Median Lobe Research Articles

Coleus hakgalensis (Lamiaceae), a new species from Sri Lanka

Coleus hakgalensis, a new species in family Lamiaceae, is described from the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The dry specimens of the new species are morphologically similar to Coleus paniculatus specimens but distinguishable by its much branched habit with arcuate branches, stem up to 1m in height, elongated inflorescence, bracts being occasionally persistent and shortly petiolated, having hairs inside the upper lip of calyx, semi-circular lateral lobes of upper lip of corolla being much shorter than median lobes, navicular lower lip of corolla with densely pilose inside, stamens united at base and anterior projection of the disc equal or shorter than ovary with an acute apex. The new species is under high risk of extinction in the wild thus ex-situ conservation measures have been implemented.

Predictors of symptomatic relief in water vapor thermal therapy for prostatic hyperplasia: 36-month prospective study.

Existing literature lacks an analysis of factors predicting the achievement of minimum clinically important differences (MCID) after water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) for prostatic hyperplasia. This study aims to identify these predictors over a 36-month post-WVTT period. This prospective single surgeon case series assessed male patients receiving WVTT. Eligibility criteria included being at least 45 years old, having an estimated prostate volume (EPV) of 30-80cc, an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 12 points or more, and a maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) under 16 mL/sec. MCID, representing the smallest symptomatic improvement perceived by patients, was calculated using the distribution-based method, considering half a standard deviation of baseline IPSS scores. Correlation and linear regression analyses assessed MCID attainment. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated MCID achievement, considering multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity, and normality. Of 206 men with a median 29.1-month follow-up (Range: 24-36), 13.6% didn't achieve MCID for IPSS, and 7.2% for QoL scores. Significant hindrances to MCID attainment for IPSS were a large median lobe (> 10mm protrusion) (OR = 3.01, 95% CI: 2.3-3.72), increased median lobe treatments (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.23-2.35), and high preoperative irritative IPSS scores (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.13-1.38). Factors for QoL MCID non-achievement included age over 75 (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.13-1.38), a large median lobe (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.62-2.01), and EPV over 60cc (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.16-1.97). A 6.3% surgical re-intervention rate was noted. The characteristics of the median lobe as well as the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms are crucial for treatment success. These should be integral to preoperative assessments and patient discussions on treatment options.

Morphological diversification with emphasis on the structural and homology patterns of male genitalia in genus Limnebius (Leach 1815; Hydraenidae: Coleoptera)

Abstract Limnebius exhibits uniform external appearance but variable male genitalia: from differently curved rod shapes in the subgenus Bilimneus to up to seven longitudinally separated folds or appendages in Limnebius s.s.. Among nonsexual traits, two subgenera diverge only in the wing. The aedeagal complexity in Limnebius s.s. is associated with the secondary sexual structures on the abdomen and metatibia; larger body size, which forms two clusters; and male-biased sexual dimorphism. To cluster the subdivisions with phylogenetically unresolved relationships, we examined the coincidence of the traits in both sexes, based on the premise of the independent and monophyletic origin of histologically unsimilar elements. The folds and additional appendages on the median lobe, abdominal paired rows of setae, and protuberances show that the L. parvulus and L. nitidus groups have maximum aedeagal complexity in the L. parvulus and L. nitiduloides subgroups, respectively. The L. parvulus group exhibits a gradual increase in the number of elements of the aedeagi. The histology of connections of the parameres and additional appendages to the median lobe, along with that of the flagellum opening, reveal the subgroups’ relationship in the L. nitidus group, as well as a decrease in the complexity of the male genitalia in their recent branches.

Bellerophontid molluscs in the Grimsby Formation (Llandovery, lower Silurian), Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and their paleoecological and taphonomic implications

Specimens of a small bellerophontid mollusc, considered conspecific with Planorbis bilobatus Conrad 1839 from coeval strata in New York State, were recovered from the Grimsby Formation (lower Llandovery, lower Silurian), exposed in the Niagara Escarpment of western Hamilton, Ontario. Because Conrad’s species name is pre-occupied and is a secondary homonym, the new material is assigned to Tritonophon grimsbyensis n. sp. As Conrad’s original specimens are lost and where he collected them is unknown, a neotype from the Grimsby Formation is designated. These bellerophonts are preserved as casts on the soles of thin, fine-grained, sandstone beds interbedded with shale. These beds are probably tempestites Most are juvenile forms oriented on their sides, but in some beds adults with a widely expanded aperture are oriented aperture-down. Some specimens exhibit a V-shaped sinus on the median lobe, which is rarely preserved in Silurian examples. The aperture-down orientation suggests that this was the stable position during gentle wave action as well as probably their life position. Beds containing only juveniles may be evidence that the bellerophonts occasionally experienced a population boom but then were killed off during the storm event. Fine-grained sandstone fills the shell interiors, likely emplaced during wave-induced agitation. However, the shell walls are cast in mudstone, indicating that they dissolved during shallow burial and mud was pumped into the moulds. This may have been aided by episodic ground motion due to earthquakes that mobilized the adjacent sediment.

A review of the Oriental Copelatus latipes complex, with the description of two new species (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Copelatinae)

The Copelatus latipes species complex is introduced for Oriental species of Copelatus Erichson, 1832 belonging to the C. irinus group and characterised by the presence of processes on the ventral side of the median lobe of the aedeagus, forming a “beak-shaped” structure. The complex comprises six species, including two newly described taxa: Copelatus bezdeki Sheth, Ghate & Hájek, 2018 (India), C. brivioi Rocchi, 1976 (Bangladesh, India, Nepal), C. kopetzi sp. nov. (Nepal), C. lanxangensis sp. nov. (Laos), C. latipes Sharp, 1882 (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia) and C. schereri Wewalka, 1981 (India, Sri Lanka). All species are diagnosed, and their habitus and male genitalia are illustrated.

CYMINDIS (ARROSTUS) BORKINI SP. N., A NEW SPECIES OF GROUND-BEETLES FROM THE HIMACHAL PRADESH STATE, INDIA (COLEOPTERA: CARABIDAE: LEBIINI)

A new species of ground-beetles, Cymindis (Arrostus) borkini sp. n., is described from the two localities in Western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh, India from the environments of the Sungri Town (type locality) and from the Spiti Valley. The new species is similar to both C. (A.) glabrella Bates, 1878 and C. (A.) facchinii Kabak, 2006, but easily differs in the light color of body with dark cruciate elytral pattern, larger eyes and stouter median lobe of aedeagus.

Taxonomic notes on three species of Tiwaripotamon Bott, 1970 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Potamidae) from Vietnam and China, one of which is new to science

A new species of semiterrestrial freshwater crab, Tiwaripotamon nganima n. sp. is described from northern Vietnam. The gonopods of the new species most closely resemble T. annamense (Balss, 1914) originally collected from Phuc-Son in Annam, central Vietnam, but can easily be distinguished as it has the median lobe on the posterior margin of the epistome being more projecting, the male pleon is proportionately more quadrate and less wide, the basal part of the male first gonopod has the median part of the subterminal segment more strongly curved, and the outer surface of the basal part of the terminal segment of the male first gonopod is prominently swollen. The taxonomy of two species described from southern China, T. pingguoense Dai & Naiyanetr, 1994, and T. xiurenense Dai & Naiyanetr, 1994, is also clarified after re-examination of type specimens and photographs of the original material; both species are redescribed and refigured.

733 Rezum Water Vapour Thermal Therapy for Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Prospective Single-Centre Analysis

Abstract Aim Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) is a chronic disorder of the prostate with an increasing prevalence. In recent years, different minimally invasive treatment options for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPE have been introduced. One of these technologies, Rezum, uses heat from radiofrequency generated water vapour to ablate prostatic tissue. Our study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of Rezum through a consecutive series of patients who underwent the procedure in our department. Method A prospective study was conducted involving thirty-eight men with moderate-severe LUTS undergoing Rezum between January 2022 and February 2023. To measure efficacy, quantitative data was collected through pre-and post-operative international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), simplified international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) checklists, and uroflowmetry to measure maximum flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual (PVR). Patients were followed up to determine if there had been any side effects. Results The mean number of Rezum injections was 3.8 to each lateral lobe, and 0.81 to the median lobe. The results show a significant improvement in IPSS (24.1 to 9.8), QoL (4.8 to 2.0), and Qmax (10.4 to 16.8). There was no reduction in erectile function with the IIEF-5 actually slightly increasing (13.4 to 15.2). Conclusions Our single-centre prospective analysis shows that Rezum is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment option for men with troublesome LUTS secondary to BPE. Rezum is a promising technology that could be offered to patients who wish to preserve their sexual function and discontinue their BPE medications.

New species group and two new species of the genus Hesperus from China (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Philonthina)

A new species group, Hesperus babai group, is proposed based on characters of the subserrate antennae and apical portion of median lobe hatchet-like, along with description of a new species: H. pengi sp. n. (Hainan). A new species of the Hesperus borneensis group is described: H. flexibilis sp. n. (Xizang). Hesperus birmanus Cameron, 1932 is newly recorded from China (Yunnan, Hainan). Habitus and diagnostic characteristics of all mentioned species are provided. A key to Chinese species of the borneensis group and babai group are also provided.

Feasibility assessment of catheter-free water vapor thermal therapy for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

PurposeTo investigate safety and feasibility of performing water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT; Rezum, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) without postoperative catheterization among men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.MethodsThis is a prospective, single arm, unblinded pilot study of 20 consecutive male patients ages 40–80 who underwent WVTT at a single academic institution. All patients underwent 1 injection per lobe at the point of maximal obstruction based on visualization. Primary outcome was evaluation of voiding parameters, symptom scores, and need for catheterization at 3 day, 1, 3, and 6 month follow up compared to baseline visit 30 days prior to surgery.ResultsMean age was 65 years (range 55–75). Mean prostate volume and PVR were 43 cc (range 30–68) and 89 cc, with 30% (n = 6) having median lobes. Patients received 2–3 treatments based on presence of bilobar versus trilobar hyperplasia. One patient (55 cc prostate, no median lobe) required catheterization for acute urinary retention on postoperative day 2. No patients required antibiotics for urinary tract infection or inpatient readmission within 30 days. Qmax significantly increased from 6 mL/s to 8, 13, 12, and 14 at 3 days, 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.05). IPSS decreased from 17 preoperatively to 10, 6, 7, and 8 (p < 0.05). No significant differences were noted in PVR, IIEF, MSHQ-EjD, or SF-12.ConclusionsIn well-selected men, catheter-free WVTT is feasible and improved voiding parameters and symptom scores. No changes in sexual function, infectious complications, or readmission were noted. Only 1 patient (5%) required postoperative catheterization within 30 days.

Review of the subgenus Lyrothorax of the genus Pterostichus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in the Western Palaearctic, with descriptions of two new species

Until now, the subgenus Lyrothorax Chaudoir, 1838 (genus Pterostichus Bonelli, 1810) in the Western Palaearctic included only the type species, P. caspius (Ménétriés, 1832), distributed along the southern Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan and Iran and, as an introduced species, in the Czech Republic. Studying rich material, including the types, it was found that under the name P. caspius there is a species complex comprising three closely related species, two of these are described in this paper: P. fritzei sp. n. from Iran (type locality Naharkhoran, Gorgan) and P. vagus sp. n. from Iran, which was also introduced to the Czech Republic (type locality Shaskola, Gorgan). These new species differ clearly from each other, as well as from P. caspius, mainly in the features of the median lobe of the aedeagus and its endophallus. A lectotype of P. caspius is designated to ensure the stability of the nomenclature. An identification key, images of all three species and distribution maps are provided. The occurrence of species of Lyrothorax in the Iranian province of North Khorasan and Turkmenistan is not obvious and requires confirmation.

A potentially endangered new species of the genus Rowlandius (Arachnida: Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) from Northeastern Brazil

A new species of schizomid, Rowlandius ufpi sp. nov., is described based on individuals collected in gallery and riverine forests in a Cerrado-Caatinga ecotone in northeastern Brazil. Rowlandius ufpi sp. nov. is the sixth species of the genus found in Brazil and raises to 62 the number of described species of genus Rowlandius. This is also the first epigean species of Rowlandius inhabiting a Brazilian dry forest leaf litter. Males of Rowlandius ufpi sp. nov. can be easily distinguished from other conspecifics by the presence of three depressions in the dorsal region of the flagellum, with the posteromedian depression located in the posterior third part of the dorsal surface. The females of Rowlandius ufpi sp. nov. are recognized by the sub-square shaped spermathecae with short median lobes.

Rediscovery of Pseudapocyrtus schadenbergi Heller, 1912 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Pachyrhynchini) from the Apayao Lowland Forest, Northern Luzon, the Philippines

Pseudapocyrtus schadenbergi Heller, 1912 is reported for the first time since its description in Barangay Tanglagan in the lowland forests of the Apayao Lowland Forest Key Biodiversity Area. Characters for recognition are mentioned, high-definition photographs of its habitus, median lobe, and endophallus are provided, and a brief discussion of its ecology is presented.

Studies on the Rhagophthalmidae (Coleoptera) from China, part I. A new species of Menghuoius Kawashima, 2000 from Hunan, Central China

A new rhagophthalmid species, Menghuoius wukong Wang sp. nov., is described from Hunan, China. The species is similar to its congeners in general appearance, but can be separated based on a combination of the following characters: body more robust, pedicel relatively shorter, sternite IX distinctly curved ventrally in anterior part, median lobe much stouter with lateral margins oblique above lateral protuberances. As a result, including the new species, a total of four species of the genus Menghuoius are recorded from the Oriental Realm.

Development of a two-hit lethal liver injury model in swine.

Noncompressible truncal hemorrhage remains a leading cause of preventable death in the prehospital setting. Standardized and reproducible large animal models are essential to test new therapeutic strategies. However, existing injury models vary significantly in consistency and clinical accuracy. This study aims to develop a lethal porcine model to test hemostatic agents targeting noncompressible abdominal hemorrhages. We developed a two-hit injury model in Yorkshire swine, consisting of a grade IV liver injury combined with hemodilution. The hemodilution was induced by controlled exsanguination of 30% of the total blood volume and a 3:1 resuscitation with crystalloids. Subsequently, a grade IV liver injury was performed by sharp transection of both median lobes of the liver, resulting in major bleeding and severe hypotension. The abdominal incision was closed within 60s from the injury. The endpoints included mortality, survival time, serum lab values, and blood loss within the abdomen. This model was lethal in all animals (5/5), with a mean survival time of 24.4 ± 3.8min. The standardized liver resection was uniform at 14.4 ± 2.1% of the total liver weight. Following the injury, the MAP dropped by 27 ± 8mmHg within the first 10min. The use of a mixed injury model (i.e., open injury, closed hemorrhage) was instrumental in creating a standardized injury while allowing for a clinically significant hemorrhage. This novel highly lethal, consistent, and clinically relevant translational model can be used to test and develop life-saving interventions for massive noncompressible abdominal hemorrhage.

Two new species of Eutheiini in Taiwan (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)

Five species of Eutheiini are known to occur in Taiwan, all belonging to the genus Eutheia Stephens. Two new species are described: Eutheia clepsydra sp. n., and Paraneseuthia spinipes sp. n. The discovery of the first Taiwanese species of Paraneseuthia, geographically not surprising, as several species occur in the south-western Ryukyuan islands, is highly unusual, because P. spinipes is morphologically distant from the Japanese and Russian Far Eastern group of species. This is the only known Paraneseuthia with modified profemora in males, and with dense groups of setae on the median lobe of aedeagus.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-based Shear Wave Elastography for Detection of Advanced Liver Disease.

Endoscopic ultrasound shear wave elastography (EUS-SWE) is a novel modality for liver stiffness measurement. The aims of this study are to evaluate the performance and reliability of EUS-SWE for detecting advanced liver disease in a prospective cohort. EUS-SWE measurements were prospectively obtained from patients undergoing EUS between August 2020 and March 2023. Liver stiffness measurements were compared between patients with and without advanced liver disease (ALD), defined as stage ≥3, to determine diagnostic accuracy for advanced fibrosis and portal hypertension. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables that impact the reliability of EUS-SWE readings. Select patients underwent paired magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for liver fibrosis correlation. Patients with ALD demonstrated higher liver stiffness compared to healthy controls (left lobe: 17.6 vs. 12.7 kPa, P<0.001; median right lobe: 24.8 vs. 11.0 kPa, P<0.001). The area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) for the detection of ALD was 0.73 and 0.80 for left and right lobe measurements, respectively. General anesthesia was associated with reliable EUS-SWE liver readings (odds ratio: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.07-7.39, P=0.040). Left lobe measurements correlated significantly with MRE with an increase of 0.11 kPa (95% CI: 0.05-0.17 kPA) for every 1 kPa increase on EUS-SWE. D. SWE is a promising technology that can readily be incorporated into standard EUS examinations for the assessment of ALD.

Two new species of &lt;i&gt;Telipogon&lt;/i&gt; (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) from Costa Rica

The Neotropical genus Telipogon (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae), comprising approximately 250 species, exhibits remarkable species diversity in the humid, montane forests of southern Central America and the Tropical Andes. Telipogon, when broadly defined, encompasses both the large-flowered species that mimic tachinid flies and the small-flowered species formerly classified under Stellilabium. In Costa Rica, this genus includes 55 species, with 16 classified as small-flowered species. While the large-flowered species of Telipogon (in the strict sense) have been taxonomically revised, the small-flowered species have yet to be the subject of a thorough taxonomic revision. Our research aims to partially fill this gap by focusing on a comparative morphological analysis of two novel small-flowered Telipogon species. We describe and illustrate Telipogon lateritius and T. muntzii, both discovered in the humid mid-elevation forest of the Caribbean watershed in Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica. Telipogon lateritius is notable for its distinctive brick-colored flowers, featuring sepals, petals, and lips striped in chestnut brown; the lateral sepals connate into a triangular-ovate synsepal, complemented by sparse, stiff pubescence at the base of the lip. Telipogon muntzii, although closely resembling T. anacristinae, differs in its unique olive-green flowers, sparse trichomes on the lip, narrowly oblong lateral lobes of the column, and a helmet-shaped median lobe of the column exclusively covered by simple trichomes. This study provides new additions for a future taxonomic revision of Telipogon in Costa Rica.

Search for protostellar jets with UWISH2 in the molecular cloud complexes Vulpecula and IRDC G53.2

Abstract Jets and outflows are the early signposts of stellar birth. Using the UKIRT Wide Field Infrared Survey for H2 (UWISH2) at 2.12 μm, 127 outflows are identified in molecular cloud complexes Vulpecula OB1 and IRDC G53.2 covering 12 square degrees of the Galactic plane. Using multi-wavelength datasets, from 1.2 to 70 μm, 79 young stellar objects (YSOs) are proposed as potential driving sources, where, ∼79 % are likely Class 0/I protostars, 17 % are Class II YSOs and the remaining 4 % are Class III YSOs. The outflows are characterized in terms of their length, flux, luminosity and knot-spacing. The identified outflows have a median lobe length of 0.22 pc and 0.17 pc for outflows in Vulpecula OB1 and IRDC G53.2, respectively. Our analysis, from the knot spacing, reveals a typical ejection frequency of ∼1.2 kyr suggesting an intermediate type between the FU-Ori and EX-Ori type of eruptions in both cloud complexes. Furthermore, the physical parameters of the driving sources are obtained by performing radiative transfer modelling to the observed spectral energy distributions (SEDs), which suggest that the outflows are driven by intermediate mass stars. Various observed trends between the outflow properties and the corresponding driving sources, and various interesting outflows and star forming sites, including sites of triggered star formation and protocluster forming clump with clusters of jets, are discussed. The obtained results and the identified jet-bearing protostellar sample will pave the way to understand many aspects of outflows with future high-resolution observations.

A taxonomic review of intertidal Bryothinusa Casey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) in Korea

A taxonomic review of Korean intertidal species of Bryothinusa Casey is presented. Eight species are recognized, five of which are new additions to the Korean fauna (Bryothinusa algarum Sawada, B. hokkaidensis Liu, Ono and Maruyama, B. itsuroi Liu, Ono and Maruyama, B. japonica Liu, Ono and Maruyama, and B. nigra Liu, Ono and Maruyama). Previous record of B. nakanei Sawada was an incorrect identification of B. nigra. A key, diagnoses, habitus photographs, and line drawings of median lobe and spermatheca are provided to facilitate identification.