87,172 research outputs found
Xyloryctes guatemalensis Bitar and Delgado, new species
No full textXyloryctes guatemalensis Bitar and Delgado, new species (Figs. 1, 3–4) Type Material. Holotype male labeled: ‘‘ GUATEMALA, Guatemala, San José Pinula, 27-IX-93. F. Jiménez, col.’’. Allotype female labeled: ‘‘ GUATEMALA, Guatemala, Ciudad Capital, Zona 18, Alameda 1, 13-V-1989, alumbrado público 9: 30 p. m. E. Cano col’ ’. Paratypes labeled: Same data as allotype (2 OiOi); ‘‘ GUATEMALA: Guatemala, Ciudad de Guatemala. 17-IX-1985, M. Zepeda col.’’ (1♀); same data except: ‘‘ V-1986, L. Rodriguez col.’’ (1 Oi); same data except: ‘‘ 15-Jun-1983, R. Pérez col.’’ (1♀); ‘‘ GUATEMALA, Sacatepéquez, San Lucas, 12-IX-1985, C. Granados col.’’ (1 Oi, 1♀). The holotype and allotype are deposited in the entomological collection of the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala. Paratypes are deposited in the following collections: University of Nebraska State Museum (Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A.), M. A. Morón (Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico), L. Delgado (Mexico City), and A. Bitar (Mexico City). 213 Description. Holotype male. Total body length: 25.8 mm; maximum elytral width 13.8 mm. Head and pronotum shiny black; elytra, legs and ventral region reddish black. Head: Apex of clypeus bilobed and reflexed, lateral margins slightly concave, frons with a short, vertical, upright horn, horn flattened anteroposteriorly. Pronotum: Pronotal declivity vertical, not excavated, occupying apical third; pronotal process absent (Fig. 1); pronotum completely margined, anterior corners at right angles, lateral margins almost equally curved; pronotal cavity densely punctate, punctures becoming sparser towards posterior half, disc of pronotum with micropunctures. Elytra: Sutural stria impressed for entire length; surface smooth, with only some small, scarcely punctuate furrows. Venter: Prosternal process moderately short and with dense setae, projected backward. Pygidium: Surface regularly convex, basal region and sides finely rugose, remaining surface with small, sparse punctures. Legs: Apex of metatibia with three rounded teeth, without incisions between them. Genitalia: Parameres moderately large, apex slightly widened, with large and dense setae along sides and at apex (Figs. 3–4). Allotype female. Total body length 24.6 mm; maximum elytral width 13.4 mm. Similar to holotype except for the following characters: Head with small tubercule between eyes. Pronotum regularly convex, disc with micropunctures, anterior angles rugopunctate. Elytra with furrows more pronounced. Pygidium wider, convex, with small punctures; last visible sternite not emarginate at apex. Protibial teeth acute. Metatibia with teeth smaller, shorter spur preapically widened. Variation (4 males, 3 females). Male paratypes with lengths of 23.0– 24.3 mm; females with lengths of 22.1–23.1 mm. Males with maximum elytral widths of 13.6–13.7 mm; maximum female elytral widths 12.2–13.9 mm. The variation in male punctation is minimal, and in the smallest female specimen (from the region of Guatemala City) the elytral striae and punctation are more marked. Type Locality. San José Pinula, Guatemala, Guatemala. Etymology. Named for Guatemala, the country where this species was discovered, combined with the suffix ‘‘-ensis’’, indicating ‘‘belonging to’’. Taxonomic Remarks. Xyloryctes guatemalensis can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: elytra with distinct sutural striae; apex of metatibiae with three rounded teeth, without incisions between them; males with cephalic horn flattened anteroposteriorly; pronotal declivity vertical, not excavated, occupying apical third of pronotum; pronotal process absent (Fig. 1); and shape of the parameres distinctive (Figs. 3– 4). Females have the pygidium almost glabrous and convex, and the shorter spur of the metatibia is preapically widened. Males of X. guatemalensis are similar to those of Xyloryctes howdenorum Delgado and Nájera, but they can be distinguished by the following differences: cephalic horn flattened anteroposteriorly in X. guatemalensis (cylindrical in X. howdenorum); pronotal declivity vertical in X. guatemalensis (oblique in X. howdenorum) (Figs. 1–2); and parameres without a lateral tooth in X. guatemalensis (with a lateral tooth in X. howdenorum) (Figs. 3–6). Females of X. guatemalensis are similar to those of Xyloryctes teuthras Bates, except for the following characters: body length is generally less than 24.0 mm in X. guatemalensis (longer than 24.0 mm in X. teuthras); pygidium convex, base almost glabrous in X. guatemalensis (slightly convex to flattened and with distinct setae at the base in X. teuthras). Distribution. Xyloryctes guatemalensis is known from three localities situated in the southern region of Guatemala. The Guatemala City (1,520 m) and the San José Pinula (1,750 m) localities are located in the Department of Guatemala, and the San Lucas locality (2,090 m) is located in the Department of Sacatepéquez. This new species inhabits regions with premontane and montane wet forests (such as oak and pine-oak forests) (sensu Campbell and Lamar 1989).Published as part of Bitar, Alberto & Delgado, Leonardo, 2009, A New Species of Xyloryctes Hope (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from Guatemala, with a Key to the Species, pp. 213-217 in The Coleopterists Bulletin 63 (2) on pages 213-215, DOI: 10.1649/1144.
Sergio BITAR y Abraham F. LOWENTHAL (eds.). Transiciones democráticas: Enseñanzas de líderes políticos. Colección ensayo. Barcelona: Galaxia Gutemberg, 2016. 660 pp. ISBN: 978-84-16495-70-2.
No full text[ES] Reseña del libro Transiciones democráticas: Enseñanzas de líderes políticos. Colección ensayo, editado por Sergio Bitar y Abraham F. Lowenthal en el año 2016
Biogeographical homogeneity in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. II. temporal variation in lebanese bivalve biota
No full textLebanon (eastern Mediterranean Sea) is an area of particular biogeographic signifi-cance for studying the structure of eastern Mediterranean marine biodiversity and its recent changes. Based on literature records and original samples, we review here the knowledge of the Lebanese marine bivalve biota, tracing its changes during the last 170 yr. The updated checklist of bivalves of Lebanon yielded a total of 114 species (96 native and 18 alien taxa), accounting for ca. 26.5% of the known Mediterranean Bivalvia and thus representing a particularly poor fauna. Analysis of the 21 taxa historically described on Lebanese material only yielded 2 available names. Records of 24 species are new for the Lebanese fauna, and Lioberus ligneus is also a new record for the Mediterranean Sea. Comparisons between molluscan records by past (before 1950) and modern (after 1950) authors revealed temporal variations and qualitative modifications of the Lebanese bivalve fauna, mostly affected by the introduction of Erythraean species. The rate of recording of new alien species (evaluated in decades) revealed later first local arrivals (after 1900) than those observed for other eastern Mediterranean shores, while the peak in records in conjunc-tion with our samplings (1991 to 2010) emphasizes the need for increased field work to monitor their arrival and establishment. Finally, the scarce presence (or total absence) in the most recent samples of some once common habitat-forming species, as well as of some other native taxa, con-firmed their recent rarefaction (or local extinction), possibly related to their replacement by the aliens Brachidontes pharaonis, Spondylus spinosus and Chama pacifica. © Inter-Research 2013
Effect of chronic hypoxia on leptin, insulin, adiponectin, and ghrelin
No full textThe endocrine system plays an important role in the adaptation to hypoxia. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of chronic hypoxia on insulin, adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin levels in a neonatal animal model. Sprague-Dawley rats were placed in a normobaric hypoxic environment at birth. Controls remained in room air. Rats were killed at 2 and 8 weeks of life. Insulin, adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin were measured. At 2 weeks of life, there was no significant difference in insulin, adiponectin, and leptin levels between the hypoxic and control rats. The only statistically significant difference was found in ghrelin levels, which were lower in the hypoxic group (3.19 ± 3.35 vs 24.52 ± 5.09 pg-mL; P .05). At 8 weeks of life, insulin was significantly higher in the hypoxic group (0.72 ± 0.14 vs 0.44 ± 0.26 ng-mL; P .05) and adiponectin was significantly lower (1257.5 ± 789.5 vs 7817.3 ± 8453.7 ng-mL; P .05). Leptin and ghrelin did not show significant difference in this age group, but leptin level per body weight was higher in the hypoxic group. Finally, we conclude that 2 weeks of continuous neonatal hypoxic exposure leads to a decrease in plasma ghrelin only with no significant change in insulin, adiponectin, and leptin and that 8 weeks of hypoxia leads to a decrease in adiponectin with an increase in insulin despite a significant decrease in weight. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Ambrosini G, 2002, J BIOL CHEM, V277, P34601, DOI 10.1074-jbc.M205172200; BAUM D, 1969, J CLIN ENDOCR METAB, V29, P991; BAUM D, 1976, ENDOCRINOLOGY, V98, P359; Bennett BD, 1996, CURR BIOL, V6, P1170, DOI 10.1016-S0960-9822(02)70684-2; Bitar FF, 2002, PEDIATR RES, V51, P144, DOI 10.1203-00006450-200202000-00005; BITAR FF, 1994, J SURG RES, V57, P264, DOI 10.1006-jsre.1994.1142; Bornstein SR, 1998, J CLIN ENDOCR METAB, V83, P280, DOI 10.1210-jc.83.1.280; Braun B, 2001, J APPL PHYSIOL, V91, P623; Considine RV, 1996, NEW ENGL J MED, V334, P292, DOI 10.1056-NEJM199602013340503; Dagogo-Jack S, 1998, KIDNEY INT, V54, P997, DOI 10.1046-j.1523-1755.1998.00077.x; GALLON V, 1972, ENDOCRINOLOGY, V91, P1393; GARVEY D, 1979, J ENDOCRINOL, V80, P333, DOI 10.1677-joe.0.0800333; GOSNEY J, 1991, INT J BIOMETEOROL, V35, P1, DOI 10.1007-BF01040955; GOSNEY JR, 1986, J ENDOCRINOL, V109, P119, DOI 10.1677-joe.0.1090119; Grosfeld A, 2002, DIABETOLOGIA, V45, P527, DOI 10.1007-s00125-002-0804-y; HEALTH D, 1981, ENDOCRINES MAN HIGH, P250; HERMANS RHM, 1994, PHYSIOL BEHAV, V55, P469, DOI 10.1016-0031-9384(94)90102-3; JACOBS R, 1988, J DEV PHYSIOL, V10, P97; Kershaw EE, 2004, J CLIN ENDOCR METAB, V89, P2548, DOI 10.1210-jc.2004-0395; Larsen JJ, 1997, J PHYSIOL-LONDON, V504, P241, DOI 10.1111-j.1469-7793.1997.241bf.x; Meissner U, 2003, BIOCHEM BIOPH RES CO, V303, P707, DOI 10.1016-S0006-291X(03)00401-7; Mise H, 1998, J CLIN ENDOCR METAB, V83, P3225, DOI 10.1210-jc.83.9.3225; MORDES JP, 1983, NEW ENGL J MED, V308, P1135, DOI 10.1056-NEJM198305123081906; Raff H, 2001, HORM METAB RES, V33, P151, DOI 10.1055-s-2001-14929; Raff H, 2003, ENDOCRINE, V21, P159, DOI 10.1385-ENDO:21:2:159; Sagawa N, 2002, PLACENTA, V23, pS80, DOI 10.1053-plac.2002.0814; Tillmar L, 2002, MOL MED, V8, P263; Tschop M, 2001, ADV EXP MED BIOL, V502, P237; Tschop M, 1998, LANCET, V352, P1119, DOI 10.1016-S0140-6736(05)79760-9; Westerterp KR, 2001, NEWS PHYSIOL SCI, V16, P134; Wolk R, 2005, OBES RES, V13, P186, DOI 10.1038-oby.2005.24; Yasumasu T, 2002, OBES RES, V10, P128, DOI 10.1038-oby.2002.20; Yasumasu T, 2002, OBES RES, V10, P857, DOI 10.1038-oby.2002.117; ZAYOUR D, 2003, ENDOCR RES, V29, P9116111
FIGURE 6. A–F in Description of seven new species of Edessa Fabricius, 1803 from Central America (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Edessinae)
No full textFIGURE 6. A–F. Edessa helvoalata sp. n.: A–D, pygophore in dorsal, ventral, posterior and posterolateral views, respectively; E, genital plates; F, metasternal process. Scale 1 mm.Published as part of Bitar, Murilo Victor Silva, Mendonça, Maria Thayane Da Silva & Fernandes, José Antônio Marin, 2023, Description of seven new species of Edessa Fabricius, 1803 from Central America (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Edessinae), pp. 578-600 in Zootaxa 5278 (3) on page 592, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5278.3.9, http://zenodo.org/record/790674
Biogeographical homogeneity in the eastern Mediterranean Sea - I: The opisthobranchs (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from Lebanon
No full textA review of opisthobranch species from Lebanon (eastern Mediterranean Sea), based on literature records (scattered throughout various papers published over a period of more than 150 years) and recently collected material (1999-2002 within the CEDRE framework and other samples), is presented, yielding a total number of 35 taxa identified to species level. Special emphasis has been placed on alien species, for which scattered notes are also given. The known opisthobranch biota is composed of 22 native (~ 63%), 12 alien (~ 34%) and one cryptogenic (~ 3%) taxa. Eleven of these (Berthella aurantiaca, Berthella ocellata, Aplysia fasciata, Felimare picta, Felimida britoi, Felimida luteorosea, Felimida purpurea, Phyllidia flava, Dendrodoris grandiflora, Dendrodoris limbata and Aeolidiella alderi) constitute new records for the Lebanese fauna, whilst the examined material of a further seven species (Elysia grandifolia, Pleurobranchus forskalii, Aplysia dactylomela, Bursatella leachii, Syphonota geographica, Goniobranchus annulatus, Flabellina rubrolineata), anecdotally cited from Lebanon on the basis of the samples studied here, is explained for the first time. One additional taxon belonging to the genus Haminoea has been identified to genus level only
Increase in knowledge of the marine gastropod fauna of Lebanon since the 19th century
No full textWe hereby review and update the current state of knowledge on the Lebanese gastropod biota based on published literature and the study of new samples. Review of 1543 published records yielded 237 gastropod taxa. New samples from the Lebanese coast yielded 2414 living specimens and 4003 empty shells, belonging to 188 taxa. Forty-six of the taxa are new records for the Lebanese fauna, bringing the gastropods known from Lebanon to 283 species. Literature records also included 71 nominal gastropod taxa based on type material from Lebanon, including 3 genera, 8 species, and 60 subspecific units. Of these, only 13 are retained as available. Of the 283 gastropod taxa known from Lebanon, 41 are aliens and 7 are cryptogenic. The majority of nonnative taxa were recorded only during the last decades, particularly from 1980 to 2019. Results from the present study question the common assumption that this region has extremely low native diversity. The flora and fauna of the Lebanese coast remain relatively unexplored and our data support the perception that several formerly abundant species have recently collapsed. Despite these advances, the lack of scientific data on biodiversity and community structure of Lebanese habitats and geographic zones is likely to hamper conservation actions and legal protection of critical species. We therefore recommend additional field and laboratory research to increase knowledge of both taxonomic composition and species’ distributions in Lebanon and elsewhere in the easternmost Mediterranean Sea
Revise and remember : managing hip resurfacing implant recall [Elektronisk resurs]
No full textBackground Total hip arthroplasty (THA) with metal-on-polyethylene articulation provides excellent clinical outcomes but remains associated with complications such as polyethylene wear and joint dislocations. For younger and more active patients, metal-on-metal (MoM) implants were initially introduced as a promising alternative. However, MoM bearings have subsequently demonstrated higher complication rates, including severe adverse events such as periprosthetic fractures and soft tissue reactions in the joint. One such implant with particularly high complication rates was the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) by DePuy/Johnson&Johnson. As a result, the use of MoM implants declined in Sweden by 2015, and the Swedish Hip and Knee Society officially ceased recommending hip resurfacing arthroplasty in 2018. This decision started a debate in the media between pro and con groups for HRA. Adding further complexity, certain European countries have continued to perform the procedure, with follow-up challenges affecting the Swedish healthcare system. Investigating the implications of MoM implants on patients' outcomes and healthcare systems is essential for future clinical guidelines and policy decisions. Methods Paper I and III studied patients' experiences with the ASR hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA). Paper I focused on those living with the recalled implant, while Paper III examined the narratives of patients undergoing revision surgery due to complications. Paper Il compared long-term revision rates, clinical outcomes, and changes in blood metal ion levels between patients with ASR THA and those with ASR HRA. Paper IV investigated potential socioeconomic differences in patients receiving MoM HRA versus uncemented THA in a 1:1 matched ratio from 1999 to 2014. Results Patients living with asymptomatic ASR HRA implants without pain reported that they rarely thought about the implant. Many had actively sought referrals to centers performing HRA procedures. Annual hospital check-ups after surgery were highly valued by these patients, and if the patients were taken care of and informed, they continued to express their trust in the healthcare system. Among patients who underwent revision surgery, some were satisfied with their new implants, while others continued to experience pain and further complications. Despite the recall, since the patients were well taken care of, trust in the healthcare system remained intact. In a cohort of 38 patients, 11-year outcomes revealed no revisions among ASR HRA recipients, but 32% of ASR XL THA recipients required revision surgery. The ASR XL THA group also exhibited significantly elevated cobalt ion levels, even in well-functioning implants. Patients with lower education and income levels were more likely to receive uncemented THA than MoM HRA. Conclusion When an implant is recalled due to high complication rates, robust support systems, including annual follow-ups, are crucial. Patients emphasized the importance of transparent communication regarding implant risks. ASR XL THA demonstrated poorer outcomes compared to ASR HRA, with rising cobalt ion levels in asymptomatic patients, necessitating regular monitoring. Socioeconomic differences in implant selection challenge the principle of equitable healthcare, warranting further attention. List of scientific papers I. Living with a recalled implant: a qualitative study of patients' experiences with ASR hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Bitar C, Krupic F, Felländer-Tsai L, Crnalic S, Wretenberg P. Patient Saf Surg. 2021;15(1):2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13037-020-00278-y II. 11-Year outcomes in patients with metal-on-metal ASR hip arthroplasty. Bitar C, Moberg I, Krupic F, Wretenberg P, Otten V, Crnalic S. J Orthop. 2022;32:98-103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jor.2022.05.015 III. Beyond the procedure of a recalled implant: Patients' experiences of ASR hip implant revision. Bitar C, Wretenberg P, Felländer-Tsai L, Crnalic S, Krupic F. [Submitted] IV. Socioeconomic disparities in the utilization of metal-on-metal hip resurfacing compared to uncemented total hip arthroplasty: A population-based case-control study in Sweden. Oxblom A, Bitar C, Rolfson O, Hedlund H, Qureshi AR, Brismar H, Wretenberg P, Palme M, Adami J, and Felländer-Tsai L. [Submitted
A portable MIDI controller using EMG-based individual finger motion classification
No full textClassifying the motion of the five fingers of the hand using non-invasive bio-signal readings from the forearm is still an unsolved research challenge. Its solution is relevant to hands-free remote control devices, on-stage live performances, consumer entertainment, the video game industry, and most importantly the design of hand prosthetics for amputees. This paper proposes a solution that uses the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) decompositions of electromyography (EMG) signals from the forearm muscles, and Support Vector Machines (SVM) classification. The resulting design is a low cost, low power and low complexity portable embedded system that is strapped to the arm, where it collects EMG signals, classifies them in real-time, and sends the resulting class labels via Bluetooth to a remote interface. These labels are then converted into Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) commands that can be used to control any MIDI-controllable device. While the design is still at the prototype stage at best, it provides a proof-of-concept of non-invasive finger motion classification solely based on EMG readings from the forearm muscles. Experimental simulation of the expected system achieved 91percent accuracy. © 2007 IEEE.Basmajian JV, 1985, MUSCLES ALIVE FUNCTI; Burges CJC, 1998, DATA MIN KNOWL DISC, V2, P121, DOI 10.1023-A:1009715923555; ENGLEHART K, 1999, INTELLIGENT DATA SUM; ENGLEHART K, 1999, 21 ANN INT C IEEE EN; Laterza F, 1997, ELECTRON LETT, V33, P357, DOI 10.1049-el:19970250; Misiti M., 2003, ONDELETTES LEURS APP; Willison R, 1963, J PHYSIOL-LONDON, V168, P3510
- …
