Morphological Variability Research Articles

Potencial bioindicador de mudas de Cedrela fissilis em áreas contaminadas por cobre

ABSTRACT Soil contamination with toxic metals brings along severe environmental issues. Among these metals, copper (Cu) is harmful to plant development when it reaches high contamination levels in the soil. Thus, identifying species capable of resisting this contamination type helps these sites’ revegetation and decontamination processes. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the tolerance of Cedrela fissilis plants to excess Cu through morphophysiological and biochemical variables. C. fissilis seedlings were subjected to five concentrations of Cu (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg L-1). The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments and four repetitions. Morphophysiological (number of leaves, shoot height, root length, dry weight, morphological variables of the root system, and leaf area) and biochemical (antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and photosynthetic pigments) traits and Cu accumulated in roots and shoot were evaluated. High concentrations of Cu had a negative effect on the shoot and root dry weight, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Overall, Cu increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Therefore, Cu incidence in the nutrient solution has negatively influenced the biochemical and physiological traits of C. fissilis seedlings to the detriment of their growth. Thus, it was possible to identify sensitive behavior by the investigated species. Because of these features, C. fissilis seedlings can be used as markers for copper-contaminated areas.

Assessing aortic morphology post aortic valve replacement using unsupervised hierarchical clustering and statistical shape modelling

Abstract Introduction There are different surgical procedures used to treat aortic valve disease such as aortic valve replacement (AVR), the Ozaki procedure, the Ross procedure, and the valve-sparing procedure. There may be postoperative side effects associated with aortic morphology. Computational analyses that assess morphology are thus necessary in such scenario. Statistical shape modelling is used to assess three-dimensional morphology, discover unique shape features, create mean shapes, and create shape modes that display morphological variability. Hierarchical cluster analysis is a machine learning method used to classify a population into subgroups. Both of these statistical methods were applied to aortic valve replacement patients to evaluate morphological variability after aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery. Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the aortic morphology of AVR patients, identify morphological differences between different surgical procedures, identify subgroups postoperatively using statistical shape modelling and hierarchical cluster analysis, and assessing possible correlations between the resultant clusters and function i.e. ejection fraction. Methods Computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance images were used to reconstruct aortas into 3D models using segmentation and 3D reconstruction software. For each patient, two models were created (i.e. ascending aorta only and aorta including the arch and the descending aorta). N=35 patients were included in the study. Statistical shape analysis was run to create templates and shape modes. Statistical environment and language software was used to run hierarchical cluster analysis. Results Overall, the hierarchical cluster analysis did not classify the aortas based on type of surgery, but most patients in the Ross group demonstrated morphological differences from the other surgical groups and many of the aortas belonging to the Ross group were clustered together in both clustering analyses. No significant differences between clusters were seen (p=0.47 for ascending, p=0.19 for whole aorta). No correlation was found between clusters and ejection fraction (p=0.75, r2<0.01), possibly indicating that post-AVR aortic morphology in this sample does not reflect overt functional changes. Conclusion Both statistical shape modelling and hierarchical cluster analyses were successful in assessing morphological variability and identifying subgroups in this population. This framework could therefore be extended to larger samples to inform on surgical decision-making allowing surgeons to choose the appropriate surgery for the patient or design prosthetic valves that are more customised to the patient’s anatomy.Cluster-Ejection Fraction Correlation

Wandering the taxonomic mine-field: the Podocotyle species complex (Digenea: Opecoelidae).

This study focuses on the opecoelid genus Podocotyle, particularly the species in the northern European seas (White, Barents and Pechora), with additional data from few isolates from the Far East. The research combines molecular analyses (28S, 5.8S+ITS2 rDNA, and cox1 mtDNA) and morphological examinations. Molecular analyses suggested that there are most likely four species of Podocotyle in the northern European seas and three more in the Far East. Morphological redescriptions are provided for three northern European species: P. atomon, P. reflexa, and P. odhneri, with the latter recognized as a valid species. The study also verified the life cycle of P. atomon and identified Lacuna vincta (Littorinidae) as the first intermediate host for P. reflexa. In the Sea of Okhotsk, L. turrita is the first intermediate host for two apparently undescribed Podocotyle species. The results also highlight the morphological variability of P. atomon, emphasizing the need for an integrative approach in the taxonomy and biodiversity studies.

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of the Right Ventricle from a Radial Basis Morphing of the Inner Surface

In the realm of cardiac health research, accurate fluid dynamics simulations are vital for comprehending the heart function and diagnosing conditions. Central to these simulations is the precision of ventricular wall meshes used to model heart geometry. However, segmenting the wetted surface, particularly in the right ventricle (RV) with its significantly thinner parietal thickness compared to the left ventricle, presents challenges. This study focuses on qualitatively evaluating an automated reconstruction model for the RV’s outer wall using Radial Basis function (RBF) morphing. Two procedural criteria were compared, a random selection of control points and a curvature-based approach, which differ in terms of the identification of the control points of the RBF function. From these considerations, it emerges that a controlled use of the RBF function on the basis of the curvatures guarantees the greater controllability of the shape evolutions of the parietal structure of the RV, but it is more sensitive to any anomalies in the distribution of the vertices, as can be seen from the number of outliers, and its controllability is a function of the percentage of points chosen, exerting a greater impact on the required computational capacity. The definition of a strategic criterion for the selection of control points could represent a crucial aspect in the definition of an automatic reconstruction procedure of anatomical elements, which guarantees a morphological variability in line with the need to expand the pathological sample to be used for statistical formulations in the clinical field.

Naturalization of the Ornamental Plant Crocus tommasinianus Herb. (Iridaceae) in Forest Ecosystems: A Case Study from Poland

Highlights: Though not highly invasive, bulb and corm ornamental plants can escape cultivation and naturalize in new areas. Studying their naturalization is key to understanding their ecological impact and managing biodiversity. Objectives: This study aimed to document the first naturalization case of Crocus tommasinianus Herb. in Poland and assess the morphological variability of the naturalized population under different environmental conditions. Another objective was to identify diagnostic features in seed testa ornamentation to distinguish C. tommasinianus from related species (C. vernus (L.) Hill. and C. scepusiensis (Rehmann et Wol.) Borbás ex Kulcz.). Methods: The morphometric studies were performed within four subpopulations of C. tommasinianus differing in environmental conditions, determined with Ellenberg indices. Multivariate tests, ANOVA, and post-hoc tests were used to determine the morphometric diversity of specimens and to relate them to environmental factors. Seed micro-ornamentation was examined using a scanning electron microscope. Results: Light and temperature were negatively correlated, while moisture, soil pH, and nitrogen were positively correlated with many morphological traits. Plants spreading into forest ecosystems exhibited better-developed features (larger leaves and flowers) than those in former cultivation sites, indicating higher survival potential. The seed coat is papillate, with distinct differences in the shape, size, and secondary sculpture of the papillae compared to C. vernus and C. scepusiensis. Given that floristic studies often occur during the fruiting period of crocuses, testa ornamentation is crucial for identifying the studied species. Conclusions: The observed naturalization of C. tommasinianus demonstrates the high morphological plasticity of plants, which makes them capable of colonizing new areas, including forest habitats.

Alginate–Bentonite Encapsulation of Extremophillic Bacterial Consortia Enhances Chenopodium quinoa Tolerance to Metal Stress

This study explores the encapsulation in alginate/bentonite beads of two metal(loid)-resistant bacterial consortia (consortium A: Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp.; consortium B: Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp.) from the Atacama Desert (northern Chile) and Antarctica, and their influence on physiological traits of Chenopodium quinoa growing in metal(loid)-contaminated soils. The metal(loid) sorption capacity of the consortia was determined. Bacteria were encapsulated using ionic gelation and were inoculated in soil of C. quinoa. The morphological variables, photosynthetic pigments, and lipid peroxidation in plants were evaluated. Consortium A showed a significantly higher biosorption capacity than consortium B, especially for As and Cu. The highest viability of consortia was achieved with matrices A1 (3% alginate and 2% bentonite) and A3 (3% alginate, 2% bentonite and 2.5% LB medium) at a drying temperature of 25 °C and storage at 4 °C. After 12 months, the highest viability was detected using matrix A1 with a concentration of 106 CFU g−1. Further, a greenhouse experiment using these consortia in C. quinoa plants showed that, 90 days after inoculation, the morphological traits of both consortia improved. Chemical analysis of metal(loid) contents in the leaves indicated that consortium B reduced the absorption of Cu to 32.1 mg kg−1 and that of Mn to 171.9 mg kg−1. Encapsulation resulted in a significant increase in bacterial survival. This highlights the benefits of using encapsulated microbial consortia from extreme environments, stimulating the growth of C. quinoa, especially in soils with metal(loid) levels that can be a serious constraint for plant growth.

Variability in Optic Nerve Head Morphology in High Axial Myopia and Its Association with Glaucoma

Purpose: To investigate optic disc morphology in high axial myopia and its associations with the deep-layer structure of the optic disc using optical coherence tomography and glaucoma.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 69 eyes (33 normal and 36 glaucomatous eyes) with an axial length of 26-27 mm. The eyes were categorized into two groups based on the optic disc tilt ratio (≥ 1.3 or < 1.3). Characteristics of optic disc morphology, including lamina cribrosa depth, peripapillary atrophy width, and Bruch’s membrane opening area, were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, factors related to mean deviation and global retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were analyzed.Results: The mean optic disc tilt ratio was 1.31 ± 0.23. Eyes with a tilt ratio ≥ 1.3 (30 eyes) had a higher likelihood of glaucoma (<i>p</i> = 0.035) and severe visual field (VF) defects (<i>p</i> < 0.001), a thinner global RNFL thickness (<i>p</i> = 0.046), and larger gamma peripapillary atrophy width (<i>p</i> < 0.001) compared to eyes with a tilt ratio < 1.3 (39 eyes). Linear regression analysis revealed that the optic disc tilt ratio was significantly associated with VF loss (<i>p</i> = 0.018) but not with global RNFL thinning (<i>p</i> = 0.203).Conclusions: Variations in optic disc morphology are observed in eyes with similar axial lengths, and a higher optic disc tilt ratio is associated with more severe VF defects. These findings suggest the potential influence of optic disc morphological changes due to axial elongation on the severity of glaucomatous damage.

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN AORTIC DIAMETER AND ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURES IN MEN: A CT STUDY

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, with Ukraine experiencing a mortality rate of 64.3% in 2019, predominantly affecting men. Aortic aneurysms, assessed by aorta diameter, are significant among these diseases. While computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for diagnosing aortic syndromes, there's a lack of comprehensive data on aortic morphometrics in Ukraine, particularly in men. This research aims to bridge this gap by analyzing CT-derived data on the ascending aorta in Ukrainian men. Aim. To enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment strategies, including surgical interventions, by understanding the correlation between aortic morphology, age, and anthropometric variables in this high-risk demographic. Materials and methods. The study used DICOM images from computed tomography angiography of the aorta with contrast enhancement and ECG synchronization. Methods included anthropometric assessments, CT imaging, and statistical analysis. The study involved 62 male subjects without heart or ascending aorta pathology. Data included age, body length, and weight, which were used to calculate BMI and BSA. Diameter measurements of the aorta were taken at specific levels: the aortic ring, aortic sinus, sinotubular junction, maximum diameter of the ascending aorta, mid-section of the ascending aorta, and just before the brachiocephalic trunk departure. Statistical analyses employed the Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results. The study encompassed 62 male subjects without cardiovascular pathology, with an average age of 52.56±13.52 years, average body length of 1.76±0.07 m, average body weight of 84.74±14.14 kg, average BMI of 27.54± 4.74 kg/m², and BSA of 2.03±0.18 m². A moderate positive correlation between age and aortic diameter was observed, ranging from +0.35 for the average diameter of the aorta at the aortic ring level to +0.57 for the maximum diameter of the aorta (p<0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between aortic diameters and body height in men (p>0.05). Notably, a moderate positive correlation was observed between body weight and aortic diameter at the sinotubular junction level (r=+0.61, p<0.001) and the aortic sinus level (r=+0.34, p= 0.027). Furthermore, an increase in aortic diameter at the sinotubular junction level was significantly correlated with an increase in BMI (r=+0.59, p<0.001) and BSA (r=+0.57, p<0.001). Additionally, body surface area demonstrated a significant positive correlation with an aortic diameter at the aortic sinus level, exhibiting a moderate positive correlation (r=+0.35, р=0.023). Men with a BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher (n=45) showed significantly larger aortic diameters at almost all levels (excluding the aortic ring diameter) compared to those with lower BMIs (р<0.05). Conclusions. CT-morphometric indicators of the diameter of the aorta in men normally increase with age. Body weight is directly correlated with the diameter of the aorta at the level of the sinotubular junction and aortic sinuses. In men with excess body weight and obesity, larger values of the diameters of the aorta were established at all studied levels, except for the level of the sinotubular junction.

Molecular and morphological data provide evidence for only one alien species of pearl oyster in the Mediterranean Sea

Taxonomic identification of alien bivalve species in the Mediterranean Sea can be challenging because of high morphological variability and the occurrence of cryptic species complexes, as in the case of pearl oysters. While the presence of the Lessepsian species Pinctada radiata is well-established in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the presence of P. fucata was recently suggested based on morphological data. In this study we performed an integrative assessment based on morphological and genetic data on pearl oysters collected across the Mediterranean Basin. Molecular species delimitation and phylogenetic analyses allowed a straightforward taxonomic assignment of all collected specimens to P. radiata. These specimens show the entire suite of morphological character states considered diagnostic of either P. fucata or P. radiata by previous studies. This finding clearly demonstrates that these morphological characters have no taxonomic value, and their variability observed in specimens from the Mediterranean Sea represents (part of) the intraspecific variability of P. radiata. While no evidence has been found for the presence of P. fucata, the earlier occurrences of P. radiata from the eastern and southern Mediterranean Sea are complemented with verified occurrence in the western and northern regions, demonstrating a further spreading of this non-native species throughout the Mediterranean Sea. This study clarifies the taxonomic identification and geographical distribution of pearl oysters in the Mediterranean Sea and substantiates the importance of molecular identification of alien bivalves characterized by extensive variation in shell characters.

Geometric morphological variation characteristics of loropetalum chinense leaves (r. Br.) Oliv. (hamamelidiaceae) and their response to intra-specific competition

This study aimed to explore the geometric morphological variation characteristics of the leaves of the understory plant Loropetalum chinense under different competitive pressures. Specifically, the leaf morphological indices were calculated, and multiple comparison analysis and Fisher linear discriminant model were employed to decipher the morphological variability based on contour outlines. The results revealed that the leaf morphological indices exhibited significant differences among various sample plots. The lower stand density and DBH (diameter at breast height) facilitated more water and air exchange and led to a rounded leaf shape. The results provided a theoretical basis for the study of response of leaf morphological evolution to forest competition. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 681-687, 2024 (September) Special

Geometric morphologic variation ormosia henryi prain leaves from different hunan provenances

This study was envisaged to explore the variation characteristics of Ormosia henryi Prain leaves from four different areas of Hunan provenance of China based on analyzing the geometric morphologic information of the leaf. Specifically, the leaf morphological indices were firstly calculated, and multiple comparison analysis, canonical analysis of the principal coordinates and fisher linear discriminant model were employed to decipher the morphological variability based on contour outlines. The results showed that the leaf morphological indices exhibited significant differences between the samples of different areas. Variability also exists between the Ormosia henryi of four areas of the provenance. The results provide a theoretical basis for the study of genetic diversity and genetic improvement of Ormosia henryi. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 773-781, 2024 (September) Special

Morphological Variability of the Sural Nerve and Its Clinical Significance.

The sural nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin on the distal posterolateral third of the lower extremity. The morphological variants are characterized by high variability. However, it most commonly arises from a union of the medial sural cutaneous nerve and the peroneal communicating branch of the common fibular nerve. This article overviews the anatomical and clinical significance of the sural nerve. Despite the remarkable development of genetic diagnostics, sural nerve biopsy is still a very important tool to diagnose peripheral neuropathies such as diabetic, vascular and inflammatory neuropathies. Furthermore, the sural nerve is also commonly transplanted due to its characteristics. Such a procedure is applicable in cases of segmental nerve loss, but it is also used to restore potency in patients after radical prostatectomy. The knowledge of anatomical variants of the sural nerve is also crucial as it allows to minimize its damage during surgical procedures. Furthermore, during an ankle surgery, a nerve block can be used to complement anesthesia. The major aim of this work is to review contributions of the sural nerve to physiological and pathophysiological processes.

Morphological variability of rosette leaves within Sempervivum ciliosum and S. ruthenicum complexes (Crassulaceae): The geometric morphometrics approach

The yellow-flowered Sempervivum species from the Balkan Peninsula, tentatively divided into Sempervivum ciliosum (S. ciliosum, S. galicicum, S. jakucsii, S. klepa, S. octopodes) and S. ruthenicum complexes (S. kindingeri, S. leucanthum, S. ruthenicum, S. zeleborii), are well known for their pronounced phenotypic plasticity, especially in the vegetative parts, resulting in exceedingly complicate infrageneric taxonomy. Extensive studies dealing with the variability of qualitative and quantitative traits, such as the shape and size of the rosette leaves, were not conducted in the past. This study aimed to analyse the extent of morphological variability of the rosette leaves regarding their shape and size and evaluate their potential to resolve taxonomic doubts. For this purpose, geometric morphometrics, as a tool for analysing minute shape variability, was used to discriminate mentioned species. The variability of the rosette leaves was statistically analysed within 15 populations using univariate (ANOVA) and multivariate statistical analysis (MANOVA, PCA, DA). Obtained results indicated highly statistically significant differences in rosette leaf shape and size between analysed complexes and species.

Study on gene action, combining ability and heterosis for different traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Cxern & Coss)

Abstract Combining ability and heterosis was investigated in mustard hybrids obtained from 7 × 7 half diallel cross. Twenty one F1s along with seven parents were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design. The combined analysis of variance revealed very significant differences among the parents for all morphological variables with the exception of secondary branches and siliqua length, indicating wide diversity among the parental material used in the present study. Significant GCA and SCA variance indicated additive and non-additive gene action across all the characters. The SCA variance components were larger than the GCA variance components for most traits indicating the prevalence of non-additive gene effects. Jawahar mustard × PM-30, showed a significantly positive SCA and better parent heterosis for seed yield per plant whereas five hybrids (Kranti × PM-30, Gujarat Mustard-3 × Pusa Mahak, Jawahar Mustard × PM-30, Jawahar Mustard × Pusa Mahak and PM-30 × Pusa Mahak) exhibited significant positive SCA effect for number of siliqua/ plant. Jawahar Mustard × PM-30, Varuna×Jawahar Mustard, Gujarat Mustard-3 × PM-30, exhibited highly significant heterosis over the mid-parent. Keywords: Brassica juncea, GCA, SCA, gene action, Heterosis

Some anthropological characteristics of ancient (according to fine art sources) and modern Greeks

Introduction. Greek sculpture and vase painting, despite the comprehensive study of specialists in many fields of science, can represent a source of information for historical and biological anthropology. The vase painting and sculpture of the ancient Greeks has been studied in the context of ethnic and biological continuity with the modern Greek population. Materials and methods. A total of 1020 vases (2379 people) and 174 reliefs (300 people) were studied. Two characteristics were studied – the development of tertiary hair growth (beard growth) and the nature of the head hair of ancient and modern Greeks. The material was collected from online sources and relevant literature, and processed according to anthropological methods. The composite portrait according to F. Galton method in digital format has been used to visualize morphological variability. Results and discussion. Modern Greeks (the middle total type of the population) are characterized by straight or lightly wavy head hair (middle score 1.41) and most often above middle or heavy beard growth (middle score 3.38). The proportion of straight and wavy hair in all vase painting samples is approximately the same, with wavy hair significantly predominant. The middle scores for hair nature and beard growth based on relief funeral images of ancient Greeks in our samples turned out to be significantly higher than for modern Greeks and amounted to: for nature of the hair – 2,62 points for classical time and 2,81 points for late classical and hellenistic times, for beard growth – 4,38 points and 4,30 points, respectively. Conclusion. Despite the change in artistic forms of conveying morphological features during the transition from archaic to classical times, in Greek vase painting and sculpture the representation of the heavy beard growth and the wavy nature of head hair was preserved, which, according to the authors, may be a real reflection of the typical morphological characteristics of the group.

Surgical anatomy of the cystic artery: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BackgroundThe current evidence-based systematic review with meta-analysis presents a detailed overview of the cystic artery (CA) surgical anatomy, including its origin, number, topography, and morphometry. Moreover, the surgical implications of these variants are further discussed. MethodsAccording to the Evidence-Based Anatomy Workgroup and PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the systematic review was performed using four online databases. The Anatomical Quality Assurance Tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed with the R programming software. The pooled prevalence and pooled mean of different CA parameters were calculated. ResultsThe CA most commonly originated from the right hepatic artery (a pooled prevalence of 85.75 %). Other described origins (in order of frequency) were the aberrant right hepatic artery, the common hepatic, the left hepatic, the gastroduodenal, the superior mesenteric, and the middle hepatic arteries. The CA was single in 88.59 %, while it can be identified as double, triple, or absent. Most commonly, it was located inside the cystohepatic triangle in 83.83 %. Most commonly, it was superomedially to the cystic duct (77.80 %) and posteriorly to the common hepatic duct (35.08 %). The CA pooled mean length was 21.34 mm, and its diameter was more commonly over 1 mm. ConclusionThe CA surgical anatomy is paramount when operating on the gallbladder. The CA's altered anatomy and adjacent area could lead to confusion, iatrogenic injury, and prolonged surgical time. The CA depicts high morphological variability; therefore, surgeons should consider the typical anatomy and possible (usual and unusual) variants.

Stem CH4 emissions from the reclaimed forests: magnitude, drivers, and contribution

BackgroundTrees in natural forests are a major contributor to atmospheric methane (CH4), yet these emissions have never been investigated in reclaimed forests. Our study aimed to assess the magnitude, seasonality, drivers, and contributions of tree CH4 emissions to ecosystem CH4 flux in the reclaimed forests. We measured CH4 emissions from different emission pathways, including the stems of trees (Populus euramericana, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, and Camphora officinarum), shoots of herbs (Carex breviculmis and Carex dispalata), and soils in the two reclaimed forests with reclamation periods of 12 and 5 years. We identified factors controlling seasonal tree CH4 emissions and measured tree morphological variables (diameter at breast height, wood density, and lenticel density) to determine species differences in emissions.ResultsCH4 emissions from trees in the 12-year-old reclaimed forest were significantly higher than those in the 5-year-old forest. Seasonal variations in tree CH4 emissions were primarily driven by growth stage and soil parameters, including soil CH4 flux, temperature, and moisture.ConclusionIn the reclaimed forests, tree-mediated CH4 emissions could be an important contributor to ecosystem CH4 flux, with contributions varying by season. As these forests mature and become ecologically restored, they may significantly impact regional and global CH4 emissions.

Morphological variability of fruits and leaves allows delimitation between cultivated and wild chestnuts and their natural crosses

Morphological variability of fruits and leaves allows delimitation between cultivated and wild chestnuts and their natural crosses

Two new species of Caribbiantes, with the redescription of the type species and a review of male genital patterns in Antillean Stenostygninae (Opiliones: Laniatores: Biantidae)

Caribbiantes cubanus Šilhavý, 1973, type species of genus Caribbiantes Šilhavý, 1973, is redescribed based on abundant material from the type locality, providing new data on its morphological variability and penis morphology. Two new species of Caribbiantes are described, C. obtusus sp. nov. and C. barbai sp. nov., based on additional specimens from central and eastern Cuba, for which we give information on their geographical distribution, intraspecific variability and habitat. A new diagnosis for Caribbiantes and updated geographic distributions of the included species are provided. The sexually dimorphic glandular structures on the metatarsus III of males for all Caribbiantes species are described. Male dimorphism, most evident in the robustness of the chelicerae, is reported for the studied species. The male genitalia patterns of Antillean stenostygnines species are described. The phylogenetic affinity of Antillean stenostygnines with Stenostygnus Simon, 1879, a genus from the north of South America, is discussed based on some morphological traits.

Variability of three-dimensional knee morphology cannot be effectively assessed using a coronal plane knee alignment classification in total knee arthroplasty patients.

Optimal reproduction of the native three-dimensional (3D) alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) influences outcomes; however, much of the modern TKA alignment research, such as the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK), focuses only on coronal alignment. Tibial, femoral and tibiofemoral measurements on the axial and sagittal planes were evaluated for their relationship to the arithmetic hip-knee-ankle angle (aHKA) and joint-line obliquity (JLO). These 3D anatomical measurements are also evaluated across CPAK groups. A retrospective analysis of the 360 Med Care computed tomography (CT) database was performed. Patient CT scans were segmented and landmarked. Linear regression analysis compared 12 axial and sagittal plane measurements (representing tibial, femoral and tibiofemoral rotation, tibial slope and femoral flexion) with both aHKA and JLO. Nonparametric tests assessed these anatomical measurements across the different CPAK groups, while Cohen's delta (d) determined the effect size. With a sample size of 7450 osteoarthritic knees, significant but weak relationships (r < 0.30) were observed between all 12 anatomical measurements and both aHKA and JLO. Tibiofemoral rotations between Insall's axis and both the posterior condylar and the surgical transepicondylar axes demonstrated large effect sizes (d > 0.80). However, trivial to small effect sizes (d < 0.50) were broadly observed across the 12 axial and sagittal measurements, underscoring their limited clinical significance. While useful for describing coronal knee anatomy, CPAK phenotypes fail to differentiate tibial, femoral and tibiofemoral rotation, tibial slope or femoral flexion-crucial aspects of 3D surgical planning. Therefore, more comprehensive knee phenotyping solutions are required to guide individualised TKA alignment strategies. Level II.