Duration Of Stage Research Articles

Extended stage duration and diminished fecundity in deltamethrin-resistant Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) of the Argentinean Chaco.

Pyrethroid-resistance is an emergent trait in populations of various insect species. For Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Heteroptera: Reduviidae), the major vector of Chagas disease in the southern part of South America, hotspot areas of pyrethroid-resistance have recently been found in the Chaco Province of Argentina. Resistant condition can reduce fitness of individuals in the absence of insecticide exposure, that is, fitness costs. We evaluated the existence of developmental and/or reproductive costs in T. infestans collected from two areas of pyrethroid-resistance in Chaco Province, Argentina. Three toxicological groups were defined from field-collected insects: susceptible (survival <20%), moderately resistant (survival between 20% and 80%) and highly resistant (survival >80%). Cohorts of the three toxicological groups were followed-up to study life cycle and reproductive parameters. Additionally, we parameterized matrix population growth models. First and IV nymphal stages of the resistant groups exhibited a longer stage duration than susceptible ones. The reproductive days and hatching success showed significant lower values revealing reproductive costs for the resistant groups. Matrix analysis showed lower population growth rates for the resistant groups. Our results support developmental and reproductive costs for pyrethroid-resistant individuals. This trait could be interpreted as lower population recovery ability for pyrethroid-resistant individuals compared to susceptible insects after alternative vector control actions.

Effect of supported sitting position during second stage of labor on its outcome in primigravidae: A quasi-experimental study.

The childbirth position has a significant influence on labor, maternal comfort, and neonatal outcome. In sitting position, there is a faster fetal descent with the effect of gravity. The information on this subject is relatively scant. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of a supported sitting position during second stage of labor on its outcome in primigravidae. A quasi-experimental study with a post-test only control group design was used. 60 primigravidae were selected using total enumerative sampling. The labor outcome was assessed by self-structured maternal neonatal outcome checklist and socio-demographic proforma. Statistically significant difference was observed on the mean duration of second stage of labor among primigravidae in control and experimental group (t = 5.87, P < 0.001) and also in the APGAR score of newborns (t = -3.98, P < 0.001). A statistical significant association of duration of second stage of labor with height and intensity of maternal work was also observed. A supported sitting position during labor was found to be effective in reducing duration of the second stage of labor. This can be used as a nursing intervention while providing care during labor especially at primary healthcare centers that can help in reducing the duration of second stage of labor.

Latitudinal and elevational variation in the reproductive biology of house wrens, Troglodytes aedon.

While cross-species comparisons of birds suggest that as latitude decreases or elevation increases, clutch size decreases and the duration of developmental stages and parental attentiveness increases, studies comparing populations of the same species are rare. We studied populations of house wrens, Troglodytes aedon, at high and low elevations in California and Costa Rica, collecting data on clutch size, the duration of incubation and nestling periods, parental attentiveness, nestling growth rate, and nesting success. Our data support results from cross-species comparisons, but also revealed unanticipated results from low elevation temperate zone house wrens in the southwest. This population had prolonged incubation and nestling periods similar to those found in the tropics. We also found that temperate zone females, especially those at our higher elevation site, spent more of their day incubating than did tropical females. Nest temperature at our high elevation temperate zone site was higher than that at all other tropical sites. Age at fledging did not differ between sites. Total feeding rates per chick and male feedings per chick did not vary between sites. Nest success rates showed the predicted effect of latitude, but not the predicted effects of elevation. Our results extend low elevation house wren research into the southwestern US and contribute the first intraspecific elevational comparison in the Neotropics. Data from our low elevation southwestern site present a unique suite of life history traits that align more with tropical house wrens, although with a larger clutch size, and point to food limitation and/or high predation pressure as being possible drivers of some of these differences. These results highlight the need for additional studies of house wrens and other broadly distributed species at a more diverse array of sites to better understand which forces drive the evolution of different life history strategies across major biogeographical gradients.

Phenological variations of avocado cv. Hass and their relationship with thermal time under tropical conditions

In recent years, the avocado has been one of the most dynamic fruits in the world market. In particular, cv. Hass stands out due to its productivity, nutritional quality, and acceptance. Under tropical conditions, weather elements, especially air temperature, and precipitation, affect the productivity and quality of cv. Hass. However, in tropical environments, many relationships between weather and phenological aspects of this cultivar are still unknown. Given this situation, our aim was to identify the variation and degree of association between the phenology of avocado cv. Hass and thermal time (TT) under low-latitude conditions. Eight commercial fields planted with cv. Hass grafted onto Antillean genotypes, located in an altitudinal transect between 1,700 and 2,500 m, were evaluated. The evaluation was carried out for three years and was focused on determining the differences in avocado phenological patterns associated with different environmental variables monitored by weather stations at each location. Air temperature data were used to calculate the base temperature (BT) using different methods for all phenological stages. Later the TT was determined for each stage and all locations. The results show that the duration of each phenological stage varies as a function of elevation (air temperature) and that the phenological stages overlap at the regional, crop field, and plant levels at different periods of the year, generating a high phenological variability but with specific patterns associated with temperature and precipitation. The BT for each phenological stage varied between 0.3 and 7.5 °C, and TT was found to vary depending on the method of calculation. Our work suggests that the generalization of a BT of 10 °C is not applicable for avocado cv. Hass crops under tropical conditions, specifically in the case of Colombia. Detailed studies of phenological relationships with respect to climatic variables will allow a better approximation of the productive behavior of avocado cv. Hass.

A randomized comparative study of patient-controlled epidural analgesia with manual standard intermittent bolus for labor analgesia

Background: Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) pump has proven to reduce the incidence of unscheduled clinician interventions and total dose of local anesthetic administered for labor pain. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the quality of analgesia, maternal satisfaction, amount of rescue analgesia needed, and neonatal outcome between clinician delivered manual bolus doses and PCEA pumps for epidural labor analgesia. Materials and Methods: 60 parturients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists II scheduled for normal vaginal delivery were randomly divided into two groups, Group A (PCEA) and Group B (Manual bolus). Both groups received an initial epidural bolus of 10 mL of 0.125% Inj. Bupivacaine+20 mcg injection fentanyl. Group A (PCEA) patients received a basal infusion of 5 mL/h with self-administered bolus of 2 mL with a lockout interval of 15 min. Group B patients were provided with a bolus of 10 mL of the same solution manually after every hour. Patients of both groups were given manual rescue boluses for distressing pain (visual analog scale [VAS] &gt;5). Results: Mean VAS score in Group A was 2.97±0.73; and in Group B, it was 3.03±0.56 (P&gt;0.05). Total bupivacaine use and mean duration of second stage of labor in both groups was found comparable. Mean top-up requirement of local anesthetics was significantly high in Group B. Maternal satisfaction was also higher in PCEA group. Conclusion: As PCEA pump provides continuous infusion of local anesthetics, there was lesser requirement of top ups of bupivacaine and higher maternal satisfaction score in PCEA group than manual bolus group.

The association between duration of breastfeeding and the trajectory of brain development from childhood to young adulthood: an 8-year longitudinal study.

Breastfeeding has been associated with several short- and long-term health benefits, including positive cognitive and behavioral outcomes. However, the impact of breastfeeding on structural brain development over time remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between breastfeeding duration in childhood and the developmental trajectory of overall cortical thickness, cortical area, and total intracranial volume during the transition from childhood to early adulthood. Participants included 670 children and adolescents with 1326 MRI scans acquired over 8 years from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Mental Conditions (BHRCS). Breastfeeding was assessed using a questionnaire answered by the parents. Brain measures were estimated using MRI T1-weighted images at three time points, with 3-year intervals. Data were evaluated using generalized additive models adjusted for multiple confounders. We found that a longer breastfeeding duration was directly associated with higher global cortical thickness in the left (edf = 1.0, F = 6.07, p = 0.01) and right (edf = 1.0, F = 4.70, p = 0.03) hemispheres. For the total intracranial volume, we found an interaction between duration of breastfeeding and developmental stage (edf = 1.0, F = 6.81, p = 0.009). No association was found between breastfeeding duration and brain area. Our study suggests that the duration of breastfeeding impacts overall cortical thickness and the development of total brain volume, but not area. This study adds to the evidence on the potential impact of breastfeeding on brain development and provides relevant insights into the mechanisms by which breastfeeding might confer cognitive and mental health benefits.

European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.) Bioecology in Eastern Romania.

Between 2020 and 2021, we conducted research in eastern Romania to monitor the bioecology of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.), an important pest of corn. The bioecology research established the pest stage duration (egg, larva, pupa, and moth), the flight curve, and the flight peak. The bioecological study occurred in the experimental corn field and a field cage. According to our findings, the insect has one generation per year. The European corn borer hibernates as a mature larva in corn residues and continues developing in the spring, when the weather warms. It pupates from May to July over 37 days. Analyzing the data recorded during the winters of 2020 and 2021, we observed that the warming trend favored the high survival of hibernating larvae (60.7%). Due to the large number of mature larvae that had favorable conditions during the winter, there is an intense flight, starting in June and ending in September. When the first moth was caught in the light trap, the ∑(tn-10) °C (sum of degree days) was 245.6 °C. In 2020, the flight was recorded for 94 days. In 2021, the European corn borer flight lasted 104 days. The initial egg masses were detected when the total of ∑(tn-10) °C reached 351.5 °C. Moths laid the eggs for 25 days, mostly during peak flight in late June and early July. The first larvae hatched when ∑(tn-10) °C totaled 438.4 °C, and stages III-V were recorded in the harvested crop. Understanding the bioecology of the European corn borer can offer valuable insights into managing population levels and identifying optimal timing for addressing infestations in corn crops.

Dependence evaluation of factors influencing coal spontaneous ignition

AbstractCoal spontaneous combustion is determined by a variety of factors. Testing can describe the changes incoal spontaneous combustion with various factors, however, the dependence of spontaneous combustion on various factors is unclear. Therefore, reliability theory was used to deduce the functional relationship of the dependence of coal spontaneous combustion on various factors, and construct a model algorithm for predicting the probability of occurrence of coal spontaneous combustion, which is adopted to evaluate and rank the degree of influence of various factors on coal spontaneous combustion. Effective prevention methods are proposed by strengthening the role of the most important factors. The results show that, by taking the duration of coal heating to 150°C as the measurement standard of coal spontaneous combustion, the duration of the initial stage of coal heating increases linearly with the increase of specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and moisture content of coal. With the increase of oxygen concentration, oxidation rate, and initial temperature of the coal, the duration of the initial stage of coal heating decreases exponentially. With the increase of gas flow seepage velocity in the coal body, the duration of the initial heating stage changes in a parabolic manner. At the same time, the probability of spontaneous combustion decreases exponentially with the increase of specific heat capacity and moisture content of the coal. The probability of coal spontaneous combustion increases linearly with the increase of coal thermal conductivity, oxygen concentration, gas seepage velocity, and rate of oxidation. The dependence of coal spontaneous combustion probability on different factors can be expressed as follows: coal temperature &gt; gas seepage velocity &gt; specific heat capacity &gt; oxidation rate &gt; oxygen concentration &gt; moisture content &gt; thermal conductivity.

The Natural Disease Course of Pancreatic Cyst–Associated Neoplasia, Dysplasia, and Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Results of a Microsimulation Model

Estimates on the progression of precursor lesions to pancreatic cancer (PC) are scarce. We used microsimulation modeling to gain insight into the natural disease course of PC and its precursors. This information is pivotal to explore the efficacy of PC screening. A Microsimulation Screening Analysis model was developed in which pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms and cysts can evolve from low-grade dysplasia (LGD) to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) to PC. The model was calibrated to Dutch PC incidence data and Japanese precursor prevalence data (autopsy cases without PC) and provides estimates of PC progression (precursor lesion onset and stage duration). Mean LGD state durations of cysts and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms were 15.8 years and 17.1 years, respectively. Mean HGD state duration was 5.8 years. For lesions that progress to PC, the mean duration was 4.8-4.9 years for LGD lesions and 4.0-4.1 years for HGD lesions. In 13.7% of individuals who developed PC, the HGD state lasted less than 1 year. The probability that an individual at age 50 years developed PC in the next 20 years was estimated to be 1.8% in the presence of any cyst and 6.1% in case of an LGD mucinous cyst. This 20-year PC risk was estimated to be 5.1% for individuals with an LGD pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm. Mean duration of HGD lesions before development of PC was estimated to be 4.0 years. This implies a window of opportunity for screening, presuming the availability of a reliable diagnostic test. The probability that an LGD cyst will progress to cancer was predicted to be low.

The Effect of Induction of Labor on Second Stage Duration in Nulliparous Women, before and after the ACOG and SMFM Change in Guidelines

The Effect of Induction of Labor on Second Stage Duration in Nulliparous Women, before and after the ACOG and SMFM Change in Guidelines

Closed- or open-glottis pushing for vaginal delivery: a planned secondary analysis of the TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery study

The effect on obstetrical outcomes of closed- or open-glottis pushing is uncertain among both nulliparous and parous women. This study aimed to assess the association between open- or closed-glottis pushing and mode of delivery after an attempted singleton vaginal birth at or near term. This was an ancillary planned cohort study of the TRAAP (TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery) randomized controlled trial, conducted in 15 French maternity units from 2015 to 2016 that enrolled women with an attempted singleton vaginal delivery after 35 weeks' gestation. After randomization, characteristics of labor and delivery were prospectively collected, with special attention to active second-stage pushing and a specific planned questionnaire completed immediately after birth by the attending care provider. The exposure was the mode of pushing, classified into 2 groups: closed- or open-glottis. The main endpoint was operative vaginal delivery. Secondary endpoints were items of maternal morbidity, including severe perineal laceration, episiotomy, postpartum hemorrhage, duration of the second stage of labor, and a composite severe neonatal morbidity outcome. We also assessed immediate maternal satisfaction, experience of delivery, and psychological status 2 months after delivery. The associations between mode of pushing and outcome were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding bias, with multilevel mixed-effects analysis, and a random intercept for center. Among 3041 women included in our main analysis, 2463 (81.0%) used closed-glottis pushing and 578 (19.0%) open-glottis pushing; their respective operative vaginal delivery rates were 19.1% (n=471; 95% confidence interval, 17.6-20.7) and 12.5% (n=72; 95% confidence interval, 9.9-15.4; P<.001). In an analysis stratified according to parity and after controlling for available confounders, the rate of operative vaginal delivery did not differ between the groups among nulliparous women: 28.7% (n=399) for the closed-glottis and 27.5% (n=64) for the open-glottis group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-1.33; P=.7). The operative vaginal delivery rate was significantly lower for women using open- compared with closed-glottis pushing in the parous population: 2.3% (n=8) for the open- and 6.7% (n=72) for the closed-glottis groups (adjusted odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.90; P=.03). Other maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ between the 2 modes of pushing among either the nulliparous or parous groups. Among nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies at term, the risk of operative vaginal birth did not differ according to mode of pushing. These results will inform shared decision-making about the mode of pushing during the second stage of labor.

Put Your Weight Behind It—Effect of Body Mass Index on the Active Second Stage of Labor: A Retrospective Cohort Study

(BJOG. 2022;129:2166–2174) Recent studies have indicated rising rates of obesity throughout the world, with larger percentages of women in developed countries being classified as overweight or obese. Obesity in pregnancy has been associated with complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, and others. Obesity is also associated with delivery complications and increases risk of surgical intervention. Previous research has shown an association between obesity and slow labor progress, and awareness of the risks associated with obesity may bias both the mother and the birth attendant, affecting both labor experience and potentially outcome. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the active second stage of labor in groups based on body mass index (BMI), with the primary outcome the median duration of the second stage.

Life history of Laccophilus dikinohaseus Kamite, Hikida, and Satô, 2005 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) and its preferences for oviposition substrates

We describe the life history of Laccophilus dikinohaseus Kamite, Hikida, and Satô, 2005 using laboratory rearing-based methods to contribute to future ex situ and in situ conservation. At 26 °C, each developmental stage had the following duration: egg, 6–7 days; first-instar, 3–5 days; second-instar, 3–5 days; third-instar in water, 7–18 days; landing to leaving the pupal chamber, 9–11 days; and total duration of the immature stages, 30–44 days. The total larval period was significantly longer than those of L. yoshitomii Watanabe and Kamite, 2018, L. kobensis Sharp, 1873, and L. hebusuensis Watanabe and Kamite, 2020. The maximum complete lifespan (egg to adult death) and adult lifespan (exiting the pupal chamber to adult death) were 792 and 762 days, respectively, indicating that L. dikinohaseus can live for more than two years after the adults exit the pupal chamber. Laccophilus dikinohaseus laid eggs not only in aquatic plants but also in driftwood and withered plants, suggesting a diverse oviposition substrate availability. This is the first study on the immature stages of L. dikinohaseus and lifespan of Laccophilus. We propose in situ conservation measures for L. dikinohaseus based on its findings.

Efficacy of Intravaginal Administration of Isosorbide Dinitrate Together with Misoprostol versus Misoprostol Alone in Induction of Labor

Background Cervical ripening is a complex process involving extensive remodeling and dynamic anatomic and physiologic alternations governed by hormonal changes, inflammatory responses, vasodilatory changes, and other biological processes. Prostaglandins, produced both locally in the cervix and uterus as well as originating from the fetal membranes, play a critical role in cervical ripening and uterine contractility by increasing inflammatory mediators in the cervix and inducing cervical remodeling. Objective To assess the adjunctive Role of intravaginal administration of Isosorbide dinitrate in induction of labor. Patients and Methods This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at tertiary care hospital at Ain Shams University Maternity hospital (labor ward) and was randomly selected from full term patients attending the labor ward and scheduled for induction of labor. Results Our results revealed that the need to cesarean section was statistically significantly less frequent among Isosorbide dinitrate group. Our results revealed that the duration of induction to active phase interval and the duration of active stage of labor were significantly shorter among Isosorbide dinitrate group than among Control group. Conclusion As evident from the current study, both intravaginal misoprostol and combination of vaginal Isosorbide dinitrate and misoprostol are safe and effective modes of labor induction. Vaginal isosorbide dinitrate and misoprostol is more effective than misoprostol alone in terms of post induction Bishop Score, shorter induction to active phase interval and induction to delivery interval. Thus, the combined use of vaginal isosorbide dinitrate with misoprostol for preinduction cervical ripening at term may prove to be a major therapeutic advance.

Effect of Epidural Dexmedetomidine vs Nalbuphine for Labor Analgesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Background The addition of dexmedetomidine or nalbuphine to epidural bupivacaine was tested to reduce labor pain in women undergoing normal delivery. Patients and Methods 64 patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 32 parturients each with conscent from parturients. Groups A and B received a bolus of 12 ml volume consisting of 11 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 0.5 μg/ml dexmedetomidine (1 ml volume) through the epidural catheter and then a top up dose of 6 ml volume consisting of 5 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 0.5 μg/ml dexmedetomidine (1 ml volume) were given when VAS score becomes 4 or more and a bolus of 12 ml volume consisting of 11 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 10 mg nalbuphine (1 ml volume) through the epidural catheter and then a top up dose of 5 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 2 mg nalbuphine (1 ml volume) respectively. Assessments included VAS score for pain, vital data monitoring, recording of duration of stages of labor, neonatal APGAR score and adverse effects. Results Parturients in both groups had satisfactory labor analgesia, but those in the dexmedetomidine group had lower pain scores than those in the nalbuphine group. Taking into consideration that dexmedetomidine had a faster onset than nalbuphine. Conclusion Epidural dexmedetomidine seems to offer some advantages over epidural nalbuphine. Thus, it can be used effectively and safely as an adjuvant to epidural bupivacaine in labor analgesia.

Does the timing of neuraxial analgesia initiation in elective induction of multiparous women prolong the duration of delivery?

To investigate whether the early initiation of neuraxial analgesia prolongs the duration of electively induced labor in Japanese multiparous women. This retrospective study included multiparous term women who underwent elective induction of labor using combined spinal-epidural analgesia at the Showa University Hospital between October 2018 and March 2021. The participants were divided into two groups: early and late. If neuraxial analgesia was initiated when the cervical dilation was ≤3 cm, the patient was included in the early group. The remaining patients were included in the late group. The obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. The primary outcome was the duration of delivery. The secondary outcomes were the rates of instrumental and cesarean deliveries. Two hundred and ninety-seven women (early group = 139, late group = 158) were included in the analysis. The duration of the first stage of labor did not differ significantly between the early and late groups (median: 232 vs. 260 min, p = 0.35). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the duration of the second stage (37 vs. 40 min, p = 0.20). Moreover, the rates of instrumental and cesarean deliveries did not differ significantly between the groups, and the neonatal outcomes were comparable. Early initiation of neuraxial analgesia in the elective induction of parous Japanese women did not prolong the duration of delivery. Our results suggest that neuraxial analgesia may be initiated whenever a parturient desires it.

The rice cultivar affects the population growth and physiological enzyme activity of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) reared on rice grains

The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, is an important pest of stored rice that causes substantial post-harvest losses. In this study, the population growth and physiological enzyme activity of S. oryzae reared on grains from five rice cultivars, red brown rice (RBR), Daohuaxiangmi (DHXM), Baishuigongmi (BSGM), Yashuixinmi (YSXM), and white glutinous rice (WGR), were studied. The duration of the immature stages of S. oryzae was shortest when reared on RBR (29.74 d) and longest when reared on YSXM (34.34 d). When reared continuously on grains of each cultivar for multiple generations for a period of 5 consecutive months, the average growth rate of the S. oryzae population was the highest in RBR (384.38%), followed by BSGM (98.35%) and WGR (82.02%), whereas in DHXM (−24.38%) and YSXM (−27.12%) a negative population growth was observed. The catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly higher in S. oryzae fed on YSXM than on the other cultivars, whereas peroxidase activity took its highest value for S. oryzae fed on BSGM and lowest when fed on YSXM, WGR or RBR. The activities of three detoxification enzymes were highest in S. oryzae reared on YSXM, while glutathione transferase and carboxylesterase activities were lowest when fed on RBR. Activities of the digestive enzymes α-amylase, cellulase, and lipase were lowest in S. oryzae reared on YSXM and highest when fed on RBR. Pepsin activity was highest in S. oryzae reared on YSXM, with no significant difference to that on RBR. Our results suggest that the significant impact of the rice cultivar on the population growth of S. oryzae may be associated with physiological enzyme activities, which play an important role in the nutrient and detoxification metabolism and growth of insects.

Atlantic Oceanic Squids in the "Grey Speciation Zone".

Cryptic species complexes represent an important challenge for the adequate characterization of Earth's biodiversity. Oceanic organisms tend to have greater unrecognized cryptic biodiversity since the marine realm was often considered to lack hard barriers to genetic exchange. Here, we tested the effect of several Atlantic and Mediterranean oceanic barriers on 16 morphospecies of oceanic squids of the orders Oegopsida and Bathyteuthida using three mitochondrial and one nuclear molecular marker and five species delimitation methods. Number of species recognized within each morphospecies differed among different markers and analyses, but we found strong evidence of cryptic biodiversity in at least four of the studied species (Chtenopteryx sicula, Chtenopteryx canariensis, Ancistrocheirus lesueurii, and Galiteuthis armata). There were highly geographically structured units within Helicocranchia navossae that could either represent recently diverged species or population structure. Although the species studied here can be considered relatively passive with respect to oceanic currents, cryptic speciation patterns showed few signs of being related to oceanic currents. We hypothesize that the bathymetry of the egg masses and duration of the paralarval stage might influence the geographic distribution of oceanic squids. Because the results of different markers and different species delimitation methods are inconsistent and because molecular data encompassing broad geographic sampling areas for oceanic squids are scarce and finding morphological diagnostic characters for early life stages is difficult, it is challenging to assess the species boundaries for many of these species. Thus, we consider many to be in the "grey speciation zone." As many oceanic squids have cosmopolitan distributions, new studies combining genomic and morphological information from specimens collected worldwide are needed to correctly assess the actual oceanic squid biodiversity.

A rare Macristium-stage Bathysaurus mollis (Aulopiformes, Bathysauridae) from the South Pacific

We describe a rare larva of the family Bathysaurus mollis which was collected off the coast of New Caledonia on November 30, 2014. Larval stages of the two species of the family Bathysauridae (B. mollis and B. ferox) are exceptionally rare and only 11 were reported for both species together including our specimen. In 1903 Regan described the first larva as a new species, Macristium chavesi, not aware that the individual is the larval form of a species already known to science, Bathysaurus ferox. Based on the larvae known to date, the size of the larvae ranges from about 20 mm to 127 mm standard length, indicating a long duration of the larval stage. Our larva is in exceptional condition and with 98.6 mm standard length on the larger side of the larval phase. We further summarize the literature and comment on the reduction of the maxilla in bathysaurids.

Nursing model of midwifery and postural and psychological interventions: Impact on maternal and fetal outcomes and negative emotions of primiparas.

Primiparas are usually at high risk of experiencing perinatal depression, which may cause prolonged labor, increased blood loss, and intensified pain, affecting maternal and fetal outcomes. Therefore, interventions are necessary to improve maternal and fetal outcomes and alleviate primiparas' negative emotions (NEs). To discusses the impact of nursing responsibility in midwifery and postural and psychological interventions on maternal and fetal outcomes as well as primiparas' NEs. As participants, 115 primiparas admitted to Quanzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital between May 2020 and May 2022 were selected. Among them, 56 primiparas (control group, Con) were subjected to conventional midwifery and routine nursing. The remaining 59 (research group, Res) were subjected to the nursing model of midwifery and postural and psychological interventions. Both groups were comparatively analyzed from the perspectives of delivery mode (cesarean, natural, or forceps-assisted), maternal and fetal outcomes (uterine inertia, postpartum hemorrhage, placental abruption, neonatal pulmonary injury, and neonatal asphyxia), NEs (Hamilton Anxiety/Depression-rating Scale, HAMA/HAMD), labor duration, and nursing satisfaction. The Res exhibited a markedly higher natural delivery rate and nursing satisfaction than the Con. Additionally, the Res indicated a lower incidence of adverse events (e.g., uterine inertia, postpartum hemorrhage, placental abruption, neonatal lung injury, and neonatal asphyxia) and shortened duration of various stages of labor. It also showed statistically lower post-interventional HAMA and HAMD scores than the Con and pre-interventional values. The nursing model of midwifery and postural and psychological interventions increase the natural delivery rate and reduce the duration of each labor stage. These are also conducive to improving maternal and fetal outcomes and mitigating primiparas' NEs and thus deserve popularity in clinical practice.