Female Specimens Research Articles

Lebbeus dentatus n. sp. (Decapoda, Thoridae) described from a seamount of the Caroline Plate, NW Pacific

Based on the female specimen collected from an unnamed seamount on the Caroline Plate in the NW Pacific, a new species of the thorid genus Lebbeus White, 1847, L. dentatus n. sp., is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to a species group characterized by the possession of epipods on the pereopods 1 and 2, but is characteristic in the carapace having a strong supraorbital tooth extending to 0.3 length of the rostrum and largely unarmed dorsal margin of the rostrum. Integrative approach using morphological comparison and genetic analyses with the mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes is taken to clarify the specific identities of the new taxon. An identification key to species belonging to the species group of Lebbeus characterized by the possession of epipods on the pereopods 1 and 2 is presented.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the snakefly Mongoloraphidia duomilia (Raphidioptera: Raphidiidae)

Raphidioptera (snakeflies) are a holometabolan order with the least species diversity but play a pivotal role in understanding the origin of complete metamorphosis. Here, we provide an annotated, chromosome-level reference genome assembly for an Asian endemic snakefly Mongoloraphidia duomilia (Yang, 1998) of the family Raphidiidae, assembled using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C data from female specimens. The resulting assembly is 653.56 Mb, of which 97.90% is anchored into 13 chromosomes. The scaffold N50 is 53.50 Mb, and BUSCO completeness is 97.80%. Repetitive elements comprise 64.31% of the genome (366.04 Mb). We identified 599 noncoding RNAs and predicted 11,141 protein-coding genes in the genome (97.70% BUSCO completeness). The new snakefly genome will facilitate comparison of genome architecture across Neuropterida and Holometabola and shed light on the ecological and evolutionary transitions between Neuropterida and Coleopterida.

Variations of Tentorial Notch Anatomy in Autopsy and NCCT of Head Injury Patients to Correlate Its Impact over Brainstem—An Observational Study

Abstract Background Tentorium cerebelli divide cranial cavity into supratentorial and infratentorial compartment. Tentorial notch is a gap in tentorium cerebelli located centrally and anteriorly, related to upper brainstem, first six cranial nerves, cerebrum, and cerebellum. The aim of this study was to analyze morphometric variation in tentorial notch anatomy in autopsy and computed tomography (CT) of head injury patients and to find out correlation between tentorial notch anatomy and uncal herniation and changes over brainstem surface in case of uncal herniation. Materials and Methods Autopsy examination of head injury patients was done between July 1, 2021, and Jan 31, 2023. Skull was opened in a standard manner and midbrain sectioned at the level of tentorial edge. Tentorial notch parameters (anterior notch width, maximum notch width, notch length, posterior tentorial length, apicotectal distance, interpedunculoclival distance) were measured using geometry compass and vernier caliper. These parameters were also measured on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) head of same patients. Evidence of uncal herniation was sought for in both NCCT head and autopsy examination. Impact of uncal herniation over brainstem in form of indentation over lateral surface of midbrain and macroscopic brainstem hemorrhage was noted. Results In 65 autopsy cases, there were 56 male and 9 female specimens; their mean age was 40.63 ± 16.78 years (range: 7–86 years). The most frequent type of tentorial notch observed in our study was typical type (32.30%). Relative frequency of uncal herniation was present predominantly (75%) in large type of tentorial notch and least (20%) in small type of tentorial notch. A significant correlation (p-value < 0.01) was found between uncal herniation and indentation over lateral surface of midbrain, while no significant correlation (p-value > 0.05) was found between uncal herniation and macroscopic brainstem hemorrhage in autopsy specimens. Conclusion The results of our study provide a baseline data about tentorial notch anatomy and it may facilitate neurosurgical decision making as well as help in deciding the best trajectory for lesions approaching in the vicinity of the tentorial notch

Flat‐footed Females and Missing Males: A New Genus and Species of Pleciofungivoridae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha) Represents the First Record of the Family from Mid‐Cretaceous Kachin Amber

AbstractA new genus and species, Cretopleciofungivora simpsoni gen. et sp. nov., from the extinct family Pleciofungivoridae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha), is discovered in mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber. Previously, this family was known only from imprints in sedimentary rocks of the Jurassic and the Lower Cretaceous. Discovery of a representative of Pleciofungivoridae in Kachin amber confirms the presence of the family in the Upper Cretaceous. The new species has a unique structure of fore tarsus, with lobed and extended tarsal segments II to IV, a feature hitherto known only in a few species of extant Sciaroidea. Although not particularly rare, the new species is currently known only from female specimens. Possible reasons for this phenomenon, very unusual in Sciaroidea, are briefly discussed, including parthenogenesis as a potentially plausible hypothesis.

Ulnar shaft diameter as it relates to plate osteosynthesis: A cadaveric study

BackgroundUlnar shaft fractures are common and the standard of care treatment is with 3.5 ​mm plating. The purpose of this study was to measure diameters along the length of the ulna to provide information on screw length and appropriateness of 3.5 ​mm screws and plate location. MethodsTen embalmed cadaveric ulnas were dissected free of all soft tissues. The length of the ulna was measured and then divided by four. Transverse osteotomies were performed along the length of the ulna at ¼, ½ and ¾ its full length. The diameter of the ulna at these locations was then measured in a radio-ulnar direction as well as a volar-dorsal direction. ResultsThere were five female and five male specimens with an average age of 83.6 and 78.8 respectively. The smallest diameter in both the female and male specimens was in the distal ¾ shaft measured in a volar-dorsal direction with an average of 9.1 ​mm and 12 ​mm. The average volar-dorsal measurement was less than radio-ulnar measurement at all locations. The diameters increased along the ulna heading proximally. ConclusionThis study provides information pertinent to screw width and length with respect to the ulnar shaft and calls in to question the use of 3.5 ​mm screws in the distal and midshaft ulnar diaphysis in females. Removal of 3.5 ​mm screws in the mid and distal ulnar shaft in females can leave a hole corresponding to 23% and 27% of the bone which can be concerning for a stress riser.

Ovarian balls (Floating ovaries) of Rhadinorhynchus niloticus Mohamadain, 1989 from the Nile perch Lates niloticus Linnaeus, 1758; an electron microscope study.

In Acanthocephala, the ovarian balls (floating ovaries) are distinctive structures found suspended in the fluid-filled metasoma of females and are responsible for egg production and maturation. Those structures have not been studied in Rhadinorhynchus niloticus. We aimed to investigate their ultra-structure by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A total of 30 Lates niloticus fish individuals were collected by fishermen from the River Nile, Egypt, and the isolated adult female specimens were processed for electron microscopy studies. The ovarian balls are elongated and lobulated structures freely scattered in the metasoma. They exhibited three distinct primary structural zones, a central oogonial syncytium, a peripheral cellular zone and a surrounding somatic supporting syncytium. The oogonia, within the central syncytium, give rise to developing oocytes that transform into mature oocytes. The latter enclose some inclusions such as large yolk granules and smaller egg-shell granules. We also describe the process of fertilization within the ovarian ball. The structure of the ovarian ball and the steps of fertilization in R. niloticus are described, for the first time, in the present study.

Advances on the taxonomy of Megalostrata Karsch, 1880 (Araneae, Corinnidae, Corinninae), with descriptions of two new species

Two new species of Megalostrata Karsch, 1880 are described: M. paludosa spec. nov. based on male and female specimens gathered in mangrove swamps in the Colombian Caribbean, and M. pacifica spec. nov., based on a female specimen from Heredia, Costa Rica. Megalostrata monistica (Chamberlin, 1924) from the Mexican west coast is redescribed, M. bruneri (Bryant, 1936) from the Island of Cuba is re-diagnosed based on photographs of the holotype, and the female of M. depicta (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1895) from Southeast Mexico is described for the first time. The known range of M. raptor (L. Koch, 1866), which was previously known from the Central American mainland, is extended to Curaçao, Caribbean Netherlands. A distribution map and key to the six known species of Megalostrata are also provided.

Differentiation of Synanthropic Fleas from Andalusia (Spain) through Geometric Morphometrics Analysis.

Fleas (Siphonaptera) are ectoparasitic hematophagous insects responsible for causing bites and itchy skin conditions in both humans and animals. Furthermore, they can act as vectors of different pathogens of a wide variety of diseases worldwide, including bartonellosis, rickettsiosis, and bubonic plague. Accurate identification of fleas is necessary for the study of their epidemiology, prevention, and control. In addition to traditional morphological classification approaches and molecular biology techniques, geometric morphometrics is increasingly proving to be a useful complementary tool for discriminating between Siphonaptera taxa. With the objective of determining the capacity of this technique to identify and differentiate synanthropic fleas, a principal component analysis was carried out on populations of Ctenocephalides felis, Pulex irritans, and Archaeopsylla erinacei collected in distinct regions of Andalusia (Spain). The analysis carried out on 81 male and female specimens revealed factorial maps that allowed the differentiation of the populations under study, with only partial overlaps that did not prevent their correct identification. Global size differences were also detected, with a slightly larger size in P. irritans males and a bigger size in A. erinacei females. Therefore, the present study emphasizes the role of geometric morphometrics as a useful complementary technique in taxonomic studies of arthropods, especially in the case of flea specimens lacking representative morphological features.

A new species of Eusirus Krøyer, 1845 (Amphipoda, Amphilochidea, Eusiridae) from the seamount of the Caroline Plate, with redescription of Meteusiroides keyensis Pirlot, 1934

A new Eusirus Krøyer, 1845 species within the family Eusiridae Stebbing, 1888 is described based on specimens collected from seamounts of the Caroline Plate. Eusirus carolinussp. nov. is characterized by having large, well-pigmented eyes, the distomiddorsal mediodorsal pointed process only present on pleonites 1 and 2, epimeral plate 3 with a smooth posterior margin, the elongated telson only cleft 20%, and the rami of uropod 3 being equal in length. A rare eusirid species, Meteusiroides keyensis Pirlot, 1934, is redescribed as providing the living coloration based on one female specimen. Sequences of two genes (16S rRNA and COI) were used to analyze their relationships with other species in the family Eusiridae and confirm the taxonomic placement. The result supports the monophyly of Cleonardo Stebbing, 1888; Eusirus and Rhachotropis S.I. Smith, 1883; and is consistent with morphological classification.

Revision of the genus Eugenys Quate, 1996 (Diptera: Psychodidae), with the description of three new species

We review the diagnosis of the genus Eugenys Quate, 1996 (Diptera: Psychodidae) which occurs in the Neotropical Region. Initially known from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, we describe one additional species from Costa Rica, Eugenys singularis sp. nov., and two species from Ecuador, namely, Eugenys micra sp. nov. and E. upsilon sp. nov., bringing the total known species to six. This study provides detailed descriptions of the new species based on male and female specimens, along with the first DNA barcodes for the genus and some of the newly described species. We also provide an identification key for identifying male specimens of the genus worldwide. Finally, we discuss the morphological characteristics of Eugenys and compare the genus with other taxa, tentatively suggesting a placement within the tribe Pericomaini.

Transcriptomic sex differences in postmortem brain samples from patients with psychiatric disorders.

Many psychiatric disorders exhibit sex differences, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We analyzed transcriptomics data from 2160 postmortem adult prefrontal cortex brain samples from the PsychENCODE consortium in a sex-stratified study design. We compared transcriptomics data of postmortem brain samples from patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with transcriptomics data of postmortem control brains from individuals without a known history of psychiatric disease. We found that brain samples from females with SCZ, BD, and ASD showed a higher burden of transcriptomic dysfunction than did brain samples from males with these disorders. This observation was supported by the larger number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and a greater magnitude of gene expression changes observed in female versus male brain specimens. In addition, female patient brain samples showed greater overall connectivity dysfunction, defined by a higher proportion of gene coexpression modules with connectivity changes and higher connectivity burden, indicating a greater degree of gene coexpression variability. We identified several gene coexpression modules enriched in sex-biased DEGs and identified genes from a genome-wide association study that were involved in immune and synaptic functions across different brain cell types. We found a number of genes as hubs within these modules, including those encoding SCN2A, FGF14, and C3. Our results suggest that in the context of psychiatric diseases, males and females exhibit different degrees of transcriptomic dysfunction and implicate immune and synaptic-related pathways in these sex differences.

A new species of the spider genus Mexentypesa Raven (Araneae: Nemesiidae) from Hidalgo, Mexico and taxonomic comments on M. chiapas Raven

A new species of the enigmatic spider genus Mexentypesa (Raven, 1987) from a cloud forest in Hidalgo state, Mexico is described: M. hidalguensis sp. nov. The description of the species is based on both male and female adult specimens. This discovery increases the diversity of the genus to two species: Mexentypesa chiapas (Raven, 1987) and the new species described herein. Additionally, Aptostichus sabinae syn. nov. (=M. chiapas), which was previously described as a different species, is formally synonymized.

First Record of Partial Albinism in the Chinese Fanray, Platyrhina Sinensis (Elasmobranchii: Myliobatiformes: Platyrhinidae)

A female albino fanray specimen was collected by trawl from the southern Taiwan Strait on April 11, 2022. This unique individual was identified as the Chinese fanray, Platyrhina sinensis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801), based on morphological identification and DNA barcoding. It was classified as partial albinism (leucism) due to the absence of pigmentation in the skin and normal pigmentation in the irises. This specimen represents the first reported case of albinism within the family Platyrhinidae, providing valuable insights for physiological and ecological research on albino fish.

Characteristics of the Gantzer muscle and implications for its use as a tendon-graft source in upper extremity reconstruction

BackgroundThe Gantzer muscle is an anatomical variant muscle that functions in flexion of the volar forearm. The prevalence and laterality of this muscle has been studied more recently in the literature. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and size of this muscle and tendon. MethodsThis was an observational study done from September 2021 to January 2022 at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Cadaveric dissection was conducted in the Department of Physiology and Anatomy. 50 pairs for a total of 100 forearms were dissected bilaterally in cadavers comprising 17 females (34 %) and 33 males (66 %) to identify the Gantzer muscle. The mean age at death was 68.8 years of age (range 40–91 years). When present, the dimensions of each Gantzer tendon were measured in millimeters using digital calipers. As a study of cadaveric specimens, this study was exempt from Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. ResultsThe Gantzer muscle was present in 62 of the 100 forearms (62 %). All 62 Gantzer muscles originated from flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) (100 %). Of the 62 Gantzer muscles, 42 inserted distally into flexor pollicus longus (FPL) (72.5 %), while the remaining 17 muscles inserted distally into flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) (27.5 %). The tendons inserting into FDP had an average length of 65.495 mm, while those inserting into FPL had an average length of 16.353 mm (p = 0.002). The Gantzer muscle was present in 24 of the 33 male specimens (72.7 %) and 13 of the 17 female specimens (76.4 %). Of the 62 Gantzer muscles, 50 were present bilaterally (80.6 %), and there was no significant difference in bilateral occurrence between sexes (p = 0.189). ConclusionsOur results suggest that the Gantzer muscle may be of sufficient size and present commonly enough in the general population to be considered as an alternative graft source for certain upper extremity reconstruction procedures in place of, or in addition to, palmaris longus, extensor toe tendons, and other commonly used tendon grafts. In this study, when palmaris longus was absent in a specimen, a Gantzer muscle was likely present, and may provide surgeons an alternative tendon graft source in the upper extremity without requiring additional incisions in the lower extremity for alternative tendon graft sources. Further biomechanical testing of the Gantzer tendon with comparisons to other common tendon graft sources is warranted.

Sex Estimation from Computed Tomography of Os Coxae—Validation of the Diagnose Sexuelle Probabiliste (DSP) Software in the Romanian Population

This study aimed to evaluate the DSP method’s applicability to Romania’s contemporary population and to assess the accuracy and reliability of variables derived from CT images. A total of 80 pelvic CT scans were analyzed. Participants ranged from 22 to 93 years, with a mean age of 59.51 ± 22.7 years. All variables measured from the CT scans were analyzed using DSP software. The study found that sex estimation was possible in 71.25% of cases overall, with varying rates between males (57.50%) and females (85%). Despite encountering undetermined specimens comprising 42.5% males and 15% females, only one misclassification occurred. Regarding accuracy, the overall rate remained notably high at 98.24%. All female specimens that could be estimated were correctly classified (100% accuracy), while for males, the accuracy rate was 95.65%. Undetermined cases were noted to potentially impact the accuracy of sex classification, underscoring the critical role of precision in forensic contexts. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of accuracy in forensic sex estimation. It emphasizes the confidence with which DSP software can be utilized, if not the only method, at least as a preliminary or adjuvantly accurate technique for sex estimation in forensic anthropology.

Macromia kannharaiensis, a new species of dragonfly (Insecta: Odonata: Macromiidae) from Maharashtra, India

We describe a new species of dragonfly Macromia kannharaiensis sp. nov., based on a male and a female specimens collected from Dodamarg taluka, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. The new species belongs to the calliope–group (species group initially discussed by Laidlaw 1922), and it can be distinguished by its congeners on the bases of specific colour pattern on postclypeus, markings on S2 and S8, shape and structure of caudal appendages and accessory genitalia.

Sexual dimorphism in the genus Acothrura Melichar, 1915 (Hemiptera: Lophopidae) and description of male and female specimens of A. impunctata (Jacobi, 1905)

The sexual dimorphism of Acothrura impunctata (Jacobi, 1905) is confirmed by molecular analysis. Its male morphological characteristics are firstly reported. A key to species of Acothrura is provided.

Labidostomma motasi rediscovered: a witness of the Messinian crisis?(Acari: Labidostommatidae)

Summary Labidostomma motasi Iavorschi, 1992 was discovered and described from a single female in the newly discovered hypoxic sulfidic, ancient and isolated Movile Cave (Romania). Male and female specimens collected recently brought new data for the description of this species. The morphology shows affinities and close relation with the species allied to L. integrum Berlese, 1911 which is distributed all around the Mediterranean Basin and Asia. As representatives of the family are also known from Baltic Amber (more than 40 My), this blind species in Movile Cave first attests of a probable adaptation of an epigean species to the cave environment: a model of two congeneric and sympatric species, one living in a cave and the second (L. integrum) living in soils in a region where the labidostommatid fauna is well referenced. This species may have migrated in caves, a winning option which allowed it to survive during past climatic variation since Miocene. Genetic data obtained from three specimens of this species were compared with the data published in Genbank showing a clear distinction between the subgenera Labidostomma Kramer, 1879 and Nicoletiella Canestrini, 1882. Overall, this species completes the long list of endemic invertebrates found in the sulfidic groundwater ecosystem of Movile Cave. Knowledge of the history of this cave system allowed us to estimate the isolation of this species in the Movile labyrinth during the ancient geological episodes following the Messinian Crisis.

The mylohyoid line is highly variable but does not affect the microarchitecture of the edentulous alveolar bone – an anatomical micro-CT study

ObjectivesTo evaluate in the absence of teeth the variability of the mylohyoid line (ML), the microarchitecture of the adjacent bone, and whether the variable prominence/width of the ML is associated with the quality of the adjacent bone.MethodsµCT scans of 28 human mandibles from anatomical specimens were analyzed. The following parameters were assessed in four edentulous areas (first and second premolar (PM), first, second, and third molar (M1/2/3)): ML width, cortical thickness (CtTh), average cortical- (Avg.Ct.BV/TV), and trabecular bone volume fraction (Avg.Tb.BV/TV).ResultsThe ML width increased from the PM towards the M2 region, which also showed the highest variance (range: 0.4–10.2 mm). The CtTh showed a decrease in the M3 region, while Avg.Ct.BV/TV and Avg.Tb.BV/TV hardly differed among the regions. In the multivariable model on the effect of the various parameters on the ML width, only gender and tooth region were significant. Specifically, male specimens were associated with a wider ML width compared to female specimens and the M2 region was associated with a wider ML width compared to the other tooth regions.ConclusionThe ML width was not associated with the cortical and trabecular bone quality in the adjacent bone, while gender and tooth region had a significant effect. Specifically, the ML width was lower in female, but peaked in the M2 region with a median width of 3–4 mm.Clinical relevanceFrom a clinical point of view, it was confirmed that the ML is in general a highly variable structure, especially in the M2 region, but the ML width does not allow any conclusions on the bone quality. Altogether, this underlines the need for an individual and accurate diagnostic prior to any surgical intervention.

Taxonomy, ontogeny, and ecology of Tonnacypris stewarti (Daday 1908) comb. nov. (Ostracoda: Cyprididae) from Nam Co, Tibetan Plateau

Taxonomic clarification of Tonnacypris stewarti comb. nov. (= Herpetocypris stewarti), a non-marine ostracod first described by Daday in 1908, was required due to the existence of various synonyms without detailed morphological descriptions. Our study examined specimens from Mang-tsa, Nam Co (Tibetan Plateau) and Lake Band-e Amir (Afghanistan). We identified seven definitive synonyms (Herpetocypris stewarti Daday 1908, Ilyodromus estonicus Järvekülg 1960, Eucypris afghanistanensis Hartmann 1964, E. gyirongensis Yang 1982, E. rischtanica Schneider 1963 in Mandelstam & Schneider 1963, Tonnacypris estonica (Järvekülg 1960), and T. gyirongensis (Guo et al. 2016). After a detailed study of the morphology of valves and soft parts supplemented by a literature review, we propose combining the genus Tonnacypris with the specific epithet stewarti, resulting in the new name Tonnacypris stewarti. We documented the ontogenetic series of T. stewarti in surface sediment samples from Nam Co. Only female specimens were found, consistent with observations in Mongolia, where they were considered asexual populations. Sexual populations were reported from Afghanistan and the southern Tibetan Plateau, suggesting geographic parthenogenesis in the Palearctic region. Because of widely missing males, we explored the use of female genital lobes as a distinguishing feature for taxonomy. Considering current ecological knowledge, T. stewarti could serve as a (paleo)—bioindicator of cold, oligotrophic, and fresh to slightly brackish habitats, including rivers, lagoons, and lakes. This study emphasizes the importance of resolving taxonomic issues for future paleolimnological research. Moreover, our investigation highlights the potential use of sclerotized internal female genital lobes as distinctive characteristics for species differentiation, especially in asexual populations.