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Systematics of the Dendropsophus leucophyllatus species group (Anura, Hylidae) from the Chocó region of Ecuador, with description of a new species
No full textThe Dendropsophus leucophyllatus group is composed by 19 species distributed from Central America to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Only one species is known from the Chocó region, D. ebraccatus, which is also distributed in Central America. Previous studies suggested the existence of two species masked under “D. ebraccatus”. The only other species of Dendropsophus in the Chocó lowlands of Ecuador is D. gryllatus, an elusive species never included in phylogenetic analyses. In the present study, we review the systematics of both species based on morphological, genetic, and bioacoustic data. For phylogenetic analyses, we sequenced four mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S, COI, ND1, including flanking tRNAs) and two nuclear genes (TYR, POMC). Our results indicate that the populations of “D. ebraccatus” from the Chocó of Ecuador represent a new species, not most closely related to D. ebraccatus from Central America, but to D. gryllatus. The new species inhabits tropical rainforest and piedmont evergreen forest of NW Ecuador and SW Colombia. Populations of the new species differ from D. gryllatus by having larger body size and by the presence of an hourglass-shaped dorsal mark. The new species differs from D. ebraccatus from Central America by the absence of a clear band under the eye, by having well defined dorsal spots and by having a distinct advertisement call. Both species appear to be allopatric and, according to our time-tree, diverged from each other during the late Pliocene
Care of tracheostomized children
No full textTracheotomy is an emergency surgical procedure that first appeared and was developed in ancient times. Surgical techniques for tracheotomy have been perfected in modern times, and in adults it is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in emergency departments and intensive care units worldwide. In children, however, tracheotomies present far greater challenges to the medical teams involved. A number of related issues - indications and contraindications, time to perform, and protocols for decannulation, among others - still need to be clarified. In recent years, the development of medical science, the introduction of vaccination programs, the use of many improved medical materials and technologies, and the achievements in neonatal and pediatric intensive care have changed the focus of pediatric tracheostomy from its emergency performance to solve acute asphyxiation problem to its implementation in children, who represent a complex group of patients with permanent dependence on tracheostomy and related medical technologies for long-term survival. There is a growing number of children who have had complex therapy and for whom tracheostomy care and mechanical ventilation are part of their care, including in the home environment. This in turn raises new questions: Who will care for the child in the early post-operative period and after hospitalization? Who will train people to care for the tracheostomized child at home? What precautions should be taken with these children during their daily activities, including eating, bathing, and playing inside and outside the home
Taxonomic diversity and abundance of enchytraeids (Annelida, Clitellata, Enchytraeida) in the Northern Palaearctic. 2. European Russia
No full textEnchytraeids, commonly known as potworms, are small oligochaetes found worldwide in various terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Despite their crucial role in ecosystem functioning, the diversity and abundance of Enchytraeidae are seldom studied due to the labour-intensive process of species identification. This study aims to address this gap and expand knowledge on the distribution and abundance of enchytraeids within the Northern Palaearctic Region. The provided dataset represents the latest and most comprehensive field sampling of enchytraeid communities within the European part of Russia within the Northern Palaearctic. It consists exclusively of an original set of soil samples systematically collected across the region from 2019 to 2023, without any previously published data included.The dataset includes occurrences from 204 georeferenced sites, encompassing 73 species from 17 genera, totalling 61,254 records, with 1,419 records having the "present'’ occurrence status. This comprehensive, species-specific dataset (Darwin Core Archive – DwC-A) provides insights into the distribution and abundance of terrestrial enchytraeids across a wide geographic area, covering the eastern sector of the East European Plain and the North Caucasus Region within the Northern Palaearctic. Compiled from field sampling campaigns, this dataset is essential for exploring and understanding local and regional enchytraeid diversity over time and space. It also serves as a valuable resource for monitoring and conserving soil biodiversity in the studied region
Species diversity of bdelloid rotifer (Rotifera, Bdelloidea) in different areas in China, with a description of two new species
No full textChina is one of the most biodiverse countries worldwide, with a variety of landforms and climatic conditions. However, the diversity and biogeographic distribution of bdelloid rotifers, one of the most widespread microscopic organisms worldwide, have received little attention in China. In order to understand the species diversity of bdelloid rotifers in China, a large-scale survey of different areas (such as karst areas, islands, and plateaus) and microhabitats (such as moss, leaf litter, and soil) was conducted using 299 samples from seven provinces from 2018 to 2022. A total of 109 bdelloid rotifer species were identified, including three newly recorded genera, 26 newly recorded species, and two new species (Adineta jinan Wang & Yang, sp. nov. and Philodina chinensis Wang & Örstan, sp. nov.), increasing the species richness of bdelloid rotifers in China to 141. Morphological variations among P. chinensis populations from three different regions were identified. This study indicated that the species diversity of bdelloid rotifers in China is high, especially in the Oriental region, and both endemic and rare species exist in different regions and habitats. Further, the challenges are highlighted with corresponding suggestions for research on the diversity and biogeographic distribution of bdelloid rotifers in China. Notably, our findings indicated that a survey of bdelloid rotifers in China is indispensable for a comprehensive understanding of their global biodiversity and biogeography
Arctia menetriesii: Ecological, phenological, and life history traits of an iconic boreal moth based on over a century-long dataset (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae)
No full textThe Menetries’ Tiger Moth Arctia menetriesii can be considered a prospective umbrella/indicator/flagship species for conservation programs, highlighting primeval Eurasian taiga forests. To examine its inter-annual population dynamics, host plants, habitat preferences and phenology, a dataset from field surveys and experimental research was compiled. The species’ rarity may be, at least partly, an artifact of its low detectability in nature due to its preference for hard-to-reach areas, short flight period of the imago, and, perhaps, limited daily activity. The natural survival patterns of A. menetriesii are still unknown but in breeding experiments maximum mortality occurred at the larval stage (mean ± S.E. = 84.6 ± 6.2%; n = 7). This estimate does not take into account the potential impact of parasitoids, predators, and floods that may also decrease the total abundance of A. menetriesii. Moreover, several limiting factors may contribute to the extreme rarity of this species: climate influence, dependence on toxic host plants, fungal disease and desiccation in overwintering larvae. Our research indicates that there are clear differences between European and Asian populations of the species. In Europe, it occurs more rarely, in odd years, and with restricted latitudinal, elevational, and habitat ranges, perhaps due to the founder effect. Our findings reveal that long-term series of A. menetriesii annual captures do not align with the global trend of insect declines. Further research is necessary to create a climatic niche model and to assess possible range shifts under past and future climate scenarios
The effect of the presence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on the frequency of papillary thyroid carcinoma subtypes
No full textAim: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) subtypes are known to differ from each other in terms of the features associated with each subtype. The aim of this study was to determine whether the incidence of PTC subtypes differs in the presence or absence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Materials and methods: A total of 1195 patients were included and evaluated for the presence of nodules, divided into two groups: those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and thyroid nodules (HT) and those with thyroid nodules only (non-HT). The two groups were compared with respect to demographics, clinical, ultrasonographic and cytological characteristics of thyroid nodules, and the presence of PTC. Results: Of the patients, 943 (78.9%) were diagnosed with thyroid nodules without HT (non-HT group) and 252 (21.1%) with thyroid nodules with HT (HT group). The incidence of indeterminate cytology (Bethesda category III) was significantly higher in the HT group than in the non-HT group (18.60% vs. 10.80%, p=0.001). The incidence of PTC was also statistically significantly higher in the HT group than in the non-HT group (22.2% vs. 5.7%, p=0.001). However, no correlation was observed between the histopathological subtypes of PTC and the presence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Conclusion: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis did not appear to alter the incidence of PTC subtypes. However, PTC was more frequently observed in thyroid nodules associated with HT compared to those without HT
Description of a new loach species, Yunnanilus triangulus sp. nov. (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae), from Yunnan, China
No full textA new species of the genus Yunnanilus, designated Yunnanilus triangulus sp. nov., is described from the Nanpan River in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Nuptial males of this species are distinguished by the presence of tubercles on the caudal peduncle during the reproductive period, a feature not observed in other members of the genus. The new species is further characterized by the following unique combination of morphological characters: body scaled, smaller eyes than interorbital width, nine inner gill rakers on first gill arch, lateral head length 27.1%–30.9% SL, head width 14.3%–17.2% SL, eye diameter 19.6%–23.8% of lateral head length, and caudal peduncle depth 94.0%–130.6% of its length. Morphological and molecular evidence support the validity of this species, despite its geographic proximity to Y. polylepis. These findings underscore the ecological specialization that exists within the genus Yunnanilus and highlight the urgent need for species-specific conservation strategies, given their restricted distributions and dependence on specific habitats
Antioxidant activity of polyphenols and permissible values of glyphosate in artisanal wines from the Pisco Routes of the Ica Valley, Peru
No full textThe major production of artisanal and industrial wines is elaborate in the Ica Valley, Peru. The objective was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of polyphenols and permissible values of glyphosate in artisanal wines from the Pisco Routes of the Ica Valley, Peru. Samples: six coded artisanal wines and two commercial brands as references (60088 and 60089). Total polyphenol content (TPC) was found between 107.90 ± 0.30 (60091) and 234.73 ± 0.61 mg GAE/100 mL (60084); total flavonoid content (TFC) was between 9.70 ± 0.30 (60091) and 16.83 ± 0.25 mg QE/100 mL (60084). Antioxidant activity: DPPH between 34.9 ± 0.44 (60091) and 55.6 ± 0.30 mM TEAC/100 mL (60085). FRAP between 42.50 ± 0.36 (60091) and 117.3 ± 0.44 (60085). Correlation relationship: TPC/DPPH (mM TEAC/100 mL) for 60086 (r = 0.7302, R2 = 0.5332), 60091 (r = 0.8029, R2 = 0.6447), 60085 (r = -0.9820, R2 = 0.9643), and for the reference 60089 (r = -0.9960, R2 = 0.9932). TPC/FRAP (mM TEAC/100 mL) for 60086 (r = 0.8096, R2 = 0.6554); reference 60088 presents an inverse and strong correlation with a 100% relationship at a linear level of both variables. TFC/DPPH for 60085 (r = -1.0, R2 = 1.0), 60084 (r = -0.9934, R2 = 0.9868), and 60090 (r = 0.9586, R2 = 0.9190). TFC/FRAP for 60087 (r = -0.9798, R2 = 0.9601) and 60090 (r = 0.9750, R2 = 0.9506) is higher compared to the reference wines 60088 and 60089. It is concluded that the samples of artisanal wines have the same antioxidant activity that would be due to their polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds, and the glyphosate content is below the maximum permissible limit values (0.1 mg/L)
When is coffee not coffee? Luigi Ferdinando Marsigli's depictions of the coffee plant in “Notizie, di Costantinopoli; sopra la pianta del caffè” (1703)
No full textThe late 17th and early 18th centuries were an era in which the coffee drink was first becoming known throughout Europe, and there was a strong interest in disseminating what the plant looked like through the use of botanical illustrations. In 1685, Luigi Ferdinando Marsili published a coffee-related treatise entitled “Bevanda asiatica”. This was followed in 1703 with the publication of the monograph “Notizie, di Costantinopoli; sopra la pianta del caffè”. “Bevanda asiatica” conveys interesting information on a coffee-related manuscript acquired by Marsigli in Constantinople (present day Istanbul), as well as knowledge he gained as a slave of the Ottoman empire, when he was tasked with making coffee. “Notizie, di Costantinopoli ”includes various engravings supposedly depicting coffee plants. We present the original watercolors used to create the engravings in “Notizie, di Costantinopoli”and present evidence for the first time since publication, 322 years ago, demonstrating that none of the engravings depict coffee plants
Retrieval of the genus Capitellus Siddiqi, 1983, with description of C. caramborum sp. nov. (Dorylaimida, Belondiridae) associated with Andalusian (Spain) olive groves
No full textA new species of belondirid nematode, collected in olive groves of the southern Iberian Peninsula, is described, including SEM observations and molecular (LSU, SSU) study. Capitellus caramborum sp. nov. is characterized by its 0.82–1.09 mm long body, lip region offset by constriction and 6.0–6.5 µm wide with a distinct perioral refractive disc 4.0–4.5 µm wide, odontostyle 6.0–6.5 µm long, odontophore bearing basal flanges and 1.8–2.0 times the odontostyle long, neck 223–296 µm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 53–59% of the total neck length, female genital system diovarian, uterus simple and 27–38 µm or 1.4–1.9 body diameters long, vulva (V = 53–56) longitudinal, tail convex conoid to subcylindrical (24–34 µm, c = 31–38, c’ = 1.8–2.1), spicules strongly curved ventrad and 23–25 µm long, and four ventromedian supplements. Morphological and molecular data support the retrieval of Capitellus as a valid genus, its taxonomy being updated, including the transference of Dorylaimellus neocapitatus to it