Male Tibia Research Articles

Targeted Overexpression of Claudin 11 in Osteoblasts Increases Trabecular Bone Mass by Stimulating Osteogenesis at the Expense of Adipogenesis in Mice.

Mice lacking Claudin11 (Cldn11) manifest reduced trabecular bone mass. However, the impact of Cldn11 expression in osteoblasts in vivo remains understudied. Herein, we generated osteoblast-specific transgenic (Tg) mice expressing Cldn11 and characterized their skeletal phenotype. Micro-CT analyses of the distal metaphysis of the femur showed a 50% and a 38% increase in trabecular bone mass in Tg male and female mice, respectively, due to a significant increase in trabecular number and a reduction in trabecular separation. Histomorphometry and serum biomarker studies uncovered that increased trabecular bone mass in Cldn11 Tg mice was the consequence of enhanced bone formation. Accordingly, an abundance of bone formation (Alp, Bsp), but not bone resorption (Ctsk), markers were augmented in the femurs of Cldn11 Tg mice. Since the trabecular bone density is known to inversely correlate with the amount of marrow adipose tissue (MAT), we measured the MAT in osmium-tetroxide-labeled bones by micro-CT scanning. We found 86% less MAT in the proximal tibia of the Tg males. Consistently, the expression levels of the adipogenic markers, adiponectin and leptin, were 50% lower in the femurs of the Tg males. Our data are consistent with the possibility that claudin11 exerts anabolic effects in osteoblastic lineage cells that act via promoting the differentiation of marrow stem cells towards osteoblasts at the expense of adipocytes.

Sensor location influences the associations between IMU and motion capture measurements of impact landing in healthy male and female runners at multiple running speeds

ABSTRACT This study investigated the relationships between inertial measurement unit (IMU) acceleration at multiple body locations and 3D motion capture impact landing measures in runners. Thirty healthy runners ran on an instrumented treadmill at five running speeds (9–17 km/h) during 3D motion capture. Axial and resultant acceleration were collected from IMUs at the distal and proximal tibia, distal femur and sacrum. Relationships between peak acceleration from each IMU location and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) peak force and loading rate, impact peak and instantaneous vertical loading rate (IVLR) were investigated using linear mixed models. Acceleration was positively related to IVLR at all lower limb locations (p < 0.01). Models predicted a 1.9–3.2 g peak acceleration change at the tibia and distal femur, corresponding with a 10% IVLR change. Impact peak was positively related to acceleration at the distal femur only (p < 0.01). PFJ peak force was positively related to acceleration at the distal (p = 0.03) and proximal tibia (p = 0.03). PFJ loading rate was positively related to the tibia and femur acceleration in males only (p < 0.01). These findings suggest multiple IMU lower limb locations are viable for measuring peak acceleration during running as a meaningful indicator of IVLR.

Notes on Anqasha picta (Pocock, 1903) and description of a new species of Anqasha from Peru (Araneae, Theraphosidae, Theraphosinae)

The monotypic Peruvian genus Anqasha with type species Anqasha picta (Pocock 1903) is revised. A female of A. picta from the type locality of Caraz is herein described for the first time. The recently described females of A. picta coming from Recuay are transferred to the new taxon, which is herein described, diagnosed, and illustrated. Males of A. minaperinensis sp. nov. differ from that of A. picta in the shape of retrolateral branch of subapical apophyses on male tibia I, which is apically flattened and having three short spines. Females of A. minaperinensis sp. nov. differ from A. picta in the shape of seminal receptacles. LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5ACC070E-ED16-4FBE-B6B5-F8EFC0FED2C7Acto nomenclatural/nomenclatural act:Anqasha minaperinensis Kaderka, 2023LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:99084678-F808-434C-80AE-A101C4338C85

Impact of leptin deficiency on male tibia and vertebral body 3D bone architecture independent of changes in body weight.

Leptin an adipokine with potent effects on energy balance and body weight plays an important role in defining bone architecture in growing mammals. However, major changes in body weight can also influence morphology of trabecular and cortical bone. Therefore, we examined the impact of leptin deficiency on tibia and vertebral body 3D bone architecture independent of changes in body weight. Furthermore, advances in computational 3D image analysis suggest that average morphological values may mask regional specific differences in trabecular bone thickness. The study utilized leptin-deficient Ob/Ob mice (n = 8) weight-paired to C57BL/6 (C57) control mice (n = 8) which were split into either lean or obese groups for 24 ± 2 weeks. Whole tibias and L3 vertebrae were fixed before high resolution microcomputed tomography (μCT) scanning was performed. Leptin deficiency independent of body weight reduced tibia cortical bone volume, trabecular bone volume/tissue volume, number, and mineral density. Mean tibia trabecular thickness showed no significant differences between all groups; however, significant changes in trabecular thickness were found when analyzed by region. This study demonstrates that leptin deficiency significantly impacts tibia and vertebral body trabecular and cortical bone 3D architecture independent of changes in body weight.

Ekapa, a new genus of mygalomorph spiders (Araneae, Entypesidae) from South Africa

A new genus of mygalomorph spider Ekapagen. nov., is described from South Africa. The new genus was formed to include the species Hermacha curvipes Purcell, 1902 and Hermacha nigra Tucker, 1917. These species are synonymized based on their somatic similarities, such as fovea shape, cheliceral teeth distribution, ocular pattern, presence of preening combs, and their close geographic distribution. The new genus proposed is distinguished by the presence of a projection in the retroventral side of the palpal tibia in males, together with a distinctive copulatory bulb shape; and in females by the shape of their spermathecae, with a high base and apical stalks that open into oval apical receptacles.

Morphometric analysis of the Proximal End of the Dry Adult Tibia : A Cross-sectional Study from Eastern India

Introduction: The morphometric measurement of the proximal tibia plays an important role in determining the clinical outcome of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), including long-term survivorship and quality of life for patients. However, due to ethnic and geographical variations in these measurements, findings from western countries cannot be directly applied to the Asian population or any other subpopulation. Aim: To describe the anatomical morphometry of the proximal tibia in the East Indian population and to explore any associations of these measurements with sex and laterality. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, Odisha, India, from August 2020 to August 2022. A total of 200 fully ossified, dry, and processed bones from both sides, which were grossly normal and complete, were obtained from the Department of Anatomy of various medical colleges in Odisha, India. Different measurements of the tibia, such as Mediolateral Length (ML), anteroposterior length of the medial and lateral condyles, circumference, intercondylar region, and tibial tuberosity, were measured using standard procedures and standardised vernier calipers. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, USA). A comparison of means between two groups was conducted using an independent sample t-test, and correlation between two quantitative variables was assessed using Pearson correlation. Results: Out of the included bones, 114 (57%) were male tibiae, and 116 (58.0%) were right-side tibiae. The ML, anteroposterior length of the lateral and medial condyles, intercondylar area, tibia to tibial tuberosity length, and circumference were measured as 67.91 mm, 39.44 mm, 42.72 mm, 42.73 mm, 33.48 mm, and 19.37 mm, respectively. The ML showed a significant positive correlation (p-value &lt; 0.001) with the anteroposterior length of the lateral tibial plateau, medial tibial plateau, and intercondylar area, with correlation coefficients (r) values of 0.726, 0.762, and 0.747, respectively. All morphometric parameters were comparable between the right and left sides of the tibia. ML, anteroposterior length of the lateral and medial condyles, intercondylar area, circumference, and tibia to tibial tuberosity length were significantly higher in males compared to females. Conclusion: This study provides a description of the morphometric parameters of the tibia among the Eastern Indian population. Although there was no significant difference in laterality, the parameters of male tibiae were significantly higher compared to females.

Forensic age prediction and age classification for critical age thresholds via 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging of the knee in the Chinese Han population.

To assess the performance of knee MRI for forensic age prediction and classification for 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-year thresholds. The ossification stages of distal femoral epiphyses and proximal tibial epiphyses were assessed using an integrated staging system by Schmeling et al. and Kellinghaus et al. for knee 3.0T MRI with T1-weighted turbo spin-echo (T1-TSE) in sagittal orientation among 852 Chinese Han individuals (483 males and 369 females) aged 7-30 years. Regression models for age prediction were constructed and their performances were evaluated based on mean absolute deviation (MAD) values. In addition, the performances of age classification were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. The intra- and inter-observer agreement levels were very good (κ > 0.80). The complete fusion of those two types of epiphyses took place before 18.0 years in our study participants. The minimum MAD values were 2.51 years (distal femur) and 2.69 years (proximal tibia) in males, and 2.75 years (distal femur) and 2.87 years (proximal tibia) in females. The specificity values of constructed prediction models were all above 90% for the 12-, 14-, and 16-year thresholds, compared to the 74.8-84.6% for the 18-year threshold. Better performances of age prediction and classification were observed in males by distal femoral epiphyses. Ossification stages via 3.0T MRI of the knee with T1-TSE sequence using an integrated staging system could be a reliable noninvasive method for age prediction or for age classification for 12-, 14-, and 16-year thresholds, especially in males by distal femoral epiphyses. However, assessments based on the full bony fusion of the distal femoral epiphysis and proximal tibial epiphysis seemed not reliable for age classification for the 18-year threshold in the Chinese Han population.

Бронхіальна астма як патофізіологічний чинник формування саркопенії

Актуальність. В умовах бронхіальної обструкції при бронхіальній астмі (БА) розвиваються зміни газового складу крові, оксидативний стрес, електролітний і метаболічний дисбаланси, що сприяють формуванню емфіземи легень і хронічної дихальної недостатності. При цьому виникають зміни дихальних м’язів, зокрема й у діафрагмі, що характеризуються прогресуючою їх атрофією з наступною втратою м’язової сили й маси. Мета: визначення функціональних можливостей скелетних м’язів і частоти розвитку саркопенії у хворих на БА. Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 70 осіб віком 47,82 ± 13,54 року. Першу групу становили 35 пацієнтів, які хворіють на БА, другу — 35 здорових осіб. Для оцінки функціональних можливостей скелетних м’язів застосовували 8-кроковий тест визначення швидкості ходьби. Силу скелетної мускулатури оцінювали за допомогою ручного пружинного динамометра. За величиною окружності гомілки оцінювали стан м’язової маси, якість життя вивчали за допомогою опитувальника О.С. Чабана. Результати. При оцінці сили скелетної мускулатури встановлено зменшення показників кистьової динамометрії на 22 % при тяжкому перебігу БА порівняно з показниками хворих на БА середньої тяжкості і на 29 % — порівняно із показниками здорових осіб. Встановлено кореляційні зворотні зв’язки між тяжкістю БА та силою кисті в жінок (r = –0,65) і чоловіків (r = –0,3); швидкістю ходьби у жінок (r = –0,72) та чоловіків (r = –0,6); окружністю гомілки у жінок (r = –0,17) і чоловіків (r = –0,28). Зниження сили м’язів і толерантності до фізичного навантаження асоціювалось із втратою м’язового компонента в 80 % пацієнтів з БА. Висновки. Саркопенія діагностована у 5,71 % осіб контрольної групи і у 25,71 % хворих на БА. Залежно від тяжкості БА і віку хворих саркопенію виявлено у 9,5 % пацієнтів із середньотяжкою БА і у 35,71 % — із тяжкою БА; у 10,53 % осіб віком молодших 45 років і у 31,25 % — старших 45 років.

Sustained Morphine Delivery Suppresses Bone Formation and Alters Metabolic and Circulating miRNA Profiles in Mice

Opioid use is associated with a three to four-fold increase in fracture risk, which is higher in males compared to females. Although one component of that risk may be falls, there is also evidence of altered bone remodeling. However, the mechanisms of these effects are not entirely clear. Our aim was to develop a mouse model of opioid-induced bone loss and study the impact on bone turnover and potential miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms. We evaluated the effects of sustained morphine treatment on the skeleton and metabolism of male and female C57BL/6J mice by treating with vehicle (0.9% saline) (n=9–11) or morphine (18 mg/kg) (n=11) using subcutaneous osmotic minipumps for 25 days. Morphine did not influence body weight or food intake, but did reduce fat mass in both sexes. All mice treated with morphine had higher resting energy expenditure and respiratory quotient, indicating a shift toward carbohydrate metabolism. After 25 days of treatment, microComputed Tomography (µCT) analyses indicated that morphine-treated male mice lost 15% of trabecular bone volume fraction (Tb.BV/TV) and 14% of Tb. bone mineral density (BMD) (p<0.05) in the distal femur compared to vehicle, but there were no changes in cortical bone. Females did not lose bone, suggesting differences may be hormone-related. Despite these sex differences, males and females had similar levels of morphine exposure, measured by LC-MS/MS. Histomorphometric analyses demonstrated that in males, morphine reduced bone formation rate (p<0.05) compared to vehicle, but did not impact osteoclast parameters. Consistent with this, morphine reduced bone formation marker gene expression in the tibia of males (including Bglap and Dmp1). Circulating miRNA profiles were interrogated in serum collected at day 12 from vehicle- and morphine-treated male and female mice. While very few changes were present in females, there were 14 differentially expressed miRNAs in males treated with morphine that reached a threshold of ≥ 2-fold change and p<0.01. After target pathway analysis (DIANA miR Path V.3 using experimentally validated miRNA/mRNA targets (Tarbase V.7)), we found that the four upregulated miRNAs (miR-484, -223-3p, -328-3p, and -3107-3p) were associated with 13 enriched KEGG pathways (p<0.05), including fatty acid metabolism pathways (p<0.001). Fatty acid metabolism has recently been linked to osteoblast function, and suppression of such pathways is consistent with the finding of increased respiratory quotient. In summary, morphine leads to trabecular bone loss due to reduced bone formation in males. miRNA findings indicate this may be due to altered metabolic control of mineralization. Further investigation into hormonal and metabolic dependency of morphine-induced bone formation changes could lead to clinical mitigation strategies for preventing the adverse effects of opioids on bone health.

Yanomamius n. gen., a new genus of tarantula from Brazilian and Venezuelan Amazon (Araneae, Theraphosidae), with description of three new species.

The new genus Yanomamius n. gen. from Brazilian and Venezuelan Amazon is described, with three new species from Brazil: Y. franciscoi n. sp. (type species), Y. raonii n. sp., and Y. neblina n. sp. The enigmatic Venezuelan species described as Holothele waikoshiemi Bertani Araújo, 2006 and presently included in Guyruita Guadanucci et al. (2007) is transferred to the new genus, making the new combination Y. waikoshiemi (Bertani Araújo, 2006) n. comb. Yanomamius n. gen. is closely related with the schismatotheline genera Schismatothele Karsch, 1879 and Euthycaelus Simon, 1889 sharing as probable synapomorphies a group of short spines on the retrolateral distal tibia of male palp and the shape of bulb. They differ by the position of the spines in a compact group instead of in rows and by a tapering embolus. Females differ from Schismatothele and Euthycaelus by the spermathecae weakly sclerotized. A series of recent phylogenies based on molecular data suggested a close relationship between schimatothelines and psalmopoeines. The male tibia I of Yanomamius n. gen. species have a series of ridges or a single protuberance behind the tibial apophyses that resemble those of psalmopoeines and strengthen the idea of close relationship of the two subfamilies.

Knee Cartilage Thickness Differs Alongside Ages: A 3-T Magnetic Resonance Research Upon 2,481 Subjects via Deep Learning.

Background: It was difficult to distinguish the cartilage thinning of an entire knee joint and to track the evolution of cartilage morphology alongside ages in the general population, which was of great significance for studying osteoarthritis until big imaging data and artificial intelligence are fused. The purposes of our study are (1) to explore the cartilage thickness in anatomical regions of the knee joint among a large collection of healthy knees, and (2) to investigate the relationship between the thinning pattern of the cartilages and the increasing ages.Methods: In this retrospective study, 2,481 healthy knees (subjects ranging from 15 to 64 years old, mean age: 35 ± 10 years) were recruited. With magnetic resonance images of knees acquired on a 3-T superconducting scanner, we automatically and precisely segmented the cartilage via deep learning and calculated the cartilage thickness in 14 anatomical regions. The thickness readings were compared using ANOVA by considering the factors of age, sex, and side. We further tracked the relationship between the thinning pattern of the cartilage thickness and the increasing ages by regression analysis.Results: The cartilage thickness was always thicker in the femur than corresponding regions in the tibia (p < 0.05). Regression analysis suggested cartilage thinning alongside ages in all regions (p < 0.05) except for medial and lateral anterior tibia in both females and males (p > 0.05). The thinning speed of men was faster than women in medial anterior and lateral anterior femur, yet slower in the medial patella (p < 0.05).Conclusion: We established the calculation method of cartilage thickness using big data and deep learning. We demonstrated that cartilage thickness differed across individual regions in the knee joint. Cartilage thinning alongside ages was identified, and the thinning pattern was consistent in the tibia while inconsistent in patellar and femoral between sexes. These findings provide a potential reference to detect cartilage anomaly.

Radiological assessment of age from epiphyseal fusion at the wrist and ankle in Southern Nigeria

ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aims to examine the variation between stages of epiphyseal fusion at the distal end of radius, ulna, tibia, and fibula and its usefulness in the evaluation of age. MethodsAnterior-posterior and lateral radiographs of the distal end of bones at the wrist and ankle of 199 males and 185 females aged 9–19 years were investigated. Four stages of fusion were observed, as described by Jit and Kulkarnis, stage 0: non fusion, stage 1: appearance, stage 2: partial fusion, and stage 3: complete fusion. The Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara approved this research with Ethical Number: DELSUTH/HREC/2018/050/0347. Data obtained were analyzed with the aid of a Chi-square test via Statistical Package for Social Sciences and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Resultsshowed that the appearance of the epiphyseal centres at the distal ulna and radius of males and females began at the age of 9–16, while the appearance of epiphyseal centres in the distal tibia and fibula of males began at the age of 9–17. Males achieved complete epiphyseal fusion at the distal end of the tibia and fibula at age 19, while females showed complete fusion from 15 to 19 years of age.This indicates that females have consistently developed epiphyseal fusion at a younger age relative to males. ConclusionFrom these results, it can be inferred that radiographic examination of the distal end of bones in the wrist and ankle is a beneficial alternative for age assessment. This will be a useful tool to forensic experts and biological anthropologist.

Age and gender related differences in load-strain response in C57Bl/6 mice.

We examined the changes in mechanical strain response of male and female mouse tibia and ulna, using axial compression tests, to assess age-related changes in tibiae and ulnae by a non-contact strain measurement technique called the digital image correlation (DIC) and the standard strain gage. A unique aspect of the study was to compare bones from the same animal to study variations in behavior with aging. This study was conducted using male and female C57Bl/6 mice at 6, 12 and 22 months of age (N=6-7 per age and sex) using three load levels. The DIC technique was able to detect a greater number of statistically significant differences in comparison to the strain gaging method. Male ulna showed significantly higher DIC strains compared to strains captured from strain gage at all three levels of load at 6 months and in the lowest load at 12 months. DIC measurements revealed that the ulna becomes stiffer with aging for both males and females, which resulted in 0.4 to 0.8 times reduced strains in the 22-month group compared to the 6 month group. Male tibia showed three-fold increased strains in the 22 months group at 11.5 N load compared to 6 months group (p<.05).

The affinity of the Harris lines to bone massiveness.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate whether the occurrence of the Harris lines (HLs) affects the bone massiveness and intravital body height of the individuals. Depending on the nature of the Harris lines, catch up growth processes, bone remodelling or purely a nutritional stress response, may be the causing factor. Methods: The skeletal material of 404 individuals was investigated (male N = 141/ female N = 133). HLs were recorded on roentgenographs in two bone extremities. Results: Although HLs appeared more frequently in male tibiae, the difference was not statistically significant. The distal ends of tibiae were characterized by significantly higher occurrence of HLs than the proximal ends. The percentage of HLs-containing tibiae decreased with an individual's age. Both frequency and intensity were independent of sex and they reached higher values in left tibiae. HLs frequency was higher in the distal ends of the tibiae. HLs-containing left and right female tibiae were significantly shorter. Moreover HLs-containing right female tibiae possessed significantly thinner distal ends. Intravital body height of female skeletons without HLs was significantly higher. When controlled, the massiveness ratios, despite its slightly higher values in tibiae with HLs, were not significant. Conclusions: Weak differences in massiveness ratios suggest, that the observed differences in the number of HLs were caused by factors other than different bone remodelling at the right and left side of a skeleton. The observations suggest also that the factors promoting HLs formation affected men and women in the dissimilar way or, at least, the effects of compensation of temporarily arrested bone growth were different in the two sexes.

Sustained Morphine Delivery Suppresses Bone Formation and Alters Metabolic and Circulating miRNA Profiles in Male C57BL/6J Mice.

Opioid use is detrimental to bone health, causing both indirect and direct effects on bone turnover. Although the mechanisms of these effects are not entirely clear, recent studies have linked chronic opioid use to alterations in circulating miRNAs. Here, we developed a model of opioid-induced bone loss to understand bone turnover and identify candidate miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms. We evaluated the effects of sustained morphine treatment on male and female C57BL/6J mice by treating with vehicle (0.9% saline) or morphine (17 mg/kg) using subcutaneous osmotic minipumps for 25 days. Morphine-treated mice had higher energy expenditure and respiratory quotient, indicating a shift toward carbohydrate metabolism. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) analysis indicated a sex difference in the bone outcome, where male mice treated with morphine had reduced trabecular bone volume fraction (Tb.BV/TV) (15%) and trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) (14%) in the distal femur compared with vehicle. Conversely, bone microarchitecture was not changed in females after morphine treatment. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that in males, morphine reduced bone formation rate compared with vehicle, but osteoclast parameters were not different. Furthermore, morphine reduced bone formation marker gene expression in the tibia of males (Bglap and Dmp1). Circulating miRNA profile changes were evident in males, with 14 differentially expressed miRNAs associated with morphine treatment compared with two differentially expressed miRNAs in females. In males, target analysis indicated hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling pathway was targeted by miR-223-3p and fatty acid metabolism by miR-484, -223-3p, and -328-3p. Consequently, expression of miR-223-3p targets, including Igf1r and Stat3, was lower in morphine-treated bone. In summary, we have established a model where morphine leads to a lower trabecular bone formation in males and identified potential mediating miRNAs. Understanding the sex-specific mechanisms of bone loss from opioids will be important for improving management of the adverse effects of opioids on the skeleton. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Two new species of spiders of the families Agelenidae and Amaurobiidae from Okinawa Island, Japan

Two new species of the families Agelenidae (Coelotinae) and Amaurobiidae are described from Okinawa Island, southwestern Japan, under the names Coelotes kunigamiensis sp. n. and Callobius breviprocessus sp. n. Coelotes kunigamiensis resembles C. motobuensis Shimojana, 2000 but is characterized by the male palp having a greatly bent conductor, thin epigynal teeth situated distant from each other, and blackish markings derived from the internal genitalia situated in the central portion of the epigyne. Callobius breviprocessus is related to C. amamiensisOkumura, Honki & Ohba, 2018 and C. yakushimensisOkumura, 2010, but is characterized by having a short mesal process and a broad dorsal process on the tibia of male palp, the semicircular lateral lobes of the epigyne, and the median lobe almost circular. The male palpal tibiae and female genital organs of these three species of Callobius are shown (with a correction of the former figures given in Okumura, Honki & Ohba (2018), and their morphological difference is discussed.

On the identity of Trochosa hispanica (Araneae, Lycosidae), with notes on the synonymy of West Palaearctic "Trochosa" species.

Specimens belonging to Trochosa hispanica Simon, 1870 collected in different parts of the range were compared to determine whether they belong to the same species or represent a series of cryptic species. No significant differences were found between different populations. Most of the females examined have a kind of mating plug blocking the pathway of embolus, but not the copulatory openings like in other spiders. A character previously unknown in the Lycosidae, a row of glabrous cuticular spots on male tibia I, is documented. The holotype female of Trochosa adjacens O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1885 from SW Xinjiang is illustrated for the first time. Three species described in three different genera in the same paper are synonymized with Trochosa hispanica: Arctosa nava Roewer, 1955 syn. n., Geolycosa flavichelis Roewer, 1955 syn. n., and Loculla austrocaspia Roewer, 1955 syn. n. Two species treated in Trochosa C.L. Koch, 1847 and Trochosula Roewer, 1960 are synonymized with Arctosa tbilisiensis Mcheidze, 1946: Trochosa impercussa Roewer, 1955 syn. n. and Trochosula afghana Roewer, 1960 syn. n. Three species are synonymized with Hogna ferox (Lucas, 1838): Geolycosa altera Roewer, 1955 syn. n., Geolycosa atroscopulata Roewer, 1955 syn. n., and Lycorma nigrichelis Roewer, 1955 syn. n. Lycosa (Trochosa) ochracea L. Koch, 1856 syn. n. from Spain, a species known by two taxonomic entries, is synonymized with Trochosa ruricola (De Geer, 1778). Trochosa hungarica Herman, 1879, a species known from a single publication, seems to belong to Geolycosa Montgomery, 1904 and is potentially a junior synonym of G. vultuosa (C.L. Koch, 1838). Pardosa persica (Roewer, 1955) comb. n., originally described in Dingosa Roewer, 1955, is transferred from Trochosa to Pardosa and belongs to the nebulosa-group. A new secondary homonym, Pardosa persica Marusik, Ballarin Omelko, 2012, hom. n. is replaced with Pardosa persiana nom. n. in the monticola-group. Four species of Trochosa from Northern Africa are transferred to Alopecosa and Arctosa: Alopecosa garamantica (Caporiacco, 1936) comb. n., Alopecosa werneri (Roewer, 1960) comb. n., Arctosa annulipes (L. Koch, 1875) comb. n., and Arctosa tangerana (Roewer, 1960) comb. n. Trochosomma Roewer, 1960 syn. n. (type species Trochosa annulipes L. Koch, 1875) is removed from synonymy with Trochosa and synonymized with Arctosa C.L. Koch, 1847. Male lectotypes are designated for Arctosa nava Roewer, 1955, Geolycosa atroscopulata Roewer, 1955, and Trochosa rustica Thorell, 1875; female lectotype is designated for Geolycosa flavichelis Roewer, 1955.

Is there a safe place for posterior malleolar screw fixation? An anatomic study on dry bones.

Objectives This study aims to determine the secure location and angle of the most distal screw during posterior malleolar (PM) fracture fixation.Materials and methods This prospective study was performed on September 15, 2019. Distal tibial concave articular depth and PM inclination angle were measured on 100 (50 male and 50 female) dry tibia bones using a digital caliper. A comparative analysis between male and female tibias was performed.Results Anteroposterior width of male tibia (38.3±3.1 mm) was wider than female tibia (35.3±3.2 mm) (p:<0.001). Mediolateral length of the male tibia (44.8±3.5 mm) was longer than female tibia (42.7±3.4 mm) (p:0.003). Male tibial joint (5.4±0.7 mm) was deeper than that of female (4.7±0.3 mm) (p:<0.001). The PM inclination angle was higher in male tibia (18.0±1.5°) than female tibia (15.4±1.3°) (p:<0.001).ConclusionIf a screw placement parallel to the joint surface is desired, the screw insertion should be located 6 mm and 5 mm superior to the distal edge of the PM rim in males and females, respectively. If a more distal screw is required, the screw should be inserted in at least 18° and 15° anterosuperior direction for males and females, respectively.

First member of the New World genus Diceroderes from early Miocene Mexican amber (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae: Toxicini)

A new fossil species belonging to the extant Central American genus Diceroderes Solier, 1841 (Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae: Toxicini) is described based on an exquisitely preserved male specimen from early Miocene Mexican (Chiapas) amber (~23–16 Ma). High-resolution X-ray microtomography was used to document fine anatomical detail of soft tissues, including well-preserved male genitalia. Diceroderes jiangkuni sp. nov. can be most readily differentiated from congenerics by the clypeus with a transverse row of tubercles, apices of pronotal horns strongly angled upwards in the male, elytra rounded in lateral view, and all male tibiae lacking apical spines. This represents the first fossil record of Toxicini from Mexican amber and indicates that the genus persisted in the region since the early Miocene.

New combination and redescription of Bumba humile, description of four new species and new records from Brazil (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae)

The taxonomic history of Bumba Pérez-Miles, Bonaldo &amp;amp; Miglio, 2014 is mainly based on the inclusion of the new species. Bumba have been characterized by the type IV urticating setae present, retrolateral process on male palpal tibia, palpal bulb resting in a ventral distal excavation of palpal tibia, metatarsus I passes between the two branches of tibial apophysis when flexed, presence of spiniform setae on prolateral and retrolateral sides of maxillae and coxae I-IV. In this paper we include the row of teeth (denticulate row) in the median region of the inferior prolateral keel in all male palps. This structure range from a residual tooth to a ridge of up to five teeth. Both, the denticulate row and the retrolateral process on male palpal tibia in males could be considered as putative synapomorphies for Bumba. Here, Homoeomma humile Vellard, 1924 is transferred to Bumba and redescribed, while the female is described for the first time. Bumba cabocla (Pérez-Miles, 2000) is synonymyzed with B. horrida (Schmidt, 1994). Bumba pulcherrimaklaasi (Schmidt, 1991) is transferred to Cyclosternum Ausserer, 1871. Four new species are described and illustrated: Bumba tapajossp. nov. from state of Pará, Bumba cuiabasp. nov. and Bumba rondoniasp. nov., both from states of Rondônia and Mato Grosso, respectively, and Bumba mineirossp. nov. from Paraguay and the Brazilian states of Goiás, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Diagnosis of B. horrida and B. lennoni are extended and figures of this species are presented.