genus Gymnobela Verrill, 1884 (Neogastropoda: Conoidea) has historically been a container for a multitude of raphitomid species, assigned to this genus almost exclusively based on shell characters. Consequently, the genus has become taxonomically inflated. However, a 2021 molecular study redefined Gymnobela and taxonomically revised the genus. Herein, we present an integrative taxonomic study that, mainly based on samples from Australian waters, further defines this problematic genus, as well as the closely related genus Pontiothauma E.A. Smith, 1895. An automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD) analysis of three mitochondrial genes resulted in six primary species hypotheses (four in Gymnobela and two in Pontiothauma). We recognised morpho-anatomical and bathymetric/geographical characters distinct to all six and found available names for four; we name one new species, Pontiothauma transregna sp. n., but abstain from naming one presumably unnamed Pontiothauma due to a lack of well-preserved adult specimen material. We provide clear synapomorphic characters unique to both Gymnobela and Pontiothauma, notably those of the radula. Furthermore, we present the first evidence supported by molecular data of a transoceanic distribution among the raphitomids, namely in Gymnobela angulosa Sysoev, 1988. Additionally, we recognise non-molecular evidence that might indicate similarly wide distributions in Gymnobela agasizzi (Verrill and Smith, 1880), Gymnobela engonia Verrill, 1884 and Gymnobela frielei Verrill, 1885. Consequently, and to avoid taxonomic splitting, we herein advocate for wide-ranging investigation of worldwide material when conducting taxonomic studies on deep-sea conoideans, due to growing evidence of transoceanic distributions in the group. Finally, through an exhaustive search of worldwide repositories and the literature, and in conjunction with our molecular, morpho-anatomical and bathymetric/geographical data, we have reassigned 16 species from Gymnobela to other genera within the family Raphitomidae. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:14347001-685D-4DF3-83D7-970E94D43815

Assessing the Feasibility of Selective Piezoelectric Osteotomy in Transorbital Approach to the Middle Cranial Fossa: Anatomical and Quantitative Study and Surgical Implications

ObjectivesTo verify the feasibility and to discuss advantages and disadvantages of a piezoelectric orbitotomy (PO) during Superior Eyelid Endoscopic Transorbital Approach (SETOA). MethodsFive adult specimens underwent exoscopic/endoscopic SETOA to middle cranial fossa. The surgical corridor was created via piezoelectric orbitotomy by performing three selective and safe micrometric bone cuts providing a one-piece trapezoid bone flap which was repositioned and secured at the end of procedure. A 3D scan of the bone flap allowed us to reconstruct a 3D model and calculate its volume. An illustrative case demonstrating the application of this novel technique was also presented. ResultsAnatomical-morphometric quantitative analysis showed a mean bony-volume gain of 1,574.26 mm3 by using PO.PO yielded concrete surgical advantages and theoretical benefits in terms of functional and esthetic outcomes. All osteotomies were micrometric clear-cut and precise, resulting in a very thin bony gap; a complete sparing of soft tissues and neurovascular structures in- and around the orbit was observed. Lateral orbital wall reconstruction by replacing the bone flap aims to mitigate the risk of enophthalmos, proptosis, CSF leakage, pseudomeningocele and pulsatile headache, which represent significant challenges in the relevant literature. ConclusionPO may offer a viable, selective, effective, safe alternative to high-speed drilling during SETOA, especially for patients affected by intra-axial pathologies in which a watertight closure is mandatory. This procedure could prevent/decrease the risk of some of the main postoperative complications associated to the standard SETOA, resulting potentially in better functional and esthetic outcome.

Identifying the sex chromosome and sex determination genes in the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is globally one of the most economically important ectoparasites of cattle costing the agriculture industry billions of dollars annually. Resistance to chemical control measures has prompted the development of novel methods of control. Recent advancements in genetic control measures for human and other animal vectors have utilized sex determination research to manipulate sex ratios, which have shown promising results in mosquitoes namely Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi. Here, we use R. (B.) microplus as a model to provide foundational research to allow similar avenues of investigation in ticks using R. (B.) microplus as a model. Karyotypes for R. (B.) microplus show an XX:XO sex determining system with the largest chromosome being the sex chromosome. Using flow cytometric methods, the size of the sex chromosome was estimated at 526.91 Mb. All measures to identify the sex chromosome within the cattle tick genome assembly associated sex chromosomal characteristics to two chromosomes. This discrepancy between the assembly and karyotypes of the tick led to generating a new genome assembly with a single adult male specimen. The two chromosomes in question aligned with a single scaffold within the new genome that had a length of 513.29 Mb and was the first time the sex chromosome was identified in an Ixodid genome assembly.

Discovery of adults of the gorgoderid trematode Cercaria duplicata with first morphological description, molecular identification and notes on host specificity

Rhopalocercous Cercaria duplicata von Baer, 1827 develops in an intermediate host, the unionid bivalve Anodonta anatina (L.), but its adult form has been unknown. We examined eight fish species occurring in the presence of a highly infested population of A. anatina in the Zesławice reservoir (S Poland). Gravid Phyllodistomum specimens were obtained from the ureters of ide, Leuciscus idus (L.) and common rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus (L.). One of the rudd specimens was doubly infected, a trematode was also found in the urinary bladder. In addition, a gravid Phyllodistomum specimen was found in the ureter of a tench Tinca tinca (L.), caught in Lake Ilmėdas (Lithuania). In order to clarify the phylogenetic position of larval and adult gorgoderids and to establish their life cycle, ITS2 and 28S rDNA sequences were analysed. The analysis showed that adult Phyllodistomum specimens located in the ureters are conspecific with C. duplicata. The trematode found in the urinary bladder of S. erythrophthalmus was P. folium (Olfers, 1816). It is suggested that adult stages of C. duplicata should be referred to as Phyllodistomum duplicatum n. comb. The intercaecal position of the uterus and the deeply-lobed ovary are the main features distinguishing it from other Phyllodistomum species. Host specificity and ecology are discussed.

Investigation of Cretodorus (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Mimarachnidae) based on new adult and nymph fossils from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber

Here we report a new species, Cretodorus lijuanae sp. nov., of extinct Mimarachnidae from mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar. C. lijuanae sp. nov. was described based on one adult and three nymphal fossils. The new adult specimen exhibits the diagnostic features of Cretodorus and possesses a unique number and arrangement of sensory pits in the pronotum: nine sensory pits on one side, with five sensory pits between median and pronotal carinae and four sensory pits between lateral carina and margin, which is consistent in the nymphs. We also conduct morphometric analyses of forewings of all known species of Cretodorus, demonstrating that morphometrics are effectively discriminative for identifying Cretodorus fossils featuring few longitudinal veins and minimal differences in venation. Additionally, we report the nymphal fossils of Mimarachnidae for the first time. Three nymphal fossils, preserved in the same piece of amber alongside the adult specimen, exhibit the same nodule pattern on the thoracic notum in dorsal view, suggesting a feature linking adult and nymph of Mimarachnidae. These new specimens show morphological characteristics of the different developmental stages of C. lijuanae sp. nov., increasing the diversity of the Mimarachnidae in mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar. The preservation of three nymphs of the same age with an adult in the same piece of amber likely indicates aggregation behaviour in Mimarachnidae.

A remarkable new species of the genus Digitivalva Gaedike, 1970 (Lepidoptera, Glyphipterigidae, Acrolepiinae) from Japan

A new species of the genus Digitivalva Gaedike, 1970 from Japan, D. bella Zhang, Yagi &amp; Hirowatari, sp. nov., is described. The host plant of this species is identified as Carpesium divaricatum Sieb. &amp; Zucc. (Asteraceae). Larvae of this species pupate beneath the host tissue; this habit is for the first time reported for the genus Digitivalva in Japan. Adult specimens with male and female genitalia and pupae are illustrated and described in detail. Although the wing markings differ, the new species is considered closely related to D. arnicella (Heyden, 1863) from Europe, with which it shares similar biological and morphological features.

First Record of Creobroter apicalis Saussure, 1869 (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae) in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka: Unveiling a New Geographic Record of Flower Mantis

In Sri Lanka, the genus Creobroter has received inadequate attention, resulting in a scarcity of information with only C. pictipennis being recorded. We report the presence of Creobroter apicalis in Sri Lanka for the first time, extending its geographic distribution to Matara District, Southern Sri Lanka. Species identification was made with an examination of adult male and female specimens for morphological characters through detailed examination and reference to available literature and keys. Identification was confirmed with molecular analysis and comparison with other sequenced Creobroter spp.

Cytotoxic activity of callus extract from Vachellia farnesiana (L) Wight & Arn.

The in vitro cultures of Vachellia farnesiana (L) Wight & Arn. have demonstrated cytotoxic activity through callus extract on the HeLa cell line. Explants excised from in vitro-grown seedlings from seeds of two different locations were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture media containing various concentrations of N-6 benzyladenine (BA) or kinetin with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Optimal efficiency in friable callus induction (100%) was achieved in leaf explants cultured on MS media containing 2.32µM BA + 13.57µM 2,4-D. Plant tissues (callus and leaf) were extracted and subjected to quantitative phytochemical analysis, revealing the highest total alkaloid and phenolic content in leaf extracts from Queretaro adult specimens (339.5 ± 20.9mg atropine equivalents (AE) per g dry extract (DE) and 158.4 ± 12.5mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g DE, respectively). In contrast, callus cultures exhibited significantly higher total triterpene content (356-381mg ursolic acid equivalents (UAE) per g DE) compared to leaf extracts (208-243mg UAE/g DE). Both leaf and callus extracts displayed cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line, with a significantly lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for leaf extracts (28-32µg/mL) compared to callus cultures (43-66µg/mL), suggesting that alkaloids were primarily responsible for the cytotoxic activity. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into the controlled production of bioactive compounds with cytotoxic activity, with callus serving as a rich source.