ARPHA Preprints
Not a member yet
49208 research outputs found
Sort by
Phylogenetic analysis suggests early divergence followed by convergent morphological evolution in the Silene sections Odontopetalae and Sordidae (Caryophyllaceae)
No full textThe genus Silene presents significant taxonomic challenges, particularly for groups such as S. sect. Odontopetalae and the monotypic S. sect. Sordidae. This study investigates the evolutionary relationship between the narrowly endemic Silene sordida and the widespread S. odontopetala to resolve these ambiguities. Using a multispecies coalescent framework with five genetic markers and expanded taxon sampling, the species tree and divergence times were estimated. The results revealed a moderately supported sister relationship between S. sordida and S. sect. Odontopetalae, with their divergence estimated at approximately 5.5 million years ago, following the Messinian salinity crisis. Despite their profound morphological and ecological differences, the results suggest a shared evolutionary origin. This study underscores the limitations of morphology-based classification in Silene and highlights the critical roles of ecological divergence, historical biogeography, and convergent evolution in shaping the genus’s diversity. The results provide a clearer understanding of the evolutionary processes driving diversification in these complex lineages
An illustrated checklist of Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha (Hemiptera) of Colorado
No full textThis paper provides a comprehensive checklist of Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha aquatic hemipterans distributed in Colorado, including species recorded in the literature, specimen records in the C.P. Gillette Museum of Arthropod Diversity and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and GBIF and SCAN online databases. Illustrations of all genera occurring in Colorado are provided to facilitate future researchers in identifying these species. This study registered 77 species and subspecies of Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha in Colorado, including 13 families and 30 genera.Here we report 11 new species and subspecies state records (Belostoma bakeri Montandon, 1913; Corisella edulis Champion, 1901; Neocorixa snowi Hungerford, 1925; Sigara bicoloripennis (Walley, 1936); Sigara lineata (Forster, 1771); Sigara trilineata (Provancher, 1972); Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis (Fieber, 1851); Hebrus comatus Drake & Harris, 1943; Hydrometra martini Kirkaldy, 1900; Mesovelia mulsanti White, 1879), including one species of the genus Callicorixa that has not been formally named or published. These new records can help future researchers identify aquatic hemipterans in Colorado, thereby furthering the knowledge of the relationship between aquatic hemipterans and water quality and ecology
Description of new sand-dwelling Rhynchothorax species (Pycnogonida, Rhynchothoracidae) from Korean waters with note on novel morphological traits
No full textA new species belonging to the genus Rhynchothorax was discovered in a subtidal sandy patch off the eastern coast of Jejudo Island, Republic of Korea. The new species, Rhynchothorax arenigenus sp. nov., is morphologically close to R. nopperabo, R. philopsammum, and R. vallatus, but can be distinguished by a combination of morphological characters: an ectal tubercle at the lateral extension of cephalic segment, the lateral process intervals, the arrangement of spines and tubercles on the lateral processes, the oviger spine formula, leg tuberculation, and the relative length of auxiliary claws. We highlight three morphological traits in the present species: a pair of ventral furrows on the proboscis, variable lateral process intervals, and the structure of oviger terminal claw. Notably, the ventral furrows are described here for the first time within the genus and may have been overlooked in other Rhynchothorax species. Additionally, partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) are provided to support species delimitation and to facilitate future phylogenetic research
Comparing ethanol rehydration techniques: effects on spider morphology and DNA integrity
No full textEthanol curation plays a crucial role in preserving museum specimens, especially soft-bodied arthropods. Dehydration happens as a result of less than ideal storage and preservation conditions. If rehydration is desired for a specimen, then effective rehydration methods must be investigated and compared. The impact different rehydration techniques have on specimen tissues has been studied in vertebrates but is less explored in arthropods. Additionally, how these techniques impact the DNA of dehydrated arthropod specimens has not been assessed. In this study, we investigated the impact of two rehydration approaches on dehydrated spiders from the same donation. We used a gradual ethanol rehydration “Step-Up” method, and a heat-accelerated, or Heat-Rehydration, method. To determine which approach was most effective for restoring dehydrated spiders in ethanol, we assessed spider morphology for damage, DNA yield, and DNA integrity. We found that all desiccated and rehydrated spiders, regardless of treatment choice, displayed varying levels of tissue desiccation and separation of the abdomen and legs. The Step-Up method was more consistent than the Heat-Rehydration method in rehydrating tissues and reducing the separation of tissues from the abdomen. Overall, we found a significant difference in abdominal tissue separation between our controls and treatments but no significant difference when assessing damage to pedipalps. Additionally, DNA capture from all specimens was low and significantly degraded compared to a positive control group. Our recommendations for museum collections managers are to consider the fragility of dehydrated materials in deciding what rehydration technique to use and to preferentially extract DNA from other material if possible
The colorful giants: Revisiting the systematics of the Anolis latifrons series (Squamata: Anolidae)
No full textAbstract The lizard genus Anolis is the second most diverse genus of terrestrial vertebrates. Within Anolis, the highly speciose clade Dactyloa comprises six species series, including the latifrons series. Despite previous efforts to reconstruct its phylogeny, earlier studies have excluded a substantial proportion of the clade’s species diversity. Here, we integrated both historical and newly generated genetic data to reconstruct the most comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the latifrons series to date including 88% of the current species diversity. We also conducted a thorough morphological examination of museum specimens representing ten species, primarily distributed in Colombia, including vouchers of A. danieli from the Central Cordillera used in previous molecular phylogenies. Our phylogeny also included genetic samples of A. danieli from several localities in the Western Cordillera, samples of Anolis limon and A. mirus (two species previously lacking genetic data), and sequences from the Central American species A. kathydayae and A. brooksi. Our results recovered topological differences for A. limon and A. mirus compared to previous hypotheses and revealed that specimens assigned to A. danieli in earlier studies were misidentified and are not phylogenetically related to this species. Instead, our results showed that the true A. danieli is sister to a green anole clade distributed across the Central Cordillera, Pacific region, and Panama. Based on our phylogenetic and genetic distance analyses, we conclude that A. kathydayae should be considered a junior synonym of A. brooksi. Lastly, we describe the taxon previously confused with A. danieli and comment on the taxonomic implications of our findings
Thyroid dysfunction and metabolic syndrome: age- and sex-related associations in hospitalized patients
No full textIntroduction: Thyroid hormones exert pleiotropic effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and energy expenditure. Thyroid dysfunction is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The association between thyroid pathology and the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has emerged as a significant clinical focus, as both conditions contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Studies indicate that patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism have a higher risk of developing MetS. Even in euthyroid individuals, TSH levels in the upper normal range (>2.5 mIU/L) are significantly associated with increased MetS prevalence. Aim: To investigate the correlations between thyroid dysfunction and metabolic syndrome, with a specific focus on age and sex differences. Materials and methods: This naturally randomized observational study included 726 patients with thyroid pathology hospitalized at the Clinic of Endocrinology, St George University Hospital in Plovdiv between October 2019 and December 2021. Data were extracted from the electronic system GammaCodeMaster and medical records, including clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical parameter. Results: The study revealed a trend of increasing MetS prevalence with advancing age. The highest proportions of patients with MetS were observed in the 51–61 and 62–72 age groups, accounting for 39.1% and 29.7%, respectively. A statistically significant positive correlation between TSH levels and age was also established (p<0.05). Conclusion: Given these findings, it is essential to assess the presence of MetS components in patients with thyroid pathology, as the combination of these factors considerably increases cardiovascular risk
National implementation of the European Union policy framework for monitoring introduced non-indigenous species in marine and brackish waters: a Belgian case study based on an updated species inventory
No full textBased on a thorough literature review and expert consultation, this study provides an inventory of all introduced non-indigenous species (iNIS) reported for Belgian marine and brackish waters. The data indicate a strong increase in iNIS in the study area from the 1990s onward, averaging 2.2 newly detected species per year, with a cumulative total of 108 iNIS between 1800 and 2024. The majority of these iNIS have the Northwestern Pacific or Northwestern Atlantic as their native region and are primarily introduced in Western Europe via shipping or aquaculture. In addition to compiling the inventory, the context in which the iNIS are detected is examined, distinguishing between official monitoring programs, project-based data collection efforts, and citizen science initiatives. Our findings indicate that while the EU aims to promote coordination between its Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and Water Framework Directive (WFD), a misalignment occurs in the practical implementation of iNIS monitoring at the Belgian level. For example, a coherent and integrated monitoring framework across marine, brackish, and freshwater systems is still lacking. Furthermore, despite the EU’s ambition to ensure comprehensive iNIS monitoring, no legal framework currently mandates targeted monitoring in coastal ports, despite their well-documented role as hotspots for new marine introductions. After all, iNIS monitoring is only mandatory under the MSFD, which in essence applies only seaward from the coastal baseline and therefore does not cover waters within these ports. In addition, while the EU’s IAS Regulation has recently incorporated a few marine species on the Union list, its monitoring requirements remain primarily focused on terrestrial and freshwater species. As a result, observations published by citizens with significant expertise in the field represent the primary source of marine iNIS data in coastal port areas in recent decades in Belgium. The fragmentary nature of iNIS data complicates the efficient flow of information to international or European iNIS reference databases that support policy and decision-making. Yet, even species officially reported by Member States under MSFD Descriptor 2 are not always included in these reference databases. Nonetheless, accurate data on iNIS presence and distribution are essential for effectively targeting and managing iNIS
Five newly recorded species of bat (Mammalia, Chiroptera) from the UNESCO World Heritage Niah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia, with an updated checklist of bats in the park
No full textFive species of bat—Myotis gomantongensis Francis & Hill, 1998, Murina suilla (Temminck, 1840), Kerivoula intermedia Hill & Francis, 1984, Phoniscus jagorii (Peters, 1866), and Miniopterus magnater Sanborn, 1931—are newly recorded from Niah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. We also present an updated checklist of bat species compiled from seven sampling efforts conducted between 1958 and 2025. A total of 43 bat species from nine families have been recorded to date in the park. This species list serves as a baseline for bat conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site
Rehabilitation and release of White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) in Bulgaria: A case study
No full textThe White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is a top predator and may serve as an indicator of environmental health. The species is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. As of 2020, the population of White-tailed Eagles in Bulgaria was estimated at 43-60 breeding pairs. Conservation efforts were undertaken in the country, including rescue, rehabilitation and release of birds back into the wild. Soft release was used for the first time in Bulgaria for White-tailed Eagles at two different locations: Karandila in Sinite Kamani Nature Park (Sliven Region) and near Potochnitsa Village (Kardzhali Region). The current study tracks the rehabilitation of four immature eagles tagged with GPS-GSM transmitters, their adaptive capacity and the success of their release back into their natural environment
First records of egg parasitoids of Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) in Hungary
No full textThe brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a highly polyphagous pest native to South Korea, North Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China, which has become invasive in the Americas and Europe. H. halys has spread rapidly in invaded areas, causing crop damage and nuisance problems due to large overwintering populations. In recent years, several studies have investigated parasitoids of H. halys within its invaded regions. These studies recovered the coevolved parasitoids Trissolcus japonicus and Tr. mitsukurii in the regions. The present research surveyed parasitoids of H. halys in Hungary and cities in Southeastern Europe (Oradea, Novi Sad, and Sofia). Several native European parasitoids belonging to the families Encyrtidae, Eupelmidae, and Scelionidae were recorded parasitizing eggs of H. halys under field conditions, with the most common species being Anastatus bifasciatus. In addition to native parasitoids, Tr. japonicus and Tr. mitsukurii were recorded for the first time in Hungary and Oradea, respectively. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between native and exotic species and to evaluate their impacts, which will help identify the optimal approach for utilizing these parasitoid species in managing H. halys