bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key Value of RNA Analysis of
MYBPC3
Splice-Site Variants in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Singer Emma S. , Ingles Jodie , Semsarian Christopher , Bagnall Richard D.
Published: January 2019

Background:

MYBPC3
splicing errors are a common cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Variants affecting essential splice-site dinucleotides inhibit splicing, whereas the impact of variants at conserved flanking nucleotides is less clear. We evaluated the contribution of
MYBPC3
splice-site variants in a large cohort of patients with HCM and assessed the impact on splicing with RNA analysis.

Methods:

Patients attending a specialized multidisciplinary clinic, with a clinical diagnosis of HCM and genetic testing of at least 46 cardiomyopathy-associated genes, were included. Patients with variants in
MYBPC3
splice sites with in silico-predicted effects on splicing were selected. RNA was extracted from fresh venous blood or paraffin-embedded myocardial tissue of the patients, amplified, and sequenced. Variants were classified for pathogenicity using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.

Results:

We found 29 rare
MYBPC3
splice-site variants in 56 of 557 (10%) unrelated HCM probands. Three variants were not predicted to alter RNA splicing, and 13 essential splice dinucleotide, nonsense, and short insertion or deletion variants were not further assessed. RNA analysis was performed on 9 variants (c.654+5G>C, c.772G>A, c.821+3G>T, c.927-9G>A, c.1090G>A, c.1624G>A, c.1624+4A>T, c.3190+5G>A, and c.3491-3C>G), and RNA splicing errors were confirmed for 7. Four variants in 4 families resulted in clinically meaningful reclassifications.

Conclusions:

After RNA analysis, 4 of 56 (7%) families with
MYBPC3
splice-site variants were reclassified from uncertain clinical significance to likely pathogenic. RNA analysis of splice-site variants can assist in understanding pathogenicity and increase the diagnostic yield of genetic testing in HCM.
18
F-Fluoride Signal Amplification Identifies Microcalcifications Associated With Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability in Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Creager Michael D. , Hohl Tobias , Hutcheson Joshua D. , Moss Alastair J. , Schlotter Florian , Blaser Mark C. , Park Mi-Ae , Lee Lang Ho , Singh Sasha A. , Alcaide-Corral Carlos J. , Tavares Adriana A.S. , Newby David E. , Kijewski Marie F. , Aikawa Masanori , Di Carli Marcelo , Dweck Marc R. , Aikawa Elena
Published: January 2019

Background:

Microcalcifications in atherosclerotic plaques are destabilizing, predict adverse cardiovascular events, and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
18
F-fluoride positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging has demonstrated promise as a useful clinical diagnostic tool in identifying high-risk plaques; however, there is confusion as to the underlying mechanism of signal amplification seen in PET-positive, CT-negative image regions. This study tested the hypothesis that
18
F-fluoride PET/CT can identify early microcalcifications.

Methods:

18
F-fluoride signal amplification derived from microcalcifications was validated against near-infrared fluorescence molecular imaging and histology using an in vitro 3-dimensional hydrogel collagen platform, ex vivo human specimens, and a mouse model of atherosclerosis.

Results:

Microcalcification size correlated inversely with collagen concentration. The
18
F-fluoride ligand bound to microcalcifications formed by calcifying vascular smooth muscle cell derived extracellular vesicles in the in vitro 3-dimensional collagen system and exhibited an increasing signal with an increase in collagen concentration (0.25 mg/mL collagen −33.8×10
2
±12.4×10
2
counts per minute; 0.5 mg/mL collagen −67.7×10
2
±37.4×10
2
counts per minute;
P
=0.0014), suggesting amplification of the PET signal by smaller microcalcifications. We further incubated human atherosclerotic endarterectomy specimens with clinically relevant concentrations of
18
F-fluoride. The
18
F-fluoride ligand labeled microcalcifications in PET-positive, CT-negative regions of explanted human specimens as evidenced by
18
F-fluoride PET/CT imaging, near-infrared fluorescence, and histological analysis. Additionally, the
18
F-fluoride ligand identified micro and macrocalcifications in atherosclerotic aortas obtained from low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that
18
F-fluoride PET signal in PET-positive, CT-negative regions of human atherosclerotic plaques is the result of developing microcalcifications, and high surface area in regions of small microcalcifications may amplify PET signal.
Epicardial Fat Volume Improves the Prediction of Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease Above Traditional Risk Factors and Coronary Calcium Score
Authors: Zhou Jia , Chen Yundai , Zhang Ying , Wang Hao , Tan Yahang , Liu Yujie , Huang Lingyu , Zhang Hong , Ma Yanhe , Cong Hongliang
Published: January 2019

Background:

Recent studies have demonstrated the tremendous potential of epicardial fat volume (EFV) to predict obstructive coronary artery disease. We aimed to develop a new model to estimate pretest probability of obstructive coronary artery disease using traditional risk factors with coronary calcium score and EFV and compare it with proposed models in Chinese patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography.

Methods:

The new models were derived from 5743 consecutive patients using multivariate logistic regression and validated in an internal cohort using invasive coronary angiography as the outcome and an external cohort with clinical outcome data. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, integrated discrimination improvement and net reclassification improvement were calculated to validate and compare the performance of models.

Results:

EFV improved prediction above conventional risk factors and coronary calcium score (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased from 0.856 to 0.874, integrated discrimination improvement 0.0487, net reclassification improvement 0.1181,
P
<0.0001 for all). The final model included 5 predictors: age, sex, symptom, coronary calcium score, and EFV. Good internal validation and external validation of the new model were achieved, with positive net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement, excellent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and favorable calibration. Further, the new model demonstrated a better prediction of clinical outcome, resulting in a more cost-effective risk stratification to optimize decision-making of downstream diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusions:

Addition of EFV to conventional risk factors and coronary calcium score offered a more accurate and effective estimation for pretest probability of obstructive coronary artery disease, which may help to improve initial management of stable chest pain.
Elevated Sera sST2 Is Associated With Heart Failure in Men ≤50 Years Old With Myocarditis
Authors: Coronado Michael J. , Bruno Katelyn A. , Blauwet Lori A. , Tschöpe Carsten , Cunningham Madeleine W. , Pankuweit Sabine , van Linthout Sophie , Jeon Eun‐Seok , McNamara Dennis M. , Krejčí Jan , Bienertová‐Vašků Julie , Douglass Erika J. , Abston Eric D. , Bucek Adriana , Frisancho J. Augusto , Greenaway Merci S. , Hill Anneliese R. , Schultheiss Heinz‐Peter , Cooper Leslie T. , Fairweather DeLisa
Published: January 2019

Background

Myocarditis is an important cause of acute and chronic heart failure. Men with myocarditis have worse recovery and an increased need for transplantation compared with women, but the reason for the sex difference remains unclear. Elevated sera soluble (s)
ST
2 predicts mortality from acute and chronic heart failure, but has not been studied in myocarditis patients.

Methods and Results

Adults with a diagnosis of clinically suspected myocarditis (n=303, 78% male) were identified according to the 2013 European Society of Cardiology position statement. Sera
sST
2 levels were examined by
ELISA
in humans and mice and correlated with heart function according to sex and age. Sera
sST
2 levels were higher in healthy men (
P
=8×10
−6
) and men with myocarditis (
P
=0.004) compared with women.
sST
2 levels were elevated in patients with myocarditis and New York Heart Association class
III
‐
IV
heart failure (
P
=0.002), predominantly in men (
P
=0.0003). Sera
sST
2 levels were associated with New York Heart Association class in men with myocarditis who were ≤50 years old (
r
=0.231,
P
=0.0006), but not in women (
r
=0.172,
P
=0.57). Sera
sST
2 levels were also significantly higher in male mice with myocarditis (
P
=0.005) where levels were associated with cardiac inflammation. Gonadectomy with hormone replacement showed that testosterone (
P
<0.001), but not estradiol (
P
=0.32), increased sera
sST
2 levels in male mice with myocarditis.

Conclusions

We show in a well‐characterized subset of heart failure patients with clinically suspected and biopsy‐confirmed myocarditis that elevated sera
sST
2 is associated with an increased risk of heart failure based on New York Heart Association class in men ≤50 years old.
The MOVEMENT Trial
Authors: Holm Manne , Tornvall Per , Henareh Loghman , Jensen Ulf , Golster Nanna , Alström Patrik , Santos‐Pardo Irene , Witt Nils , Fedchenko Nikolai , Venetsanos Dimitrios , Beck Olof , van der Linden Jan
Published: January 2019

Background

Morphine administration is a strong predictor of delayed onset of action of orally administered ticagrelor in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction, likely because of impaired gastrointestinal motility. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the peripheral opioid antagonist methylnaltrexone could improve pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of orally administered ticagrelor in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction receiving morphine.

Methods and Results

The MOVEMENT (Methylnaltrexone to Improve Platelet Inhibition of Ticagrelor in Morphine‐Treated Patients With ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) trial was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction treated with morphine and ticagrelor. Upon arrival to the catheterization laboratory, patients were randomized to a blinded intravenous injection of either methylnaltrexone (8 or 12 mg according to weight) or 0.9% sodium chloride. The proportion of patients with high on‐treatment platelet reactivity and plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and
AR
‐C124910XX were assessed at baseline (arrival in the catheterization laboratory) and 1 and 2 hours later. A total of 82 patients received either methylnaltrexone (n=43) or placebo (n=39). Median (interquartile range) time from ticagrelor administration to randomization was 41 (31–50) versus 45.5 (37–60) minutes (
P
=0.16). Intravenous methylnaltrexone administration did not significantly affect prevalence of high on‐treatment platelet reactivity at 2 hours after inclusion, the primary end point, when compared with placebo (54% versus 51%,
P
=0.84). Plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and its active metabolite, the prespecified secondary end points, did not differ significantly between the groups over time. There was no significant difference in patient self‐estimated pain between the groups.

Conclusions

Methylnaltrexone did not significantly improve platelet reactivity or plasma concentrations of orally administered ticagrelor in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction receiving morphine.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02942550.
Pretreatment With PCSK9 Inhibitor Protects the Brain Against Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through a Reduction of Neuronal Inflammation and Amyloid Beta Aggregation
Authors: Apaijai Nattayaporn , Moisescu Dalila Monica , Palee Siripong , McSweeney Christian Mervyn , Saiyasit Napatsorn , Maneechote Chayodom , Boonnag Chiraphat , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C.
Published: January 2019

Background

Cardiac ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to brain damage. A new antihyperlipidemic drug is aimed at inhibiting
PCSK
9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), a molecule first identified in a neuronal apoptosis paradigm. Thus, the
PCSK
9 inhibitor (
PCSK
9i) may play a role in neuronal recovery following cardiac I/R insults. We hypothesize that
PCSK
9i attenuates brain damage caused by cardiac I/R via diminishing microglial/astrocytic hyperactivation, β‐amyloid aggregation, and loss of dendritic spine.

Methods and Results

Adult male rats were divided into 7 groups: (1) control (n=4); (2)
PCSK
9i without cardiac I/R (n=4); (3) sham (n=4); and cardiac I/R (n=40). Cardiac I/R rats were divided into 4 subgroups (n=10/subgroup): (1) vehicle; (2)
PCSK
9i (10 μg/kg, IV) before ischemia; (3)
PCSK
9i during ischemia; and (4)
PCSK
9i at the onset of reperfusion. At the end of cardiac I/R protocol, brains were removed to determine microglial and astrocytic activities, β‐amyloid aggravation, and dendritic spine density. The cardiac I/R led to the activation of the brain's innate immunity resulting in increasing Iba1
+
microglia,
GFAP
+
astrocytes, and
CD
11b
+
/
CD
45
+high
cell numbers. However,
CD
11b
+
/
CD
45
+low
cell numbers were decreased following cardiac I/R. In addition, cardiac I/R led to reduced dendritic spine density, and increased β‐amyloid aggregation. Only the administration of
PCSK
9i before ischemia effectively attenuated these deleterious effects on the brain following cardiac I/R.
PCSK
9i administration under the physiologic condition did not affect the aforementioned parameters.

Conclusions

Cardiac I/R injury activated microglial activity in the brain, leading to brain damage. Only the pretreatment with
PCSK
9i prevented dendritic spine loss via reduction of microglial activation and Aβ aggregation.
Notes on the diversity and floristic affinity of mosses (Musci, Bryophyta) from Zambales Mountain Range, Luzon island, Philippines
Authors: LINIS VIRGILIO C.
Published: January 2019

The moss flora of Zambales Mountain Range of Luzon Island, Philippines is updated based on recent and herbarium collections and is found to consist of 268 species in 126 genera.  The Zambales collections yield Ectropothecium sp., a probable new species and six new records for the Philippine moss flora: Ectropothecium callichroides, E. filicaule, E. planulum, Neckeromnion calcutense, Papillidiopsis stissophylla, and Splachnobryum oorschotii. Likewise, Gammiella tonkinensis, Gymnostomiella longinervis, Leucobryum arfakianum, and Rhaphidostichum bunodicarpum are new records for Luzon Island. Additionally, the affinity of mosses in Zambales Mountain Range to other known floristically distinct areas and islands in the archipelago is discussed.
Nomenclatural and taxonomic notes on Rubus sect. Corylifolii (Rosaceae) in Central Europe
Authors: KIRÁLY GERGELY
Published: January 2019

During recent herbarium and field studies three names of Rubus sect. Corylifolii ser. Subcanescentes were re-assessed. Rubus macrostemonides was typified with a neotype specimen from Salzburg (Austria), and its identity with R. baruthicus was shown (the previous name has the priority). Its presence at the Austrian locus classicus was confirmed also recently, this locality represents the easternmost occurrence of the species. The name R. holosericeus was (mis)applied for a long time for a widespread taxon occurring southeast of the Alps that is not at all present in the original material. This name was lectotypified with a specimen from Styria (Austria) here as a hitherto overlooked regional species recently recorded in Austria, Hungary and Slovenia. The taxon that was formerly (mis)identified as R. holosericeus has proven to be identical to R. semitomentosus, which is lectotypified here with a specimen from Hungary. For both taxa clarified here is, beside a circumstantial assessment of the type material, an improved morphological characterization and circumscription of distribution and habitats presented.
Strobilanthes hongii, a new species of Acanthaceae from Guizhou, China
Authors: CHEN FENGLIN , DENG YUNFEI , XIONG ZHIBIN , RAN JINGCHENG
Published: January 2019

Strobilanthes hongii, a new species of Acanthaceae is described and illustrated from Libo, Guizhou, China. The new species is similar to S. pateriformis and S. truncata, but differs by the characters of leaf blade, bracteole and calyx and pollen grains. The new species is plietesial and grows in forest on limestone hills. The conservation status of S. hongii is assessed as “Vulnerable (VU)” according to the IUCN red list categories and criteria.
Two new species of Paramphiascella Lang (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Miraciidae) from a brackish water pond in Thailand
Authors: CHULLASORN SUPAWADEE
Published: January 2019

Two new species of the harpacticoid genus Paramphiascella Lang, 1944 were collected from a brackish water pond located at the Coastal Fisheries Research Development Center, Department of Fisheries, Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, and are described herein. Paramphiascella dahmsi sp. nov. and P. ferrarii sp. nov. are similar to other species of the genus in having a cylindrical body shape, eight-segmented antennules, and both the baseoendopod and exopod of the female P5 with five setae. However, the two new species can be distinguished from other congeners by having one big ovate-striated knob at the inner edge of the male P1 basis. Paramphiascella dahmsi bears in addition two ovatestriated knobs on the anterior surface of the proximal rim of the male P1 Enp1 while P. ferrarii is without any knobs on the endopod. The Enp2 of male P2 of P. dahmsi is distally attenuated, with a medially pointed knob close to Enp1. Adjacent to the knob there are two setae, one spinulose and one pectinate, and one club-like seta bifurcate at its tip. In P. ferrarii, the medial knob is rounded, a second long attenuation arises near the base of two unequal spinulose setae and the club-like seta is absent. In addition, the P2 Enp1 bears an inner spinulose seta in P. dahmsi, while in P. ferrarii it bears a pectinate seta. These characters are suggested as autapomorphies of the new species.
Vertigo botanicorum sp. nov. (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Vertiginidae)—a new whorl-snail from the Russian Altai Mountains
Authors: HORSÁK MICHAL , POKRYSZKO BEATA M.
Published: January 2019

Vertigo botanicorum sp. nov. is described from the Russian Altai Mountains. The species was recorded in 8 out of 118 study sites and totally 21 live individuals and 15 empty shells were collected. It is a medium-sized Vertigo species living in various tall-forb meadows, shrubby and forest habitats; avoiding only dry and strictly open sites. Mostly it was found in rather acidic sites of higher altitudes (above 1300 m a.s.l.).
Lepidepecreellidae fam. nov. (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Lysianassoidea) in Australian waters
Authors: STODDART H. E. , LOWRY J. K.
Published: January 2019

The new lysianassoid amphipod family Lepidepecreellidae is established and the genus Lepidepecreella is reported from Australian waters for the first time. The new species Lepidepecreella nellae sp. nov. is described.
A review of the Oocyclus Sharp of Venezuela with description of twelve new species (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Laccobiini)
Authors: SHORT ANDREW E. Z. , GARCÍA MAURICIO
Published: January 2019

The water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp is reported from Venezuela for the first time. A review of more than 3000 specimens revealed fourteen species, including twelve described as new: O. andinus sp. n., O. bolivari sp. n., O. coromoto sp. n., O. floccus sp. n., O. galbus sp. n., O. meridensis sp. n., O. petra sp. n., O. pico, sp. n., O. pittieri sp. n., O. sapphirus sp. n., O. trujillo sp. n., and O. zulianus sp. n. Two species previously known only from Central America, O. maculatus Sharp and O. substillus Short & Perkins, are recorded for the first time in South America from localities along the Andean border with Colombia. Nearly all species are associated with hygropetric habitats such as wet rocks, waterfalls, and seepages; one species, O. petra, was also occasionally found in sandy stream margins that lacked rock substrate. The Neotropical genus Beralitra d’Orchymont is placed in synonymy with Oocyclus, yielding two newcombinations: Oocyclus obscurus (d’Orchymont) comb. n. and Oocyclus iguazu (Oliva) comb. n. A key to the Venezuelan species of Oocyclus is provided in addition to habitus and diagnostic character illustrations.
Descriptions of two new species of Pseudococcidae (Homoptera: Coccinea) and additions to the scale insect fauna of Bulgaria
Authors: GAVRILOV ILYA A.
Published: January 2019

Two new species of mealybug, Balanococus balkanicus Gavrilov sp. n. and Phenacoccus alibotush Gavrilov sp. n. (Homoptera: Coccinea: Pseudococcidae) are described and illustrated. In addition 10 species new to the Bulgarian fauna are noted: Atrococcus paludinus (Green), Balanococcus boratynskii Williams, Trionymus radicum (Newstead), Coccura comari (Künow), Heliococcus destructor Borchsenius, Peliococcus balteatus (Green), Phenacoccus pumilus Kiritschenko, Rhizoecus halophilus (Hardy), Phyllostroma myrtilli (Kaltenbach), and Lecanopsis clodiensis (Pellizzari). A new detailed figure of Heliococcus destructor Borchsenius is given. In addition, A. (Eriococcus) melnikensis (Hodgson & Trencheva (2008) is here synonymised with Acanthococcus aceris Signoret (1875), syn. nov.
New species of Tribonium Saussure from the State of Amazonas, Brazil (Blattaria, Blaberidae, Zetoborinae)
Authors: LOPES SONIA MARIA
Published: January 2019

The family Blaberidae contains large-sized species that may be apterous or subapterous with a rough pronotum, to fully winged with tegmina and wings extending beyond the apex of the abdomen. The family also contains small to medium-sized species colored green. Tribonium Saussure is placed in Zeborinae, one of the 10 subfamilies within Blaberidae (Roth 2003). Tribonium is essentially Neotropical, with species presenting a general brown coloration brown with dispersed black spots mainly on the tegmina. These similarities make species identifications difficult and further morphological studies of the genitalia are needed. Tribonium has a geographical distribution from French Guiana and Colombia to Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. The collection records are from tropical and subtropical forest, Atlantic forest, and regions of the Rio Grande do Sul. Currently, ten species are known, of which eight are Brazilian: T. conspersum (Guérin & Percheron), T. conspurcatum (Burmeister), T. delicatum Lopes, T. elegans (Brunner), T. gutulosum (Walker), T. litoris Lopes, T. neospectrum Lopes, and T. spectrum (Eschscholtz) (Lopes 1978).
Studies on Pakistan Lizards: Cyrtopodion baturense (Khan and Baig 1992) and Cyrtopodion walli (Ingoldby 1922) (Sauria: Gekkonidae)
Authors: AUFFENBERG KURT , KRYSKO KENNETH L. , REHMAN HAFIZUR
Published: January 2019

The taxonomy of Eurasian angular or thin-toed geckos has undergone a great deal of revision over the last 30 years. However, it is clear that a desirable level of taxonomic resolution has not yet been attained as their taxonomic assignments are somewhat arbitrary. In this paper, we discuss two lesser-known gecko species, Cyrtopodion baturense (Khan and Baig 1992) and C. walli (Ingoldby 1922). One adult specimen of Cyrtopodion baturense (the only known specimen other than the type series) and a series of 53 C. walli collected by Walter Auffenberg and the Zoological Survey Department of Pakistan (ZSD) and subsequently deposited in the University of Florida Herpetology collection were compared to the type specimens. Specimens were examined for 46 morphological characters and measurements. Cyrtopodion baturense and C. walli are diagnosable and confirmed to be distinct species. Cyrtopodion baturense is known only from the holotype locality of Pasu and the nearby village of Dih, Hunza District, in the Gilgit Agency, Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA), Pakistan, at 2,438–3,078 m elevations. Cyrtopodion walli is known from Ayun, Chitral, Bamburet Valley, Bermoghluscht, Drosh Tehsil, and 7.0 km N Drosh, in the Chitral District, Northwest Frontier, Pakistan, at 1,970–2,120 m elevations. We also conclude that the likely paratype (BMNH 1922.5.22.1) of Gymnodactylus walli is not conspecific with the holotype (BMNH 1910.7.12.1) and is most morphologically similar to Cyrtopodion tibetanus (Boulenger 1905). We concur with Khan (1992), based on our own examination of the syntype of Gymnodactylus chitralensis Smith, 1935, that G. chitralensis is a junior synonym of Gymnodactylus walli Ingoldby, 1922. Furthermore, the tail associated with the holotype of G. walli does not belong to that individual.
Five new Mallinella species from the Sundaland of Indonesia (Araneae, Zodariidae)
Authors: DANKITTIPAKUL PAKAWIN , JOCQUÉ RUDY , SINGTRIPOP TIPPAWAN
Published: January 2019

Five new spider species belonging to the genus Mallinella Strand, 1906 (Araneae, Zodariidae) are described from the Greater Sunda (Sumatra, Borneo, Java) and adjacent smaller islands (Bali, Palau Belitung). These taxa are M. abdita sp. nov. (♂♀, East Kalimantan, Borneo), M. bifida sp. nov. (♂♀, East and South Kalimantan, Borneo), M. insulana sp. nov. (♂, Bali), and M. wiputrai sp. nov. (♂♀, Palau Belitung). Males that were considered by Simon to be conspecific with Storena melanognatha van Hasselt, 1882 prove to belong to an unknown species and here described as Mallinella simoni sp. nov. (♂, Java and Palau Belitung). New collections from Sundaland confirm that the first species is confined to Sumatra whereas M. simoni sp. nov. is hitherto known from Java and Palau Belitung. The known distribution of Mallinella albomaculata Bosmans & Hillyard, 1990, mentioned from Sulawesi, is here extended to the island of Borneo; the internal epigyne structure of this species is described and illustrated for the first time.
Pinnotherotonia rumphiusi gen. et sp. nov., a new furry bivalve-associated pontoniine shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae) from Palau
Authors: MARIN IVAN , PAULAY GUSTAV
Published: January 2019

A new genus and species of a furry, bivalve–associated pontoniine shrimp is described from Palau. This is the second pontoniine shrimp known to be associated with bivalves burrowing into soft bottom, and the first record of a venus clam (Bivalvia, Veneridae) as host for caridean shrimps.
An endemic Taenia from South America: validation of T. talicei Dollfus, 1960 (Cestoda: Taeniidae) with characterization of metacestodes and adults
Authors: ROSSIN MARÍA A. , TIMI JUAN T. , HOBERG ERIC P.
Published: January 2019

Taenia talicei is redescribed based on new data from polycephalic, fimbriocercus and cysticercus metacestodes found in Ctenomys spp. (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) from Argentina. Strobilate adult specimens, derived from experimental infections in domestic dogs, are described for the first time. Identity of the adult and metacestodes stages is based on the number of rostellar hooks (44–50 hooks in 2 rows), their dimensions (large hooks= 232–242; small= 150–187) and shape. Taenia talicei is distinguished from those species that occur naturally in Neotropical Felidae and from those cosmopolitan species that circulate in synanthropic cycles with rodents (or lagomorphs) and domestic hosts such as cats and dogs in South America based on the structure of the metacestode, dimensions and numbers of rostellar hooks and a suite of specific characters of the genital system in strobilate adults. This species is the first that can be considered endemic to South America. Origins of an endemic Taenia species or taeniid assemblages in South America would have relationships to either North American or Eurasian placental carnivores. In these instances, the expansion of Taenia may have resulted from geographic colonization of South America, radiation in both felids (and canids), and host switching by tapeworms to caviomorphs, prior to the emergence of the Panamanian Isthmus. Taenia talicei is capable of development in domestic dogs, and metacestodes in species of Ctenomys were found in urban or semi-urban environments. These factors may establish a role for synanthropic cycles linked to definitive hosts including dogs and cats as a route for exposure of humans to infection by this taeniid.
A historical review of praying mantid taxonomy and systematics in the Neotropical Region: State of knowledge and recent advances (Insecta: Mantodea)
Authors: RIVERA JULIO
Published: January 2019

This review presents a detailed account of taxonomic studies of praying mantids (Mantodea) from the Neotropical region. The current knowledge for each genus is presented along with a brief review of the advances in systematics for the order with emphasis on the Neotropical fauna. Additional comments on the limitations in taxonomic studies in mantids are also discussed.
A new species of Rhithrogena Eaton, 1881 from the Far East of Russia with notes on this genus in this area (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae)
Authors: TIUNOVA TATIANA M.
Published: January 2019

Rhithrogena klugei sp. nov. (male, female and larva) are described from Far East of Russia. The Far Eastern species of Rhithrogena belong to two groups: lepnevae and sibirica. The species group sibirica is represented by the East Palaearctic species R. sibirica Brodsky 1930. The lepnevae species group includes R. lepnevae Brodsky 1930, R. bajkovae Sowa 1973 and R. klugei sp. nov. in the Far East and Siberia, and two species which can be found in the Russian Far East, R. piechockii Braasch 1977 from Mongolia, and R. ingalik Randolph and McCafferty 2005 from Alaska. The species group sibirica differs from lepnevae species group in that its larvae present a rounded projection on gills II–VI on the posterior-dorsal margin, whereas the imagines present a shoot at the base of the penis lobes. The larva of R. klugei sp. nov. differs from those of R. bajkovae and R. lepnevae in their form of gill I and in the ratio of the length to the width of gills III–IV. The male imago of the new species can be distinguished from others of the lepnevae species group by the absence of the latero-dorsoventral tooth on the penis lobes.
Description of the nymphs of Ectemnostega (Ectemnostegella) stridulata (Hungerford 1948) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Corixidae)
Authors: KONOPKO SUSANA AMANDA , MAZZUCCONI SILVIA ANA , BACHMANN AXEL OSCAR
Published: January 2019

The egg and the five nymphal instars of Ectemnostega (Ectemnostegella) stridulata are described and illustrated for the first time, with emphasis on the morphometry and chaetotaxy of selected structures. Comparison with the eggs of E. (Ectemnostegella) montana and E. (Ectemnostegella) peruana, and the nymphs of E. montana and E. (Ectemnostega) quadrata, are included. The egg of E. stridulata has a very short stalk like those of E. montana and E. peruana, and the three species differ in the chorionic structure. The nymphs of Ectemnostega share the presence of one dorsal abdominal scent gland on each of the segments IV–V. The number of spines on the profemur on the ventral and posteroventral surfaces distinguishes the nymphs of the subgenus Ectemnostega from the those of the subgenus Ectemnostegella. The nymphal characters most useful in identifying instars I–V of Ectemnostega are: the body length, the number of spines on the posteroventral surface of the mesofemur, setae on the posterodorsal surface and spines on the posteroventral surface of the mesotibia, setae on the posterodorsal surface of the mesotarsus, and the grade of development of the wing pads. The nymphal characters most useful in identifying species of Ectemnostega are: the number of spines on the posteroventral surface of the mesofemur, spines on the anterodorsal surface of the metatibia, and spines and swimming hairs on the anteroventral and posterodorsal surfaces of the metatarsus.
New species, new records, and distribution of Campodeidae (Diplura) in Anatolia
Authors: SENDRA ALBERTO , TERUEL SANTIAGO , SATAR ALI , TUSUN SADREDDIN , ÖZBAY CENGIZHAN
Published: January 2019

The campodeid dipluran fauna from Anatolia was studied from samples collected from the Black Sea, southeastern, Aegean, and eastern regions of Turkey. A total of 16 species were collected: Campodea s. str. (10 species), Dicampa (2), Eutrichocampa (2), Libanocampa (1), and Edriocampa (1). Two new species are described: Campodea (Campodea) anae Sendra & Teruel n. sp. from northern Anatolia and Campodea (Campodea) sarae Sendra & Teruel n. sp. from Denizli, in southeastern Turkey. These results suggest that additional sampling is needed in other parts of Turkey to adequately characterize the campodeid fauna. The known campodeid biodiversity of Anatolia stands at 23 species, 3 times less than the Iberian peninsula.
A new species of the genus Lathriopyga Caroli, 1912 (Collembola, Neanuridae, Neanurinae) from the Republic of Moldova
Authors: BUŞMACHIU GALINA , DEHARVENG LOUIS , WEINER WANDA MARIA
Published: January 2019

A new species of the genus Lathriopyga Caroli, from the Republic of Moldova is described and figured. It differs from its closest relative, Lathriopyga bulgarica Smolis, Skarżyński & Pomorski, by the presence of 3+3 chaetae Di on Abd. V, Di1 as a long macrochaeta, Di2, Di3 as short macrochaetae, presence of three chaetae Oc on head and the form of mandible (with 6–7 denticles appearing as a fringe between apical and basal teeth).
Description and DNA barcoding assessment of the new species Deutonura gibbosa (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae), a common springtail of Alps and Jura
Authors: PORCO DAVID , DEHARVENG LOUIS
Published: January 2019

Deutonura gibbosa, a new species of the phlegraea group, is described. It is characterized by a large elongate uneven tubercle Di on Abd. V, with chaetae Di1 and Di2 shift backward. It has otherwise the same chaetotaxic pattern as the subspecies sylvatica of D. deficiens. Deutonura gibbosa sp. nov. is the most widespread Deutonura in the Alps and southern Jura. Its barcode sequence is provided and compared to those of four other Deutonura of the phlegraea group; it unambiguously differs from them, including from D. deficiens sylvatica, its closest relative according to current taxonomy. This is the most convincing example so far that barcode may help to discriminate taxa among closely related species in Collembola.
Type designations of Diptera (Insecta) in the Encyclopaedia Metropolitana
Authors: EVENHUIS NEAL L.
Published: January 2019

Previously overlooked type designations for genus-group names of Diptera given in the Encyclopaedia Metropolitana are presented. The encyclopedia is described and its volumes dated.
Diversity and taxonomic review of Leptusa Kraatz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U.S.A., with descriptions of four new species
Authors: PARK JONG-SEOK , CARLTON CHRISTOPHER E. , FERRO MICHAEL L.
Published: January 2019

A taxonomic review of the genus Leptusa Kraatz from Great Smoky Mountains National Park is presented. Ten species are recognized, and four new species are described and illustrated: L. (Adoxopisalia) pseudosmokyiensis Park & Carlton, sp. nov., L. (A.) stocksi Park & Carlton, sp. nov., L. (Dysleptusa) gimmeli Park & Carlton, sp. nov., and L. (Eucryptusa) ferroi Park & Carlton, sp. nov. The previously undescribed female of L. (D.) pusio (Casey) is also reported for the first time. Descriptions, habitus illustrations and line drawings of diagnostic characters of all species occurring in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are provided. A key is provided that will allow discrimination of 16 of the 18 species of Leptusa known to occur in the eastern United States. “Overlooked Syndrome”, the phenomena where undescribed species persist in a well known fauna, is defined and discussed.
A new species of moth fly (Diptera, Psychodidae, Psychodinae) collected from Bromeliads in Florida
Authors: WAGNER RÜDIGER , HRIBAR LAWRENCE J.
Published: January 2019

In recent years several Neotropical Psychodidae Psychodinae were collected from Bromeliaceae. These plants are a kind of aquatic microcosmos and harbour a diverse and probably specialized fauna (Frank & Lounibos 2009, Kitching 2000, Richardson 1999). Quite a number of psychodids collected from Bromeliaceae is from genus Arisemus (Satchell, 1955). In some cases adults were reared from larvae collected in bromeliads, so that both stages were associated Wagner et al. 2008; Wagner et al. accepted. From some other species and genera it is known or supposed that their habitat is related to bromeliads (more information in Quate & Brown 2004, Frank et al. 2004). Additional information with description of a new species can be found in Wagner & Hribar (2005). Remarkably one newly described species was transported with a bromeliad from Brazil via the Netherlands to Sweden, where larvae or eggs developed to the adult stage and were collected in a terrarium (Wagner & Svensson 2006). So it appears that the small water bodies in tank bromeliads and other plants or the high atmospheric humidity in the environment of Tillandsia plants provide a sufficient environment for successful development of psychodids, at least in the Neotropical region. Here we report about another new species collected from bromeliads in Florida that belongs to the remarkable genus Neurosystasis Satchell, 1955, of which so far only two species were known: N. terminalis (Satchell, 1955) from Jamaica, and N. amplipenna (Knab, 1914) from Cuba. Quate & Brown (2004) mentioned 3 females from Orange County Florida, U.S.A. collected from Tillandsia utriculata (Bromeliaceae) where larvae live in the leaf axils. Most probably these females are not N. amplipenna (Knab, 1914) but belong to the new species described below.
Revision of the genus Neelus Folsom, 1896 (Collembola, Neelida) with the description of two new troglobiotic species from Europe
Authors: KOVÁČ ĽUBOMÍR , PAPÁČ VLADIMÍR
Published: January 2019

The paper deals with taxonomic revision of the genus Neelus Folsom, 1896. Two new species of the genus are described: N. koseli sp. nov. from caves of the eastern Slovakia and N. klisurensis sp. nov. from the Velika Klisura Cave in Serbia (Kosovo). Both species represent first known troglobiotic forms of the genus with distribution restricted to caves. They exhibit clear troglomorphic features not shared by other species of the genus: elongated unguis, larger body, elongated sensilla of Ant. IV segment, and others. Comparative table and dichotomous identification key for species of the genus are provided, remarks on distribution and ecology of species of the genus are added.
Two new species of Cuspidevia Jäch & Boukal, 1995 from China (Coleoptera: Elmidae)
Authors: BIAN DONGJU , JI LANZHU
Published: January 2019

Two new species of the genus Cuspidevia Jäch & Boukal, 1995 (Macronychini) are reported from Jiangxi Province, China: Cuspidevia brevis sp. nov., Cuspidevia jaechi sp. nov. Descriptions, diagnoses, illustrations and a key to Cuspidevia are given.
A new silky lacewing (Neuroptera: Psychopsidae) from the Middle Jurassic of Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: PENG YUANYUAN , MAKARKIN VLADIMIR N. , YANG QIANG , REN DONG
Published: January 2019

Cretapsychops decipiens sp. nov. is described from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia in China. The new species is distinguished from the type species known from the Early Cretaceous Wealden Supergroup of England mainly by its longer costal gradate series and distinctive colour pattern of the forewings. The disruptive coloration of its forewings may perform a defensive (concealment) function. The structure of CuA is peculiar in Cretapsychops and is different from that of all other known psychopsid genera.
Studies in the orthopteran fauna of Melanesia: New katydids of the tribe Agraeciini from Papua New Guinea (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae)
Authors: NASKRECKI PIOTR , RENTZ DAVID C. F.
Published: January 2019

Two new genera (Ingrischia n. gen. and Pandanagraecia n. gen.) and 15 new forest species of Agraeciini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from New Britain and central Papua New Guinea are described: I. macrocephala n. sp., P. poregera n. sp., P. armata n. sp., P. bifurcata n. sp., P. stylata n. sp., Salomona richardsi n. sp., Pseudonicsara (P.) fascifrons n. sp., P. (P.) gugusu n. sp., Anthracites nakanaiensis n. sp., Gonatacanthus gahavisuka n. sp., Microsalomona sawetau n. sp., M. brachyptera n. sp., Scytocera smaragdifrons n. sp., Philmontis lobatus n. sp., and Trichophallus tricuspis n. sp. Stridulations of S. richardsi and S. godeffroyi (Pictet) are described.
Review of the planthopper genus Amasha Medler (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae: Phyllyphantini) with description of one new species from China
Authors: ZHANG YA-LIN , PENG LING-FEI , WANG YING-LUN
Published: January 2019

The genus Amasha Medler is reviewed with description of a new species, Amasha haina, sp. nov., from China. All known species of the genus are also redescribed and illustrated, and the male genitalia of A. inepta Medler is described for the first time. A key to all species is provided.
Description of a new species of Byrsopteryx (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, including its immature stages
Authors: SANTOS ALLAN PAULO MOREIRA , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: January 2019

Byrsopteryx Flint, 1981 is a small genus of microcaddisflies exclusively Neotropical in distribution. Currently, 15 species are known in the genus, 2 of which occur in Brazil, both described from Rio de Janeiro State. In this paper, we provide descriptions and illustrations for all stages of a new species of Byrsopteryx from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Byrsopteryx carioca sp. nov. is distinguished from other Byrsopteryx species by male genitalia with a pair of spine-like ventral projections posteriorly on segment IX, the dorsolateral processes from segment IX each with an acute ventral projection, and the phallus simple internally with a short, bifurcate apical sclerite. In addition, we describe the female of Byrsopteryx espinhosa Harris & Holzenthal, 1994, and record Byrsopteryx abrelata Harris & Holzenthal, 1994, from São Paulo State, Brazil.
New combinations for the Australian species of Baetis (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae), with a new synonym
Authors: WEBB J. M. , Suter P. J.
Published: January 2019

The Australian small minnow mayfly fauna remains poorly known with only 21 described species (Webb & Suter 2010). Four species were described in the genus Baetis Leach: B. baddamsae Harker, 1950; B. confluens Harker, 1950; B. frater Tillyard, 1936; and B. soror Ulmer, 1908. Baetis soror and B. frater were both placed in Offadens Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty (Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty 1998, Suter 2000), but the two remaining species are still included in Baetis. Revisionary work of the last few decades has clarified the concept of Baetis and related genera and showed that older concepts of the genus were highly polyphyletic (i.e. Waltz & McCafferty 1987). Examination of larvae and adults of all known baetids occurring in Australia showed that true Baetis does not occur and that the generic placement of B. baddamsae and B. confluens should be changed. Both species have hindwings and double marginal intercalaries in the forewings, indicating they belong to either Offadens or Edmundsiops Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty, which are equivalent to Genus 1 and Genus 2 sensu Suter (1997), respectively.
A new termite (Isoptera: Termitidae: Termitinae: Proboscitermes) from Tanzania
Authors: SCHEFFRAHN RUDOLF H. , O’MALLEY ROBERT C.
Published: January 2019

A new species of termite, Proboscitermes mcgrewi Scheffrahn, is described from soldiers, workers, and a physogastric queen collected along the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. The new species differs from all other mandibulate termite soldiers in having a relatively large proportion of head capsule volume anterior to the mandibular articulations.
Taxonomy of the Oulimnius tuberculatus species group (Coleoptera: Elmidae) based on molecular and morphological data
Authors: ČIAMPOR JR. FEDOR , KODADA JÁN
Published: January 2019

Two mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit I, 16S RNA) and one nuclear (18S RNA) gene fragments were used to analyse relationships within the Oulimnius tuberculatus species group. The results of molecular data analysis are compared with morphological characters, and the distributional patterns and taxonomic status of recognized taxa are addressed. Based on molecular data, Oulimnius perezi is re-validated as a distinct species, and the discovery of a possible new species from northwest Italy is reported. The possible origins and times of speciation within the species group are discussed.
Redescription of the holotype of Bostrichoclerus bicornus Van Dyke, 1938, a rare species of the New World Tillinae Fauna (Coleoptera: Cleridae), with some taxonomic notes
Authors: BURKE ALAN F. , LEAVENGOOD JOHN M. JR. , SCHOLTZ CLARKE H. , SOLE CATHERINE L.
Published: January 2019

Bostrichoclerus bicornus Van Dyke is known from southwest United States and northwest Mexico. To date, only two specimens have been captured: the holotype, collected on Isla Angel de la Guarda, in the Gulf of California, Mexico, and a second individual collected in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The original description of B. bicornus is brief and lacks any images. Considering its rarity, we present the redescription of this species based on the examination of the holotype and compare this taxon to similar genera of New World Tillinae. Images of the holotype and the Bostrichoclerus specimen collected in southern California are given. We conclude that B. bicornus is undoubtedly a member of the subfamily Tillinae with unclear intergeneric relations in the group.
On the huntsman spider genus Vindullus Simon, 1880 (Araneae: Sparassidae)
Authors: RHEIMS CRISTINA ANNE
Published: January 2019

Vindullus Simon, 1880 is revisited and two species, erroneously allocated in Olios Walckenaer, 1837, are transferred to the genus. Vindullus fugiens (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1890) comb. nov. and V. guatemalensis (Keyserling, 1887) comb. nov. were described based on male specimens from Guatemala. Both species are redescribed and illustrated. A revised diagnosis is given for the genus including newly evaluated characters for freshly collected females of V. angulatus Rheims & Jäger, 2008. In addition, an illustrated identification key for all known males of the genus is provided, new distribution records are listed for V. angulatus Rheims & Jäger, 2008, V. gibbosus Rheims & Jäger, 2008 and V. gracilipes (Taczonowski, 1872) and a distribution map is provided showing the updated distribution of the genus.
Pseudoamycle polylepisae gen. et sp. nov., a fulgorid from the highlands of Northern Chile (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)
Authors: CAMPODONICO JUAN F. , FIERRO ANDRÉS
Published: January 2019

Pseudoamycle polylepisae gen. et sp. nov. is described from northernmost Chile (Arica and Parinacota Region). It is characterized by the small and brown body, head with no preocular flange, cephalic process porrect and dorsoventrally compressed, dorsal surface from lateral view not angulate at level of eyes, eyes round, tegmina concolorous and vein MP of tegmen pectinate. The new taxon was found to be associated with Polyepis rugulosa Bitter (Rosaceae).