Dorsal Pits Research Articles

Anatomic basics and technical approaches: sacral preauricular extensions, preauricular sulci and dorsal pubic pits in modern anatomical specimens.

The aim of this study is the evaluation of three selected osseous pelvic features in modern anatomical specimen - the sacral preauricular extension, the preauricular sulcus and pits on the dorsal side of the pubic bone laterally to the symphysis. The specificity and significance of these features are under debate and their genesis is largely unclear. Descriptive data of specific soft tissue structures surrounding the anterior sacroiliac joint gap and the pubic symphysis were generated by assessing 20 fresh pelves and 12 embalmed hemipelves from human body donors. Computed tomography (CT) was performed on all specimens and three-dimensional (3D) surface models were generated and analysed. Afterwards, all the specimens underwent anatomical dissection and finally maceration. During dissection, it became apparent that the anterior sacroiliac ligament, due to its position, shape and potential impact on the sacroiliac joint and adjacent osseous structures, requires a detailed analysis of its dimension. The most promising result, in terms of the sacral preauricular extension, was that the measurements of the triangular part of the anterior sacroiliac ligament were significantly longer in females than in males. Pelvic floor muscle fibres and fascial parts were directly connected to this ligament in some specimens, which is an important starting point for a larger in-depth study. The evaluation of the anatomic structures in connection to dorsal pitting refutes the assumption that the pelvic floor muscles or fasciae could exert influence on its formation. A histological evaluation of the ligaments of the pubic symphysis, especially the dorsal pubic ligament, would be expedient to clarify the etiology of this feature.

Structural megadiversity in leaf litter predators - the head anatomy of Pselaphus heisei (Pselaphinae, Staphylinidae, Coleoptera)

The head anatomy ofPselaphus heisei(Pselaphitae) is described and documented. The structural features are evaluated in comparison with findings presented in earlier studies on the subfamily, with a special focus on correlations with predacious habits and the groundplan of Pselaphinae. We found the tentorium, labrum, maxillary palps, shape of head, and a system of dorsal pits and sulci highly variable within the subfamily, reflecting multiple transformations, including many homoplasious changes. The following major characters are identified as groundplan features of Pselaphinae: falciform mandibles; small mola; semiglobular neck; ventrolateral antennal articulation; steep clypeal region; setiform labial palpomere 3; tentorium with nearly vertical main branches and lacking laminatentoria; separation of tentorial bridge from tentorial arms; fusion of dorsal tentorial arms with the head capsule; large brain placed in the posterior third of the head; and a triple cluster of well-developed cephalic glands. The last feature supports a hypothesis that multiple and independent cases of adaptations to myrmecophilous habits observed in various lineages of Pselaphinae were possible by re-programming already existing glands to produce appeasement secretions. The cephalic muscle apparatus ofP. heiseiis similar to what is found in other staphylinoid groups, with some exceptions, whereas it is strongly modified in the myrmecophileClaviger testaceus. We propose that the unparalleled structural megadiversity in Pselaphinae is primarily linked with life in the upper soil layers combined with specialized carnivorous habits, with small and agile or mechanically protected arthropods as prey. Within the group, various specialized life habits have evolved, including myrmecophily, termitophily, and also life in deep soil or caves, each with unique morphological adaptations.

Rare patterns of dorsal puncture in Pterostichus oblongopunctatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae).

BackgroundThe carabid beetle species Pterostichus oblongopunctatus is common in different types of forests in Poland and Europe. With respect to this species, some unclarities exist concerning the morphological feature of punctures on the elytra. P. oblongopunctatus has dorsal pits in the third interval of the elytra, the available identification keys, however, provide inconsistent information concerning the puncture in other intervals. During long-term studies at different study sites in Poland, the first author rarely but regularly discovered individuals with unusual dorsal puncture patterns, i.e., pits in the fifth and even in the seventh interval of the elytra. Since such rare patterns might be connected with special habitat characteristics, and thus have a potential as an indicator, the aim of the study was to test if they are connected with specific subpopulations (interaction groups), if they are related to the sex or size of the beetles, and if they are related to specific habitat conditions.Material and MethodsWe counted the pits on the elytra, determined the sex, and measured the length of the right elytron of individuals of P. oblongopunctatus collected at numerous study sites located within the borders of the Regional Directory of National Forests in Piła (Western Poland) over the period 2014–2016.ResultsAltogether, 1,058 individuals of P. oblongopunctatus were subjected to statistical analysis. Almost 19% of the individuals had a dorsal puncture in the fifth interval of the elytra and about 0.7% had a dorsal puncture in the seventh interval of the elytra. In 2014 and 2015, significantly more females exhibited such unusual patterns of dorsal puncture than males. Even if not statistically significant, in 2016 also relatively more females showed such a pattern. Neither males nor females of the analysed individuals with usual puncture patterns showed a significant difference in the length of the right elytron from those with unusual puncture patterns, and neither for males nor for females a significant correlation of the percentage share of the individuals with unusual puncture patterns with the age of the study sites could be detected. However, both males and females with unusual patterns had more dorsal pits than those without. Moreover, males as well as females showed in all those years a trend that the individuals with unusual patterns have more pits in the third interval of the elytra.DiscussionThe results indicate that females are more likely to exhibit unusual patterns. Since individuals of P. oblongopunctatus with a higher number of pits on the elytra are supposed to prevail in more wet habitats, such patterns might be related to moisture conditions. The possibility of pits in the seventh interval of the elytra should be added to identification keys.

Cranial anatomy, ontogeny, and relationships of the Late Carboniferous tetrapod Gephyrostegus bohemicus Jaekel, 1902

ABSTRACTWe review the cranial morphology of the Late Carboniferous terrestrial tetrapod Gephyrostegus bohemicus from the coal deposits of the Nýřany Basin in the Czech Republic. Gephyrostegus is known from several skulls ranging in length from about 25 mm to about 58 mm (holotype). The narrow skull is about twice as long as wide and shows a well-ossified quadrate and articular, but no evidence of braincase ossification. Autapomorphic features include a pustular ornamentation on some skull table bones, and a plate-like tabular process exhibiting a fine dorsal pitting. Gephyrostegus shares with Bruktererpeton fiebigi (Late Carboniferous, Germany) the presence of low, anteromedially to posterolaterally orientated sharp ridges on the posteroventral surface of the vomer. It shares with seymouriamorphs a rectangular, transverse pterygoid process and closely packed, radially arranged rows of small denticles on the palate. A phylogenetic analysis retrieves Gephyrostegidae (Gephyrostegus, Bruktererpeton) as sister group to Seymouriamorpha, although this wider clade receives low bootstrap support.SUPPLEMENTAL DATA—Supplemental materials are available for this article for free at www.tandfonline.com/UJVP

Polyopisthocotylean monogeneans from carangid fishes off Queensland, Australia and New Caledonia, with a description of Heteromicrocotyloides megaspinosus sp. nov.

AbstractGills of carangid fishes in Australian waters are dominated by a diversity of polyopisthocotylean monogeneans. This study updates current knowledge of polyopisthocotyleans from carangid hosts in waters along the Queensland coast of Australia and also off New Caledonia. The discovery of Protomicrocotyle celebesensis Yamaguti, 1953 is the first record for the genus in Australian waters and represents a new geographic location for the species, extending its distribution from Sulawesi, Indonesia and Hawaii to Australia. Furthermore, Caranx ignobilis and Carangoides fulvoguttatus are reported as new host records for P. celebesensis. Carangoides gymnostethus is recorded as a new host for Heteromicrocotyla australiensis Rohde, 1977 from a new geographic location, namely Lizard Island, Queensland. Heteromicrocotyloides mirabilis Rohde, 1977 is reported from the gills of C. fulvoguttatus off Lizard Island, Queensland representing a new geographic record. Heteromicrocotyloides megaspinosus sp. nov. is described from the gills of C. fulvoguttatus from Lizard Island, Queensland and New Caledonia. The new species is distinguished from H. mirabilis by the larger number and size of spines in the male genital corona. Gonoplasius carangis was collected from Pseudocaranx dentex at Heron Island, Queensland. Gonoplasius longirostri is synonymised with G. carangis due to overlap in measurements and similar morphology. The number of ‘dorsal pits’ in this taxon may not be a useful character because they can be cryptic and hard to see. Most hosts from which these two Gonoplasius species have been collected previously have been synonymised as Pseudocaranx dentex except Caranx ascensionis which is now considered to be C. lugubris. Our report of G. carangis from P. dentex at Heron Island, Queensland is a new geographic record.

RS 3PE Presenting in a Unilateral Pattern: Case Report and Review of the Literature

To review the clinical features and pathophysiologic implications of remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS(3)PE) presenting in a unilateral manner. We identified and characterized an index case of RS(3)PE presenting in a unilateral pattern. We subsequently performed a systematic literature search to identify other reports of patients with unilateral RS(3)PE. The index case was a 76-year-old male with a prior history of right hemiparesis owing to a cerebrovascular accident 25 years prior, who developed a classic picture of RS(3)PE involving hand (metacarpophalageal and wrist joint) arthritis and dorsal pitting edema, accompanied by an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, but only in the nonhemiparetic hand. The condition responded rapidly to low-dose prednisone. Our literature search identified 5 other cases of unilateral RS(3)PE, including 2 presented only in the Italian or German literature. Of the 5 cases, 2 were in patients with preexisting neurologic disease, in which the neurologically affected side was spared. One additional case initially presented as unilateral disease but rapidly progressed to bilaterality. Two cases presented in a fully unilateral manner despite no reported neurologic abnormalities on the unaffected sides. While RS(3)PE is almost always a symmetric disease of the upper extremities, it may rarely present in a unilateral fashion. The apparent ability of neuropathic changes to protect against the expression of RS(3)PE in an extremity suggests a role for neural and possibly other local factors in the genesis/modulation of the onset or maintenance of RS(3)PE.

A systematic study of the pulchra species group of Archips occurring in Japan (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)

AbstractThis paper reviews the pulchra species group of Archips, describes a new species, Archips stellata, and redescribes A. pulchra (Butler) and A. abiephaga (Yasuda). Although long confused with each other, these three species are distinguishable by differences in the wing markings, abdominal dorsal pits, and genitalia. To position the pulchra group systematically within the genus Archips, earlier related studies are reviewed and the phylogenetic relevance and polarities of traits are discussed. The forewing pattern, consisting of transverse black and glossy gray fasciae, is presumed to be the only synapomorphy of this group; affinity between the pulchra group and other groups of Archips in some traits may reflect symplesiomorphy.

Fixed focal‐length optics in pulmonate snails (Mollusca, Gastropoda): squaring phylogenetic background and ecophysiological needs (II)

Abstract. Our results suggest that freshwater pulmonates like Lymnaea stagnalis, Radix peregra, Physa fontinalis, and Planorbarius corneus have inherited from their terrestrial ancestors eyes with a spherical, immobile lens with fixed focal‐length optics. Unable to change the dioptric apparatus to form an image under water, modifications to the retina had to occur if sharp vision was required. Computer‐assisted calculations and 3‐D eye reconstructions demonstrate that the photoreceptors in the deeper, ventral pit are in a position to perceive focused images under water. Vision in air, however, would favour photoreceptive cells located in the shallower, dorsal pit. On the basis of histological, ethological, and optical comparisons, we conclude that the eyes in L. stagnalis and R. peregra, species that are known to escape and seek temporary refuge above the water surface, are well adapted to function in water as well as air, but that the eyes in P. fontinalis and Pl. corneus are less modified from those of their terrestrial ancestors. We also conclude that good resolving power may be of greater importance in the aquatic pulmonates than the terrestrial species, since the former have to locate thin, vertical stems of reeds and sedges to ascend in order to reach the surface to breathe.

Utility of Dorsal Pits and Pubic Tubercle Height in Parity Assessment

Parity indicators in human skeletal material are highly desirable yet elusive. In this study, the relationships of dorsal pits and pubic tubercle elongation to parity are investigated in a sample of 148 modern female sets of pubic bones with associated birth information. The elongation of the pubic tubercle shows no significant correlation with number of births, but instead is associated with the distance this feature is from the pubic symphysis (p < 0.01) and the size of the arcuate angle (p < 0.05). Dorsal pits show a strong association with increasing numbers of births (p < 0.01), especially in younger women. However, in women over 50 years old, dorsal pitting is correlated with BMI (p < 0.05) and is not significantly correlated with number of births. While this study lends support to the correlation of dorsal pitting and parity, it currently does not reach the level of accuracy needed for forensic applications at the level of the individual.

Comparative study of the antennal sensilla of five species of root maggots: Delia radicum L., D. floralis F., D. antiqua Mg., D. platura MG. (Diptera : Anthomyiidae) and Psila rosae F. (Diptera : Psilidae)

A comparative study of the antennal sensilla of Delia radicum L., D. floralis F., D. antiqua Mg., D. platura Mg. (Diptera : Anthomyiidae) and Psila rosae F. Diptera Psilidae) is undertaken. For both sexes of each species, the type, distribution, and density of sensilla are determined. All 5 species have trichoid (olfactory) and grooved (olfactory) sensilla. Basiconica I (blunt) sensilla (olfactory) are found on each of the species examined, except D. platura. Basiconica II (tapered) (olfactory) and clavate (olfactory) sensilla are found only on Delia species. Also, only Delia species have single-chambered, dorsal pits, and these contain basiconic II pit sensilla (olfactory). Common to all 5 species is a multi-chambered ventral pit (olfactory). In the ventral pit, all 5 species have grooved pit sensilla (olfactory). In addition to this type of sensillum the Delia species have smooth-walled conical pit sensilla (hygro-/thermosensitive) and P. rosae has granular pit sensilla (hygro-/thermosensitive). Smooth-walled tapered pit sensilla (hygro-/thermosensitive) are found in D. radicum. Similarities and differences in the density of surface sensilla between dorsal and ventral funicular surfaces, male and female flies, and oligophagous (D. antiqua, D. radicum, D. floralis and P. rosae) and polyphagous (D. platura) species are compared. Several differences in sensillum density between the dorsal and ventral funicular surfaces are observed, but these do not fit into a consistent trend. Except for D. radicum, there are differences in sensillum density between male and female flies. For the oligophagous species, females have a greater sensillum density, whilst for the polyphagous D. platura males have a greater sensillum density. Comparisons between species show the greatest differences between the Delia species and P. rosae, and within the 4 Delia species, differences in sensillum density do not correlate with host range or body size.

Ultrastructure of the funicular sensilla of the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum L. (Diptera : Anthomyiidae)

A transmission electron microscope study of the funicular sensilla of the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum, (Diptera : Anthomyiidae), showed 4 types of surface sensilla and 5 types of pit sensilla. The ultrastructure of the surface sensilla indicated all had a primary olfactory function. These include thick-walled multiporous trichoid sensilla, thin-walled multiporous basiconic sensilla (with 2 subtypes), thin-walled multiporous clavate sensilla, and grooved sensilla with channels at the base of each of the grooves. Clavate sensilla had 2 types of dendrites, one tubular, the other “scrolled”. This 2nd type may indicate an additional thermosensitive function. The dorsal pits contained thin-walled multiporous basiconic sensilla with a tapered tip. The ventral pits contain 3 types of sensilla, which have no wall pores and an inflexible socket. These may contain thermo- and/or hygroreceptors and include smooth-walled conical-, smooth-walled tapered- and striated pit sensilla. The 4th type is a grooved pit sensillum similar to the surface type.

Fine structure of the sensory organs of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen larva (Diptera : Drosophilidae)

Fine structure of the prominent external and internal sensory organs of Drosophila melaogaster Meigan (Diptera : Drosophilidae) larva was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The external sensory organs, namely, antennal, maxillary, ventral and labial organs, dorsal pits, sensory cones on the 8th and 9th abdominal segments, and the sensory hairs on the body of the larva, were studied. A new knob in pit (KIP) sensillum innervated by 3 dendrites was found on the dorsolateral surface on either side. Four tufts of hairs at the posterior end of each great lateral tracheal trunk were found to be sensory with a dendrite at the base of each tuft. Internally in the pharynx of the larva, 3 groups of symmetrically located sensory organs, namely, the anteroventral, dorsal, and posteroventral groups were found. In all they contain 10 pairs of sensilla. Amongst them, 2 pairs of sensilla were found to be of the compound type; one having 9 dendrites arranged in 3 groups of 4, 3 and 2; while the other had 6 dendrites grouped as 2 and 4. In addition, 2 groups of sensilla were found on the internal dorsal fold on either side. Similarities were observed in the dendritic organisation of sensilla in the internal mouthparts of the Drosophila larva and the adult. Unlike nerves of the adult, the larval nerves connected with the dorsal and maxillary organs have a significantly thick layer of glial cells ensheathing the bundle of axons.

On the structure and homologues of the anterior end of the polychaete families sabellidae and serpulidae

The nature and homologues of the appendages of the anterior end of the polychaete families Sabellidae and Serpulidae have long been discussed. The main purpose of the present investigation, in which seven sabellid and eight serpulid species are studied, is to contribute towards the solution of these problems. At the same time, however, the present study, within its limited range, aims to enlarge our knowledge of the anatomy of the polychaetes in general. Such a knowledge, it is argued, is a prerequisite for further consideration of the phylogeny of the Polychaeta. As shown in many earlier papers, the architecture of the cephalic nervous system and the innervation of the organs and appendages of the anterior end of polychaetes constitute reliable instruments for elucidating the morphological significance of these structures. In the present paper, consequently, extra consideration is given to descriptions of the central nervous system of the sabellids and serpulids studied. The integumental depression found in front of and below the brain of all the sabellids and serpulids here studied is described by the term “dorsal pit”. It is concluded that the dorsal pit within each family in all probability represents a homologous structure, but it is in no way proven that the dorsal pit of the sabellids is equivalent to that of the serpulids. Some earlier literature maintains that paired antennae [antennes de premiere paire in Binard and Jennerś (1928) terminology] are found in some sabellids and serpulids. In the present paper it is maintained that these structures must instead be interpreted as nuchal organs. Such organs are found in all the sabellid and serpulid species here studied. The Pruvot-Meyer theory which claims that the joint pore of the thoracic nephridia of the “serpulimorphic” families is equivalent to the nuchal organ of other polychaetes is shown to be without foundation, and it is consequently rejected. The histology, vascularization, and innervation of the branchial crown and the appendages of the dorsal lip of the mouth of the species investigated are described. It is concluded that the branchial crown and some (but not all) appendages of the dorsal lip are equivalent to the palps (when present) of the “spiomorphic”, the “drilomorphic”, and the “errant” polychaetes. The appendages of the dorsal lip of the mouth, in most faunistic literature called palps, are found to represent structures of three different kinds and origins: (a) branchial radioli which have become separated from the crown and have fused with the lip, (b) branchial pinnulae which have undergone a similar process of dislocation, and (c) new formations from the walls of the mouth cavity. It is proposed that in comparative-anatomical works these appendages should be called (a) lip-associated radioli, (b) lip-associated pinnulae, and (c) outgrowths of the dorsal lip respectively. As a joint and anatomically neutral term to be used in faunas and descriptions of the outer morphology, the expression “appendages of the dorsal lip” or, more briefly, “(dorsal) lip processes” is proposed. The interrelationships of the Sabellariidae, the Sabellidae, and the Serpulidae are discussed, as is the taxonomic subdivision of the last two families. In agreement with some earlier authors although contrary to others it is thereby maintained that:

Analysis of dorsal pitting in the os publis in an extensive sample of modern American females.

Pubic bones from 486 modern American females between the ages of 13 and 99 were studied in an attempt to explore the relationship between the degree of dorsal pitting and the following variables: (1) number of full term pregnancies, (2) inteval since last pregnancy, (3) age of decedent.A statistical association was found between the number of full term pregnancies and the degree of dorsal pitting. However, the correlation is not strong; 17 females reported as being nulliparous have "medium to large" dorsal changes whereas 22 females having from one to five full term pregnancies have an absence of dorsal changes. Females who had their last child 15 or more years prior to death are more apt to have "medium to large" dorsal changes than are females who have more recently given birth. This effect appears to be independent of the number of full term pregnancies, but is probably related to age. When the data are analyzed by multiple regression analaysis, it is found that age and number of pregnancies are most important in predicting the degree of pitting and the effect of the interval on pitting is not significant. Age is found to be an important variable independent of the number of full term pregnancies. In nulliparas, an absence of dorsal pitting is far more frequently found in females younger than 30 than in those over 30.

A New Species of Microctonus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

This species keys to eleodis Vier. in Muesebeck's revision (U.S. Dept. Agric., Misc. Pub. No. 241, p. 16, 1936) and is very similar to that species and M. aethiops Nees. The female of M. eleodis differs in having a longer ovipositor sheath (about 1.2 times as long as abdomen bevond petiole), shorter petiole (only 1.9 to 2.2 times as long as its apical width), less strongly excavated and longer propodeum (only about 1.5 times as wide as long). The female of M. aethiops differs in having a pair of small dorsal pits near the middle of the petiole (both sexes), shorter ovipositor sheath (about 0.75 times as long as abdomen beyond petiole), slightly shorter petiole (about 2.2 times as long as apical width), and completely black petiole.

Studies on the Flatworm Catenula virginia

Only two species of the flatworm Catenula have been reported for the United States: Catenula lemnae (Duges), whiclh also occurs in Europe, and Catenula virginia, recently described by Kepner and Carter (1939). The latter species was discovered growing abundantly in a large aquarium in the biology laboratory at Catholic University. From this source the original cultures were prepared. Identification of the animal used in the present work as Catenula virginia was based on the two diagnostic characters mentioned by Kepner and Carter, viz., the presence in the cephalic lobe of a sensory dorsal pit extending along the mid-dorsal line from the tip of the cephalic lobe to a little beyond the middle of the mid-dorsal line, and secondly, the position of the statocyst against the posterior vertical wall of the cephalic ganglion rather than dorsal to it (Figs. 3,4, 5).