bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Analysis of the Predictive Value of Sonographic Pleural Fluid Echogenicity for the Diagnosis of Exudative Effusion
Authors: Asciak Rachelle , Hassan Maged , Mercer Rachel M. , Hallifax Robert J. , Wrightson John M. , Psallidas Ioannis , Rahman Najib M.
Published: March 2019

Background: Pleural effusion echogenicity on ultrasound has previously been suggested to allow identification of exudates. A case series suggested that homogenously echogenic effusions are always exudates. With modern imaging techniques and more advanced ultrasound technology, this may no longer be true. Objectives: This study aims to prospectively assess the predictive value of echogenicity in the identification of exudates. Method: Patients undergoing thoracic ultrasound before pleural fluid sampling were analysed prospectively (n = 140). Pleural fluid was classified as an exudate if both fluid total protein (TP) > 29 g/L and fluid lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > 2/3 upper limit of normal serum LDH (which is 255 IU/L in females and 235 IU/L in males) were present. If only one of these criteria was met, the effusion was considered to have discordant biochemistry. Results: Fifty-five (39%) patients had non-echogenic and 85 (61%) had echogenic effusions. Six (7.1%) patients with echogenic effusions had transudates; the median fluid TP for this group was 18.5 g/L (IQR 9.75) and median LDH 63.0 IU/L (IQR 40.3). The specificity of echogenicity identifying exudates from transudates, excluding patients with discordant biochemistry, was 57.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) 90.3%, sensitivity 65.1%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 21.0%. The specificity of echogenicity identifying exudates (including discordant biochemistry) from transudates was 57.1%, PPV 92.9%, sensitivity 62.7%, and NPV 14.5%. Conclusions: Echogenicity of a pleural effusion has a low specificity for identifying an underlying exudate, and the echogenic qualities of the fluid should not influence clinical decision-making.
Streptolysin O Induces the Ubiquitination and Degradation of Pro-IL-1β
Authors: Hancz Dóra , Westerlund Elsa , Valfridsson Christine , Aemero Getachew Melkamu , Bastiat-Sempe Benedicte , Orning Pontus , Lien Egil , Wessels Michael R. , Persson Jenny J.
Published: March 2019

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a common and versatile human pathogen causing a variety of diseases. One of the many virulence factors of GAS is the secreted pore-forming cytotoxin streptolysin O (SLO), which has been ascribed multiple properties, including inflammasome activation leading to release of the potent inflammatory cytokine IL-1β from infected macrophages. IL-1β is synthesized as an inactive pro-form, which is activated intracellularly through proteolytic cleavage. Here, we use a macrophage infection model to show that SLO specifically induces ubiquitination and degradation of pro-IL-1β. Ubiquitination was dependent on SLO being released from the infecting bacterium, and pore formation by SLO was required but not sufficient for the induction of ubiquitination. Our data provide evidence for a novel SLO-mediated mechanism of immune regulation, emphasizing the importance of this pore-forming toxin in bacterial virulence and pathogenesis.
Clinical Evaluation of a New Swept-Source Optical Coherence Biometer That Uses Individual Refractive Indices to Measure Axial Length in Cataract Patients
Authors: Tamaoki Akeno , Kojima Takashi , Hasegawa Asato , Yamamoto Mana , Kaga Tatsushi , Tanaka Kiyoshi , Ichikawa Kazuo
Published: March 2019

Backgrounds: Although the OCT biometer using individual refractive index is available, comparisons of measurement value and intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation error with other SS-OCT biometers are not known. Objectives: To compare the new SS-OCT biometer ARGOS (OCTB1), which uses individual refractive indices to measure axial length, with the IOLMaster 700 (OCTB2) and OA-2000 (OLCR), which use equivalent refractive index. Method: Six hundred and twenty-two eyes of 622 patients who had been diagnosed with cataract were enrolled in the study. Among the 158 eyes that had undergone cataract surgery, the postoperative refractive error was evaluated using the Haigis formula. Results: The axial length measured by the OCTB1 showed a proportional bias in comparison with the other two biometers and a fixed bias in eyes with an axial length ≥26 mm. No significant difference was found in the median absolute refractive prediction error (p = 0.3278). However, in eyes with an axial length ≥26 mm, the OCTB1 showed myopic error compared with the other two biometers (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In eyes with long axial length, when the conventional IOL calculation was optimized with the equivalent refractive index-based instrument, we need to consider that IOL calculation using OCTB1 tends to cause slightly myopic refractive prediction error.
Causative Pathogens of Endophthalmitis after Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injection: An International Multicenter Study
Authors: Busch Catharina , Iglicki Matias , Okada Mali , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Cohen Shai , Mariussi Miriana , Amphornphruet Atchara , Cebeci Zafer , Chaikitmongkol Voraporn , Couturier Aude , Fraser-Bell Samantha , Fung Adrian T. , Iannetta Danilo , Radecka Liga , Laíns Inês , Rodrigues Tiago M. , Lupidi Marco , Ozimek Małgorzata , Sala-Puigdollers Anna , Rehak Matus , Loewenstein Anat , Zur Dinah ,   for the International Retina Group (IRG)
Published: March 2019

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to investigate the microbiological spectrum of endophthalmitis after anti-VEGF injections and to compare streptococcal with non-streptococcus-associated cases with regard to baseline characteristics and injection procedure. Methods: Retrospective, international multicenter study of patients with culture-positive endophthalmitis after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection at 17 different retina referral centers. Results: Eighty-three cases with 87 identified pathogens were included. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (59%) and viridans streptococci (15%) were the most frequent pathogens found. The use of postoperative antibiotics and performance of injections in an operating room setting significantly reduced the rate of streptococcus-induced endophthalmitis cases (p = 0.01 for both). Conclusion: We found a statistically significant lower rate of postinjectional local antibiotic therapy and operating room-based procedures among the streptococcus-induced cases compared to cases caused by other organisms.
The Impact of Norms on the Outcome of Children Born Very-Preterm when Using the Bayley-III: Differences between US and German Norms
Authors: Fuiko Renate , Oberleitner-Leeb Christiane , Klebermass-Schrehof Katrin , Berger Angelika , Brandstetter Sophia , Giordano Vito
Published: March 2019

Background: The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (Bayley-III) are widely used to assess the development of children born preterm. However, it is still unclear whether US norms are adequate for use in other populations. In 2014, the German version of the Bayley-III with German norms was published. Objectives: We aimed to compare the performance of very-preterm infants at one, two, and three years of age using the German versus US norms of the Bayley-III. Methods: All children born prior to 32 weeks of gestational age during 2012 and 2015 and taking part in the follow-up program of the Medical University of Vienna were assessed and scored according to both German and US norms by two expert clinical psychologists at the age of one, two, and three years of age. Results: In total, 843 tests were obtained from 450 children. When looking at scaled scores for cognitive, language, and motor outcomes, preterm children achieved significantly lower scores in nearly all subtests with the German as compared to the US norms. In addition, the proportion of impaired children scoring < 1 standard deviation (SD) and < 2 SD below the norm was significantly higher in nearly all subtests when using the German compared to the US norms (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Applying German and US norms of the Bayley-III leads to different outcomes in very-preterm children, and these differences are statistically significant and clinically relevant. Thus, comparisons of outcomes of very-preterm children using culturally specific norms are problematic, and these findings have to be considered.
Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter for Preterm Infants: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ardell Sarah , Daspal Sibasis , Holt Tanya , Hansen Gregory
Published: March 2019

Objective: In preterm infants, early diagnosis and management of a raised intracranial pressure (ICP) may be important to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. While invasive ICP monitoring is not recommended, ultrasonography of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) could provide a noninvasive alternative to evaluate ICP. The objective of this pilot study was to document ranges of ONSD in preterm infants. Methods: This prospective cohort pilot evaluated preterm infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit without suspected raised ICP. Three images per eye were obtained from a 20–5 MHz linear array ultrasound transducer placed on the patient’s superior eyelid. The OSND was measured 3 mm behind the globe. A second ultrasonographer duplicated half of the scans. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted for both right and left ONSD with corrected gestational age, weight, and head circumference as predictors. Lin’s concordance assessed interrater reliability. Results: In 12 preterm infants 114 scans were performed on both eyes. The median age was 33 weeks (corrected gestational age) with a range of 29–36 weeks. Corrected gestational age was the strongest predictor for ONSD, and preliminary measurements at each gestational age were established. Interrater reliability demonstrated substantial agreement (Qc = 0.97). Conclusion: In preterm infants, ONSD strongly correlates with corrected gestational age. These data should be validated with other imaging modalities before abnormal ranges can be considered.
Paternity in 5α-Reductase-2 Deficiency: Report of Two Brothers with Spontaneous or Assisted Fertility and Literature Review
Authors: Bertelloni Silvano , Baldinotti Fulvia , Baroncelli Giampiero I. , Caligo Maria A. , Peroni Diego
Published: March 2019

Fertility remains a challenge for men with 5α-reductase-2 deficiency. Such a diagnosis was made in 2 adult brothers who are compound heterozygous for the 5α-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2; c.308G>C; c.689A>C). They were born with ambiguous genitalia and the male sex was assigned. Both brothers underwent reconstructive genital surgery during pediatric age and had spontaneous virilization at puberty. The older brother experienced natural conception, while the younger had a son by assisted reproductive technology. Other family members were demonstrated to be compound heterozygous or heterozygous for the same genetic variants. The older brother is the third man with 5α-reductase-2 deficiency and spontaneous paternity. The little series of men with 5α-reductase-2 deficiency and documented spontaneous or assisted paternity is reviewed. In conclusion, the possibility of fatherhood is a main indication for male sex assignment in patients with 5α-reductase-2 deficiency.
Rate of Serious Adverse Events Associated with Diazoxide Treatment of Patients with Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Thornton Paul , Truong Lisa , Reynolds Courtney , Hamby Tyler , Nedrelow Jonathan
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Diazoxide is the first line and only Federal Drug Agency approved pharmacological agent for the treatment of hyperinsulinism. Its use has increased over the years to include patients with various genetic forms of hyperinsulinism, perinatal stress hyperinsulinism and infants of diabetic mothers with more babies than ever being exposed to this therapy. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 194 patients with hyperinsulinism in our clinic and looked for those who had experienced serious adverse events (SAE) including pulmonary hypertension and neutropenia. We compared the rates of SAE in the different types of hyperinsulinism. Results: Out of 194 patients with hyperinsulinism, 165 (85.1%) were treated with diazoxide. There were 17 SAEs in 16 patients including 8 cases of pulmonary hypertension and 8 of neutropenia. These data show that overall the frequency of SAE associated with diazoxide use is 9.7%, but that those with perinatal stress hyperinsulinism have a much higher rate than those with genetic forms of hyperinsulinism (16.7 vs. 3.6%; p = 0.01). We also found diazoxide is associated with pulmonary hypertension (4.8% of patients treated). Although more patients with perinatal stress hyperinsulinism (7.6%) were affected than genetic hyperinsulinism (1.2%), the difference was not significant (p = 0.088). Conclusion: The rate of SAEs associated with (not necessarily caused by) diazoxide has been demonstrated. The rate of SAE in newborns with perinatal stress hyperinsulinism is significantly higher than that of otherwise healthy babies with genetic forms of hyperinsulinism, suggesting that caution should be used when prescribing diazoxide to this population. This information should help balance the risk benefit of treatment and provide guidance on screening for these complications in the population of treated patients.
Primary Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Thyroid: A Report of a Rare Case with Bone Metastasis and Review of the Literature
Authors: Le Quang Van , Ngo Duy Quoc , Ngo Quy Xuan
Published: March 2019

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) are generally found in salivary gland, but they have also been mentioned in other organs such as the larynx, esophagus, breast. MECs are considered to be a low-grade carcinoma and their occurrence in the thyroid is extremely rare. We present a 54-year-old male patient admitted to our clinic, complaining about having back pains for approximately three months. A lumbosacral spine MRI and a PET/CT scan revealed multiple lesions in the L4, L5, S1 vertebra bodies, sacral bone and left pelvis bone, suggesting of a metastatic disease. The result of thyroid FNA was carcinoma and a biopsy of the vertebra bone confirmed the presence of a metastatic carcinoma. A total thyroidectomy and level VI neck dissection was conducted followed by palliative external beam radiotherapy (30 Gy) to the vertebra bodies, sacral bone and left pelvis bone. In pathological studies, the diagnosis of thyroid mucoepidermoid carcinoma was confirmed. Six months after treatment, the patient died due to severe pain and fatigue caused by the disease. Here, we report a rare case with bone metastasis as the first symptom of MEC and a brief review of published literature on the subject.
Uncommon Mixed Endometrial-Myometrial Benign Tumors of the Reproductive Tract: Literature Review
Authors: Habiba Marwan , Brosens Ivo , Zannoni Gian Franco , Benagiano Giuseppe
Published: March 2019

Background: We reviewed published cases of uterus-like mass (U-LM), endomyometriosis, polypoid adenomyoma (PA), adenomyomatous polyp, atypical PA (APA), and adenomyoma. Search Methods: PubMed, Medline, and Scopus searches of all cases published in the databases till November 26, 2018. Results: We identified 45 case reports of U-LM in the pelvis, 10 cases of endomyometriosis, 44 cases of adenomyomatous polyp, 466 cases of APA and case series of adenomyoma and PA. Most case reports focused on histological description of removed lesions with no or very limited clinical correlates. Histological descriptions were often used interchangeably, which creates considerable confusion. It is unclear if endomyometriosis warrants inclusions as a distinct entity, since the distinction is blurred between adenomyomatous polyp and PA. The glandular epithelium in atypical polypoid adenomyoma exhibits atypia and the lesions have a tendency to recur with a risk of malignant transformation. Smooth muscle metaplasia and Müllerian fusion defects have been proposed as etiology, but it is possible that the lesions do not share a common origin. Conclusion: There is need for more detailed and structured description of reported cases including clinical presentation and associated pathology.
A new species of Tardigrada, Platicrista ramsayi sp. nov. from the páramo of Volcán Chiles, Ecuador
Authors: MARLEY NIGEL J.
Published: March 2019

A new species of Eutardigrada, Platicrista ramsayi sp. nov., is described from moss samples collected at high altitude on Volcán Chiles in the Ecuadorian Andes. This species differs from all others previously described in the genus by having only oblique cuticular bars on the first three pairs of legs. Platicrista affine (Mihel…i…, 1951) is formally designated as a nomen dubium. An amendment to the diagnostic characters for Platicrista itaquasconoide is proposed. A key to the species of the genus is presented.
Deep-sea Pasiphaeidae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea) from off the Brazilian central coast between 11° and 22°S, collected by the Revizee Program
Authors: TAVARES CAROLINA R. , CARDOSO IRENE A.
Published: March 2019

The family Pasiphaeidae is composed of seven genera, and only one of these genera, Leptochela, has been recorded from off Brazilian waters. From collections made during the Revizee Program — Central Score (between 11°–22°S and 200–2200m), four species are recorded for the first time from off the Brazilian coast: Pasiphaea merriami, Pasiphaea princeps, Parapasiphae cristata and Parapasiphae sulcatifrons.
The morphology, higher-level phylogeny and classification of the Empidoidea (Diptera)
Authors: SINCLAIR BRADLEY J. , CUMMING JEFFREY M.
Published: March 2019

A cladistic analysis of the Empidoidea and basal lineages of the Cyclorrhapha, based on morphological characters, confirms the monophyly of both groups as well as that of the                    Eremoneura. The resulting final trees are used to revise the classification of the Empidoidea to include the following five families: Empididae, Hybotidae, Atelestidae (including Nemedininae n. subfam.), Brachystomatidae rev. stat. (comprising the subfamilies Brachystomatinae, Ceratomerinae and Trichopezinae), and Dolichopodidae s.lat. The family Microphoridae is not recognized, and the Microphorinae and Parathalassiinae are assigned to the Dolichopodidae s.lat. The Dolichopodidae s.str. includes 15 subfamilies that were previously recognized within the family. Within the Empidoidea we found support for Atelestidae as the sister group to the Hybotidae and for the monophyly of Parathalassiinae + Dolichopodidae s.str. The Empididae remains poorly defined and the genera Homalocnemis Philippi, Iteaphila Zetterstedt, Anthepiscopus Becker, and Oreogeton Schiner are classified as incertae sedis within the                   Empidoidea. In addition, the following higher taxa are proposed: Symballophthalmini n. tribe, Bicellariini n. tribe, Oedaleinae rev. stat., and Trichininae rev. stat., which are all assigned to the Hybotidae. The genus Sematopoda Collin is tentatively assigned to Trichopezinae, and Xanthodromia Saigusa is transferred from Hemerodromiinae to Brachystomatinae.        All morphological characters are extensively discussed and illustrated, including details of the antennae, mouthparts, internal thoracic structures, wings, and male and female terminalia. In addition, a key to families and unplaced genus groups of the Empidoidea is provided. Feeding habits are also discussed in terms of the empidoid ground plan condition.
Animal biodiversity: An introduction to higher-level classification and taxonomic richness
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: March 2019

For the kingdom Animalia, 1,552,319 species have been described in 40 phyla in a new evolutionary classification. Among these, the phylum Arthropoda alone represents 1,242,040 species, or about 80% of the total. The most successful group, the Insecta (1,020,007 species), accounts for about 66% of all animals. The most successful insect order, Coleoptera (387,100 species), represents about 38% of all species in 39 insect orders. Another major group in Arthropoda is the class Arachnida (112,201 species), which is dominated by the mites and ticks (Acari 54,617 species) and spiders (43,579 species). Other highly diverse arthropod groups include Crustacea (66,914 species), Trilobitomorpha (19,606 species) and Myriapoda (11,885 species). The phylum Mollusca (117,358 species) is more diverse than other successful invertebrate phyla Platyhelminthes (29,285 species), Nematoda (24,783 species), Echinodermata (20,509 species), Annelida (17,210 species) and Bryozoa (10,941 species). The phylum Craniata, including the vertebrates, represents 64,832 species (for Recent taxa, except for amphibians): among these 7,694 described species of amphibians, 31,958 species of “fish” and 5,750 species of mammals.
Phylum Acanthocephala Kohlreuther, 1771 In: Zhang, Z.-Q. (Ed.) Animal biodiversity: An outline of higher-level classification and survey of taxonomic richness
Authors: MONKS SCOTT , RICHARDSON DENNIS J.
Published: March 2019

-
A new genus and species of the family Isididae (Coelenterata: Octocorallia) from a CMAR Biodiversity study, and a discussion on the subfamilial placement of some nominal isidid genera
Authors: ALDERSLADE PHILIP , MCFADDEN CATHERINE S.
Published: March 2019

We describe a new abyssal genus and species of bamboo coral (family Isididae) with some markedly unusual characteris-tics, collected from a depth of just over 2000 m off southern Tasmania. Jasonisis thresheri n. gen., n. sp. possesses a fleshytegument that contains nematocysts, tubular axial internodes that are internally partitioned, scale-shaped sclerites thathave a morphology not recorded before for octocorals, and polyps that lack thorny rods or double stars in the pharynx.Molecular data place Jasonisis n. gen. in the subfamily Keratoisidinae whose definition is altered to incorporate the un-usual characters. We also report some comparative observations on the internal structure of the axial internodes of theisidid genera Keratoisis Wright, 1869, Lepidisis Verrill, 1883 and Isidella Gray, 1857, and we alter the definition of thesubfamily Mopseinae to allow the inclusion of the genera Tenuisis, Echinisis sensu Bayer & Stefani 1987 and Sclerisis sensu Bayer & Stefani 1987.
Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) on Brassicaceae: a new species of Metaculus from Turkey and remarks on other species associated with brassicaceous plants
Authors: MONFREDA ROSITA , DE LILLO ENRICO
Published: March 2019

Populations of eriophyoid mites infesting Brassicaceae were surveyed and two species belonging to the genus MetaculusKeifer were found in an attempt to find enemies of some brassicaceous weeds in Turkey. A new species, Metaculus lep-idifolii n. sp., was collected on Lepidium latifolium L., commonly known as broadleaved or perennial pepperweed, man-ifesting leaf curling and deformation. In addition, Metaculus rapistri Carmona, was collected and redescribed from Isatistinctoria L., dyer’s woad, as a new host record and report for the Turkish fauna. This species also causes leaf deformation.A key to all known species of Metaculus found worldwide is provided. Because only a few eriophyoid species have beenrecorded on brassicaceous vegetables and weeds so far and the mite taxonomy appears to be confusing, remarks are given about the current state of knowledge. The new genus combination for Aculops lepidii is also given.
Additional Tardigrada from Hubei Province, China, with the description of Doryphoribius barbarae sp. nov. (Eutardigrada: Parachela: Hypsibiidae)
Authors: BEASLEY CLARK W. , MILLER WILLIAM R.
Published: March 2019

Previous papers have reported eleven species of Tardigrada from Hubei Province, and this paper more than doubles that number to 23 species, which includes five new records for China, one new record for mainland China, and one species new to science. Doryphoribius barbarae sp. nov. (evelinae group), has two macroplacoids, no microplacoid, nine rows of gibbosities (IX: 2-4-4-4-4-6-4-4-2), cuticle and gibbosities with irregularly shaped and arranged tubercles. It differs from similar species in the number of rows and the number of gibbosities per row, the cuticular pattern, or the size of the macroplacoids. Other species reported from Hubei Province are Cornechiniscus lobatus, Echiniscus cf. perviridis, E. reticulatus, E. viridissimus, Pseudechiniscus cf. papillosus, Doryphoribius huangguoshuensis, D. qinlingense, D. taiwanus, Astatumen bartosi, Paramacrobiotus cf. lorenae, M. mauccii, and Tenuibiotus tenuiformis.
Sexual dimorphism among species of Aleurocanthus Quaintance & Baker (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Taiwan, with one new species and an identification key
Authors: DUBEY ANIL KUMAR , KO CHIUN-CHENG
Published: March 2019

Sexual dimorphism is recorded among the puparia of six species of Aleurocanthus from Taiwan, including Aleurocanthuslauriphaga sp.n. from Cinnamomum osmophloeum. A key is provided to the puparia of seven species of this genus knownfrom Taiwan, with illustrations of immature stages and the adult male and female of the new species. The flocculent waxsecretion pattern in the puparia of this new species is atypical amongst Aleurocanthus species. Newly recorded from Tai-wan is A. citriperdus Quaintance & Baker, and the record of A. spinosus (Kuwana) from Taiwan is discussed. A list of recorded host plants of Aleurocanthus species from Taiwan is provided.
New records of Eutardigrada from Belarus with the description of three new species
Authors: PILATO GIOVANNI , KIOSYA YEVGEN , LISI OSCAR , SABELLA GIORGIO
Published: March 2019

The list of tardigrade species recorded from Belarus is provided; nine were new records for this geographic area and three,Macrobiotus sottilei sp. nov., Paramacrobiotus klymenki sp. nov. and Hypsibius valentinae sp. nov. were new to science.Macrobiotus sottilei sp. nov. had smooth cuticle; eye spots present; the dorsal transverse ridges of the buccal armaturejoined to form a continuous arc; pharyngeal bulb with two macroplacoids and microplacoid; eggs with processes in shapeof inverted goblets with indented distal discs; egg shell with a very dense reticular design.Paramacrobiotus klymenki sp. nov. had smooth cuticle; eye spots absent; buccal armature similar to that of P. areolatus;buccal tube not very wide; stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube at about 80% of its length; pharyngeal bulb withthree macroplacoids; microplacoid absent; eggs with conical processes with a reticular design similar to that of P. areola-tus; egg shell areolated; central area of each areola slightly thickened but not subdivided.Hypsibius valentinae sp. nov. had smooth cuticle; eye spots present; buccal tube very narrow; pharyngeal bulb with twomacroplacoids and a small septulum, claws of the Hypsibius type; small, smooth, flexible lunules present; a short cuticular bar is present between the bases of the claws of the hind legs; no cuticular bar on the first three pairs of legs.
A taxonomic revision of the Neotropical termite genus Cyrilliotermes Fontes (Isoptera, Termitidae, Syntermitinae)
Authors: CONSTANTINO REGINALDO , CARVALHO SÉRGIO H.C.
Published: March 2019

The taxonomy of the South American termite genus Cyrilliotermes Fontes, 1985 is revised, including an identification keyto soldiers and distribution maps for all species. Two new species are described: C. brevidens and C. crassinasus, bothfrom southeastern Brazil. C. cashassa Fontes, 1985 and C. jaci Fontes, 1985 are both designated as junior synonyms ofC. angulariceps (Mathews, 1977), and C. cupim Fontes, 1985 is designated as a junior synonym of C. strictinasus (Mathews, 1977). An updated diagnosis for the genus is presented, including gut morphology. All species are illustrated.
New omethid and lampyrid taxa from the Baltic Amber (Insecta: Coleoptera)
Authors: KAZANTSEV SERGEY V.
Published: March 2019

Two new fossil genera, Electromethes gen. n. (Omethidae) and Electotreta gen. n. (Lampyridae), and two new species,Electromethes alleni sp. n. and Electotreta rasnitsyni sp. n., are described from the Baltic amber. The new taxa appear to be related to the extant omethids (Electromethes) and ototretines (Electotreta) from the East Asia.
The tadpole of Elachistocleis cesarii Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura, Microhylidae)
Authors: DE MEDEIROS MAGALHÃES FELIPE , SANTANA DIEGO JOSÉ , NETO ANTONIO MOLLO , GARDA ADRIAN ANTONIO
Published: March 2019

The genus Elachistocleis Parker currently comprises 13 species widely distributed from Panama to central Argentina, east of the Andes (Caramaschi 2010). Because most species are difficult to diagnose and several currently recognized species might represent more than one lineage, tadpoles can contribute to the resolution of taxonomic problems (Rossa-Feres & Nomura 2006).
Discovery of the second European Amalopis species: an integrative survey of the widespread Pedicia (Amalopis) occulta (Meigen, 1830) (Insecta, Diptera, Pediciidae)
Authors: UJVÁROSI LUJZA , BÁLINT MIKLÓS
Published: March 2019

Integrative taxonomy enhances species discovery and facilitates species delimitation by combining DNA sequence data,morphology, and distributional and ecological information. In this paper we use complementary methods of morphologyand DNA barcoding to delineate species boundaries in a widespread European spring-dwelling crane-fly, Pedicia (Amalo-pis) occulta (Meigen). We describe a previously overlooked large cryptic dipteran as Pedicia (Amalopis) fusca n. sp. Wealso designate the lectotype of P. occulta of the basis of a comprehensive study of relevant type specimens. Morphologicaldifferences between the two species are delicate but detectable, and comprise mostly male genital structures. However,the sequence divergence of 13.1% reflects an ancient divergence, which plausibly pre-dates the Pleistocene. The EuropeanAmalopis species differ significantly from all the rest of Amalopis species with Far East distributions, but share a numberof similarities with a species identified from the Himalayas, India and described as Pedicia (Tricyphona) ericarum Alexander, 1966. We also discuss a possible close relationship between P. ericarum and the European Amalopis species.
Confirmation of Aedes koreicus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Belgium and description of morphological differences between Korean and Belgian specimens validated by molecular identification
Authors: VERSTEIRT VEERLE , PECOR JAMES E. , FONSECA DINA M. , COOSEMANS MARC , VAN BORTEL WIM
Published: March 2019

In 2008, specimens resembling Aedes (Finlaya) koreicus (Edwards) (also Ochlerotatus koreicus or Hulecoeteomyia kore-ica) were found in Belgium during a national mosquito survey (MODIRISK). Small but consistent differences were, how-ever, observed between the specimens described from Peninsula Korea and those found in Belgian. To achieve the correctidentification a detailed morphological comparison was made between the Belgian specimens and reference material fromKorean mainland and island populations housed at the Smithsonian Institution (Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WR-BU), Washington, USA). The identification was furthermore supported by molecular evidence based on the ND4 region(mtDNA) of available Korean and Belgian mosquito specimens. Morphological and molecular comparison confirmed theinitial identification of Aedes koreicus. Based on morphological characteristics, the species collected in Belgium mostlikely originated from Jeju-do, an island south of the Korean Peninsula. The observed dissimilarities between Korean andBelgian specimens resembled a number of morphological differences mentioned previously between female adults col-lected on the Korean Peninsula and Jeju-do. This is the first report of Aedes koreicus outside its natural distribution range.A correct and rapid identification of new invading and spreading vector species is crucial for the implementation of effec-tive control measurements. Hence a correct and easy accessible description of all possible variations of species arrivingin new areas is highly recommended. Therefore, a comparative morphological study on the Smithsonian material of thespecies from Korean mainland, island population and from Belgium is given, pictures of the main aberrant characteristicsand scanning electron microscope images of all stages of the species are included and molecular confirmation of the identification based on the mtDNA ND4 region is provided.
Trigonidiinae crickets from Rodrigues island: from widespread pantropical species to critically endangered endemic species
Authors: HUGEL SYLVAIN
Published: March 2019

The Trigonidiinae crickets of Rodrigues are examined. Two species widespread in South Western Indian Ocean islandsare recorded in Rodrigues for the first time: Trigonidium cicindeloides Rambur, 1839 and Natula longipennis (Serville,1839). Nemobius luteolus Butler, 1876 is a Trigonidiinae and not a Nemobiinae, it is transferred to Metioche Stål, 1877 asMetioche luteolus (Butler, 1876), n. comb. Two new species are described from the restored areas of the island. Thesenew species are tentatively considered as Metioche and included in the new subgenus Superstes n. subgen.: Metioche (Su-perstes) superbus n. subgen., n. sp. and Metioche (Superstes) payendeei n. subgen., n. sp. This new subgenus is charac-terized by the male genitalia asymmetry and the striking hyperthely of the left pseudepiphallic lophi and paramere. Elements of the ecology of endemic Trigonidiinae of Rodrigues are given, and their conservation status is assessed.
A new species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from Andean cloud forests of northern Peru
Authors: CHAPARRO JUAN C. , MOTTA ANA P. , GUTIÉRREZ ROBERTO C. , PADIAL JOSÉ M.
Published: March 2019

We describe a new species of Pristimantis from cloud forests of the eastern versant of the Andes in northern Peru. Thetype locality lies in Quebrada del Vino, Provincia San Ignacio, Departamento Cajamarca, Peru. The new species is mostsimilar to P. crucifer, P. eriphus, P. flavobracatus, P. leucorrhinus, P. lucasi, and P. vilcabambae, with which it shares thepresence of large conical eyelid tubercles, ulnar tubercles, and heel and tarsal tubercles as well as flash colours on the groinsurrounded by bold black stripes and white stripes. The new species can nonetheless be distinguished from all of them by,having tympanic membrane and annulus, by males having nuptial pads and vocal slits, and by having finger discs scarcely enlarged and truncated with ungual flap not indented.
Clarification of the type status of Macropsalis fabulosa Phillipps & Grimmett 1932
Authors: TAYLOR CHRISTOPHER K.
Published: March 2019

The type status of Macropsalis fabulosa Phillipps & Grimmett 1932 was reviewed in Taylor (2011), under the current combination of Forsteropsalis fabulosa. As recorded therein, Forster (1944) designated a neotype for this species to replace the original, destroyed holotype. Unfortunately, Forster’s (1944) neotype was recognisably not a representative of the same species as the holotype illustrated by Phillipps & Grimmett (1932), but was identified by Taylor (2011) as a male of Forsteropsalis inconstans (Forster 1944) (described by Forster 1944 from the female only). Taylor (2011) stated that an application would be submitted to the ICZN in order to clarify the status of Macropsalis fabulosa by setting aside Forster’s neotype in favour of one that was conspecific with the lost holotype.
The mature larva and pupa of Tychius subsulcatus Tournier, 1847 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), with comments on its biology and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: BÁBORSKÁ ZUZANA , SKUHROVEC JIŘÍ , KOŠŤÁL MICHAEL
Published: March 2019

The larva and the pupa of the Palaearctic weevil species Tychius subsulcatus Tournier, 1847 are described and illustrated for the first time. The characters of larva and pupa of T. subsulcatus completely fit the described differential diagnosis of the subtribe Tychiina, genus Tychius, and also Tychius intrusus group. Astragalus onobrychis Linnaeus is confirmed as its host plant. The biology of T. subsulcatus in south Slovakia (Cerová vrchovina Mts.) is described.
Redescription of Anthias xanthomaculatus Fourmanoir and Rivaton, and its reassignment in the genus Odontanthias Bleeker (Teleostei: Serranidae: Anthiadinae)
Authors: GILL ANTHONY C. , RUSSELL BARRY C.
Published: March 2019

Anthias xanthomaculatus is redescribed from re-examination of the holotype. On the basis of fin shape, meristic details and presence of two closely spaced supraneural bones, it is assigned to the genus Odontanthias Bleeker. It is compared with known Odontanthias species, and shown to be a valid species of the genus and a possible senior synonym of O. grahami Randall & Heemstra. Comparative data for the holotype and three non-type specimens of O. grahami are provided.
Two new species of Sphaeronemoura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Yunnan Province of China
Authors: QIAN YU-HAN , FU LI , JIAO JUN-YING , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: March 2019

Two new species of the nemourid genus Sphaeronemoura are described based on males and females collected from Yunnan Province of southwestern China. The new taxa include S. kunmingensis Qian & Du sp. nov. and S. campylura Qian & Du sp. nov.. The new species are compared to related taxa.
Taxonomic redescription of Leucandrilla wasinensis (Jenkin, 1908) and L. intermedia (Row, 1909) (Porifera, Calcarea): a first step to improve current knowledge on the typical features of the genus
Authors: CAVALCANTI FERNANDA F. , CHAGAS CLÉSLEI , FONSECA EVELYN S. M.
Published: March 2019

The genus Leucandrilla was proposed to allocate species of Leucandra sharing the presence of articulated skeleton and cortical tetractines with short apical actine. Hence, the taxonomic histories of both genera are closely related and spark discussions on the validity and characterisation of features that are typical of Leucandrilla. Nevertheless, since the proposition of this genus almost two decades ago, knowledge on its type species, Leucandrilla wasinensis, is based on the original description, which needs to be improved. Therefore, the main goal of the present work was to redescribe the holotype of L. wasinensis. Redescription of L. intermedia is also provided, evidencing the stability of diagnostic taxonomic features among species of Leucandrilla. Our results will improve the current knowledge on the features defining this genus and can be of great value for future works dealing with concerns on the validity, phylogeny and taxonomy of Leucandrilla.
Further studies on Scirtothrips genus-group (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) in Japan, with five new species
Authors: MASUMOTO MASAMI , OKAJIMA SHÛJI
Published: March 2019

Previously four genera and eight species of Scirtothrips genus-group have been known from Japan. Five new species are described, Scirtothrips betulaceae sp. n., S. cryptomeriae sp. n., S. illicii sp. n., S. passiflorae sp. n. and S. pini sp. n., and Anascirtothrips arorai is newly recorded from Japan. Moreover, males of Parascirtothrips fagaceae and S. flavus are described for the first time.
A review of the Coreidae of Hispaniola (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), with description of one new species, new distributional records, and a key to the subfamilies, tribes, genera and species
Authors: BRAILOVSKY HARRY , PEREZ-GELABERT DANIEL E.
Published: March 2019

A faunistic survey of the Hispaniolan bugs of the family Coreidae is presented based on the study of over 1000 specimens deposited in several entomological collections. The new species Zicca gloriosa sp. nov. is described from the Dominican Republic. Another 12 species are new records for the island, 11 of them being new records for the Dominican Republic: Althos obscurator (Fabricius, 1803), Anasa acutangula Stål, 1870, Anasa tristis (De Geer, 1773), Eubule spartocerana Brailovsky, 1992, Leptoglossus confusus Alayo & Grillo, 1977, Mamurius cubanus Barber & Bruner, 1947, Merocoris distinctus Dallas, 1852, Merocoris typhaeus (Fabricius, 1798), Phthia rubropicta (Westwood, 1842), Sethenira ferruginea Stål, 1870, and Zicca rubricator rubricator (Fabricius, 1803). New records for Haiti are Anasa scorbutica (Fabricius, 1798), Catorhintha selector Stål, 1859, Chariesterus gracilicornis Stål, 1870, Rhytidophthia splendida (Valdes, 1910) and Zicca taeniola (Dallas, 1852). The literature citations presented in Perez-Gelabert (2008) of Leptoglossus cinctus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1836) and Leptoglossus stigma (Herbst, 1784) are probably based on erroneous identifications and not counted as part of the Hispaniolan fauna. The total number of species presently known from Hispaniola is raised to 28. Key to subfamilies, tribes, genera and species are included, as well as color dorsal habitus.
Subgeneric classification of the genus Anthaxia Eschscholtz, 1829 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Anthaxiini)
Authors: BÍLÝ SVATOPLUK
Published: March 2019

The subgeneric classification of the genus Anthaxia Eschscholtz, 1829 is discussed and two new subgenera are created: Capanthaxia subgen. nov. and Richteraxia subgen. nov. A key to the subgenera of Anthaxia is presented as well as the characteristics of all subgenera with their main diagnostic characters. The subgenus Capanthaxia subgen. nov. is divided into three species-groups: Anthaxia (C.) aterrima Kerremans, 1903 species-group, A. (C.) capensis Kerremans, 1903 species-group and A. (C.) sulcicollis Obenberger, 1928 species-group. All principal diagnostic characters are illustrated.
The pseudoscorpion genus Verrucachernes (Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae) in the Indian region
Authors: ROMERO-ORTIZ CATALINA , HARVEY MARK S.
Published: March 2019

The pseudoscorpion genus Verrucachernes Chamberlin, 1947 is widely distributed in the Old World tropics, with three named Australasian and West Pacific species and two from Africa. A review of some pseudoscorpions described from India has revealed that Withius parvus Beier, 1930 (currently in the genus Metawithius) and Pselaphochernes indicus Beier, 1974 are misplaced and actually belong to the genus Verrucachernes Chamberlin, 1947, forming the new combinations V. parvus (Beier, 1930) comb. nov. and V. indicus (Beier, 1974) comb. nov., respectively. Both species possess the single, large, rounded spermatheca and other features typical of Verrucachernes.
A new gastropod associated with a deep-sea whale carcass from São Paulo Ridge, Southwest Atlantic
Authors: HASEGAWA KAZUNORI , FUJIWARA YOSHIHIRO , OKUTANI TAKASHI , SUMIDA PAULO YUKIO GOMES , KAWATO MASARU , KITAZATO HIROSHI
Published: March 2019

An unfamiliar gastropod was collected from a deep-sea whale carcass at the base of the São Paulo Ridge in the Southwest Atlantic by the manned research submersible Shinkai 6500, and is here described as a new species of the abyssochrysoidean genus Rubyspira, R. brasiliensis sp. nov., following morphological and molecular phylogenetic examinations. There are only two other known species in the genus, which occur together in the Monterey Submarine Canyon off California. The present new species was shown by the molecular analysis to be closer to one of the Californian species than the other. It was found aggregated on and around a whale carcass at a depth of 4204 m, which represents the deepest record of whale- fall ecosystems ever discovered.
The effect of task complexity on handwriting kinetics
Authors: Lin Yu-Chen , Chao Yen-Li , Hsu Chieh-Hsiang , Hsu Hsiao-Man , Chen Po-Tsun , Kuo Li-Chieh
Published: March 2019

Background.

Knowledge regarding the relationship between writing kinetics and the difference among writing tasks is limited.

Purpose.

This study examined the differences in handwriting performance when doing tasks with different levels of challenge from both temporal and kinetic perspectives among children in four different age groups.

Method.

The cross-sectional design introduced a force-acquisition pen to detect differences of pen grip and writing kinetics among 170 school-age children doing writing tasks at different difficulty levels. Data were obtained on the force information of the digits and pen tip and the kinetic parameters to examine the coordination-and-control mechanism between the digits and pen. Statistical analyzes were carried out to indicate the differences in writing performance among groups and tasks.

Findings.

Statistical differences in the pen-grip forces, force fluctuation, and force ratio between grip and pen-tip forces were found when performing different writing tasks and among different age groups.

Implications.

The study provides an alternative method to explore how writing performance among school-age children can vary according to the difficulty of the writing tasks.
Paying it forward: Canada's renewed commitment to NATO's enhanced Forward Presence
Authors: Leuprecht Christian , Sokolsky Joel , Derow Jayson
Published: March 2019

Although the dissolution of the Soviet Union may have altered the founding Cold War rationale for NATO, the fundamental principle of the transatlantic alliance has prevailed for 70 years: the collective defence of shared interests. In the face of Russian aggression, and uncertainty about US continued commitment to the alliance, reinforcing NATO has emerged as Canada's top expeditionary defence priority. Indeed, just before the NATO summit in July 2018, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau renewed Canada's commitment to the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) as the Framework Nation for Latvia for four years, and scaled up Canada's contribution to the allied battlegroup. This decision is as much a reflection of the eFP's immediate collective defence requirements in Latvia as it is of the extent to which the existential fate of Canada's most important defence asset hangs in the balance: the alliance, Canada's role in it, and the future of Canadian defence policy.
The Many (Subtle) Ways Parents Game the System: Mixed-method Evidence on the Transition into Secondary-school Tracks in Germany
Authors: Dumont Hanna , Klinge Denise , Maaz Kai
Published: March 2019

We analyze the subtle mechanisms at work in the interaction between families and schools that underlie social inequalities at the transition point from elementary school into secondary-school tracks in Berlin, Germany. We do so by combining quantitative data from a large-scale survey and assessment study ( N = 3,935 students and their parents) with qualitative data from in-depth interviews with parents ( N = 25) collected during the 2010–11, 2011–12, and 2012–13 school years. The quantitative analyses show that students from high–socioeconomic status (SES) families were more likely to enter the academic track than were students from low-SES families, even if they performed equally well on a standardized achievement test, had the same grades in school, and received the same track recommendation from their teachers. The qualitative analyses illustrate the many ways in which parents intervene during the transition process, with high-SES parents having particularly effective ways of getting what they want for their children.