Female Specimens Research Articles

Breast Carcinoma - A Comparative Study of Immunohistochemistry and Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization for Her-2 Assessment and Association of ER, PR, HER-2 and Ki-67 Expression with Clinico-Pathological Parameters.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in developed and developing countries. This study mainly addresses the issue of an equivocal result in IHC, which then needs further assessment if the patient has to receive targeted therapy. The study aimed to detect the expression of Her2/neu protein in breast cancer by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) and evaluate concordance and discordance between the two methods. Also, the clinicopathological parameters in these patients were studied in association with ER, PR, HER-2, and Ki-67. This study was conducted on 34 female carcinoma breast specimens, including core biopsies and mastectomies. Each case underwent histopathological and immunohistochemical studies for (Estrogen Receptor) ER, (Progesterone Receptor) PR, (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2) HER-2, and Ki-67. In addition, FISH was done on all the samples to detect Her2 gene amplification. The overall concordance between the two tests was 79.41% while the concordance between the two tests in equivocal cases, was 14.3%. ER/PR expression and HER-2 amplification were inversely associated. Also, Ki-67 expression was not associated with the side size of the lesion, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis. Age less than 50 at presentation and infiltrating ductal carcinoma histological type showed increased proliferation index. The highest concordance between FISH and IHC was noted in IHC positive and negative cases, whereas IHC equivocal cases showed low concordance. FISH accurately determines the assessment of HER2 expressions in equivocal cases.

Directional passive acoustic structures inspired by the ear of Achroia grisella

The need for small directional microphones is patent in the current market. From smartphones to hearing aids, a small microphone capable of rejecting ambient noise is highly desirable. Most MEMS microphones are omnidirectional and have to resort to arrays to achieve directionality, effectively counteracting the reduced size that they offer in the first place. For this reason, we use bio-inspiration and turn to nature to find examples of solutions to this problem. The female specimens of the moth Achroia grisella are capable of monoaural directional hearing, which they use to track the males’ mating calls. It is believed that they achieve directionality solely due to the morphology of their tympana. To test it, we first produce a multiphysics simulation of the structure that serves as a starting point. For experimental measurements, additive manufacturing is chosen for its ease and cost-efficiency. 3D-printed samples of the same model are examined through micro-CT scanning and then measured using laser-Doppler vibrometry to determine their frequency and directivity responses. The results of both approaches are compared, and it is found that the structure does indeed show directionality with the second eigenfrequency showing a hypercardioid-like pattern towards the front of the moth.

Notes on Cryptodrassus creticus (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) from Turkey

The species of Cryptodrassus creticus Chatzaki, 2002 is only known from female specimen in Turkey. In this study, we found male specimens of this species for the first time and add new locality to its distribution in Anatolia. Its general habitus and genitalia are illustrated.

Description of a new species of the genus \(\textit{Hyperaxis}\) Germminger & Harold, 1874 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae) from vietnam with an update key to species

A new species Hyperaxis phuquocnia sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Phu Quoc National Park, Kien Giang province, southern Vietnam based on female specimens. Color photos of habitats and genitalia, and DNA Barcoding data of the new species are presented. An updated key to all species of the genus Hyperaxis in Vietnam is provided.

A new species of the genus Achalinus (Squamata: Xenodermidae) from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China

A new species of odd-scaled snake in the genus Achalinus is described from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China, based on seven female specimens. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) dorsum iridescent and uniformly dark brown in preservative, longitudinal vertebral line absent; (2) light brown beneath; (3) dotted black streak in the middle of the subcaudals absent; (4) tail length relatively short, TaL/ToL 12-16%, in females; (5) fewer subcaudals, 41-46 in females; (6) dorsal scales 23 rows throughout, strongly keeled; the outer-most rows on both sides are also keeled and slightly enlarged; (7) one loreal; (8) internasal not fused to prefrontal; (9) suture between internasals is similar in size when compared to the suture between prefrontals; (10) preocular and postocular absent; (11) 6 supralabials; (12) 5 infralabials, the first 3 (rarely 2) touching the first pair of chin shields; (13) 3 pairs of chin shields. A phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), showed that this new species forms a monophyletic group with strong support. In addition, the uncorrected p-distances between the new species and other known congeners ranged from 3.4% to 13.0%. The recognition of the new species increases the number of described Achalinus species to 21.

First record of Tantilla flavilineata Smith & Burger, 1950 (Squamata, Colubridae) for Puebla, Mexico

We record Tantilla flavilineata Smith & Burger, 1950, for the first time in the state of Puebla, Mexico. It was previously considered endemic to a small region of the state of Oaxaca. With this record, we extend the known distribution 100 km north-northwestward in a straight line. We also provide scales counts and description of the coloration in life of a female specimen. The geographic distribution of T. flavilineata appears to be restricted to mid-elevations in various oak woodlands which have been limited in area by agriculture. More information on its natural history, ecology, and geographic distribution is needed to develop conservation strategies for this rare snake.

A review of the Cretaceous genus Eltxo (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) with description of the new species Eltxo grimaldii from El Soplao amber

A new species, Eltxo grimaldii sp. nov., is described from Spanish Lower Cretaceous (middle Albian) amber from El Soplao, based on a single female. The new species is compared with the other only known species of the genus, Eltxo cretaceus Arillo & Nel, 2000, based on a single male specimen also found in Spanish amber, but slightly younger (Peñacerrada I amber; upper Albian). The holotype of E. cretaceus is reviewed and its description corrected and expanded, providing the first micrographs of its anatomical features. The holotype of the new fossil species is the only female specimen known of the cecidomyiid tribe Amediini Jaschhof, 2021, a tribe recently described after changes of taxonomic attribution of the genus Eltxo during the last 20 years.

Classical chromosome features and microsatellites repeat in Gekko petricolus (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) from Thailand

The objectives of this study were to examine size, shape, diploid number (2n), fundamental number (NF), NORs region, and distribution of microsatellite by using Fluorescence in situ hybridization technique (FISH) and to establish the karyotype and standard idiogram of sandstone geckos (Gekko petricolus Taylor, 1962). Sandstone gecko distributed in the sandstone mountains in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Five male and five female specimens were collected from Ubon Ratchathani and Mukdahan provinces, Thailand. The metaphase cells were directly prepared from the bone marrow cells. Chromosomes were stained by conventional staining, NORs-banding and FISH techniques. The results found that the diploid number was 38 chromosomes. The fundamental number was 54. The karyotype composed of 4 large metacentric, 4 large acrocentric, 2 large telocentric, 4 medium acrocentric, 2 medium telocentric, 2 small submetacentric, 2 small acrocentric and 18 small telocentric chromosomes. No morphological difference was identified between sex chromosomes of male and female specimens. The NORs appeared to telomere of the long arm of chromosome pair 17. The study displayed that the distribution of microsatellite using (CA)15 and (GAA)10 probes distributed throughout the genome. However, (CA)15 sequences concentrated in the telomere. The karyotype formula G. petricolus is as follow: 2n (38) = Lm4+La4+Lt2+Ma4+Mt2+Ssm2+Sa2+St18.

Two predatory Medetera (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) species associated with Ips acuminatus (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Bulgaria

In 2021 and 2022, two predatory flies from the genus Medetera (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) were recorded in galleries of Ips acuminatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Pinus sylvestris trees in Sredna Gora Mountain in Bulgaria: M. pinicola and M. dendrobaena. These findings appear to be the first associations with I. acuminatus. In addition, the first record of Medetera cf. dendrobaena for the fauna of Bulgaria was also recorded. As only a female specimen was found, the identification remains doubtful for the moment.

Molecular phylogenetic relationship between Philometroides tahieli (Nematoda, Philometridae) and other philometrids from South America.

In South America, the family Philometridae is represented by several genera and species. In particular, Philometra and Philometroides are the most speciose genera. In Argentina, only Philometroides tahieli has been reported so far. The main objective of this study was to analyze the phylogenetic relationship between Ps. tahieli and other South American philometrids using molecular data. The molecular analysis was performed using a female specimen of Ps. tahieli found on the opercular muscle of a juvenile Micropogonias furnieri from brackish waters in Argentina. Phylogenetic relationships were studied based on partial sequences of the 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA genes. In the 18S rDNA tree, Ps. tahieli was mainly grouped with other Philometroides from freshwater hosts from China, sharing the site of infection (head tissues or muscles). In the 28S rDNA tree, obtained with fewer sequences, Ps. tahieli is related species from subcutaneous tissues of head. This study contributes with information on philometrids and confirms the presence of different lineages among South American species, with Ps. tahieli representing a new one. Further studies on South American species using more molecular markers and new morphological characters will improve our knowledge of philometrid biodiversity and phylogeny.

PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHS OF AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus BURCHELL 1822) IN ZOBE RESERVOIR, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

A six months study was carried out to examine the gastrointestinal helminth of wild Clarias gariepinus from Zobe reservoir, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 162 pieces of Clarias gariepinus were purchased from fishermen at three (Raddawa, Tabobi and Makera) of the landing sites on Zobe reservoir between March and August 2021. Fish samples were identified at each of the three landing sites. The fish were transported alive to the fish biology laboratory, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, for the helminths examination. Experimental fish samples were measured for length and weighed. Stomach and intestinal parasites were, identified and counted. The helminths recovered include, one Cestode, Monibothrium sp, four nematodes, Procamallanus sp, Contracaecum sp, Capilaria sp and Camallanus sp and one Metacercariae of Trematode, with the Nematodes as the dominant helminths. The result showed higher number of the fish parasites in the intestine of C. gariepinus. The prevalence in female specimens of C. gariepinus 77 (88.50%) was higher than that of the males (84.00%). The Chi-square result was not significant showing there is no association between the sex and prevalence of helminths. It is not significant also for length and weight, but the sampling station had a P-value of 0.001, showing that there is a relationship between the sampling station and the prevalence of helminths in the sampled C. gariepinus from Zobe reservoir. The highest prevalence was from the Makera sampling station. African catfish from the Zobe reservoir were highly infested with gastrointernal parasites, and this cut across the sexes, ages and landing sites. Hence, Clarias gariepinus from the reservoir should be cooked properly to avoid the transfer of the parasites to the consumers. It is strongly advised that more studies should be carried out to examine parasites from other fish species from the reservoir, to ascertain the safety of consumers that relied on the reservoir for fish. It may also be important to put up regulations such as restrictions on waste disposal and grazing, that will limit potential activities that may encourage an increase in parasites around the water body.

Pathology associated with Tripaphylus Richiardi, 1878 infection (Copepoda: Sphyriidae) in wild-caught Australian blackspot sharks, Carcharhinus coatesi (Whitley, 1939), off northern Australia

Female specimens of the newly described mesoparasitic copepod Tripaphylus squidwardi (Sphyriidae), collected from the Australian blackspot shark, Carcharhinus coatesi, off northern Australia were examined histologically. The ‘encapsulated’ head of the copepod was found in the ventral musculature of the throat of the shark. The head of the copepod was surrounded by a tissue capsule of unknown origin. There were signs of chronic inflammation associated with the infection, although there appeared to be no effect on the health of the shark.

Lepeophtheirus mondacola sp. nov. (Copepoda; Caligidae) parasitic on the shortjaw leatherjacket Oligoplites refulgens (Teleostei; Carangidae) in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

A new species of parasitic copepod, Lepeophtheirus mondacola sp. nov. (Siphonostomatoida; Caligidae), is described based on female and male specimens obtained from the shortjaw leatherjacket Oligoplites refulgens (Actinopterygii; Perciformes; Carangidae), captured in the southeastern Gulf of California off northwestern Mexico. The new species can be separated from its congeners by a combination of characters that includes: adult female with a subquadrate genital complex bearing slightly protruded posterolateral corners, two indistinct somites on the abdomen which, when combined together, is about two times longer than wide, a caudal ramus that is twice as long as it is wide, a postantennal process comprising a stout base and short claw, a dentiform process of the maxillule with two unequal tines, a maxilliped with a stout protopod and subchela, a sternal furca with a pair of bifurcated tines, a leg 3 exopod composed of 2 segments, five setae on the distal endopodal segment of leg 3 and a leg 4 exopod composed of three segments and armed with one long and two short apical spines on the distal exopodal segment; adult male with a suborbicular genital complex, an abdomen composed of one short and one long, indistinctly separated somites, a caudal ramus that is twice as long as it is wide, a stout postantennal process, a small triangular process at the base of the inner tine of the maxillulary dentiform process and a 3-segmented exopod on leg 4. Lepeophtheirus mondacola sp. nov. represents the first record of a species of Lepeophtheirus from a member of Oligoplites and the second caligid species reported from O. refulgens.

Life History of Erotylina jaspidea (Erichson, 1847) (Coleoptera, Erotyloidea, Erotylidae, Erotylini).

The life history of Erotylina jaspidea (Erichson, 1847) (Coleoptera, Erotyloidea, Erotylidae, Erotylini) is described. A female specimen was found in an Atlantic Forest remnant in Northeast Brazil. After oviposition, individuals were reared in Petri dish and terrarium, feeding on basidiomes of Lentinus substrictus (Bolton) Zmitr. Kovalenko, Favolus tenuiculus P. Beauv (Polyporaceae) and an unidentified resupinate fungus. Growth and feeding behaviors were regularly observed. We provide information on the observed life history stages, together with morphological descriptions, and photographs of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. We compared our description of the teneral E. jaspidea to species of similar color pattern. Furthermore, we discuss hypotheses about larval defensive behavior and total instar durations in E. jaspidea and other Erotylinae representatives. The present work is the first to provide a description for the life history of a species of the genus Erotylina.

Four new species of Physaraia (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae) from Thailand

Four new species of the genus Physaraia Shenefelt, 1978 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Thailand are described and illustrated based on female specimens collected from the Malaise traps and aerial net, increasing the total number of Physaraia species of Indo-Australian region to six species; P. nanensis Chansri, Quicke Butcher, sp. nov., P. panhai Chansri, Quicke Butcher, sp. nov., P. sakaeratensis Chansri, Quicke Butcher, sp. nov., P. sinensis Quicke et al., 1997, P. sumatrana, Enderlein, 1905 and P. tigeri Chansri, Quicke Butcher, sp. nov. A checklist to the species known of Physaraia with their distribution and dichotomous key to accommodate the new species are provided.

Relative importance of the environment and sexual dimorphism in determining shell shape in the Amazonian freshwater mussel Castalia ambigua (Unionida: Hyriidae) along a hydrological gradient

Shell shape variation of the freshwater mussel Castalia ambigua in relation to environmental and genetic drivers remains unresolved in South America. Along an increasing upstream to downstream hydrological gradient in the Caeté River, eastern Amazon, Brazil, we evaluated two co-occurring morphotypes of C. ambigua: the first is elongated and compressed; the second is rounded and inflated. We performed multivariate shape analysis on the lateral view of the right valve and the umbonal view, to identify potential ecophenotypic trends. We also investigated whether the degree of shell inflation was associated with sexual dimorphism. Castalia ambigua shell shape differed along the hydrological gradient and between sexes. However, in high hydraulic energy habitats the two morphotypes tend to a similar shape. Inflated shells of C. ambigua corresponded to female specimens, implying that shell shape variation in low hydraulic energy habitats was associated with sexual dimorphism. We found strong evidence of shell variation in the freshwater mussel C. ambigua associated with the environment and sexual dimorphism. Hydrological conditions appears to override sex-associated shell shape determination in high-energy habitats. Differences in shell shape and the identification of ecomorphotypes are important for management efforts, such as protecting the specific habitats associated with both morphotypes.

Hepatic fibrosis gender differences in extracardiac Fontan patients.

We investigated possible gender differences for hepatic fibrosis in extracardiac-Fontan patients. We identified extracardiac Fontan, performed between 2000 and 2016, who underwent cardiac catheterizations with transvenous hepatic biopsies between April 2012 and June 2022. We divided the patients by gender for analysis. We identified 116 patients who underwent 145 transvenous biopsies, with 29 patients undergoing 2 biopsies at an average interval of 5 ± 1 years. We divided the 145 biopsies into two groups: 1) 98/145 (68%) males and 2) 47/145 (32%) females. For the 47 female liver biopsy specimens, the median total fibrosis score was 3 (0-8), and for the 98 male liver biopsy specimens, the median total fibrosis score was 2 (0-6), p = .007. The average age at surgery for females was 3 ± 1 years and for males 3 ± 1 years, p = .99. Average Fontan duration at biopsy for females was 11 ± 5 years and for males, 10 ± 4 years, p = .23. No other demographic, anatomic, echocardiographic, laboratory, or hemodynamic findings demonstrated statistically significant gender differences. Females had statistically significantly higher median total fibrosis scores than males for the similar average age at extracardiac Fontan and average Fontan duration.

EFICIÊNCIA DE ATRATIVOS ALIMENTARES NA CAPTURA E NO MONITORAMENTO DE MOSCA-DAS-FRUTAS SUL-AMERICANA EM POMAR DE PEREIRA ASIÁTICA

ABSTRACT The South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the most important insect pest in pear tree crops in Southern Brazil. Several studies pointed to the controversial efficacy of some food lures used for capture and monitoring this species in various fruit species. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of food lures available in the Brazilian market in capturing and monitoring A. fraterculus in relation to grape juice. The experiment was conducted during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 crop seasons in an Asian pear (Pyrus spp.) orchard located in Caçador, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The food lures evaluated were CeraTrap®, BioAnastrepha®, Torula®, Isca Mosca®, BioFruit®, and grape juice (a standard food lure in Southern Brazil). For each attractant substance, population fluctuations of A. fraterculus were recorded as well as the average number of female and male specimens captured, the FTD (fly/trap/day) rate of capture, the number of control indications, and mean weekly evaporation. The first A. fraterculus adults were captured in November, and in both crop seasons the population peak was found in January. CeraTrap® was more effective in capturing females and males and indicated a higher number of control indications compared to the other food lures. Grape juice presented lower effectiveness compared to CeraTrap®, including the evaporation parameter. It was concluded that CeraTrap® is the most effective food attractant in capturing adults of A. fraterculus and more accurate in detecting its population levels in Asian pear orchards, therefore, it is recommended rather than the usual grape juice.

Neurostigma xanthopterum New, 1980 (Psocodea: Psocoptera: Epipsocidae): updated diagnosis, description of a female specimen, morphological variations and a checklist of all known species of the genus

The holotype of the Neurostigma xanthopterum New, 1980 is here illustrated based on photographs. We also describe and illustrate a previously unknown female individual that is assigned to this species. New records for five localities in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, one in the Brazilian state of Acre and another in the Brazilian state of Amapá, are presented. The mouthparts of both sexes are here describe and illustrate. Thirteen types of variation and anomalies in the fore-hindwing veins were found. We found unique patterns in the number and shape of transverse veins in the pterostigma between individuals. We also identified a large variation in the denticles present in the lacinia. Therefore, we suggest these variable characteristics (fore-hindwing veins and lacinia denticles) are not to be used for the diagnosis of species of this genus. A revised diagnosis of N. Xanthopterum is also presented.

Systematics and Ecological Data Enrichment for the Recently Described Lushai Hills Dragon Snake, Stoliczkia vanhnuailianai Lalronunga, Lalhmangaiha, Zosangliana, Lalhmingliani, Gower, Das & Deepak, 2021 (Squamata: Xenodermidae) from Northeast India

This study provides the first morphological data from a female specimen of the recently described Stoliczkia vanhnuailianai from Mizoram, Northeast India. Based on a new individual collected from a stream habitat around 80 km northwards from the type locality, we provide an expanded summary of diagnostic key characters of the species, additional notes on the habitat, and new genetic data for this rare snake.