Mid Leg Research Articles

Phylogenetic patterns of leg morphometric traits in vespid wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

AbstractVespid wasps use legs primarily for locomotion and in contexts such as grooming, handling of food and nest materials. Studies on leg form and function are relatively scarce. We analysed measurements of legs of 127 species of all genera of Polistinae, and of 18 species of other subfamilies, with the intent of investigating the occurrence and phylogenetic locations of morphometric patterns. Body‐size variation across Polistinae was determinant as to the absolute dimensions of legs, but allometric effects are generally small when comparing proportional length differences between differently sized species. Quite differently, size‐independent shape aspects are notably distinct as expressed by regression residuals and are clearly phylogenetically structured. Most distinctive are the very long mid and hind legs (and simultaneously exceedingly short forelegs) of Mischocyttarus species, and the comparatively shorter legs of some Epiponini. We found that forelegs have evolved with relative independence of the mid and hind legs, which is probably related to functions associated with the transport and manipulation of food and materials. Most examined solitary species showed mid and hindlegs shorter than most social polistines and vespines. Forefemur shape in some solitary species (euparagiines, masarines and some eumenines) may be functionally related to fossorial habits.

Morphometric study of the legs of the main Chagas vector, Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

In triatomines, vectors of Chagas disease, active dispersal takes place by walking and flying. Flight has received more attention than walking although the last is the dispersal modality used by nymphs due to their lack of wings and also used by adults, which would facilitate the colonization and reinfestation of houses after vector control actions. The present work studied the morphometrical variation of Triatoma infestans legs, the main vector of Chagas disease the Southern Cone of South America. We described morphometric traits and the natural variation of each leg segment. Different linear, size and shape variables of each component of the three right legs of fifth instar nymphs of T. infestans were analyzed using morphometric tools. We analyzed differentiation, variation and correlation for each segment across the fore-, mid and hind legs using different statistical approaches such as general linear model, canonical variates analysis, test of equality of coefficient of variation and partial least square analysis. We also analyzed variation and correlation between segments within each leg with partial least square and morphometric disparity analyses. Our results showed that the segments differed between legs, as general trends, the dimensions (length, width and/or size) were greater in the hind legs, smaller in the forelegs and intermediate in the mid ones. The femur and tibia (length and/or width) showed differences in morphometric variation between legs and the femur and tibia showed the highest levels of correlation between legs. On the other hand, in the fore- and mid legs, the femur (length or width) showed similar variation with tibia and tarsus lengths, but in the hind legs, the femur showed similar variation with all segments and not with the tibia length, and there were strong correlations between linear measurement within each leg. Our results suggest that the femur and tibia could play a determining role in the coordination between the legs that determines the walking pattern. Considering that these segments would also be linked to the specific function that each leg has, this study suggests a preponderant role of the femur and tibia in the walking locomotion of T. infestans.

Tanytarsus deimos group (Chironomidae, Diptera) for two distinctive species from the Neotropics

Two species of the genus Tanytarsus van der Wulp, 1874 are described: T. deimos Giłka, Dantas et Andersen, sp. nov. (Mexico, Panama) and T. phobos Dantas, Giłka et Andersen, sp. nov. (Peru). Small adult males having wings with a high venarum ratio, unpaired tibial spurs on mid and hind legs, a hypopygial anal point lanceolate without spinulae or bars, a digitus with a well-developed basal tubercle bearing a long seta, a stout median volsella, and a gonostylus distinctly shorter than the gonocoxite, are a set of characters common to the two close species for which a new group is here proposed.

On the sleeping gregarious behavior of the potter wasp Antepipona biguttata (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae)

Antepipona biguttata, an Asian potter wasp, is distributed in China, India, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Despite a large geographical distribution, not much is known about its biology. Here, I describe the sleeping gregarious behavior of A. biguttata (Fabricius) for the first time. Seventeen individuals of the wasp, including 11 males and 6 females, were found gregariously sleeping on a bunch of panicles of the jungle rice Echinochloa colona. The wasps grasped the plants tightly with their mandibles, their fore and mid legs grasping at panicles, their hind legs either resting on the substrate or free backwards, and their head mostly orientating upwards. The wasps held their body parallel to the perch, with their antennae raised forwards and their wings usually extended at an angle of about 45 degrees. Brief comments on the sleeping behavior of A. biguttata are presented.

Chironomus gelhausi, a new species of surface-mating Chironomus Meigen, 1803 (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Mongolia.

The adult male and female of Chironomus gelhausi n. sp. are described from a small lake in western Mongolia. Based on field observations and morphological characters, C. gelhausi is a surface-mating species which has retained the ability to fly. Morphological characteristics associated with surface-mating in this species include apically truncated wings, reduced antennal plume in the male, reduced palps, reduced mid and hind leg length, and enlarged hypopygium. Behavioral observations and morphology of C. gelhausi indicate that this species is a species of Chironomus which has independently evolved morphological characteristics consistent with surface-mating behavior similar to that of Fleuria and other species within Chironomus sensu lato. We can assume that this behavior and the associated morphological characteristics are related to survival in a harsh environment where high winds could displace aerial mating swarms from the larval habitat.

Patterns of Seed Penetration by the Date Stone Beetle Coccotrypes dactyliperda (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae).

Simple SummaryDate stone beetles tunnel into the seeds of several palm species, where they establish brood galleries in which they spend their entire life cycle. Their larvae, which consume the seed’s albumen, pupate and hatch in the seed, with multiple generations co-existing until all the seed’s albumen has been consumed. Little is known about the initial tunneling and nature of the establishment of the brood galleries. Through experimentation with seeds of the Canary Islands Date Palm, this study shows that the beetles exhibited an overwhelming preference for a penetration at the grooved side. Behavioral observations showed that, in order to penetrate, the date stone beetle needs to be able to push its mandibles into the epicarp of the seed. The main thrust is generated by the hind legs which requires traction as provided by the groove. When tunneling, the mid legs function as a pivot, while the fore legs enable lateral control. When in the tunnel cavity the pair of mid legs act as wall anchors. Gustatory cues prevent the beetle from tunneling through to the other side. The nature of these gustatory cues remains unclear at this point and awaits future research.The cryptic spermatophagus date stone beetle (Coccotrypes dactyliperda Fabricius, 1801) tunnels into palm seeds for oviposition and subsequent establishment of brood galleries. Based on behavioral observations this paper describes the biomechanical and gustatory parameters that govern the initial excavation of the tunnels and the subsequent establishment of the galleries. When tunneling into Canary Islands Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis Chabaud, 1882) seeds, penetration principally occurs at the dorsal side of the seed, in particular the groove, which allows the beetle to gain the required traction. Tunneling is executed in a circular fashion with clockwise or counter-clockwise repositioning in approximately one-eighth to one-quarter turns. Biomechanically, the three pairs of legs provide thrust (hind legs), pivoting (mid legs), and lateral control (fore legs). Gustatory cues, the nature of which remains unclear at this point, prevent the beetle from tunneling through to the other side.

Two new species of the genus Criotettix Bolivar (Orthoptera: Tetrigoidea: Scelimenidae) from Zhejiang, China.

Two new species of the genus are described from Zhejiang, China in this paper. The new species Criotettix jinningensis sp. nov. is similar to Criotettix strivertexoides Zheng, Wei Li, 2009, but differs in width of vertex narrower than diameter of eye; pronotum shorter, not reaching the end of hind tibiae; width of fore wing 1.3 times width of mid leg femur and hind wing not reaching the end of pronotum. The new species Criotettix pananensis sp. nov. is similar to Criotettix transpi-noides Zheng, Bai Xu, 2012, it differs from latter by width of vertex narrower than diameter of eye; pronotum with parallel lateral keels and without a pair short longitudinal keels between shoulders; hind femur without projection in upper keel and hind wing extending over the end of pronotum. The type specimens are deposited in the College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China.

UNCLASSIFIED CASES OF TIBIAL HEMIMELIA; SHOULD WE MODIFY THE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS?

Tibial hemimelia is a rare congenital anomaly, may be in isolated form or combined with other congenital anomalies. Different classification systems had been used for classification. While inferior tibio-fibular joint diastasis is a well-known accompanying deformity in subtypes of different classification systems; complete diastasis of tibia and fibula is not included in either of classification systems. Case 1: A 15 days infant presented to our unit with complete diastasis of tibia and fibula from the level of the knee joint. Case 2: A four weeks old boy with a partial distal diastasis of tibia and fibula from the level of mid leg downward, with almost completely separate skin envelop for each part of the bone. A search in the English literature for reported cases with complete diastasis of tibia and fibula and different classification systems for tibial hemimelia was done. No reported cases in the literature with complete diastasis of tibia and fibula finally, we suggest modifying the current classification systems for tibial hemimelia to include complete diastasis of tibia and fibula as a variant.

Peroneus Brevis Muscle Flap as a Tissue Cover for Defect over Lower Mid Leg and Ankle Defects: A Case Series

Mid leg and ankle area are more vulnerable for post-traumatic full thickness soft tissue loss. Implants used in osteosynthesis in this region are also at risk of exposure as its placement is in subcutaneous plane as well as precarious blood supply in shin region. Various options like local flap to free flap are described for reconstruction of small and medium size defects in this region. Peroneus brevis is also well described in literatures. In this case series which was done over the period of six years that includes 10 patients with post-traumatic as well as post orthopaedics surgical intervention defects in lower mid leg and ankle region. Patients were selected for proximally and distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap according to the location of defects. Data regarding age, sex, aetiological factor, size of defect, type of flap, survival of flap, donor site complications were recorded. Out of 10 patients, eight were males and two were females. Major aetiological factor was two wheeler road traffic accident. Majority of the patient had orthopaedic surgical intervention for fracture fixation prior to or along with flap surgery. Only one patient, in this series had marginal flap necrosis. Rest of flaps survived well without any donor site complications. In authors experience peroneus brevis muscle flap is dependable for medium size defects over lower leg and ankle.

Great saphenous vein diameter at different regions and its relation to reflux

BackgroundGreat saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence is involved in most cases of varicose disease. Standard preinterventional assessment is required to decide the treatment modalities. GSV diameter was measured at saphenofemoral junction, proximal thigh, distal thigh, knee, proximal leg, and distal leg. Analysis was done to find at which diameter size the reflux is expected to occur.Patient and methodsThe study involved 100 limbs from outpatient vascular clinic. GSV diameter was measured at the saphenofemoral junction, the proximal thigh, the distal thigh, below the knee, and mid-leg and correlated with reflux.ResultsReflux in the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) (group I) occurred at 7.16±2.30 mm, proximal thigh (group II) at 6.60±1.89 mm, distal thigh (group III a) at 6.12±1.63 mm, knee (group III b) at 5.78±1.60 mm, proximal leg (group IV) at 4.61.24 mm, and mid leg (group V) at 3.59±1.16 mm.ConclusionMeasurement at six sites revealed higher sensitivity and specificity to predict reflux. GSV diameter correlates with reflux.

The first predatory dance fly of the subfamily Ocydromiinae with specialized, raptorial legs in mid–Cretaceous amber from Myanmar (Diptera: Hybotidae)

The first ocydromiine hybotid fly is described and illustrated from a remarkable male preserved in mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. Pouillonhybos venator, gen. et sp. nov., is distinguished from other members of the subfamily Ocydromiinae as well as other lineages of living and fossil Hybotidae. The holotype of P. venator exhibits spectacular specializations of the mid and hind legs, modifications likely linked to the grasping of prey either during capture and/or while feeding. The species reported here is the earliest evidence of significant leg modifications in Hybotidae indicating an early appearance of such specializations in the family's history.

Morphometric Variations in Leg Segments’ Length in the Family Dolichopodidae (Diptera)

Interspecific variations of legs’ morphometric signs have been investigated on 2885 individuals from 65 species of 22 genera of the family Dolichopodidae. Nine morphometric signs of legs, including lengths of femora, tibia, and first segment of tarsi have been measured, and the data on 12 relative signs have been obtained. The results of analysis of variance showed significant differences between the genera but not between the subfamilies. Most of the studied signs showed weak phylogenetic signal. Significant phylogenetic signal has been found in only one of the studied signs: the ratio of length of mid legs' femora and tibia. Principal component analysis revealed the set of characters most typical for the family representatives as well as two general trends in leg morphometry diversity: elongation of the first segment of the mid- and hind-legs and variation in the ratio of fore-, mid-, and hind-femora. Cluster analysis revealed three morphologically distinguishable species groups that also differed in terms of their microhabitats: Medetera-like species (lengths of fore-, mid-, and hind-femora are nearly equal), Hydrophorus-like species (mid- and hind-femora and tibia are significantly extended regarding the fore-femora and tibia), and Sciapus-like species (all first segments of tarsi are significantly extended). Each of the identified groups includes species belonging to different subfamilies. Therefore, the similarity in leg morphometry features in dolichopodids is supported to be related to convergent evolution and not to the presence of a common ancestor with a similar morphology.

Great Saphenous Vein Diameter at Different Regions and its Relation to Reflux

Abstract Background: Great saphenous vein incompetence is in-volved in the majority of cases of varicose disease. Standard pre-interventional assessment is required to decide the treat-ment modalities. GSV diameter measured at sapheno-femoral junction, proximal thigh, distal thigh, knee, proximal leg, distal leg. Analysis done to find at which diameter size the reflux expected to occur. Aim of Study: To investigate a possible correlation of GSV diameters measured at sapheno-femoral junction, prox-imal thigh, distal thigh, below knee and at mid leg and there relation to the reflux. Patient and Methods: Study involved 100 limbs from outpatient vascular clinic, GSV diameter measurement at the sapheno-femoral junction, at the proximal thigh, at the distal thigh, below the knee, mid leg in correlation to reflux. Results: SFJ reflux (group I) at 7.16±2.30mm, proximal thigh (group II) at 6.60±1.89mm, distal thigh (group IIIa) at 6.12±1.63mm, knee (group IIIb) at 5.78±1.60mm, proximal leg (group IV) at 4.6±1.24mm, and mid leg (group V) at 3.59± 1.16mm. Conclusions: Measurement at six sites revealed higher sensitivity and specificity to predict reflux, GSV diameter correlates with reflux.

Taxonomic revision of Megalothoraca (Diptera: Richardiidae) with description of a new species, synonyms and new combination

A taxonomic revision of Megalothoracha Hendel, 1911 is provided, including a description of Megalothoraca rosalyae Wendt, sp. nov. from Colombia. The genus encompasses large species from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia (new record), and each species was described based either on males or females. These species can be diagnosed by long and slender mid and hind legs and wing longer than body, vein R2+3 with two strong curves on apical third, and short spurious vein medially. And males have costal vein conspicuously bowed anteriorly and thickened on medial portion. The following nomenclatural changes are made: Megalothoraca hendeli Enderlein, 1912, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of M. pterodontida Hendel, 1911; Batrachophthalmum teleopsis (Hennig, 1938) comb. nov. is transferred from Megalothoraca, and Batrachophthalmum quimbaya Carvalho, Wolff & Wendt, 2011, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of B. teleopsis. A key to species and illustrations of the female and male terminalia are provided.

A new species of the genus Criotettix Bolivar (Orthoptera:Tetrigoidea:Scelimenidae) from Zhejiang, China.

A new species of the genus is described from Zhejiang, China in this paper. The new species Criotettix zhejiangensis sp. nov. is similar to Criotettix strivertexoides Zheng, Wei Li, 2009, but differs in antennae placed the lower margin of eye, head exserted above the pronotal surface, lateral keels in prozona slightly contracted backward, upper margin of pronotum not waved in lateral view, width of tegmen 1.2 times width of mid leg femur and lower side of hind femur not black. The new species is also similar to Criotettix strivertex Zheng, Wei Li, 2009, it differs from latter by head exserted above the pronotal surface, upper margin of pronotum not waved in lateral view, lower side of mid femur straight, width of tegmen 1.2 times width of mid leg femur and length of hind femur 3.1 times its width. The type specimens are deposited in the College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China.

Impact of compression stockings on leg swelling after arthroscopy \u2013 a prospective randomised pilot study

BackgroundPost-operative limb swelling may negatively affect the outcome of arthroscopic surgery and prolong rehabilitation. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of compression stockings versus no compression on post-operative swelling and pain in the early post-operative phase.MethodsA single-centre, randomised controlled trial was performed. Patients who underwent minor knee arthroscopy were randomised to wear class II compression stockings (23-32 mmHg) (CS) or no compression stockings (NCS) immediately post-operatively for ten days. All patients received low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at prophylactic dosage. The primary outcome variable was post-operative swelling of the limb, quantified by using an optical 3D measurement system (Bodytronic© 600). Pain was rated on a visual analogue scale (VAS). From a total of 76 patients assessed, 19 patients were eligible for final analysis. The trial followed the CONSORT criteria, was registered at clinicaltrial.gov and approved by the local ethics committee.ResultsThe circumference at the middle thigh (cF) was significantly different between groups at day 10 (p = 0.032; circumference − 1.35 ± 2.15% (CS) and + 0.79 ± 3.71% (NCS)). Significant differences were also noted around the knee (cD) at day 10 (p = 0.026) and a significant trend at cD and at the mid lower leg (cB1) at day 4. The volume of the thigh was also different with marked difference between days 1 and 4 between the two groups (p = 0.021; volume + 0.54 ± 2.03% (CS) and + 4.17 ± 4.67 (NCS)). Pain was lower in compression group (not statistically significant).ConclusionsPost-operative limb swelling can be reduced significantly by wearing compression stockings in the early post-operative phase when compared to not wearing stockings. This may improve the rehabilitation process after arthroscopic surgery. The optimal duration of compression therapy seems to be between three and ten days.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov (NCT02096562, date of registration 11.11.2013).

Strength and Ductility of Bubbled Wide Reinforced Concrete Beams with Diverse Types of Shear Steel Plates

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the strength of bubbled wide reinforced concrete beams with different types of shear steel plates. Eight specimens with dimensions of 215x560x1800mm were investigated. The studied variables deal with replacement of 10mm stirrups diameter stirrups spaced at 125mm by shear steel plates having equivalent cross-sectional area for stirrups at mid legs height with circular opening of different thicknesses (3, 4 and 5mm). Four specimens were without any bubbles and the others with bubbles. This study showed that the shear steel plates is a good alternative for replacing the stirrups and gives increasing in yield, ultimate load and deflection (at service load) with 5% , 15% and 9% on the average when using the bubbles. Without using bubbles, the aspect ratio of shear steel plates bounded between the boundaries 4.5 to 8 gave increased the ductility by 36%. Using the bubbles in specimens was decreased 4.7% from the total weight of specimens. ACI 318-14(1) and EC 2(2) codes give a predicted deflection more than that obtained from experimental results by 16% on the average and by 24% when using bubbles.

The tropical African tribes Poreuomenini, Zeuneriini and Morgeniini withthe description of a new genus (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae).

Species currently considered belonging to the tribe Poreuomenini Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 are here separated; only Poreuomena Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 and Cestromoecha Karsch, 1893 remain in the tribe Poreuomenini, while Zeuneria Karsch, 1889 and Gravenreuthia Karsch, 1892 are transferred to the new tribe Zeuneriini Karsch, 1890. Morgenia Karsch, 1890 and Mangomaloba Sjöstedt, 1902 are moved to the new tribe Morgeniini Karsch, 1890. The new genus and species Paraporeuomena signata is described from the Tri National Sangha (TNS) (Central African Republic) and tentatively considered belonging to the tribe Poreuomenini. Its general aspect is hardly similar to that of the genus Poreuomena Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878, but it differs remarkably in the shape of eyes, that are oval and elongate, in the presence of subocular grooves, of spines on genicular lobes of femora, and of ventral spines on fore and mid legs. Differently from Poreuomena the last tergite is not modified.

Medical compression stockings reduce hypertension of nailfold capillaries at the toe of patients with chronic venous insufficiency1.

The simulated calf-muscle contraction induced a steep increase of CP with 5.65 mmHg/s (Q1 5.27 mmHg/s, Q3 5.92 mmHg/s), which was significantly (p = 0.013) reduced by MCS to 2.47 mmHg/s (Q1 1.65 mmHg/s, Q3 3.0 mmHg/s). Time needed to reach the max. CP was 11.35 s, which was lengthened by MCS to 23.4 s (p = 0.134). Compression therapy prevents capillary hypertension, the major hemodynamic reason for the development of advanced stages of chronic venous insufficiency which are defined by skin disease like hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis and ulcer.

Mating Behavior of Rosalia batesi (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Is Mediated by Male-Produced Sex Pheromones.

Rosalia batesi Harold (Cerambycidae) is a hardwood boring species endemic to Japan. We investigated the adult mating behavior of this species in the field and laboratory. Most males appeared on mating sites before noon, significantly earlier than females did, in field observations. The female approached and contacted the male; the male responded and started the successive mating sequence, comprising mounting, copulation, and appeasement behavior. Before the encounter, the male raised its fore and mid legs and bent the abdominal tip ventrally. Next, a peculiarly structured bifurcate tip was exposed with opening and closing motion, which can be observed in the entire family Cerambycidae and is thought to be associated with the emission of volatile male sex pheromones. Male and female orientation toward conspecifics was examined using T-shaped olfactometers in four combinations (male–male, female–male, female–female, male–female). Males exclusively attracted females, indicating the existence of male-produced sex pheromones. A laboratory bioassay with three temperature regimes revealed the temperature dependence of this calling behavior. The calling behavior occurred only when the air temperature and male body surface temperature, which are associated with light intensity, were within the range of 26–33 °C and 26–28 °C, respectively.