bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Awareness of Osteoporosis: A Survey of Physical Therapy Providers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almaddah Muataz , Alzahrani Fahad , Gaowgzeh RiziqAllah , Alqarni Abdullah , Othman Rani , Gmmash Afnan
Published: March 2024

Background. Osteoporosis “OP” is classified as one of the most serious health conditions worldwide. OP increases the skeletal fracture risk by 35%, particularly at hip, spine, and wrist joints. Healthcare professionals should be aware of OP clinical signs and have good knowledge while managing all patients. Objectives. This study aims to investigate the current level of osteoporosis knowledge and awareness among physical therapy providers in Saudi Arabia. Methods. One hundred and sixty-eight physical therapy providers participated in this cross-sectional electronic survey from February to July of 2021. The participants completed the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool questionnaire (OKAT). Descriptive analysis was utilized to assess the current level of osteoporosis knowledge among physical therapy providers. Results. Among the 168 participants, 55% (n = 92) were over 31 years old and 45% (n = 76) were 30 years old or under. The majority of participants 37% (n = 62) had more than 10 years of experience, 45% (n = 76) mainly treat orthopedic conditions, and 70% (n = 117) live in the western region. The results showed that 67.9% (n = 114) of participants had good knowledge about osteoporosis, while 19.6% (n = 33) had poor knowledge, and only 12.5% (n = 21) had excellent knowledge. Conclusion. Physical therapy providers in Saudi Arabia have a good knowledge of osteoporosis. The overall OP preventive measure knowledge questions were poor. It is crucial for physical therapy providers to act appropriately to prevent falls and mitigate any potential risks.
Brucine Entrapped Titanium Oxide Nanoparticle for Anticancer Treatment: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Almuqbil Rashed M.
Published: March 2024

Backgroundand Objective. The public’s health has been seriously threatened by cervical cancer during recent times. In terms of newly diagnosed cases worldwide, it ranks as the ninth most prevalent malignancy. Multiple investigations have proven that nanoparticles can effectively combat cancer due to their small dimensions and extensive surface area. In the meantime, bioactive compounds which are biocompatible are being loaded onto nanoparticles to promote cancer therapy. The current study investigates the anticancerous potential of Brucine-entrapped titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Materials and Methods. The physiochemical, structural, and morphological aspects of Brucine-entrapped TiO2 NPs were evaluated by UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX). The cytotoxic effect against the HeLa cell line was assessed using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT), a trypan blue exclusion (TBE) assay, phase contrast microscopic analysis, and a fluorescence assay including ROS and DAPI staining. Furthermore, estimation of antioxidant markers includes catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results. The UV spectrum at 266 nm revealed the formation of TiO NPs. The FT-IR peaks confirmed the effective entrapment of brucine with TiO2 NPs. The average size (100.0 nm) of Brucine-entrapped TiO2 NPs was revealed in DLS analysis. The micrograph of the SEM revealed the formation of ellipsoidal to tetragonal-shaped NPs. The Ti, O, and C signals were observed in EDAX. In MTT assay, Brucine-entrapped TiO2 NPs showed inhibition of cell proliferation in a dose-wise manner and IC50 was noticed at the concentration of 30 µg/mL. The percentage of viable cells gradually reduced in the trypan blue exclusion assay. The phase contrast microscopic analysis of Brucine-entrapped TiO2 NP-treated cells showed cell shrinkage, cell wall deterioration, and cell blebbing. The intracellular ROS level was increased in a dose-wise manner when compared to control cells in ROS staining. The condensed nuclei and apoptotic cells were increased in treated cells, as noted in DAPI staining. In treated cells, the antioxidant markers such as CAT, GSH, and SOD levels were substantially lower compared to the control cells. Conclusion. The synthesized Brucine entrapped TiO2 NPs exhibited remarkable anticancer activity against the HeLa cell line.
The Alterations in the Brain Corresponding to Low Back Pain: Recent Insights and Advances
Authors: Li Xuyang , Meng Fancheng , Huang Wenye , Cui Yue , Meng Fanbo , Wu Shengxi , Xu Hui
Published: March 2024

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of global disabilities. Numerous molecular, cellular, and anatomical factors are implicated in LBP. Current issues regarding neurologic alterations in LBP have focused on the reorganization of peripheral nerve and spinal cord, but neural mechanisms of exactly what LBP impacts on the brain required further researches. Based on existing clinical studies that chronic pain problems were accompanying alterations in brain structures and functions, researchers proposed logical conjectures that similar alterations occur in LBP patients as well. With recent extensive studies carried out using noninvasive neuroimaging technique, increasing number of abnormalities and alterations has been identified. Here, we reviewed brain alterations including white matters, grey matters, and neural circuits between brain areas, which are involved in chronic LBP. Moreover, brain structural and functional connectivity abnormalities are correlated to the happening and transition of LBP. The negative emotions related to back pain indicate possible alterations in emotional brain regions. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize current findings on the alterations corresponding to LBP in the brain. It will not only further our understanding of etiology of LBP and understanding of negative emotions accompanying with back pain but also provide ideas and basis for new accesses to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation afterward based on integral medicine.
MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Recent Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Li Shiyang , Wang Ming , He Meihua , Xu Yi , Li Changxia , Huang Yue , Tao Xiaohua
Published: March 2024

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including condyloma acuminatum (CA), syphilis, gonorrhea, genital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, are a group of diseases primarily transmitted through sexual contact, similar behaviors, and indirect contact. These diseases exert a profound impact on both the physical and mental health of patients and impose a substantial socioeconomic burden. Nonetheless, there is a lack of satisfactory treatment options and preventive strategies currently. Research has revealed aberrant expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the tissues and blood of individuals with STDs, which are involved in the regulation of essential cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Consequently, miRNAs hold promise as crucial biomarkers for early diagnosis, disease assessment, prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets for STDs. This systematic review presents pertinent research on miRNAs in the context of STDs to establish a theoretical foundation for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Enhancing Analytical Precision in Company Earnings Reports through Neurofuzzy System Development: A Comprehensive Investigation
Authors: Matkarimov Bakhyt , Barlybayev Alibek , Karimov Didar
Published: March 2024

The object of research is the fundamental and technical indicators of companies after the release of the earnings report. This study attempts to address the issue of understanding the impact of fundamental and technical analysis indicator dynamics on profits and loss news releases. This research provides an in-depth analysis of stock price forecasting models, focusing on the influence of earning report seasons as catalysts for stock price growth. The study explores the relationship between key financial indicators, including earnings per share (EPS), revenue, and the maximum price observed in the 52-week period of the previous year (MaxW52). A trading algorithm is developed based on the adaptive neurofuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Through a comprehensive analysis of the neural network’s training sample, it is concluded that abnormally large negative indicators have a profound impact on traders’ emotional reactions. This results leads to a hypothesis for further research, suggesting that report indicators may be processed by computational algorithms, potentially including artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently, the emergence of emotional trading robots managed by investment funds becomes a crucial area for investigation. Understanding the behavior of these algorithms enables proactive decision-making, allowing traders to leverage their knowledge and sell-purchased securities to these algorithms before their transactions occur. The implications of this research shed light on the evolving landscape of trading strategies and the role of emotionality in financial markets.
TABLE 2 from Health Care Access Dimensions and Racial Disparities in End-of-Life Care Quality among Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Karanth Shama , Osazuwa-Peters Oyomoare L. , Wilson Lauren E. , Previs Rebecca A. , Rahman Fariha , Huang Bin , Pisu Maria , Liang Margaret , Ward Kevin C. , Schymura Maria J. , Berchuck Andrew , Akinyemiju Tomi F.
Published: March 2024

Estimates of the associations between HCA dimensions, patient race and ethnicity, and EOL care quality outcomes on entire study cohort (N = 4,646), subcohort of patients that died from ovarian cancer (N = 3,195), broader cohort of patients including those who had unknown stage/histology (N = 4,763), and same as overall cohort but with statistical adjustment for survival time (N = 4,646)
Supplementary Table 1 from Targeting Tryptophan Catabolism in Ovarian Cancer to Attenuate Macrophage Infiltration and PD-L1 Expression
Authors: Crump Lyndsey S. , Floyd Jessica L. , Kuo Li-Wei , Post Miriam D. , Bickerdike Mike , O'Neill Kathleen , Sompel Kayla , Jordan Kimberly R. , Corr Bradley R. , Marjon Nicole , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Richer Jennifer K. , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Table 1. Primer Sequences
Supplemental Figure S4 from Targeting Tryptophan Catabolism in Ovarian Cancer to Attenuate Macrophage Infiltration and PD-L1 Expression
Authors: Crump Lyndsey S. , Floyd Jessica L. , Kuo Li-Wei , Post Miriam D. , Bickerdike Mike , O'Neill Kathleen , Sompel Kayla , Jordan Kimberly R. , Corr Bradley R. , Marjon Nicole , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Richer Jennifer K. , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: March 2024

Macrophage polarization states with dual inhibition of IDO/TDO2 inhibition.
FIGURE 5 from Targeting Tryptophan Catabolism in Ovarian Cancer to Attenuate Macrophage Infiltration and PD-L1 Expression
Authors: Crump Lyndsey S. , Floyd Jessica L. , Kuo Li-Wei , Post Miriam D. , Bickerdike Mike , O'Neill Kathleen , Sompel Kayla , Jordan Kimberly R. , Corr Bradley R. , Marjon Nicole , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Richer Jennifer K. , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: March 2024

A dual IDO/TDO2 inhibitor decreases PD-L1 expression. A, mIHC of ID8 tumors (described in Fig. 4) for F4/80 and PD-L1. B, Quantification of F4/80 and/or PD-L1+ cells. C,CD274 (PD-L1) expression in OVCAR3 following knockdown of TDO2, IDO1, AhR. Internal controls, 18S. D, PD-L1 protein expression measured via flow cytometry following knockdown of TDO2, IDO1, AhR in OVCAR3. E, PD-L1 protein expression measured via flow cytometry following exogenous supplementation of KYN (10 µmol/L) in OVCAR3 and COV504 cells. F, PD-L1 expression in TDO2 or IDO inhibitor epacadostat (10 µmol/L), AT-0174 (5 µmol/L), StemRegenin (10 µmol/L) and 680c91 (10 µmol/L) treated OVCAR3 and COV504 cells. Error bars, SEM. Statistical test, unpaired t test.
FIGURE 2 from Targeting Tryptophan Catabolism in Ovarian Cancer to Attenuate Macrophage Infiltration and PD-L1 Expression
Authors: Crump Lyndsey S. , Floyd Jessica L. , Kuo Li-Wei , Post Miriam D. , Bickerdike Mike , O'Neill Kathleen , Sompel Kayla , Jordan Kimberly R. , Corr Bradley R. , Marjon Nicole , Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Richer Jennifer K. , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: March 2024

Ovarian cancer cells depend more on TDO2 than IDO1 in TRP catabolism pathway. A, qRT-PCR validation of OVCAR3 knockdown cells. Internal control, 18S. B, Immunoblot of respective knockdowns. Loading control, GAPDH. C, Cell confluence imaged for 72 hours. D, Cells cultured in suspension for 7 days. DNA content was measured on days 1 and 7. E, TRP and KYN levels in conditioned media from shCtrl and shKD cells over 24 hours via mass spectrometry. F, DepMap data (The Broad Institute) from 551 cancer cell lines. TDO2 (y-axis) and IDO1 (x-axis) dependency scores. Red dots represent EOC cell lines. Black dots represent all other cancer cell lines. G, EV and TDO2 OE vector transduced into OVCAR3 cells. G, qRT-PCR of TDO2. Internal control, 18S. H, Immunoblot of OVCAR3 EV and TDO2 OE. Loading control, alpha-tubulin. I, Incucyte 2D proliferation assay. J, 3D proliferation assay. K, TRP catabolites in OVCAR3 EV and TDO2 OE cells. Statistical test, unpaired t test (A, G, J), mixed-model effect (C, I), multicomparison two-way ANOVA (D, E).
Neurological, Metabolic, and Psychopathological Correlates of Lifetime Suicidal Behaviour in Major Depressive Disorder without Current Suicide Ideation
Authors: Olgiati Paolo , Pecorino Basilio , Serretti Alessandro
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Suicidal behaviour (SB) has a complex aetiology. Although suicidal ideation (SI) is considered the most important risk factor for future attempts, many people who engage in SB do not report it. Methods: We investigated neurological, metabolic, and psychopathological correlates of lifetime SB in two independent groups of patients with major depression (sample 1: n = 230; age: 18–65 years; sample 2: n = 258; age >60 years) who did not report SI during an index episode. Results: Among adults (sample 1), SB was reported by 141 subjects (58.7%) and severe SB by 33 (15%). After controlling for interactions, four risk factors for SB emerged: male gender (OR 2.55; 95% CI: 1.06–6.12), negative self-perception (OR 1.76; 95% CI: 1.08–2.87), subthreshold hypomania (OR 4.50; 95% CI: 1.57–12.85), and sexual abuse (OR 3.09; 95% CI: 1.28–7.48). The presence of at least two of these factors had the best accuracy in predicting SB: sensitivity = 57.6% (39.2–74.5); specificity = 75.1% (68.5–82.0); PPV = 27.9% (20.9–37.2); NPV = 91.4% (87.6–94.1). In older patients (sample 2), 23 subjects (9%) reported previous suicide attempts, which were characterized by earlier onset (25 years: OR 0.95: 0.92–0.98), impaired verbal performance (verbal fluency: OR 0.95: 0.89–0.99), higher HDL cholesterol levels (OR 1.04: 1.00–1.07) and more dyskinesias (OR 2.86: 1.22–6.70). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SB is common in major depressive disorder, even when SI is not reported. In these individuals it is feasible and recommended to investigate both psychiatric and organic risk factors. The predictive power of models excluding SI is comparable to that of models including SI.
Many Faces of Diencephalic-Mesencephalic Junction Dysplasia Syndrome with GSX2 and PCDH12 Variants
Authors: Ürel-Demir Gizem , Başer Burak , Göçmen Rahşan , Şimşek-Kiper Pelin Özlem , Utine Gülen Eda , Haliloğlu Göknur
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Diencephalic-mesencephalic junction dysplasia syndrome is a rare neurogenetic disorder reported to be caused by variants in several genes. Phenotypic presentation is characterized by clinical findings including developmental delay, hypotonia, spasticity, and dyskinetic movements in combination with distinctive imaging features on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Whole exome sequencing was conducted to unveil the molecular etiology of patients presenting with neurological manifestations from two unrelated families. Results: To the best of our knowledge, here we report the third family affected with diencephalic-mesencephalic junction dysplasia caused by a novel variant in GSX2 and two siblings with a PCDH12 variant exhibiting a less severe phenotype. The siblings with a PCDH12 variant were positioned at the milder end of the phenotypic spectrum. Although both exhibited a clinical phenotype resembling cerebral palsy, one showed partial fusion of the hypothalamus and mesencephalon, whereas MRI was unremarkable in the other. Biallelic GSX2 variants have been implicated in basal ganglia agenesis, and similarly, our patients had basal ganglia hypoplasia along with hypothalamic-mesencephalic fusion. Conclusion: Identifying variants associated with the syndrome in different genes will contribute to genotype-phenotype correlation.
Long‐Term Survival After Single‐Ventricle Palliation: A Swedish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Dalén Magnus , Odermarsky Michal , Liuba Petru , Johansson Ramgren Jens , Synnergren Mats , Sunnegårdh Jan
Published: March 2024

Background

Long‐term survival after single‐ventricle palliation and the effect of dominant ventricle morphology in large, unselected series of patients are scarcely reported.

Methods and Results

This nationwide cohort study included all children undergoing operation with single‐ventricle palliation during their first year of life in Sweden between January 1994 and December 2019. Data were obtained from institutional records and assessment of underlying cardiac anomaly and dominant ventricular morphology was based on complete review of medical records, surgical reports, and echocardiographic examinations. Data on vital status and date of death were retrieved from the Swedish Cause of Death Register, allowing for complete data on survival. Among 766 included patients, 333 patients (43.5%) were classified as having left or biventricular dominance, and 432 patients (56.4%) as having right ventricular (RV) dominance (of whom 231 patients had hypoplastic left heart syndrome). Follow‐up was 98.7% complete (10 patients emigrated). Mean follow‐up was 11.3 years (maximum, 26.7 years). Long‐term survival was significantly higher in patients with left ventricular compared with RV dominance (10‐year survival: 91.0% [95% CI, 87.3%–93.6%] versus 71.1% [95% CI, 66.4%–75.2%]). RV dominance had a significant impact on outcomes after first‐stage palliation but was also associated with impaired survival after completed total cavopulmonary connection. In total, 34 (4.4%) patients underwent heart transplantation. Of these 34 patients, 25 (73.5%) had predominant RV morphology.

Conclusions

This study provides clinically relevant knowledge about the long‐term prognosis in patients with different underlying cardiac anomalies undergoing single‐ventricle palliation. RV dominance had a significant impact on outcomes after initial surgical treatment but was also associated with impaired survival after completed Fontan circulation.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03356574.
The Healthcare Cost of Air Pollution: Evidence from the World's Largest Payment Network
Authors: Barwick Panle Jia , Li Shanjun , Rao Deyu , Zahur Nahim Bin
Published: March 2024

This paper exploits the universe of credit- and debit-card transactions in China during 2013-2015 and provides the first nationwide analysis of the healthcare cost of PM2.5 for a developing country. We leverage spatial spillovers of PM2.5 from long-range transport to generate exogenous variation in local pollution and employ a flexible distributed lag model to capture semiparametrically the dynamic response of pollution exposure. We find significant impacts of PM2.5 on healthcare spending in both the short and medium terms. A 10 μg/m3 decrease in PM2.5 would reduce annual healthcare spending by over $9.2 billion, about 1.5% of China's annual healthcare expenditure.
Optimal Ownership and Firm Performance: An Analysis of China's FDI Liberalization
Authors: Eppinger Peter , Ma Hong
Published: March 2024

Seminal theories of the firm posit that firm ownership is allocated to minimize contractual inefficiencies. Yet, it remains unclear how much the optimal ownership choice affects firm performance in practice. This paper provides a first quantification of the gains from optimal ownership within multinational firms, by exploiting a major liberalization of China's policy restrictions on foreign ownership. The liberalization allowed previously restricted firms to become fully foreign owned. We find that these reoptimized ownership choices raise firm output by 40% and productivity by 7.5% on average. An extended property-rights theory of the multinational firm rationalizes these effects and their heterogeneity.
The Unobserved Returns to Entrepreneurship
Authors: Sarada
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an alternative perspective to a longstanding empirical puzzle: that most entrepreneurs persevere despite persistently low earnings. Because entrepreneurial earnings are notoriously difficult to measure, I approach the question from an expenditure angle. I look at how switching into self-employment corresponds to changes in reported earnings versus expenditure. Using 45 years of longitudinal data, I find that individuals report earning 27.7% less in self-employment, while spending 3.8% more. This household expenditure premium accrues with entrepreneurial experience and is not offset by lower savings or longer work hours. The results hold in highly educated and incorporated business owner subsamples.
Morphology of Marchalina hellenica (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Marchalinidae) from Greece, with a discussion on the identity of M. caucasica Hadzibeyli from the Caucasus
Authors: HODGSON CHRIS , GOUNARI SOFIA
Published: March 2024

The morphology of the adult female, 1st-, 2ndand 3rd-instar female nymphs, plus the pupa (4th-instar male) and apterous adult male of M. hellenica (Gennadius), are described and illustrated, along with the prepupa (3rd-instar male) of M. caucasica Hadzibeyli. A key is provided to separate these stages. The adult female and 3rd-instar female of M. caucasica were also seen and considered to be identical with the same stages of M. hellenica. The morphology of the other stages of M. caucasica (as described by Hadzibeyli) are compared with those of M. hellenica described here and it is noted that there are some possibly significant differences in the 2nd-instar and apterous adult males. In addition, the known biology of these two species is also discussed and it is concluded that, despite the similarities of the adult females, these populations could still represent two separate species. A key is provided to separate the adult females of margarodoids on pines in the eastern Mediterranean.
Japanese Pseudosmittia Edwards (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: SÆTHER OLE A.
Published: March 2024

The types of species previously placed in Pseudosmittia Edwards and some related genera in the Sasa collection at The National Museum of Sciences, Tokyo, Japan, have been examined. Twentyfour new synonyms are given: Pseudosmittia ogasatridecima Sasa et Suzuki, 1997a is a synonym of P. bifurcata (Tokunaga, 1936); P. jintuvicesima Sasa, 1996, and P. seiryupequea Sasa, Suzuki et Sakai, 1998 of P. danconai (Marcuzzi, 1947); P. mongolzeaea Sasa et Suzuki, 1997b of P. forcipata (Goetghebuer, 1921); P. hachijotertia Sasa, 1994 of P. holsata Thienemann et Strenzke, 1940; P. itachibifurca Sasa et Kawai, 1987, P. furudobifurca Sasa et Arakawa, 1994, P. hibaribifurca Sasa, 1993, and P. (Nikismittia) shofukuundecima Sasa, 1998 of P. mathildae Albu, 1968; P. yakymenea Sasa et Suzuki, 2000a, and P. yakyneoa Sasa et Suzuki, 2000a of P. nishiharaensis Sasa et Hasegawa, 1988; P. kurobeokasia Sasa et Okazawa, 1992a, P. togarisea Sasa et Okazawa, 1992b, P. hachijosecunda Sasa, 1994, P. toyamaresea Sasa, 1996, P. yakyopea Sasa et Suzuki, 2000a, P. yakypequea Sasa et Suzuki, 2000a, Parakiefferiella hidakagehea Sasa et Suzuki, 2000b, and Parakiefferiella hidakaheia Sasa et Suzuki, 2000b of Pseudosmittia oxoniana (Edwards, 1922); P. famikelea Sasa, 1996a of P. tokaraneoa Sasa et Suzuki, 1995; P. ikemaensis Sasa et Hasegawa, 1988, and P. amamiagina Sasa et Suzuki, 1993 of P. topei Lehmann, 1979; P. toyanigra Sasa, 1988 of Camptocladius stercorarius (De Geer, 1776); P. kurojekeus Sasa, 1996 of Prosmittia jemtlandica (Brundin, 1947); and P. tobaunvicesima Kikuchi et Sasa, 1990 of Pseudosmittia guineensis (Kieffer, 1918). Two new combinations are given: Pseudosmittia mongolzebea Sasa et Suzuki, 1997b belongs in Pseudorthocladius and Parakiefferiella yakytriangulata Sasa et Suzuki, 2000a is placed in Rheosmittia. Thirteen species are recognized for Japan. Among these, five species are known only from Japan, one is known from Christmas Island and the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands (Japan), one from Africa, Okinawa and the Nansei Archipelago (Japan), and one species is Palaearctic and Oriental but in Japan known only from Okinawa. The remaining five species are widespread in the Holarctic with one also being Afrotropical and the others occurring in the Pacific parts of Japan and in Oriental China. Of the two species described as Pseudosmittia from Mongolia, Pseudosmittia mongolzebea Sasa et Suzuki belongs to Pseudorthocladius, whereas P. mongolzeaea Sasa et Suzuki is a synonym of P. forcipata (Goetghebuer). Pseudosmittia tobaunvicesima Kikuchi et Sasa, from Indonesia is a synonym of the Afrotropical P. guineensis (Kieffer). Pseudosmittia bifurcata (Tokunaga), P. jintuoctava (Sasa) comb. n., P. kisotriangulata Sasa etKondo and P. tokaraneoa Sasa et Suzuki, are redescribed as male imagines, and P. togadistalis Sasa, Watanabe et Arakawa as male and female imago. The description of P. littoralis (Tokunaga) is reiterated. A key to male imagines of the known Japanese species of Pseudosmittia is presented.
A new species of capuchin monkey, genus Cebus Erxleben (Cebidae, Primates): found at the very brink of extinction in the Pernambuco Endemism Centre
Authors: PONTES ANTONIO ROSSANO MENDES , MALTA ALEXANDRE , ASFORA PAULO HENRIQUE
Published: March 2024

We report the discovery of a new species of Cebus (Primates, Cebidae), here designated Cebus queirozi sp. nov. Mendes Pontes and Malta, found in a single population, composed of a single group of 18 individuals, in the Atlantic coast of the Pernambuco Endemism Centre, the sector of the Atlantic forest of Brazil located above the São Francisco river, one of the most important hotspots of the earth. The new species was not located in any of 23 other sites surveyed in the region, which suggests that they are critically endangered and, therefore, the holotype was not sacrificed, but photographed and subsequently released back to his group. A paratype was also photographed and used for the description. They live close to a highly-populated area, are isolated in a matrix of sugar cane plantations, and use an area of only about 200 ha, formed by highly-disturbed patches of tropical rainforest, and a swamp, formed by stands of Montrichardia linina (Aracaeae). The specific name acknowledges the landowner’s family for having protected the area and the species for more than 30 years.
New species and new records of dendrochirotid and dactylochirotid holothuroids (Echinodermata : Holothuroidea) from off the east coast of South Africa
Authors: THANDAR AHMED S.
Published: March 2024

Numerous unidentified specimens of Holothuroidea received from the Natal and South African Museums or present in the collections of the former University of Durban-Westville, contain several new species and many that are new to the fauna of South Africa. This paper includes descriptions of new species or new records of several dendrochirotid holothuroids and a dactylochirotid from off the east coast of South Africa, extending from Kosi Bay in the north to the Port St Johns-East London area, in the Eastern Cape Province, the latter region represents the transition zone between the southern African subtropical and warm-temperate zoogeographical provinces. A few other species have been added if they represent juvenile material, or considered extensions of ranges (bathymetric or otherwise) of previously known species, or confirmation of a species previously recorded from a single locality in the region under consideration. Of the 16 species here treated, four are new to science, seven new to the fauna of South Africa, whereas the rest are either extension of ranges or additional records. The four new species are Psolidium multipes, P. acorbula, Ekkentropelma groovia and Psolidothuria yasmeena. The following six species are additions to the fauna of South Africa: Thyone avenusta Cherbonnier, 1970; T. comata Cherbonnier, 1988; Selenkiella paradoxa Cherbonnier, 1970; Ohshimella ocula (Cherbonnier, 1988); Plesiocolochirus tessellarus (Cherbonnier, 1970) and Staurothyone rosacea (Semper, 1869). Pseudocolochirus dispar (Lampert, 1889) is new to the fauna of southern Africa, recorded for the first time from Mozambique. The remaining species include Stolus pseudoalbescens Thandar, 2005; Sclerothyone velligera (Ludwig & Heding, 1935); Ohshimella ehrenbergii (Selenka, 1868); Pawsonellus africanus Thandar, 1986 and Trachasina crucifera (Semper, 1869).
New lapsiine jumping spiders from Ecuador (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: MADDISON WAYNE P.
Published: March 2024

Two new genera and three new species of salticid spider from eastern Ecuador are described, belonging to a group informally called "lapsiines". The new genus Galianora is based on Galianora sacha, new species, and also contains Galianora bryicola, new species. The new genus Thrandina includes the single new species Thrandina parocula. These genera share the ancestral salticid traits, rare among neotropical salticids, of a tarsal claw on the female palpus and a median apophysis on the male palp. Galianora is distinguished from other lapsiines by the round tegulum with peripheral embolus. The strikingly large posterior median eyes of Thrandina are unique among New World salticids.
Lapsiines and hisponines as phylogenetically basal salticid spiders (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: MADDISON WAYNE P. , NEEDHAM KAREN M.
Published: March 2024

Increased phylogenetic resolution of the basal lineages of salticid spiders will help us understand their early evolution and provide better outgroups for phylogenetic studies within the major clades. We gathered sequences of nuclear and mitochondrial gene regions (28S, 18S, Histone 3, 16S-ND1, CO1) and used them to reconstruct salticid phylogeny by parsimony, likelihood and Bayesian methods. Our results confirm that lapsiines and hisponines are among the basal salticids, i.e. outside the major clade Salticoida. The lapsiines are resolved as sister group to the spartaeines. The precise placement of hisponines is unclear, but they may represent a deep-branching lineage independent from the spartaeines.
A new species of the genus Botryllus (Ascidiacea) from the Red Sea
Authors: SHENKAR NOA , MONNIOT FRANÇOISE
Published: March 2024

A new ascidian species was discovered during a study of the ecology of ascidians off the Red Sea coast of Israel. This species has been provisionally assigned to the genus Botryllus as complete details of its life cycle are not available to confirm Botrylloides as a junior synonym. The species displays characteristics of Botryllinae, in which growth is associated with active replication of zooids. The species is distinguished by the opaque pale pigmentation of the colonies, the zooid arrangement in regular double rows converging to common cloacal openings at the top of low lobes, the large number of stigmata rows, and ovary lateral to the testes. We name the new species Botryllus eilatensis, after the collecting site, the coral reef of Eilat.
Revision of Engelimyia Lopes, 1975 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)
Authors: PAPE THOMAS , DE MELLO-PATIU CÁTIA ANTUNES
Published: March 2024

The Neotropical genus Engelimyia Lopes, 1975 is revised and found to consist of four species: the already named E. bosqi (Blanchard, 1939) and E. inops (Walker, 1849), with the former nominal species herewith resurrected from synonymy with the latter; and two new species, E. qibos sp. nov. and E. psino sp. nov. A lectotype is designated for Sarcophaga cassidifera Engel, 1931 [= E. inops (Walker, 1849)]. Male terminalia of all species are illustrated, and a key to the species is provided. The four species appear to form two sister-group pairs: E. inops + E. psino and E. bosqi + E. qibos, both of which show a South American—Central American Isthmian disjunction, which here is considered to reflect the same vicariance event and a maximum age of the four species of about 3 My.
A checklist of the marine Harpacticoida (Copepoda) of the Caribbean Sea
Authors: SUÁREZ-MORALES EDUARDO , DE TROCH MARLEEN , FIERS FRANK
Published: March 2024

Recent surveys on the benthic harpacticoids in the northwestern sector of the Caribbean have called attention to the lack of a list of species of this diverse group in this large tropical basin. A first checklist of the Caribbean harpacticoid copepods is provided herein; it is based on records in the literature and on our own data. Records from the adjacent Bahamas zone were also included. This complete list includes 178 species; the species recorded in the Caribbean and the Bahamas belong to 33 families and 94 genera. Overall, the most speciose family was the Miraciidae (27 species), followed by the Laophontidae (21), Tisbidae (17), and Ameiridae (13). Up to 15 harpacticoid families were represented by one or two species only. Excluding the Bahamian records, the number of species recorded herein for the Caribbean Basin is 139. The distribution of the species richness within the Caribbean Basin is asymmetrical; the northwestern sector (Mexican Caribbean) is the most speciose, it concentrates up to 45% of the species recorded in the Caribbean. The insular Caribbean is nearly as diverse as the continental areas (75 vs 83 species recorded, respectively). The dominance of taxa related to coastal systems with coarse and fine sands and carbonate sediments reveals the general trend in the type of habitats surveyed in the Caribbean Sea. Up to 37 species found in the Mexican Caribbean represent new records for this country. There are enormous hiatuses in the knowledge of the Caribbean harpacticoids in terms of geographic, bathymetric, and environmental coverage. It is expected this list will grow rapidly and many undescribed forms will be discovered when understudied or unexplored environments are surveyed in detail.
Description of Eupoa liaoi sp. nov. from China (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: PENG XIAN-JIN , LI SHU-QIANG
Published: March 2024

A new species of jumping spider, Eupoa liaoi sp. nov., is described from Hainan, South-China. Detailed morphological characteristics and illustrations of body and copulatory organs are presented.
Tadpole and advertisement call of Chiasmocleis albopunctata (Anura, Microhylidae) from Brazil
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA FILHO JÚLIO C. , GIARETTA ARIOVALDO A.
Published: March 2024

The advertisement call of Chiasmocleis albopunctata is known from specimens from Bolivia, the tadpole is unknown. Here we present data on tadpole and the advertisement call of a Brazilian population of this species. Tadpoles and calls are from Uberlândia (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Tadpoles are 18.3-21.5 mm TL. Body length about 47% total length; tail triangular, flagellar-tipped. Oral apparatus with two symmetrical semicircular flaps pending over the mouth; flaps border wartyornamented. The tadpoles of C. albopunctata differ in color from that of C. shudikarensis. Different from C. ventrimaculata and C. carvalhoi, tadpoles of C. albopunctata do not possess a pair of parentheses-like mottles between eyes. Calls from the Brazilian population were consistently characterized by nine pulses per notes and two harmonic frequency bands, while calls from Bolivia have 5-8 pulses per note and no harmonics.
A new species of Calappa Weber, 1795 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Calappidae) from East and South Africa
Authors: LAI JOELLE C.Y. , NG PETER K.L.
Published: March 2024

A new species of box crab, Calappa africana, new species (Brachyura: Calappidae) is described from East and South Africa. The species, previously misidentified as C. japonica Ortmann, 1892, differs from C. japonica by its live colouration, carapace shape, and the morphologies of the manus and merus of the cheliped and male first gonopod. In addition, a new lectotype for C. exanthematosa, a junior synonym of C. japonica, is selected.
Retropluma solomonensis nom. nov., a replacement name for Retropluma laurentae McLay, 2006 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Retroplumidae)
Authors: MCLAY COLIN L.
Published: March 2024

McLay (2006) described a new species of retroplumid crab from the Solomon Islands, western Pacific, Retropluma laurentae McLay, 2006, without realizing that the same name had already been used for a fossil crab. R. laurentae Collins, Lee & Noad, 2003. The latter, used for a Miocene crab from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, has precedence so a new name is required for the extant species. Retropluma solomonensis nom. nov. is hereby proposed as a replacement name for Retropluma laurentae McLay, 2006. The new name is derived from the type locality near the Solomon Islands. Retropluma solomonensis is also known from New Caledonia, Philippine Islands, and the Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia.
Integrative taxonomy of Iberian Merodon species (Diptera, Syrphidae)
Authors: MENGUAL XIMO , STÅHLS GUNILLA , VUJIĆ ANTE , MARCOS-GARCÍA M ÁNGELES
Published: March 2024

The genus Merodon Meigen, 1803 (Syrphidae, Diptera), with more than 50 European species, is primarily distributed in the Mediterranean region, there being 34 species that occur in the Iberian Peninsula. The morphological variation found within some species from the Iberian Peninsula prompted us to test their taxonomic status by integrating morphological and molecular data. We generated partial sequences of the mitochondrial, protein-coding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), the nuclear, internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region, and the D2 region of the nuclear 28S rRNA gene. COI and ITS2 sequences were obtained for most included taxa. The variability of the COI sequences showed great differences between the studied species groups, exhibiting an interspecific range from 0.29% to 12.5% between ingroup taxa. Closely related taxa of the aureus complex (e.g. M. quercetorum and M. legionensis) presented identical COI sequences. The obtained ITS2 sequences showed low intraspecific variability, and only a few taxa presented more than one genotype. Species status and delimitation were discussed for all taxa in the light of available morphological and molecular character information. Using the obtained sequence data for COI and 28S we inferred the phylogenetic relationships of the included taxa, using parsimony analysis. Separate analysis of the COI sequences identified four, quite wellsupported clades within Merodon, the desuturinus, albifrons, nigritarsis and aureus groups. Combined analysis of the COI and 28S genes produced a topology similar to the COI topology.
A new species of chimaeroid, Hydrolagus alphus sp. nov. (Chimaeriformes: Chimaeridae) from the Galapagos Islands
Authors: QUARANTA KIMBERLY L. , DIDIER DOMINIQUE A. , LONG DOUGLAS J. , EBERT DAVID A.
Published: March 2024

A new species of chimaerid belonging to the genus Hydrolagus Gill, 1862 is described from two specimens collected from the Galapagos Islands. This species was taken from depths ranging from 600 – 900 m. Hydrolagus alphus sp. nov. is distinguished from other members of the genus by having proportionately large eyes, dark brown coloration with a noticeable white spot on lateral side, paired fins with a bluish hue and white distal margins, and second dorsal fin with dark anterior and posterior sections separated by a middle portion indented and completely white. This new species is compared to Hydrolagus macrophthalmus, the most similar congener and Hydrolagus mccoskerii the only other known species within this genus to occur in the eastern South Pacific.
Diversity and conservation status of the Ichthyofauna of the Río Lacantún basin in the Biosphere Reserve Montes Azules, Chiapas, México
Authors: LOZANO-VILANO M. L , GARCÍA-RAMÍREZ M. E , CONTRERAS-BALDERAS S. , RAMÍREZ-MARTÍNEZ Y C.
Published: March 2024

The Biosphere Reserve Montes Azules (RBMA), located in the Mexican southeastern state of Chiapas, is the most important floral and faunal reserve in México and Mesoamerica, The reserve contains the largest and best preserved forests in the region, as well as the few remaining pristine rivers. The primary objective of this paper is to update the fish diversity along the southern part of this important reserve, based on material collected during eight expeditions carried out from 2004 to 2006. Fish samples were obtained from 20 localities, of which seven were inside the protected natural area. A total of 8, 977 specimens were collected, representing 55 species (including one unidentified and three aliens) in 41 genera and 23 families. This paper adds 9 more species to the regional fish fauna, one of them are exotic. According to their zoogeographic origin, three are Nearctic, 32 are Neotropical, and 17 are in other groups; ecologically, nine species are of primary derivation, 26 are Secondary, and 17 are Peripheral or Vicarious, according to Myers’ (1938) classification based on historical salinity tolerance. The most diverse fish families were the Cichlidae and Poeciliidae, with 15 and eight species, respectively. Compared to other Mexican hydrological regions, the study area contains a fish fauna that is still well preserved in terms of diversity, but ecological damage is due to humans living adjacent to the reserve. If this situation continues unchecked, it could threaten the survival of some species.
A new genus and species of Heptageniidae (Ephemeroptera) from Borneo, with revisions to the classification of the Ecdyonurinae
Authors: WEBB J. M. , MCCAFFERTY W. P.
Published: March 2024

Darthus vadorus n. gen. n. sp. is described from larvae and eggs from Borneo, Indonesia. Larvae are differentiated from those of all other genera of Heptageniidae by the combination of the absence of lamellae on gills 1, sickle shaped lamellae on gills 2–6, a median ridge terminated with a sharp spine on abdominal terga 2–9, a slightly thickened anterior margin of the head capsule, two rows of long, fine setae on the mid and hindtibiae, and scattered simple setae on the ventral surface of galealaciniae. Darthus is included in the tribe Afronurini Webb & McCafferty n. trib. with Afronurus Lestage and Parafronurus Zhou & Braasch. Atopopini Wang & McCafferty is restricted to the genera Atopopus Eaton, Thalerosphyrus Eaton, and Asionurus Braasch & Soldán.
Hydroids and hydromedusae (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from the fjords region of southern Chile
Authors: GALEA HORIA R.
Published: March 2024

The shallow-water hydroids and hydromedusae from the fjords region of southern Chile are surveyed. A total of 63 species are described or mentioned. Of these, one species, Halecium fjordlandicum sp. nov., is new to science, five species could be identified to genus only, and one species, Hebella cf. dispolians (Warren, 1909), is only tentatively identified. The species have been assigned to nine families of athecates, 13 families of thecates, two families of narcomedusae and one family of trachymedusae. Among the present material, twenty species are new records for Chile: Bougainvillia muscoides (M. Sars, 1846), B. pyramidata (Forbes & Goodsir, 1851), Cordylophora caspia (Pallas, 1771), Hydractinia tenuis (Browne, 1902), Eudendrium cf. nambuccense Watson, 1985, E. cf. scotti Puce, Cerrano & Bavestrello, 2002, Calycella syringa (Linnaeus, 1767), Campanulina pumila (Clark, 1875), Egmundella gracilis Stechow, 1921, Lafoeina longitheca Jäderholm, 1904, Filellum cf. magnificum Peña Cantero, Svoboda & Vervoort, 2004, Hebella cf. dispolians, Sertularella argentinica El Beshbeeshy, 1991, S. fuegonensis El Beshbeeshy, 1991, S. gayi (Lamouroux, 1821), S. jorgensis El Beshbeeshy, 1991, Campanularia cf. hincksii Alder, 1856, Clytia linearis (Thornely, 1900), C. paulensis (Vanhöffen, 1910) and Cunina octonaria McCrady, 1859. A number of species show affinities partly with the cold-temperate Magellan region, and partly with Antarctica. The remaining species have either a cosmopolitan distribution, or are restricted to the temperate part of the southern hemisphere. Finally, several species have a bipolar distribution. Two species, Hydractinia pacifica Hartlaub, 1905 and Kirchenpaueria magellanica (Hartlaub, 1905) are here recorded for the first time from Chile since their original description. Phialella chilensis (Hartlaub, 1905) is regarded as a synonym of P. quadrata (Forbes, 1848), since there are available records of the medusa stage of the latter species from Chile. Some of the well-known species are listed together with short remarks, while others are briefly described. Less common species are redescribed, and new and uncertain species are fully described. Nearly all the species are illustrated, and their geographic distributions along the coasts of Chile are indicated. A checklist of all hydroids and hydromedusae described or mentioned from Chile is provided. Deposition of alcohol-preserved specimens and microslide preparations in the collections of the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle of Geneva is indicated.
Physa natricina Taylor 1988, junior synonym of Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805 (Pulmonata: Physidae)
Authors: ROGERS D. CHRISTOPHER , WETHINGTON AMY R.
Published: March 2024

Physa natricina Taylor, 1988 is reported as a narrow range endemic species from the Snake River in Idaho, USA and is currently protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. We examined all available type material as well as more than 1,500 specimens of Physa collected from the Snake River and adjacent areas over the past twelve years and compared them to the original descriptions and the type material. No material collected from the Snake River, nor from the paratype series, could be confidently ascribed to P. natricina using both the internal and external morphological characters defined in the original description, nor by direct comparison to the holotype. Furthermore, the holotype and paratypes all have internal and external morphology that is accommodated within the natural range of variation of the polymorphic Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805. Therefore P. natricina is conspecific with P. acuta, a common, widespread species.
A review of the North American species of the fungus-gardening ant genus Trachymyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: RABELING CHRISTIAN , COVER STEFAN P. , JOHNSON ROBERT A. , MUELLER ULRICH G.
Published: March 2024

We revise and key Trachymyrmex ants occurring in North America north of Mexico. We recognize nine species, including one new species from southern Arizona: T. arizonensis (Wheeler), T. carinatus Mackay & Mackay, T. desertorum (Wheeler), T. jamaicensis (André), T. nogalensis Byars, T. pomonae Rabeling & Cover sp. nov., T. septentrionalis (McCook), T. smithi Buren, and T. turrifex (Wheeler). Two infraspecific taxa are synonymized: T. smithi neomexicanus Cole syn. nov. (= T. smithi) and T. turrifex caroli Wheeler syn. nov. (= T. turrifex). We briefly characterize the previously undescribed queens of T. desertorum and T. nogalensis, and the males of T. desertorum and T. turrifex. We include keys for the identification of workers, queens and males, along with distribution maps for all species. A phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence information for parts of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase I and the first intron of the F1copy of the nuclear protein-coding gene Elongation Factor 1-α is used to characterize the intraversus inter-specific genetic variation of several populations per species. The molecular phylogenetic analysis supports our taxonomic conclusions concerning the North American Trachymyrmex species.