Morphological Data Research Articles

Comparison of the chloroplast genomics of nine endangered Habenaria species and phylogenetic analysis

BackgroundHabenaria, a genus in the family Orchidaceae, are the nearly cosmopolitan orchids, and most species have significant medicinal and ornamental values. Despite the morphological and molecular data that have been studied in recent years, the phylogenetic relationship is still unclear.ResultsWe sequenced, assembled, and annotated the chloroplast (cp) genomes of two species (Habenaria aitchisonii Rchb.f. and Habenaria tibetica Schltr.ex Limpricht) of Habenaria grown on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), and compared them with seven previously published cp genomes which may aid in the genomic profiling of these species. The two genomes ranged from 155,259–155,269 bp in length and both included 132 genes, encoding 86 proteins, 38 tRNAs and 8 rRNAs. In the cp genomes, the tandem repeats (797), SSRs (2195) and diverse loci (3214) were identified. Comparative analyses of codon usage, amino frequency, microsatellite, oligo repeats and transition and transversion substitutions revealed similarities between the species. Moreover, we identified 16 highly polymorphic regions with a nucleotide diversity above 0.02, which may be suitable for robust authentic barcoding and inferring in the phylogeny of Habenaria species. Among the polymorphic regions, positive selection was significantly exerted on several genes, such as cemA, petA, and ycf1. This finding may suggest an important adaptation strategy for the two Habenaria species on the QTP. The phylogenetic relationship revealed that H. aitchisonii and H. tibetica were more closely related to each other than to the other species, and the other seven species were clustered in three groups. In addition, the estimated divergence time suggested that the two species separated from the others approximately 0.39 Mya in the Neogene period. Our findings also suggest that Habenaria can be divided into different sections.ConclusionsThe results of this study enriched the genomics resources of Habenaria, and SSR marker may aid in the conservation management of two endangered species.

Morpho-molecular Genetic Diversity Analysis of Basmati and Non-basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm

This study evaluated genetic variability and relatedness among 34 rice genotypes, encompassing basmati and non-basmati varieties using morphological and molecular data. The findings revealed significant variability across all traits assessed. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were observed for traits such as days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, biological yield, grain yield, test weight, flag leaf length, and number of effective tillers. Notably, high heritability and genetic advance indicated that these traits are likely influenced by additive gene effects, making them suitable for selection in breeding programs. D2 analysis confirmed substantial genetic diversity among the genotypes and five clusters were formed based on the morphological data. Molecular analysis using 13 SSR primers, out of 13 primers 11 primers are showed the banding pattern, with the highest polymorphism information content (PIC) value recorded at 0.79 for marker HvSSR04-46. Clustering based on Jaccard’s dissimilarity coefficient revealed two distinct clusters. Based on the dendrogram pattern molecular data is divided into two clusters, cluster I and Cluster II, cluster I is subdivided into Cluster Ia and Cluster Ib. This research was conducted at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agricultural & Technology, Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, highlights the potential for selecting diverse rice genotypes to enhance breeding programs.

Genetic barcodes for species identification and phylogenetic estimation in ghost spiders (Araneae: Anyphaenidae: Amaurobioidinae).

The identification of spider species presents many challenges, since in most cases the characters used are from genital structures that are only fully developed in the adult stage, hence the identification of immatures is most often not possible. Additionally, these structures usually also present some intra-specific variability, which in some cases makes the identification of closely related species difficult. The genetic barcode technique (DNA barcodes), based on sequencing of the mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI ), has proven a useful, complementary tool to overcome these limitations. In this work, the contribution of DNA barcoding to the taxonomy of the subfamily Amaurobioidinae is explored using the refined single linkage analysis (RESL) algorithm for the delimitation of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), in comparison with the assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) algorithm, and presented in conjunction with an updated molecular phylogenetic analysis of three other markers (28S rRNA, 16S rRNA, Histone H3 ), in addition to COI . Of a total of 97 included species identified by morphology, 82 species were concordant with the operational taxonomic units obtained from RESL, representing an 85% correspondence between the two methods. Similar results were obtained using the ASAP algorithm. Previous observations of morphological variation within the same species are supported, and this technique provides new information on genetic structure and potentially cryptic species. Most of the discrepancies between DNA barcoding and morphological identification are explained by low geographic sampling or by divergent or geographically structured lineages. After the addition of many specimens with only COI data, the multi-marker phylogenetic analysis is consistent with previous results and the support is improved. The markers COI , closely followed by 28S , are the most phylogenetically informative. We conclude that the barcode DNA technique is a valuable source of data for the delimitation of species of Amaurobioidinae, in conjunction with morphological and geographic data, and it is also useful for the detection of cases that require a more detailed and meticulous study.

External morphology and growth patterns of larvae and juveniles of Bryconops gracilis (Characiformes, Iguanodectidae) from Amazon basin

During early development, fishes undergo significant changes that influence external morphology and the functioning of internal organs and systems. This often results in gradual variation of the morphological traits of individuals across developmental stages. The investigation of larval and juvenile fish development and growth patterns has pertinent implications for the systematic and ecological elucidation of species. Bryconops gracilis is a medium-sized fish, omnivorous that inhabits lotic and lentic environments with acidic and transparent waters in the Amazon basin. In this study, the early development of B. gracilis is described, until recently a practically unknown species. In terms of development, we used morphological, meristic, and morphometric data to characterize the larvae and juveniles. The individuals were collected in the Curuá-Una River, Amazon basin, Brazil. Fifty-four specimens were examined. Samples include individuals with 3.39 to 21.79mm SL. Yolk-sac larvae have two attachment organs on the dorsal surface of head and body. The larvae of B. gracilis are considered altricial, with a fusiform body, and the intestine reaches the median region of the body. Initially, the mouth is subterminal and becomes isognathic from the postflexion stage on. During the postflexion stage, the most relevant morphological changes occur (e.g., presence of all fins, mouth position similar to adults, increased body pigmentation), making individuals more specialized to explore new habitats and diets and maximize their chances of survival. Furthermore, vertebrae and myomeres are compared and assist with differentiating some Bryconops species at early life stages that occur in sympatry in the Amazon basin. Our results contribute to knowledge about the external morphology of neotropical freshwater fishes, enabling the identification of larvae and juveniles through traditional taxonomy and broadening the perspective on the ontogenetic study of the adipose fin in Characoidei.

Relationships between lobate debris aprons and lineated valley fill on Mars: Evidence for an extensive Amazonian valley glacial landsystem in Mamers Valles

We examine the characteristics and relationships of Lineated Valley Fill (LVF) and Lobate Debris Aprons (LDA) in Mamers Valles on Mars, a ~ 950 km-long fretted valley at the dichotomy boundary. The relationships and distinctions between these glacial landforms are established by detailed analysis of LDA/LVF morphology, topography, and related features are assessed to understand their origin and modification. We document the transition from unconfined LDA to compressed and folded LVF and vice versa, implying that LDA and LVF are intimately related in morphology and mode of origin. Linear LDA dominate Mamers Valles, originating from alcoves, theater-like remnant crater rims, and tributary valleys, while circumferential LDA are arrayed around isolated mesas. Narrow valley areas display the convergence of lobes originating from either side, forming parallel linear ridges that deform into complex folds and become LVF, typically in a local and regional downvalley direction. In contrast, when LVF flows out of a topographically confined area, the material forms a piedmont-like LDA. Thus, local topography is the primary factor in determining whether a deposit will appear LVF-like, LDA-like, or have characteristics of both. Superimposed crater morphology and ground-penetrating radar data suggest the current presence of subsurface ice protected by ~15–20 m of sublimation lag deposits, with minimal deformation and flow since superposed crater formation. Regional integration leads to the interpretation that the LDA-LVF exposures and ice entry points into the fretted valleys represent the waning stages of a more widespread regional Amazonian plateau glacial landsystem that occupied fretted terrain valleys formed earlier in the Late Noachian-Early Hesperian.

Cutaneous myiasis by Calliphoridae dipterans in dogs from Chad

Cutaneous myiasis caused by various Calliphoridae dipteran species is prevalent worldwide and is of particular veterinary and public health concern. Recently, in a scientific exploration of the Guinea Worm Eradication Program to Chad, Africa, we observed that dogs with mutilated ears, based on local awareness, were caused by cutaneous myiasis. In this study, we analyzed epidemiological, morphological, and molecular data on cutaneous myiasis in dogs from Chad. From September to October 2022, dogs (n = 1,562) from 56 villages situated along the Chari River were physically inspected for cutaneous myiasis. All larvae were collected and identified morphologically and by molecular analysis of the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene. The prevalence of myiasis infestation along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was determined using the modified Wilson method. Myiasis was detected in dogs from 21 villages (37.5%; 95% CI 26 - 50%), predominating in the southernmost region. Of 1,562 dogs, 66 (4.22%; 95% CI 3.34 - 5.34%) were infested by calliphorid larvae, with a mean infestation of 2.28 larvae per animal (range = 1 to 24). Specimens were morphologically identified as Cordylobia anthropophaga (n = 94), Chrysomya bezziana (n = 54), and Chrysomya sp. (n = 3), which were detected in 57, eight and one dog, respectively. No co-infestations were observed. The molecular analyses confirmed the morphological identification and revealed the presence of 17 haplotypes for C. anthropophaga, 2 for C. bezziana, and one for Chrysomya sp. Our study emphasizes the veterinary importance of myiasis in dogs in Africa and proposes measures to assure their health and well-being.

Revised taxonomy of Synodontis catfishes (Siluriformes: Mochokidae) from the Lake Tanganyika basin reveals lower species diversity than expected

Abstract Synodontis Cuvier, 1816 is a species-rich group of African catfishes. Prior to this analysis, 13 species of Synodontis were recognized from Lake Tanganyika and its tributaries, composing the only extant lacustrine radiation of the genus, with a unique origin of obligate brood parasitism among all fishes. Species differentiation and phylogenetic relationships of this group remained largely unresolved. Herein, the taxonomy of Synodontis in the Lake Tanganyika basin is revised, including redescriptions of all species and an updated identification key. Genetic (mitochondrial and nuclear genomic markers) and morphological data suggest a lower species diversity than previously recognized, supporting the distinction of 10 Synodontis species in the lake basin. Based on our findings, we recognize Synodontis grandiops, Synodontis ilebrevis, and Synodontis lucipinnis as junior synonyms of Synodontis multipunctatus, Synodontis polli, and Synodontis petricola, respectively. No recent material of Synodontis dhonti and Synodontis tanganyicae (with Synodontis lacustricolus as a synonym) was available. Morphometric/meristic data suggest their close relationship to Synodontis granulosus. Sequencing of historical specimens inferred S. tanganyicae as sister to S. granulosus but with a 1.7% divergence based on mitochondrial data. In contrast to previous studies, phylogenomic data support the lacustrine assemblage of Synodontis in Lake Tanganyika as monophyletic.

Assessing population structure and morpho-molecular characterization of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) for elite germplasm identification.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), known for its adaptability and high yield potential, is vital in global edible oil production. Estimating genetic diversity is a key pre-breeding activity in crop breeding. The current study comprised of 48 genotypes which were assessed for their biometrical traits at department of Oilseeds, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, during the rainy season of 2022. The lines were subsequently characterised using 103 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for molecular diversity analysis. The results indicated that the net nucleotide distances indicated varying genetic divergence, with subpopulations II and V showing the highest (0.056) and I and IV the lowest (0.014). Subpopulation IV exhibited the highest heterozygosity (0.352), while subpopulation III had the lowest heterozygosity and a low Fst (0.173). Principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis were employed for assessing the morphological diversity, facilitating genotype grouping and parent selection for breeding programs. The first four components cumulatively accounted for 86.72% of the total variation. Cluster Analysis grouped 48 sunflower genotypes into three clusters based on genetic diversity. COSF 13B stands out for its high head diameter, oil content, seed yield, and oil yield based on mean performance of morphological data. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) mirrored the groupings from the Neighbor Joining method, with the first three components explaining 27.24% of the total variation. Molecular data analysis identified five distinct clusters among the germplasm. By integrating morphological and molecular marker data with genetic distance analysis, substantial diversity was revealed with the genotypes RHA 273 and GMU 325 consistently demonstrated high oil yield per plant. The genotypes GMU 477, GMU 450, COSF 13B, RHA 102, CMS 1103B, and RHA GPR 58 have been identified as suitable parents for enhancing oil content in sunflower breeding programs. These findings also aid in selecting SSR markers for genotype characterization and in choosing diverse parents for breeding programs.

Integration across biophysical scales identifies molecular and cellular correlates of person-to-person variability in human brain connectivity

Brain connectivity arises from interactions across biophysical scales, ranging from molecular to cellular to anatomical to network level. To date, there has been little progress toward integrated analysis across these scales. To bridge this gap, from a unique cohort of 98 individuals, we collected antemortem neuroimaging and genetic data, as well as postmortem dendritic spine morphometric, proteomic and gene expression data from the superior frontal and inferior temporal gyri. Through the integration of the molecular and dendritic spine morphology data, we identified hundreds of proteins that explain interindividual differences in functional connectivity and structural covariation. These proteins are enriched for synaptic structures and functions, energy metabolism and RNA processing. By integrating data at the genetic, molecular, subcellular and tissue levels, we link specific biochemical changes at synapses to connectivity between brain regions. These results demonstrate the feasibility of integrating data from vastly different biophysical scales to provide a more comprehensive understanding of brain connectivity.

Systematics of Apatelodidae Neumoegen & Dyar, 1894 (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea) based on molecular and morphological data.

Apatelodidae is a family of New World bombycoids distributed mainly in the Neotropical region, with 14 genera, 222 valid species and 8 subspecies. These moths are medium-sized with a wingspan ranging from 2 to 8cm, generally greyish, straw-yellow or reddish-brown, with darker spots and lines on the dorsal side of the wings. We combine adult morphology and molecular data to test, under a probabilistic framework, the monophyly of apatelodid genera and the placement of Tamphana (Bombycidae). We sampled the type species of 12 of the 14 valid genera of Apatelodidae, including the type species of synonymised genera. We sampled ~75% of the species from all valid genera in the family and outgroups from Bombycidae, Brahmaeidae, Eupterotidae and Phiditiidae, totalling 195 terminals. Examination of the specimens resulted in a matrix of 138 morphological characters (116 from male; 22 from female) from the head (7 from male; 1 from female), thorax (37 from male; 4 from female), abdomen (5 from male) and genitalia (66 from male; 17 from female). For the molecular analyses, we used four genes: DDC (647bp) for 14% of terminals; CAD (2486bp) for 23% of terminals, Wgl (409bp) for 38% of terminals and COI (658bp) for 75% of terminals. Species of Tamphana were recovered in Apatelodidae as two independent clades. The genera Arotros , Crastolliana , Drepatelodes , Pantelodes , and Prothysana were recovered as monophyletic. The remaining apatelodid genera were polyphyletic. We propose a new genus-level classification: Tamphana is transferred to Apatelodidae; 16 new genera are proposed: Aymara gen. nov. , Campesina gen. nov. , Caribas gen. nov. , Cecile gen. nov. , Kaweskar gen. nov. , Lempira gen. nov. , Misak gen. nov. , Mocambo gen. nov. , Nhanderu gen. nov. , Peabiru gen. nov. , Raoni gen. nov. , Tapuia gen. nov. , Tibira gen. nov. , Tupac gen. nov. , Tuyvae gen. nov. and Zapata gen. nov. Two new species are described: Mocambo lauracensis sp. nov. , and Nhanderu takua sp. nov. We revalidate the genus Hygrochroa stat. rev. and three species: Carnotena perlineata stat. rev., Tupac bombycina stat. rev., comb. nov. and Zanola vivax stat. rev. Overall, we propose 82 new generic combinations, synonymise 16 species, and restore the status of 3 species: Apatelodes floramia stat. rest. , Carnotena rectilinea comb. nov. , stat. rest. and Ephoria nubilosa stat. rest. Additionally, we summarise data on the natural history and distribution of each Apatelodidae species. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:254AA924-30B3-48A8-AB15-CCF2745C3B8E.

Nomenclatural Updates in Anomospermum (Anomospermeae: Menispermaceae)

Two new combinations, Anomospermum prancei (Barneby & Krukoff) R. Ortiz and A. verruculosum (Krukoff & Barneby) R. Ortiz, are made in the Neotropical genus Anomospermum Miers (Anomospermeae–Menispermaceae) to conform with the newly revised classification based on morphology and DNA sequence data.

Haplotype diversity and phylogeny within Alternaria alternata and A. arborescens species complexes from tomatoes

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically important vegetable susceptible to various fungal diseases, including leaf spot caused by Alternaria spp. from the section Alternaria. In our study, a total of 72 tomato-associated Alternaria spp. strains from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Algeria were analysed by integrating morphological data, pathogenicity assay, multi-locus phylogeny, and haplotype assignment. Recovered Alternaria spp. strains were characterized by considerable variation in phenotypic diversity, non-pathogenicity to their host of origin and absence of the AAL-toxin biosynthesis gene (ALT1). Multi-locus phylogeny of the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), putative F-box-domain-containing protein (ASA-10), and putative histone-like transcription factor (ASA-19) confirmed the occurrence of both A. alternata and A. arborescens species complexes along with A. longipes and A. postmessia on symptomatic tomatoes. The discordant tree topology among single-gene phylogenies suggested the occurrence of potential recombination between phylogenetic lineages in the section Alternaria, resulting in putative alternata-arborescens and alternata-longipes hybrids. DNA polymorphism analysis of the rpb2, ASA-10, and ASA-19 loci revealed a high level of genetic diversity in the section Alternaria, and the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes varied among loci and lineages studied. A total of 16 and 6 multi-locus haplotypes were assigned in alternata and arborescens lineages, respectively. Global genetic diversity analysis of A. alternata and A. arborescens strains at the rpb2 locus confirmed that major haplotypes described from tomatoes were shared among other hosts of origin.

REVIEWS OF PERSPECTIVES ON CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES AND TECHNIQUES IN FLUVIAL SYSTEMS EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT

This paper reviews fluvial geomorphology perspectives and methodologies for environmental sustainability by exploring and discussing major concepts, themes, and methodologies. To meet the multidimensional aspect of fluvial geomorphology research, multidimensional approaches are now used. Fluvial geomorphology examines river channel morphology and how it is shaped by fluid flows interacting with erodible or resistant boundaries. Understanding equilibrium conditions and thresholds is key. A systems perspective is needed - any river segment is influenced by upstream and downstream conditions as part of an integrated drainage basin system. Field surveys, mapping, remote sensing, and GIS provide important morphological data on river planform, cross-sections, longitudinal profile features, sediment characteristics, etc. Statistical analysis helps detect spatial patterns and trends. Assessing channel changes over long periods is often necessary to fully understand contemporary fluvial processes and forms. Sediment storage and release causes significant time lags. Major human impacts include land use changes affecting hydrology, sediment budgets, channel boundaries; and infrastructure interrupting continuity. Sustainable management requires addressing root causes. Watershed level processes like water balances, erosion patterns, etc. strongly influence fluvial systems - coordinating river channel and upland catchment interventions is key. Models like SWAT, MIKE-SHE, and ANSWERS simulate hydrological processes but have limitations. They require robust spatial datasets spanning geology, topography, land use, climate, etc. Overall, a multidimensional, scale-conscious, historically contextualized assessment framework is required for evaluating fluvial systems. The review highlights techniques and datasets for such integrated diagnosis.

Diving deeper into the taxonomy of the Neoscopelus species complex (Myctophiformes: Neoscopelidae) with the description of Neoscopelus serranoi sp. nov.

Previous studies have highlighted possible cryptic biodiversity in the genus Neoscopelus. This hypothesis was tested using new morphological, molecular and biogeographical data on species of this genus caught in the north Atlantic between 2010 and 2022. The information obtained has been combined with available data in an integrative approach, including a review of morphological characters reported in the ichthyological literature and DNA-based species delimitation analyses. The main outcome of the present study is the description of Neoscopelus serranoi sp. nov. from the Atlantic and southwestern Indian Oceans. The new species is morphologically very similar to Neoscopelus microchir from which differs in having a shorter anal-fin base, a shorter pelvic fin, more dorsal and pectoral-fin rays, less anal-fin rays, fewer gillrakers and fewer isthmus and lateral photophores. They also differ in geographic distribution, with the new species occurring in the Atlantic Ocean and the near southwestern Indian Ocean, whereas N. microchir was originally described from Japanese waters of the Pacific Ocean. A literature review of available morphological data between geographic areas for Neoscopelus macrolepidotus and Neoscopelus microchir showed a large intraspecific overlap and no boundaries. However, molecular species delimitation based on the mitochondrial COI gene revealed the existence of cryptic diversity in both species, with eight to ten molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTU), compared to three valid species. Neoscopelus serranoi sp. nov. was considered an independent MOTU in all analyses performed, supporting the morphological identification as a new species. These results highlight that the taxonomy of Neoscopelus is far from settled and show that a greater sampling effort is needed to resolve the uncertainties and to describe unknown putative species. This also exemplifies the virtues of integrative taxonomy in delving into the systematics of deep-sea fishes.

The era of cybertaxonomy: X-ray microtomography reveals cryptic diversity and concealed cuticular sculpture in Aphanerostethus Voss, 1957 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae).

Weevils represent one of the most speciose and economically important animal clades, but remain poorly studied across much of the Oriental Region. Here, an integrative revision of the Oriental, flightless genus Aphanerostethus Voss, 1957 (Curculionidae: Molytinae) based on X-ray microtomography, multi-gene DNA barcoding (CO1, Cytb, 16S), and traditional morphological techniques (light microscopy, dissections) is presented. Twelve new species, namely, A.armatus Lewis & Kojima, sp. nov., A.bifidus Kojima & Lewis, sp. nov., A.darlingi Lewis, sp. nov., A.decoratus Lewis & Kojima, sp. nov., A.falcatus Kojima, Lewis & Fujisawa, sp. nov., A.incurvatus Kojima & Lewis, sp. nov., A.japonicus Lewis & Kojima, sp. nov., A.magnus Lewis & Kojima, sp. nov., A.morimotoi Kojima & Lewis, sp. nov., A.nudus Lewis & Kojima, sp. nov., A.spinosus Lewis & Kojima, sp. nov., and A.taiwanus Lewis, Fujisawa & Kojima, sp. nov. are described from Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia. A neotype is designated for A.vannideki Voss, 1957. The hitherto monotypic genus Darumazo Morimoto & Miyakawa, 1985, syn. nov. is synonymized under Aphanerostethus based on new morphological data and Aphanerostethusdistinctus (Morimoto & Miyakawa, 1985), comb. nov. is transferred accordingly. X-ray microtomography is successfully used to explore for stable interspecific differences in cuticular, internal and micro morphology. Remarkable species-specific sexual dimorphism in the metatibial uncus is described in seven of the newly described Aphanerostethus species and the evolution of this character is discussed.

Impact of global environmental changes on the range contraction of Eurasian moose since the Late Pleistocene

Climatic oscillations are considered primary factors influencing the distribution of various life forms on Earth. Large species adapted to cold climates are particularly vulnerable to extinction due to the climate changes. In our study, we investigated whether the temperature increase since the Late Pleistocene and the contraction of environmental niche during the Holocene were the main factors contributing to the decreasing range of moose (Alces alces) in Europe. We also examined whether there were significant differences in environmental conditions between areas inhabited by moose in Europe and Asia, that could support the division of moose into western and eastern forms, as suggested by genetic and morphological data. We analysed environmental conditions in locations of 655 subfossil and modern moose occurrences over the past 50,000 years in Eurasia. We found that the most limiting climatic factor for the moose distribution since the Late Pleistocene was July temperature. >90 % of moose records were found in areas where the mean summer temperature was below 19 °C, with July temperatures showing over 3 times narrower interquartile range compared to January temperatures. We identified significant differences in environmental conditions between areas inhabited by the European and Asiatic moose. In Europe, the species occurred in regions with milder climates, higher primary productivity, and more frequently within forest biomes compared to Asiatic individuals. The moose range shifted more in the west-east than in the south-north direction during the Holocene climate warming in Europe. We concluded that although the area of suitable moose habitat has increased since 12–8 ka years BP, as demonstrated by environmental niche modeling, the retreat of A. alces in large areas of Europe was likely caused by anthropogenic landscape change (e.g., deforestation) and overhunting by humans during the late Holocene rather than by climate warming during the Pleistocene to Holocene transition.

×Gymnigritella suaveolens (Orchidaceae), a New Natural Hybrid to the Flora of Serbia

×Gymnigritella suaveolens (Orchidaceae), a natural hybrid between Gymnadenia conopsea and Nigritella rhellicani, was found at Mt Kopaonik for the first time in Serbia, representing its single known locality in the Central Balkans. Morphological characteristics, distribution data, habitat and ecological preferences are indicated. The hybrid was found at 1552 m a.s.l., on sericite schists, as a member of the Festuco-Deschampsietum flexuosae grassland community. Two hybrid specimens were recorded at the site where the two parental species grow in sympatry, and where the population size of G. conopsea was larger than the population size of N. rhellicani.

Segmental post-PCI physiological gradients using ultrasonic or optical flow ratio

Abstract Background Segmental pressure gradients post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may detect residual disease and potential targets for optimization. Ultrasonic flow ratio (UFR) or optical flow ratio (OFR) provide simultaneous physiological and morphological data using a single imaging catheter. Notably, both have been validated against wire based FFR Objectives To evaluate the utility of UFR and OFR to identify residual disease post-PCI. Methods The present study is a sub analysis of the ASET (Acetyl Salicylic Elimination Trial) JAPAN pilot study Phase I which showed the feasibility and safety of low dose prasugrel monotherapy following PCI in Japanese patients presenting with chronic coronary syndrome and an anatomical SYNTAX score <23. Patients with complete intra-vascular imaging pullback data were included with UFR/OFR acquired in all patients post-PCI. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of IVUS or OCT pullbacks was performed by automatically delineating vessel, lumen, and stent contours every 0.5 mm using QCU-CMS (version 4.69, Division of Image Processing, Leiden University Medical Centre). UFR or OFR was calculated using the respective IvusPlus or OctPlus software, Pulse Medical, Shanghai, China.(13)(15) All UFR and OFR tracings, and IVUS and OCT pullbacks were analyzed at the CORRIB Core lab, Galway, Ireland by two analysts blinded to clinical and procedural data. Anatomically focal lesions distal and proximal to the stent were evaluated in segments ≥5mm long. UFR/OFR virtual pullback curves were used to calculate intra-stent pressure gradients and physiologically define lesions as focal or diffuse by segmental pressure drops ≥0.05 over lengths <10mm or ≥10mm, respectively. Results The median post-PCI UFR/OFR was 0.93 (0.88-0.96) with 69/195 vessels (35.4%) having a UFR/OFR≤0.90. There were significantly more focal anatomical and physiological lesions proximal and distal to the stent in vessels with a UFR/OFR≤0.90 versus >0.90. In vessels with a UFR/OFR≤0.90 there was moderate agreement (weighted kappa=0.553, p<0.001) between anatomical and physiological focal lesions proximal to the stent, whilst it was fair (weighted kappa=0.219, p=0.002) distally. In-stent gradient had poor discriminative ability to detect significant stent under-expansion. The performance of a proximal or distal virtual FFR gradient to detect proximal or distal anatomically focal disease was good (AUC–0.835 and 0.877, respectively) Conclusions UFR/OFR enables suboptimal vessel physiology post-PCI to be detected and helps identify the precise anatomical location with corroboration from intra-vascular imaging. Adequately powered physiology optimization trials using UFR/OFR will determine the role of combined morphology and physiological evaluation post PCI in improving clinical outcomes.

Temporal and geogrpahic trends in female representation within European cardiovascular imaging among 13,436 individuals associated with EACVI

Abstract Introduction Women are under-represented in cardiology trial enrolment, specialty training, faculty, scientific authorship and board membership in cardiology journals and societies. An EACVI Task Force on Women in Cardiovascular Imaging aims to promote women’s representation and leadership, but data is lacking in this area. Purpose To characterise the representation of women in cardiovascular imaging within Europe and examine temporal and geographic trends. Methods We scraped publicly available name data from over 100 online sources including EACVI taskforces, committees, research project members, consensus and position paper authors, board membership and past presidents alongside members of affiliated cardiovascular imaging national societies and working groups. We also included names from EACVI or national accreditation records for cardiac imaging. We recorded data on country location and year of affiliation. We defined gender in a binary manner as either male or female. The previously validated artificial intelligence (AI) system Namsor assigned gender based on name morphology and geolocation data. We pre-set a confidence of gender-name matching of 95%. Results The AI was able to assign gender at 95% confidence to 12,643/13,436 (94.1%) names. The overall number of names assigned female gender was 5903/12643 (46.7%), rejecting the null hypothesis that gender was equally distributed (i.e. 50% female) [p<0.0001]. Among the 9712 individuals with year of affiliation we observed female representation to increase over time: 1989-2000 4/18 (22.2%), 2001-2004 107/287 (37.8%) 2005-2009 77/170 (45.3%), 2010-2014 109/203 (53.7%), 2015-2019 1063/2022 (51.3%) and 2020-2024 3352/3064 (52.2%) (Cochran-Armitage trend test 24.196 [p<0.0001]) (Figure 1). Female representation was lower in countries outside of Europe, compared to within Europe; 740/2654 (27.9%) vs. 5163/9989 (51.7%) [p<0.0001]. The lowest rate of female representation was in Saudia Arabia (15.1%), the highest in Lithuania (83.3%). Figure 2 displays a choropleth of gender representation (%) between European countries with n>20. Conclusion(s) There are significant limitations in this form of analysis, including that we have arbritarily defined gender in a binary format, thereby excluding individuals who do not identify with such a social construct. It is also likely that the excluded names based on the 95% confidence of the AI software disproportionately represents individuals from ethnic minorities. However, our data provides a basic understanding of the representation of women in European cardiovascular imaging over time and between countries. We observed a trend of increasing female participation but with substantial variation between countries both inside and outside of Europe. This data may be useful to refine and direct efforts to improve female representation in areas in which it is needed most.

Resurrection of the parasitic isopod genus Cryptione Hansen, 1897 (Epicaridea: Bopyridae) and description of a new species of parasitic isopod (Epicaridea: Bopyridae) from the deep-sea shrimp Notostomus gibbosus (Caridea: Acanthephyridae) with an analysis of its phylogenetic position based on molecular data

A new species of pseudionine parasite is described from the deep-sea shrimp Notostomus gibbosus A. Milne-Edwards, 1881, collected in the Gulf of Mexico, the first record of a bopyrid parasitizing any member of the family Acanthephyridae Spence Bate, 1888. Morphological and molecular data are provided to support the inclusion of the new species and 12 other branchial ectoparasites of caridean shrimps in the genus Cryptione Hansen, 1897 that is resurrected herein. Cryptione is sister to the genus Pseudione sensu stricto, ectoparasites of axiid and callianassid shrimps as well as nephropid lobsters. The new species Cryptione grandis can be distinguished from its closest congeners including C. parviramus (Adkison, 1988) from the Gulf of Mexico by several female and male characters. The epicaridium larvae of C. grandis were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), only the second description of this stage for any species in the genus. A table listing all species in Cryptione and taxonomic notes on some species are provided.