Original Description Research Articles

Morphological and genetic data challenge species and subspecies in the Lerista microtis group (Squamata: Scincidae)

The subspecies rank has been widely applied by taxonomists to capture infraspecific variation within the Linnaean classification system. Many subspecies described throughout the 20th century were recognised largely based on perceived variation in single morphological characters yet have since been found not to correspond to separately evolving population lineages, thus requiring synonymy or elevation to full species under lineage-based views of species. These modern lineage-based taxonomic resolutions have resulted from a combination of new molecular genetic techniques, improved geographical sampling of specimens, and more sophisticated analyses of morphological variation (e.g., statistical assessments rather than solely univariate descriptive ones). Here, we revisit the current taxonomic arrangement of species-level and subspecific taxa in the Lerista microtis (Gray) group, which is distributed along a narrow ~2000 km strip on the southern coast of Australia. From specimens of the L. microtis group, an additional species (Lerista arenicola) and two additional subspecies (L. m. intermedia and L. m. schwaneri) were described. We collected data on mensural, meristic, and colour pattern characters to explore morpho-spatial relationships among these taxa. Although our morphological analyses revealed some distinctiveness among specimens from locations assigned to each taxon, this variation is continuous along Australia’s southern coastline, assuming the form of a geographic cline rather than discrete forms. For many characters, however, spatial patterns were inconsistent with the original descriptions, particularly of the subspecies. Moreover, analysis of genome wide restriction-associated DNA loci revealed multiple instances of paraphyly among taxa, with phylogenetic clustering of specimens assigned to distinct species and subspecies. These emerging patterns provide no support for L. arenicola as a species evolving separately from L. microtis. Additionally, our findings challenge the presumed distinctiveness and coherence of the three subspecies of L. microtis. We thus synonymise L. arenicola and the L. microtis subspecies with L. microtis and provide a redescription of a single yet morphologically variable species—an arrangement that best reflects evolutionary history and the continuous nature of morphological variation across space.

TFE3-Rearranged PEComa/PEComa-like Neoplasms: Report of 25 New Cases Expanding the Clinicopathologic Spectrum and Highlighting its Association With Prior Exposure to Chemotherapy.

Since their original description as a distinctive neoplastic entity, ~50 TFE3-rearranged perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) have been reported. We herein report 25 new TFE3-rearranged PEComas and review the published literature to further investigate their clinicopathologic spectrum. Notably, 5 of the 25 cases were associated with a prior history of chemotherapy treatment for cancer. This is in keeping with prior reports, based mainly on small case series, with overall 11% of TFE3-rearranged PEComas being diagnosed postchemotherapy. The median age of our cohort was 38 years. Most neoplasms demonstrated characteristic features such as nested architecture, epithelioid cytology, HMB45 positive, and muscle marker negative immunophenotype. SFPQ was the most common TFE3 fusion partner present in half of the cases, followed by ASPSCR1 and NONO genes. Four of 7 cases in our cohort with meaningful follow-up presented with or developed systemic metastasis, while over half of the reported cases either recurred locally, metastasized, or caused patient death. Follow-up for the remaining cases was limited (median 18.5 months), suggesting that the prognosis may be worse. Size, mitotic activity, and necrosis were correlated with aggressive behavior. There is little evidence that treatment with MTOR inhibitors, which are beneficial against TSC-mutated PEComas, is effective against TFE3-rearranged PEComas: only one of 6 reported cases demonstrated disease stabilization. As co-expression of melanocytic and muscle markers, a hallmark of conventional TSC-mutated PEComa is uncommon in the spectrum of TFE3-rearranged PEComa, an alternative terminology may be more appropriate, such as "TFE3-rearranged PEComa-like neoplasms," highlighting their distinctive morphologic features and therapeutic implications.

Minimally invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA) osteotomies without Akin fixation in hallux valgus correction: a case series with 2-year follow-up.

The minimally invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA) is considered the third generation of minimally invasive hallux valgus (HV) surgery, and its original description included fixation of the Akin osteotomy with a screw. The aim of this study is to evaluate a series of patients undergoing HV correction using the MICA technique without screw fixation of the Akin osteotomy. We retrospectively evaluated 58 consecutive patients who underwent surgical correction for HV between August 2018 and March 2020. A total of 69 feet were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 2years. Clinical outcomes such as pain (VAS), function (AOFAS), range of movement, criteria personal satisfaction and complications were evaluated. The AOFAS score (mean ± standard deviation) significantly improved from 57.0 ± 8.6 preoperatively to 93.9 ± 8.7 postoperatively (p < .001) with a minimum follow-up of 2years. The VAS score improved from 6.0 ± 1.8 preoperatively to 0.6 ± 1.4 at 2-year follow-up (p < .001), and the hallux valgus angle reduced from 39.7 ± 6.9 to 8.9 ± 9.0 (p < .001). The majority of patients (95.6%) reported the result as excellent or good, and the most common complication was the need to remove the screw (7.2%). The use of MICA without Akin osteotomy fixation resulted in successful correction of hallux valgus with improvements in clinical and radiographic parameters. IV, case series.

New taxa of the Rhaphoneidaceae Forti (Bacillariophyta) from the middle Eocene

Rhaphoneis amphiceros (Ehrenberg) Ehrenberg is one of the commonest extant rhaphoneid diatoms and has been reported from multiple fossil deposits, but our work suggests this taxon may not be as common in the fossil assemblages as indicated by the literature. Indeed, the original description of the species, made by Ehrenberg, is not as detailed as modern descriptions, which can lead to confusion when identifying taxa. Recent studies show that diatom species previously reported to occur over time intervals of tens of millions of years may actually represent groups of taxa lumped together due to inaccurate identifications. In this article, we present two new species that, without careful SEM examination, can be confused with R. amphiceros. These new species, interpreted to represent two new genera in the Rhaphoneidaceae, were found in middle Eocene sediments from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Hole 1050A (30°06’N, 76°14.1’W), drilled on Blake Nose, western North Atlantic. Rhomboneis shtapovii Figus & Witkowski and Rosaforma paillesiae Figus & Witkowski show unique morphological characteristics that lead us to create new genera. Rhomboneis shtapovii has two rimoportulae per valve and an unusual type of velum occluding the areolae. Rosaforma paillesiae has a peculiar asymmetric apical pore field occupying half the valve pole, the other half contains a rimoportula with two apical pores.

Redescription of Hatschekia exigua Pearse, 1951 (Copepoda: Hatschekiidae), parasitic on the Squirrelfish Holocentrus adscensionis (Osbeck, 1765) (Actinopterygii: Holocentridae) off Ceará, Northeastern Brazil, with first description of the male.

The original description of Hatschekia exigua Pearse, 1951 neglected innumerous features of taxonomic value as well as morphometric data and illustrations. Posteriorly, other author tried to access the type material, but their poor state of preservation compromised a detailed redescription. Since then, this species is in need for new morphological data, mainly from fresh material. In the present work, three specimens of Holocentrus adscensionis from Mucuripe Bay, Fortaleza, State of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil, were parasitized by copepods on their gills. Parasites were fixed and preserved in 80% ethanol and cleared in 85% lactic acid for morphological observations using light microscopy. The females were identified as Hatschekia exigua by the cephalothorax representing about one-fourth of total body length, with lateral margins expanded into lateral lobes, first exopod with basal segment armed with one outer setae and terminal segment with three setae, first endopod with basal segment unarmed and terminal segment with five setae, leg 3 reduced to two setae and leg 4 reduced to single seta. Comparison with the type series revealed morphological differences in trunk and small appendages, which may be related to alterations in the specimens, caused by the mounting methodology and poor preservation. A detailed morphological analysis of the male revealedfor the first time that they differ from their closest congeners by having five setae on the last endopodal segment of leg 1, by smooth intercoxal sclerites on legs 1 and 2and by a proximolateral process on the third segment of antenna. Moreover, this work represents the first report of H. exigua in Brazil and the first hatschekiid copepod found off the coast of Ceará, highlighting that the diversity of Hatschekiidae in this oceanographic region still needs further investigation.

Complementary description of two Anthoseius De Leon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) species based on their holotypes with new synonyms

Due to the inadequacy of prior descriptions and the absence of redescriptions, studies on the taxonomy of the subgenus Anthoseius De Leon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) have become challenging and often cause confusion among taxonomists. Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) ghanii (Muma) and T. (A.) loralaiana (Muma) were described from Pakistan almost sixty years ago. Their original descriptions are not very detailed, being based on simple drawings and an absence of diagnostic characters that include measurements of dorsal setae. Most likely due to its inadequate description, T. (A.) ghanii was not recognized by acarologists and was therefore repeatedly described as a new species under different names. We examined the holotypes of T. (A.) homalii Gupta and T. (A.) sagaricus Karmakar et al. concluding both species to be junior synonyms of T. (A.) ghanii. Moreover, T. (A.) kuznetsovi (Denmark and Welbourn), described from Tajikistan, is proposed as a new junior synonym of T. (A.) loralaiana based on the examination of their holotypes. Hence, complementary descriptions of T. (A.) ghanii and T. (A.) loralaiana, based on their holotypes, are provided to facilitate species identification and to improve their diagnosis.

Free-living mites (Acari) of the Shokalsky Island, off the northern Gyda Peninsula, Kara Sea, High Arctic

The fauna of free-living mites of the Shokalsky Island, off the Gyda Peninsula, Kara Sea, totals at least 81 species belonging to 36 families. The suborder Prostigmata includes 38 species, vs 18 of Oribatida, 17 of Mesostigmata, 5 of Endeostigmata, and 3 of Astigmata. The most species-rich families are Ascidae (9 species), Eupodidae (7), Tarsonemidae (4), and Ceratozetidae (4). However, most genera (77%) are represented by one species only. Among mites identified to the species level, the Holarctic species prevail which show mainly arctic, arctic-montane, and arctic-boreal distribution patterns. The abundance of soil mites varies with 10160–299440 ind./m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, being the maximum in the soil of both dryad tundra and in a polar fox den on a hillock. Prostigmata are the most diverse mite group throughout, but the dominant species include either prostigmatic or endeostigmatic, or oribatid mites. The rare species, Charadracarus hurdi Newell, 1960, hitherto known only from Point Barrow, Alaska, has been found for the first time since its original description. Some features of the acarofauna of the Shokalsky Island are transitional between those characteristics of the polar desert and tundra zones.

Ultrafast Kapitza-Dirac effect.

Similar to the optical diffraction of light passing through a material grating, the Kapitza-Dirac effect occurs when an electron is diffracted by a standing light wave. In its original description, the effect is time independent. Here, we extended the Kapitza-Dirac effect to the time domain. By tracking the spatiotemporal evolution of a pulsed electron wave packet diffracted by a 60-femtosecond (where one femtosecond = 10-15 seconds) standing wave pulse in a pump-probe scheme, we observed time-dependent diffraction patterns. The fringe spacing in the observed pattern differs from that generated by the conventional Kapitza-Dirac effect. By exploiting this time-resolved diffraction scheme, we can access the time evolution of the phase properties of a free electron and potentially image ionic potentials and electronic decoherences.

Early and Realistic Exploitability Prediction of Just-Disclosed Software Vulnerabilities: How Reliable Can It Be?

With the rate of discovered and disclosed vulnerabilities escalating, researchers have been experimenting with machine learning to predict whether a vulnerability will be exploited. Existing solutions leverage information unavailable when a CVE is created, making them unsuitable just after the disclosure. This paper experiments with early exploitability prediction models driven exclusively by the initial CVE record, i.e., the original description and the linked online discussions. Leveraging NVD and Exploit Database, we evaluate 72 prediction models trained using six traditional machine learning classifiers, four feature representation schemas, and three data balancing algorithms. We also experiment with five pre-trained large language models (LLMs). The models leverage seven different corpora made by combining three data sources, i.e., CVE description, Security Focus , and BugTraq . The models are evaluated in a realistic , time-aware fashion by removing the training and test instances that cannot be labeled “neutral”  with sufficient confidence. The validation reveals that CVE descriptions and Security Focus discussions are the best data to train on. Pre-trained LLMs do not show the expected performance, requiring further pre-training in the security domain. We distill new research directions, identify possible room for improvement, and envision automated systems assisting security experts in assessing the exploitability.

The return of the forgotten: redescription and new data on the distribution of Acnemia sibirica Ostroverkhova, 1979 (Diptera: Mycetophilidae)

The description of Acnemia sibirica was published by G.P. Ostroverkhova in her 1979 monograph. The species, however, was mistakenly given as it had been described in 1978. Moreover, it was not explicitly indicated as a new species (except in the legend for the figure of male terminalia), and type specimens were not designated. Evidently, due to confusion with the original description, the species was not mentioned in the recent literature and was not included in the online taxonomic databases. Anyway, the name complies with the availability criteria according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, and hence the species should be treated as Acnemia sibirica Ostroverkhova, 1979. The identity of the species can be reliably established based on the original figures by G.P. Ostroverkhova and on preserved slides. The species is here redescribed, and illustrations of the male terminalia for both type and new specimens are provided. Lectotype and paralectotypes are designated. New data on species’ distribution are reported.

The role of extracellular vesicle immune checkpoints in cancer.

Immune checkpoints (ICPs) play a crucial role in regulating the immune response. In the tumor, malignant cells can hijack the immunosuppressive effects of inhibitory ICPs to promote tumor progression. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by a variety of cells and contain bioactive molecules on their surface or within their lumen. The expression of ICPs has also been detected on EVs. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that extracellular vesicle immune checkpoints (EV ICPs) have immunomodulatory effects and are involved in tumor immunity. EV ICPs isolated from the peripheral blood of cancer patients are closely associated with the tumor progression and the prognosis of cancer patients. Blocking inhibitory ICPs has been recognized as an effective strategy in cancer treatment. However, the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer treatment is hindered by the emergence of therapeutic resistance, which limit their widespread use. Researchers have demonstrated that EV ICPs are correlated with clinical response to ICIs therapy and were involved in therapeutic resistance. Therefore, it's essential to investigate the immunomodulatory effects, underlying mechanisms, and clinical significance of EV ICPs in cancer. This review aims to comprehensively explore these aspects. We have provided a comprehensive description of the cellular origins, immunomodulatory effects, and clinical significance of EV ICPs in cancer, based on relevant studies.

New data on the clupeoids of lakes Mai-Ndombe and Tumba, western Democratic Republic of the Congo, using an integrated approach combining morphology and barcoding

Morphological and molecular comparisons of clupeoid fishes in lakes Tumba and Mai-Ndombe in the Congo Basin revealed that a large-sized form of a common species in Lake Mai-Ndombe had not been distinguished from the small-sized endemic Mai-Ndombe dwarf sprat Nannothrissa stewarti Poll & Roberts, 1976 in ecological studies. The large-sized form differs from the Mai-Ndombe dwarf sprat in several morphological characters and resembles the smalltoothed pellonula Pellonula leonensis Boulenger, 1916, but in barcoding analysis appears more closely related to the bluntnosed sawtooth pellonuline Potamothrissa obtusirostris (Boulenger, 1909). This large-sized form is probably a species new to science but will remain undescribed for now, and is here referred to as Pellonulinae sp. BIG. A slender clupeoid, also from Lake Mai-Ndombe, has recently been referred to as the Lake Tumba dwarf sprat Nannothrissa parva (Regan, 1917), which would be the first record of this species from that lake. Specimens of a slender clupeoid collected from Lake Mai-Ndombe for this study were identified as the losera fangtooth pellonuline Odaxothrissa losera Boulenger, 1899. This is the first confirmed occurrence of this species in Lake Mai-Ndombe, whereas the presence of N. parva could not be confirmed. The phylogenetic analysis strongly supports the genus Nannothrissa as currently delimited, here barcoded for the first time, but also confirms the previously reported mismatch between morphological classification and molecular data in this group. We further note that the Mai-Ndombe dwarf sprat attains a larger size than the maximum size noted in the original description in 1976, and it is suggested that an intense beach-seine fishery that utilises mosquito nets might have led to a population decline followed by decreased intraspecific competition, enhancing individual growth. For the same reason, Pellonulinae sp. BIG might have been less common previously and so remained undetected until now.

Review of the genus Daidalotarsonemus De Leon (Acari: Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae)

We review the genus Daidalotarsonemus (Acari: Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae), including information about its taxonomy, phylogeny and distribution. In total, 42 species are listed, which the original descriptions register from 15 countries. Among them three new species are described and ten species are redescribed. Also, Mandarin descriptions for four species are translated to English, and one species is transferred to species inquirenda status. An identification key based on females is provided. Biological and biogeographical aspects of the genus are also briefly discussed. The cladistic analysis returned a single most parsimonious tree of 212 steps (CI 48, RI 76) and reinforces the hypothesis of monophyly for Daidalotarsonemus. According to it, the genus is primarily divided into two well-defined branches (A and B): the first based on two synapomorphies and the second by one synapomorphy and one homoplasy, all related to the dorsal setae d and e, respectively. The American continent hosts most of the known diversity for this group; however, the data indicates Daidalotarsonemus has a worldwide distribution, spread throughout a variety of biomes from savannahs to temperate forests.  

Are Protoperidinium knipowitschii from the Sea of Azov and the Western Mediterranean P. paulseni (Dinoflagellata: Peridiniales) Synonymous?

Thecal morphology and morphometry of the planktonic dinoflagellate Protoperidinium paulseni (Pavill.) Balech were studied in samples taken in the northwestern Black Sea (Odessa Bay). Using epifluorescence microscopy and SEM, data on the apical pore complex, apical intercalary, sulcal and cingular plates were obtained for the first time; the presence of the hypothecal pore in the 1”’ plate is also reported for the first time. The epitheca morphology was clarified (para 1’ and hexa 2a plates). Cells are 50.3-65.4 μm long and 38.5-52.4 μm wide (n=15). Light and scanning electron micrographs of the examined cells are presented. A comparison between the original descriptions and illustrations of P. paulseni, P. knipowitschii, our cells from Odessa Bay, as well as P. fatulipes and P. saltans (the species mentioned in the literature as morphologically similar to the former two), was made. The results showed that Protoperidinium knipowitschii (Usachev) Balech 1974 (basionym: Peridinium Knipowitschii Usachev 1927) described from the Sea of Azov can be considered synonymous to Protoperidinium Paulseni (Pavill.) Balech 1974 (basionym: Peridinium paulseni Pavill. 1909). Data on the geographical distribution of P. paulseni are provided.

First description of the females of Qinorapalaqinlingana Chou & Wang, 1995 (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) from Shaanxi and Sichuan Provinces, western China.

The family Lycaenidae is a widely distributed and species-rich group with approximately 5300 described species. The rare genus Qinorapala Chou & Wang, with Q.qinlingana Chou & Wang as its type species was established as monotypic. In the original description, Q.qinlingana was described from a male holotype; the female remained unknown. To date, the genus is only recorded from the Qinling Mountains (Shaanxi and Gansu Provinces). In this study, two female specimens, from Shaanxi Province and western Sichuan Province (bordering Yunnan Province) are described and illustrated for the first time. Female specimens of Q.qinlingana from Shaanxi and Sichuan are described for the first time. The species' distribution is updated and a distribution map is provided.

Revision of some historical types of the genus Lithobius Leach, 1814 (Chilopoda, Lithobiomorpha) from the 1949/50 Austrian Iran Expedition, with new molecular data for L. iranicus Attems, 1951

Lithobius (Lithobius) iranicus Attems, 1951, is recorded for the first time since its original description and is rediagnosed and redescribed based on recent and type material deposited at the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (NHMW). The revision of the species includes genetic information from three loci and modern illustrations of its key morphological characters. Restudy of the syntypes of two nominal species collected in the same expedition, Lithobius inaequidens Attems, 1951, and L. rhiknus Attems, 1951, reveals no reliable distinguishing characters from L. iranicus, with which they are placed in junior subjective synonymy. Lithobius inquiriendus Attems, 1951 is based on immature specimens from southern Iran that likely include two species, neither of which can be confidently identified as conspecific with L. iranicus. Incorporating L. iranicus in a molecular phylogeny for Lithobiidae recovers it as an isolated lineage allied to a clade of mostly Palaearctic species of Lithobius (Lithobius).  

Encyclia naranjapatensis Dodson (Orchidaceae), a new record for the Peruvian flora

Background: Encyclia, is a genus with more than 200 species in the Neotropics, eight of which have been previously reported from Peru. During the evaluation of the orchid flora in the forests of the Sicchez district, a small population of an Encyclia species was found that could not be unequivocally matched to any previously known species in the country.&#x0D; Questions: Will the recent explorations of Northern Peru result in the reporting of new taxa for the country?&#x0D; Studied species: Orchidaceae, Laeliinae, Encyclia Hook, Encyclia naranjapatensis Dodson&#x0D; Study site and dates: Sicchez District, Ayabaca Province, Piura Department, Peru, 2022-2023.&#x0D; Methods: Specimens were collected and determined by consulting botanical collections available online, taxonomic treatments, checklists, and specialized literature. The conservation status was assessed according to IUCN methodology.&#x0D; Results: We report a novelty for Peru, Encyclia naranjapatensis, and an updated description including morphological information on relevant structures that will be used to diagnose this entity. In addition, E. naranjapatensis is part of a basal clade referred to as the E. diurna species group. The conservation status assessment results in Endangered and the species is linked to the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest, an endangered ecosystem throughout the Neotropics.&#x0D; Conclusions: The recent entity located in Peru correspond to Encyclia naranjapatensis. This discovery allows us to investigate the geographical limits, discuss the phylogenetic and ecological affinities, update the original description, and evaluate its conservation status.

Eponymous terms in acromioclavicular joint surgery.

Eponymization serves as a means of paying tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to our culture. Each eponym is often linked with a story for everyone to discover. To aid in the retention of these stories, this review offers readers an overview of the individuals behind the eponymous terms, as well as their original descriptions, within the context of acromioclavicular joint pathology and orthopaedic surgery.

Systematics of Pilielmis Hinton, 1971 (Coleoptera: Dryopoidea: Elmidae).

Pilielmis is a small genus of Neotropical Elmidae found in the Amazon basin and French Guiana, with distribution in five countries: Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Peru, and Venezuela. Currently, seven species of Pilielmis are known, six of which were described in the original description of the genus by Hinton (1971), and the most recent one was described by Polizei & Barclay (2019). In this paper, we review the genus Pilielmis based on the analysis of type-specimens and material collected in different regions of northern South America. A phylogenetic study was performed to hypothesize the relationship between all species of Pilielmis and to test the monophyly of this genus. For this purpose, 42 morphological characters of adults were investigated, among them some structures that were not illustrated and described in the original descriptions. As result, all seven previously known species were redescribed with standardized morphological information. Three new species were discovered in the examined material: Pilielmis baniwa sp. nov., Pilielmis muricula sp. nov., Pilielmis nheengatu sp. nov. A key for identification of the adults of Pilielmis is proposed and new records for Suriname, Peru, and some Brazilian states are presented. The phylogenetic analysis corroborated the monophyly of Pilielmis and presented phylogenetic information from characteristics not used before in the taxonomy of the genus, such as mouth parts and female ovipositor.

Performance of a commercially available Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) in describing radiolucent lesions in panoramic radiographs and establishing differential diagnoses.

To evaluate the performance of a commercially available Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) in describing and establishing differential diagnoses for radiolucent lesions in panoramic radiographs. Twenty-eight panoramic radiographs, each containing a single radiolucent lesion, were evaluated in consensus by three examiners and a commercially available ChatGPT-3.5 model. They provided descriptions regarding internal structure (radiodensity, loculation), periphery (margin type, cortication), shape, location (bone, side, region, teeth/structures), and effects on adjacent structures (effect, adjacent structure). Diagnostic impressions related to origin, behavior, and nature were also provided. The GPT program was additionally prompted to provide differential diagnoses. Keywords used by the GPT program were compared to those used by the examiners and scored as 0 (incorrect), 0.5 (partially correct), or 1 (correct). Mean score values and standard deviation were calculated for each description. Performance in establishing differential diagnoses was assessed using Rank-1, -2, and - 3. Descriptions of margination, affected bone, and origin received the highest scores: 0.93, 0.93, and 0.87, respectively. Shape, region, teeth/structures, effect, affected region, and nature received considerably lower scores ranging from 0.22 to 0.50. Rank-1, -2, and - 3 demonstrated accuracy in 25%, 57.14%, and 67.85% of cases, respectively. The performance of the GPT program in describing and providing differential diagnoses for radiolucent lesions in panoramic radiographs is variable and at this stage limited in its use for clinical application. Understanding the potential role of GPT systems as an auxiliary tool in image interpretation is imperative to validate their clinical applicability.