Female Leg Research Articles

Psoriasis localization patterns in the Swiss Psoriasis Registry (SDNTT) over 11 years: an analysis by sex and age

Real-world data on anatomically localized psoriasis and its response to systemic therapy across different age-groups and sexes is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the severity and distribution of psoriasis over time in female and male patients receiving systemic therapies, categorized by age within the Swiss psoriasis registry (SDNTT). Patient-data was obtained over 11 years through the SDNTT. The localized Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (locPASI) of the head, trunk, upper and lower extremities was analyzed over two years following the start of systemic non-/biologic treatment. A total of 316 female and 517 male patients were analyzed. Male patients had a higher baseline locPASI for legs, trunk and arms (p < 0.001), but not for the head (p = 0.961). The locPASI for the head in younger female patients (18–40 years) had a higher score than those aged 55 + (p = 0.022) and after two years, middle aged (41–54) showed a lower score compared to younger patients (p = 0.045). Younger male patients revealed a lower score after two years of therapy in the leg- and arm-area compared to older (p = 0.018 and p = 0.048, respectively). Female patients on non-biologics had a fast initial response, converging with male patients’ scores over 24 months. Over 75% locPASI reduction was observed for female head-area (81.4%), male trunk (82.7%) and legs (76.1%). Absolute locPASI ≤ 2 was achieved 3–6 months for all locations with interleukin (IL)-17, IL-12/23 and IL-23-inhibitors, except for the legs of male patients on anti-IL-17 and female patients on anti-IL-12/23 and -IL-23. After two years, male patients did not achieve a locPASI ≤ 2 for any biologic-treatment in the legs, nor for the arms on anti-TNF-α. Significant disparities in localized PASI were observed between female and male patients. The age, sex and severity of distinct localizations should be considered to optimize treatment goals.

Race Dynamics in Triathlon Mixed-Team-Relay Meaningfully Changes with The New Regulation Towards Paris 2024.

Mixed-Team-Relay (MTR) triathlon is a novel Olympic discipline whose performance determinants and tactical behaviors have barely been studied. Additionally, a regulatory change has been made to the male and female relay order for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the performance determinants and race dynamics as a function of competitive level on the new regulated MTR triathlon. Results from 129 national teams, (516 elite triathletes) across five MTR World Triathlon Series and two MTR European Championships in 2022 and 2023, were analyzed. Split times, average speeds, time behind the race leader (gap), partial and finishing positions, pack position as well as the rank positions of every segment, relay leg, and overall race were computed. Decision tree analyses were conducted as a predictive method for the overall results, and correspondence analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the different relay legs and segments and the finishing positions. The performance of the fourth leg was the most relevant for overall result (30%), as well as the fourth running leg (16%) and the female legs performance (7%). Medallist relay teams were characterized by displaying a differential speed lower than 0.5 and 0.83 km/h, respectively, from the best-ranking athletes in the Legs 1 and 4. Furthermore, staying in the front pack after the second swimming leg showed a great relationship with achieving a medal position. New MTR triathlon rules shift race dynamics, emphasizing individual efforts in cycling and swimming, while maintaining the crucial importance of running.

Two New Species of Elaphoidella (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from Subterranean Waters in Northeast Thailand, with a Record of a Gynandromorphic Specimen and an Up-to-Date Key to Elaphoidella Species from Southeast Asia

Two new species of copepods of the genus Elaphoidella Chappuis, 1929 were discovered in a cave and a spring in northeastern Thailand. The first species, E. phuphamanensis sp. nov., belongs to species-group VII sensu Lang. It is most similar to E. turgisetosa Petkovski, 1980 in the armament of the male third exopod of the fourth swimming leg and the shape and armament of the fifth swimming leg in both sexes. However, it is easily distinguished from other congeners by the segmentation of the first swimming leg, the endopod of the fourth swimming leg, and the armature of the third exopod of swimming legs 2–4 in both sexes. The second species, E. propecabezasi sp. nov., is located in species-group I sensu Lang, where the male does not have a transformed seta on the third exopod of the fourth swimming leg and the female fifth swimming leg has four baseoendopodal robust setae, unequal in length. It is most similar to E. cabezasi Petkovski, 1982 and E. paraaffinis Watiroyram, Sanoamuang and Brancelj, 2017 in having the same armature formula as endopods 1–2 of female swimming legs 1–4. However, the ornamentation of the anal operculum, the shape of the caudal ramus, and the armature of the fifth swimming leg in both sexes distinguish them from each other. A rare gynandromorphic specimen of E. propecabezasi sp. nov. was recorded, and a revised key to Elaphoidella species in Southeast Asia is provided.

Binding Properties of Odorant Binding Protein 37 in Plagiodera versicolora to Host Volatile, o-Cymene.

The chemosensory system plays an important role in the host plants location. Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a worldwide leaf-eating forest pest that feeds exclusively on salicaceous trees. There is no function study of odorant binding proteins (OBPs) in P. versicolora. In the current study, we found that PverOBP37 has a high expression in male and female antennae, heads, and legs by quantitative real-time PCR. The binding properties of PverOBP37 to 18 host plant volatiles were determined by fluorescence competition binding assays. The results showed that PverOBP37 could bind to the host plant volatile, o-cymene. Furthermore, four candidate key amino acid residues (F8, Y50, F103, and R107) of PverOBP37 to o-cymene were identified by molecular docking. The functional assay to confirm Y50, F103, and R107 mutations were key amino acid residues of PverOBP37 involved in the binding to o-cymene. Knockdown of PverOBP37 and Y-tube behavioral bioassays of mated females led to a significantly reduced attraction to o-cymene. This study not only revealed the molecular mechanism of PverOBP37 but also suggested that PverOBP37 is essential to detect host plant volatiles as cues to search for egg-laying sites in P. versicolora.

Morphological and genetic differences in legs of a polygamous beetle between sexes, Glenea cantor (Coleopter: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae).

The legs of insects play an important role in their daily behaviour, especially reproduction. Entomologists have performed much research on the role of the leg in different behaviours of beetles, an important group in the insect family, but relatively little has been done to study the ultrastructure and transcriptome of their legs. Hence, we systematically studied the ultrastructure and gene expression of the leg of G. cantor, a polygynous beetle, and compared its male and female diversity. In this study, we found the fore-leg, mid-leg and hind-leg of the female were significantly longer than those of the male. From the perspective of intuitive structural differences, we also compared the ultrastructures of the adhesion structure (tarsal) of males and females. The tarsal functional structure of the adult leg mainly includes sensilla and an adhesion structure. The sensilla on the tarsal joint mainly include sensilla chaetica (SCh II, SCh III) and sensilla trichodea (ST II). The adhesion structure includes disc-shaped bristles (di), lanceolate bristles (la), serrated bristles (se), spatula-shaped bristles (spl) and mushroom-shaped bristles (mus). Although there was no significant difference in sensillum distribution or type between males and females, there were significant differences in the distribution and species of adhesion structures between the fore-leg, mid-leg, and hind-leg of the same sex and between males and females. Therefore, different adhesion structures play different roles in various behaviours of beetles. On the other hand, the transcriptome results of male and female legs were screened for a subset of olfaction- and mechanics-related genes. We discovered that the male leg showed upregulation of 1 odorant binding protein (OBP), 2 Olfactory receptors (ORs) and 2 Chemosensory proteins (CSPs). Meanwhile, the female leg showed upregulation of 3 OBPs, 1 OR, 1 Gustatory receptor (GR) and 3 Mechanosensitive proteins (MSPs). An in-depth examination of the ultrastructure and molecular composition of the legs can elucidate its function in the reproductive behavior of G. cantor. Moremore, this investigation will serve as a cornerstone for subsequent research into the underlying behavioral mechanisms.

Identification and expression profiles of olfactory-related genes based on transcriptome analysis in Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

The sophisticated olfactory system of insects is plays a critical role in detecting chemical signals and guiding insect behaviors, such as selecting mates, finding hosts, evading predators, and discovering oviposition sites. Therefore, exploring and clarifying the molecular processes of this system is crucial for developing new insecticides or efficient pest control methods. Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) is a disruptive insect pest damaging the stored grains over the world. However, the olfactory processes of P. interpunctella remain unclear. Herein, we employed a transcriptome analysis to identify olfactory and differentially expressed genes to characterize their expression patterns in different developmental stages and antennal tissue. Subsequently, a total of 172 potential olfactory-related genes included 42 odorant-binding proteins, 12 chemosensory proteins, 51 odorant receptors, 13 gustatory receptors, three sensory neuron membrane proteins, and 51 ionotropic receptors. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis and BLASTx best-hit analyses showed that these olfactory genes were closely linked with those identified in other lepidopterans. Transcriptome analysis revealed 49 differentially expressed olfactory-related genes, and a semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that 11 olfactory genes were particularly expressed in the legs and wings of female P. interpunctella. Meanwhile, PintOBP29 was notably expressed in female antennae and legs. Genes with high expression levels in the abdomen showed high expression in the legs, but low expression in the antennae. Our findings provide the candidate genetic factors for analysis of the olfactory processes in P. interpunctella.

Forward step down test - clinical rating is correlated with joint angles of the pelvis and hip: an observational study

BackgroundClinical methods for assessing quality of movement and functional tests are important to clinicians. Typical deviations from normal kinematics during the clinical test of Forward Step Down Test (FSDT) are pelvic tilt and hip adduction which are associated with the risk of knee pain.Objectives(1) to examine the correlation between clinical assessment of the FSDT and joint angle measurements of pelvis, hip, knee and ankle joints in males and females; (2) to examine the differences in joint angles between individuals rated as good, fair or poor in a FSDT performance test.MethodsNinety-two healthy individuals performing FSDT were video-taped with two-dimensional digital video cameras. The clinical assessment of the FSDT was rated by two experienced physical therapists as good, fair, or poor based on a Crossley et al. (2011) validated scale. Measurements of pelvic drop, hip adduction and knee valgus were taken using Image J software.ResultsOut of 177 lower limbs, 74 (37 in each limb) were clinically rated as “good/fair” (41.80%) while 103 (52 in the dominant leg and 51 in the non-dominant leg) were rated as “poor” (58.19%). No significant differences were observed between dominant and non-dominant legs or between males and females in clinical rating of the FSDT. Pelvic drop angle was significantly higher and hip adduction angle was significantly lower for “poor” clinical rating compared to “good/fair” in both dominant and non-dominant legs (p < 0.001) in males and females. Females demonstrated higher pelvic drop, lower hip adduction and higher knee valgus angles compared with males (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study showed that the clinical rating of FSDT is correlated with joint angle measurements suggesting that this assessment can be utilized in clinical practice. Individuals with poor quality performance of FSDT showed higher pelvic drop and hip adduction movement. Further studies examining different populations with diverse disorders or pathologies are essential.

THU439 Baby's Coming, Break A Leg! A Case Of Transient Osteoporosis Of The Hip

Abstract Disclosure: A. Khan: None. A. Syeda: None. H.B. Aftab: None. Introduction: Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a rare condition presenting as fragility fractures usually in the latter part of pregnancy or immediate postpartum period. Vertebral fractures are more commonly reported but femoral fractures have also been described in the literature as a distinct entity: transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH). We present a case of bilateral (B/L) femoral fractures in a woman during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Case: A 31-year-old, gravida 1 female developed left leg pain at 26 weeks of gestation. The pain radiated from her left lower back to her left knee. It was severe in intensity resulting in her walking with crutches. Subsequent MRI of the left hip showed subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head with prominent bone marrow edema extending from the head into the femoral neck. She was managed conservatively with non-weight bearing status and oral analgesics. She had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery at 39 weeks of gestation. During the first postpartum week she developed right hip pain. MRI of right hip revealed nondisplaced right femoral head subchondral insufficiency fracture with associated effusion and synovitis. She recovered within the next 3 months with resolution of her pain with conservative management. Other than limited calcium intake in childhood, there were no other identifiable risk factors for osteoporosis. Bone density scan revealed normal Z-scores at the lumbar spine and non-dominant wrist. The hips were not evaluated. Workup for secondary causes of osteoporosis was unremarkable including normal serum calcium, PTH, phosphorus, magnesium, SPEP, tissue transglutaminase antibodies, estradiol, LH, FSH, prolactin levels. However, 24-hour urine calcium level was low at 11 (35-250) mg/24hr. Elevated levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase and urine N-telopeptide (NTX) were noted at 19.9 (5.3-19.5) mcg/L and 110 (4-64) nM BCE/mM creatinine, respectively. Patient was continued on vitamin D and calcium supplements. She breastfed for the initial 2 months but was advised to stop. At her most recent follow up visit 4 months postpartum patient was doing well. Discussion: TOH is a rare entity, and presentation as B/L femoral fractures is exceedingly rare. During pregnancy and lactation, the skeletal system undergoes bone loss to compensate for the calcium demand of the fetal skeletal system. In TOH, venous stasis from the gravid uterus resulting in bone marrow edema is the proposed mechanism in addition to pregnancy associated bone loss. In our patient, a low 24-hr urine calcium could suggest low calcium intake which could have contributed to the fracture as well. While recurrence of PAO has been described, no recurrence of TOH has been reported in subsequent pregnancies. Our case highlights the importance of keeping this rare entity on the differential in pregnant women presenting with back or hip pain. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Use of a handheld Doppler to measure brachial and femoral artery occlusion pressure.

Objective: Measurement of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) is essential to the safe and effective use of blood flow restriction during exercise. Use of a Doppler ultrasound (US) is the "gold standard" method to measure AOP. Validation of a handheld Doppler (HHDOP) device to measure AOP could make the measurement of AOP more accessible to practitioners in the field. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of AOP measurements of the brachial and femoral arteries using an HHDOP. Methods: We simultaneously measured AOP using a "gold standard" US and a HHDOP in the dominant and non-dominant arms (15 males; 15 females) and legs (15 males; 15 females). Results: There were no differences in limb circumference or limb volume in the dominant and non-dominant arms and legs between males and females or between the dominant and non-dominant arms and legs of males and females. The differences between US and HHDOP measures of AOP in the dominant and non-dominant arms and legs were either not significant or small (<10mmHg) and of little practical importance. There were no sex differences in AOP measurements of the femoral artery (p > 0.60). Bland-Altman analysis yielded an average bias (-0.65mmHg; -2.93mmHg) and reasonable limits of agreement (±5.56mmHg; ±5.58mmHg) between US and HHDOP measures of brachial and femoral artery AOP, respectively. Conclusion: HHDOP yielded acceptable measures of AOP of the brachial and femoral arteries and can be used to measure AOP by practitioners for the safe and effective use of blood flow restriction. Due to the potential differences in AOP between dominant and non-dominant limbs, AOP should be measured in each limb.

Comparison of Two Cuff Inflation Protocols to Measure Arterial Occlusion Pressure in Males and Females

We measured the arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) in the dominant (DOM) and non-dominant (NDOM) legs of males (n = 20) and females (n = 20), 19–26 years of age, using a continuous (CONT) and incremental (INCR) cuff inflation protocol. ANOVA revealed no significant differences in AOP within (&lt;1 mmHg; p &gt; 0.493) or between (&lt;6 mmHg; p &gt; 0.418) the DOM and NDOM legs in males or females with either CONT or INCR. There were no significant sex differences in AOP in the DOM or NDOM legs when using CONT (&lt;3 mmHg; p &gt; 0.838) or INCR (&lt;3 mmHg; p &gt; 0.856). Measures of AOP are highly reliable, as evidenced by correlation coefficients &gt;0.96 and small mean differences (&lt;1.5 mmHg) between repeated measures. The choice of which cuff inflation protocol to use is one of personal preference. The AOP is not always greater in the dominant or larger leg. Although mean differences in AOP between the two legs was small, actual differences of over 100 mmHg could lead to unsafe and ineffective cuff inflation pressures during BFR if AOP is measured in only one leg. Further investigation of factors that explain difference in AOP between legs and between males and females is warranted. To ensure safe and effective use of BFR during exercise, AOP of both limbs should be measured regularly.

Taxonomic review of the genus Stenocaris Sars (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Cylindropsyllidae), with (re)descriptions of two Stenocaris species from the Far East.

The taxonomic concept of the genus Stenocaris Sars, 1909 is uncertain because none of the synapomorphies for the species of Stenocaris are defined. Detailed comparison of previous records of Stenocaris minor (T. Scott, 1892) from different localities reveals that this species represents a species complex composed of two species, S. minor s. str. and S. minor sensu Cottarelli & Venanzetti, 1989. Because the latter species has fundamental differences in the nature of the fifth leg in females and the sexual dimorphism of the second leg in males, we propose a new species for S. minor sensu Cottarelli & Venanzetti, 1989, S. figaroloensis sp. nov. We also suggest that S. minor sensu Apostolov, 1971, S. minor sensu Marinov, 1971, and S. minor sensu Apostolov & Marinov, 1988 from the Black Sea and S. minor sensu Wilson, 1932 from North America should be relegated to species inquirenda in the genus. Taxonomic review of the morphology of all Stenocaris species indicated that the generic concept must be restricted to accommodate S. minor s. str., S. gracilis Sars, 1909, S. intermedia Itô, 1972, S. figaroloensis sp. nov., and the South Korean new species, S. marcida sp. nov., based on the synapomorphic condition of the confluent fifth leg in males. As a result of our analysis, two Stenocaris species, S. baltica Arlt, 1983 and S. pygmaea Noodt, 1955, are transferred to the genus Vermicaris Kornev & Chertoprud, 2008 as V. baltica (Arlt, 1983) comb. nov. and V. pygmaea (Noodt, 1955) comb. nov. based on the synapomorphic characters of a reduced condition of the second and fifth legs. Additionally, S. arenicola Wilson, 1932 and S. kliei (Kunz, 1938) are allocated to a new genus, Huysicaris gen. nov., mainly characterized by obvious caudal rami with a recurved dorsal spinous process and convex inner margins, as H. arenicola (Wilson, 1932) comb. nov. and H. kliei (Kunz, 1938) comb. nov. A marine interstitial harpacticoid collected from the subtidal substrate off Dok-do Island in the East Sea of South Korea is proposed as S. marcida sp. nov. and the distribution of S. intermedia, originally known from its type locality in Japanese waters only, is extended to the East Sea of Korea and Russia. We provide their detailed descriptions and illustrations and discuss the morphological characters supporting their identities.

Evidence for the Participation of Chemosensory Proteins in Response to Insecticide Challenge in Conopomorpha sinensis

Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are a type of efficient transporters that can bind various hydrophobic compounds. Previous research has shown that the expression levels of some insect CSPs were significantly increased after insecticide treatment. However, the role of CSPs in response to insecticide challenge is unclear. Conopomorpha sinensis is the most destructive borer pest of litchi (Litchi chinensis) and longan (Euphoria longan) in the Asia-Pacific region. Here, we studied the expression patterns and potential functions of 12 CSP genes (CsCSPs) from C. sinensis in response to λ-cyhalothrin exposure. The spatiotemporal distribution of CsCSPs suggested that they were predominantly expressed in the female abdomen, female legs, and male legs. The expression levels of CsCSPs were affected in a time-dependent manner after λ-cyhalothrin treatment in both sexes of C. sinensis adults. Compared to the control group, the expression levels of CsCSP1, CsCSP2, CsCSP9, and CsCSP12 in females were significantly increased by 2-4 times, while only one CsCSP, three CsCSPs, and two CsCSPs were significantly upregulated in males at three time points post-treatment. The sex-biased variance of CSP expression may be related to sex-specific detoxification enzymatic activities and survival rates of C. sinensis in response to insecticide challenge. Homology modeling and molecular docking analyses showed that the binding energy value of CsCSP1-12 to λ-cyhalothrin was negative and the binding energy between CsCSP9 and λ-cyhalothrin was the lowest (-11.35 kJ/mol). Combined with expression alterations of CsCSP1-12, the results indicate that CsCSP1, CsCSP2, CsCSP9, and CsCSP12 were involved in binding and ferrying of λ-cyhalothrin in C. sinensis.

Humpback spiders from Ecuador: relationships, prosoma ‘inflation’ and genital asymmetry (Araneae: Pholcidae: Mecolaesthus)

Males of the South American spider genus Mecolaesthus Simon, 1893 are characterised by a dorsally ‘inflated’ prosoma or hump. Here we describe the first representatives of the genus from Ecuador. A phylogenetic analysis of molecular sequence data suggests that the new species are part of an Amazonian-West Indian clade. Whether this clade is sister to ‘true’ (northern Venezuelan) Mecolaesthus or not remains unclear. The two clades occupy different major Neotropical biogeographic regions. Our phylogenetic reanalysis of Mecolaesthus and related genera greatly expands the taxon sampling compared to previous analyses (from 9 to 46 species representing the ‘Venezuelan clade’ of genera) but remains ambiguous regarding the monophyly of Mecolaesthus. In addition, we present first micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) data of the unique prosoma ‘inflation’, showing that these ‘inflations’ are tightly packed with muscles inserted at the leg coxae, mainly of legs 2 and 3. Male (but not female) leg length is negatively correlated with body size and this is highly unusual in Pholcidae. We predict that male–male fights in Mecolaesthus rely on powerful leg movements of legs 2 and 3 rather than on using legs 1 to assess the opponent’s body size. Finally, we document structural genital asymmetry in females of three of the four new species and in M. putumayo Huber, 2000 (of which the female is newly described). This constitutes the fourth known case of structural genital asymmetry in Pholcidae. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3110BCD6-BA65-45E2-A758-71F2767BD6E4

Elevated expression of odorant receptors and odorant-binding proteins genes detected in antennae of Culex quinquefasciatus field females

Culex quinquefasciatus is responsible for the transmission of filarial worms and several arboviruses. Olfaction plays a crucial role in disease transmission as it influences behaviors that are essential for the survival and reproduction of the mosquito, such as the host-seeking behavior, courtship, and oviposition. Understanding the molecular events that coordinate how mosquitoes find their host may lead to alternative methods to reduce diseases transmission. Our aim was to investigate the differential expression profile of odorant receptor (ORs) and odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) genes in Cx. quinquefasciatus field females compared with CqSLab laboratory mosquito colony. Seventeen genes of interest were evaluated for their qualitative and specific expression by RT-PCR on RNAs extracted from female antennae, female legs, complete male bodies, incomplete female bodies (no head and no legs), and L4 larvae. The general expression mapping of olfactory genes revealed that all analyzed genes were expressed in antennae. Some genes showed different qualitative expression profiles, such as CquiOR2, CquiOR64, CquiOR93, CquiOBP11, and CquiOBP16, which were expressed exclusively in female antennae. On the other hand, CquiOR37, CquiOBP2, and CquiOBP43 are expressed in all sample types, and CquiOBP10 was expressed in female antennae and legs and in the complete male bodies. The expression of CquiOBP5 was detected in the female’s antennae and body, but it was absent in the legs. The quantitative differential expression analysis of six of the 17 genes by RT-qPCR was performed from RNA samples from antenna pools collected in three physiological states, post-emergence, post-mating, and post-blood feeding of the field females and CqSLab. A total of 3,600 antennae were analyzed, in pools containing 100 pairs. Most genes screened showed a higher expression level in field mosquitoes when compared with the laboratory strain CqSLab. The expression of CquiOBP5 and CquiOBP10 genes was significantly different between the post-mating and post blood-meal samples of laboratory females (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Our results suggest specialization of the function of the genes studied and divergence in the expression pattern of field mosquitoes compared with laboratory mosquitoes, and therefore, caution should be exercised in the interpretation of data from laboratory mosquito studies.

Revision of the genus Canthocamptus (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) with a description of a new species from the Lena River Delta (North-eastern Siberia)

The discovery of a new species of the genus Canthocamptus, C. waldemarschneideri sp. nov., in northern Siberia prompted a taxonomic analysis of this genus. In this work, on the basis of cladistic analysis, we show that the genus is not monophyletic. Based on differences in the structure of the endopods on the second pair of male swimming legs, fifth legs of males and females, and caudal rami, we conclude that the Canthocamptus mirabilis species group is a separate genus, Kikuchicamptus gen. nov. Additionally, two species are transferred to the genus Attheyella, and one species, Canthocamptus gibba, is synonymized. The subgenera Canthocamptus (Baikalocamptus) and Canthocamptus (Canthocamptus) are also synonymized. The new species, Canthocamptus waldemarschneideri sp. nov., is most closely related to the American Canthocamptus assimilis Kiefer, 1931 and differs from it in the ornamentation of the abdominal somites and the shape of the caudal setae.

Microvascular Dysfunction in Skeletal Muscle Precedes Myocardial Vascular Changes in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Sex-Dependent Differences.

AimTo uncover sex-related microvascular abnormalities that underlie the early presentation of reduced perfusion in leg skeletal muscle in a type II rat model of diabetic cardiomyopathy.Methods and ResultsDiabetes was induced using a non-obese, diet-based, low-dose streptozotocin model in adult female (18 diabetic, 9 control) and male rats (29 diabetic, 11 control). Time-course monitoring over 12 months following diabetes induction was performed using echocardiography, treadmill exercise, photoacoustic imaging, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Diabetic rats maintained normal weights. Hypertension appeared late in both diabetic males (7 months) and females (10 months), while only diabetic males had elevated cholesterol (7 months). On echocardiography, all diabetic animals maintained normal ejection fraction and exhibited diastolic dysfunction, mild systolic dysfunction, and a slightly enlarged left ventricle. Exercise tolerance declined progressively and early in males (4 months), later in females (8 months); FMD showed lower baseline femoral arterial flow but unchanged reactivity in both sexes (5 months); and photoacoustic imaging showed lower tissue oxygen saturation in the legs of diabetic males (4 months) and diabetic females (10 months). Myocardial perfusion was normal in both sexes. Histopathology at the final timepoint of Month 10 (males) and Month 12 (females) revealed that myocardial microvasculature was normal in both vessel density and structure, thus explaining normal perfusion on imaging. However, leg muscle microvasculature exhibited perivascular smooth muscle thickening around small arterioles in diabetic females and around large arterioles in diabetic males, explaining the depressed readings on photoacoustic and FMD. Histology also confirmed the absence of commonly reported HFpEF markers, including microvessel rarefaction, myocardial fibrosis, and left ventricular hypertrophy.ConclusionExercise intolerance manifesting early in the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy can be attributed to decreased perfusion to the leg skeletal muscle due to perivascular smooth muscle thickening around small arterioles in females and large arterioles in males. This microvascular abnormality was absent in the myocardium, where perfusion levels remained normal throughout the study. We conclude that although skeletal muscle microvascular dysfunction of the vasculature presents at different levels depending on sex, it consistently presents early in both sexes prior to overt cardiac changes such as rarefaction, fibrosis, or hypertrophy.

Elaphoidella longiramus sp. nov. (Copepoda: Harpacticoida, Canthocamptidae), a new species of cave-dwelling copepod from central Thailand.

A new species of harpacticoid copepod belonging to the genus Elaphoidella is described, based on materials collected from Thae Wa Phithak Cave, Lopburi Province, central Thailand. Specimens of Elaphoidella longiramus sp. nov. were found in a water bucket that was fully filled by dripping water from the cave ceiling. Of the 32 Elaphoidella species recorded from Southeast Asia, E. longiramus sp. nov. is the 14th member of this genus reported from Thailand. The new species is most similar to E. thailandensis by having four well-developed setae on the exopod of the female fifth leg. The endopod of the fourth leg is lacking, and the first leg has a two-segmented endopod in both sexes. However, it is distinguished from E. thailandensis by having elongated caudal rami, the exopod with a seta-like spinule on the inner margin of the female fifth leg, a different setal formula on the third exopod of the second to fourth legs, a different number of teeth on the anal operculum, and a different number of ventral spinules on the anal somite.

Spatial Expression Analysis of Odorant Binding Proteins in Both Sexes of the Aphid Parasitoid Aphidius gifuensis and Their Ligand Binding Properties.

In China, Aphidius gifuensis is one of the most common endoparasitoids of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae and grain aphid Sitobion miscanthi in the field. Insect odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) play vital roles in odor perception during feeding, host searching, mating and oviposition. In addition, some OBPs are involved in other physiological processes such as gustation and reproduction. In the present study, a comparative antennal transcriptomic analysis was applied between male and female A. gifuensis. The spatial expression patterns among antennae, heads, thoraxes, abdomens and legs of OBPs in both sexes were further profiled. Fifteen AgifOBPs were predicted, and 14 of them were identified by gene cloning, including 12 classic OBPs and 2 min-C OBPs. As expected, all OBPs were mainly expressed at high levels in antennae, heads or legs which are sensory organs and tissues. Finally, ligand binding properties of 2 OBPs (AgifOBP7 and AgifOBP9) were further evaluated. Female leg specifically expressed AgifOBP9 displays a broad and high binding property to aphid alarm pheromones, plant green volatiles and aphid sex pheromones (Ki < 10 μΜ). However, female leg specifically expressed AgifOBP7 displays poor affinity for all tested ligands except CAU-II-11 ((E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl-2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate), a reported (E)-β-farnesene (EBF) analog with an exceptionally high binding affinity (Ki = 1.07 ± 0.08 μΜ). In summary, we reported the spatial expression pattern of the OBP repertoire in A. gifuensis, and further studied the binding properties of OBP7 and OBP9, which are mainly expressed in female legs, laying the foundation for the dissection of the contribution of OBPs to chemosensation in A. gifuensis.

Effects of Acremonium terricola Culture on the Growth, Slaughter Yield, Immune Organ, Serum Biochemical Indexes, and Antioxidant Indexes of Geese.

Simple SummaryThe culture of Acremonium terricola has similar components to Cordyceps and exhibits growth-promoting and antioxidant effects. This research investigated the effects of Acremonium terricola culture on the growth performance, slaughter performance, immune organ and serum biochemical indexes, and serum and muscle antioxidant indexes of geese. The results showed that adding Acremonium terricola culture to the diet could reduce the feed-to-weight ratio of geese and improve the antioxidant capacity of goose meat and serum. The results indicated that Acremonium terricola culture could be used as a new feed additive to promote the growth of geese and improve the antioxidant capacity of geese.Acremonium terricola culture (ATC) is a new type of green feed additive, and its main components include cordycepin, adenosine, and ergosterol. In this study, the Hortobagy geese were used as the experimental animals to explore the effects of ATC addition to the basal diet. Seven hundred and twenty 1-day-old Hortobagy geese were randomly divided into four treatment groups, each with 180 geese divided into six pens equally. The four treatments included the control group and three experimental treatments. Half of the geese in each group were males and half were females. All geese were offered the same basal diet with ATC supplementation at 0, 3, 5, and 7 g/kg. The results showed that basal diet supplementation with 7 g/kg ATC reduced the feed conversion rate (FCR) of Hortobagy geese in a highly significant manner (p < 0.01). When the dosage of ATC was 3 g/kg, the breast muscle rate and leg muscle rate of female geese were significantly increased (p < 0.05). ATC supplementation in the basal diet had no significant effect on the immune organ index of Hortobagy geese (p > 0.05). Basal diet supplementation with 3 g/kg and 5 g/kg ATC significantly reduced the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) content in the serum of female geese, significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of the serum, and significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the serum (p < 0.05). The addition of 5 g/kg and 7 g/kg ATC to the basal diet reduced the blood glucose (GLU) content in male geese in a highly significant manner (p < 0.01). A basal diet supplemented with 3 g/kg and 7 g/kg ATC significantly reduced the MDA content in geese breast muscles (p < 0.05). Basal diet supplementation with 3 g/kg ATC highly significantly improved the T-AOC of female geese breast muscles (p < 0.01). Basal diet supplementation with 5 g/kg ATC significantly improved the T-AOC of female geese leg muscles (p < 0.01). In summary, basal diet supplementation with ATC enhances the growth performance and antioxidant properties of Hortobagy geese.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Glutathione S-transferase Genes from Agrilus zanthoxylumi (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Host adaptability and insecticide resistance of insects are closely related to detoxification metabolism-related proteins. In this study, the distribution and expression of glutathione s-transferase (GST) in Agrilus zanthoxylumi Hou (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) were studied. Based on the transcriptome data of A. zanthoxylumi, five GST genes were screened and cloned. The transcription levels of the five GST genes in male and female adult head, thorax, abdomen, legs and wings were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in order to provide a theoretical basis for the functional study of the gene. The results showed that all five GST genes had highly conserved N-terminal domain or C-terminal domain, belonging to two subfamilies of Delta or Sigma. The phylogenetic tree results showed that the evolutionary relationship of GST genes between A. zanthoxylumi, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), and Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) was the closest; RT-qPCR results showed that the five GST genes were differentially expressed in different tissues and sexes, and its expression level in each tissue of the male was higher than that of the female as a whole, especially in the head. The results of this study can provide basic data for analyzing the mechanism of detoxification resistance of A. zanthoxylumi and provide reference for its biological control and resistance research.