840 research outputs found
Achaeta etrusca Rota 1995
No full textAchaeta etrusca Rota, 1995 (Figure 4) Achaeta etrusca Rota, 1995, pp. 197–198, figure 8A–C. Achaeta etrusca, Rota et al. 2013, table 1 and figure 3 (species ‘s5’); Rota et al. 2014, tables 1, 2 and Suppl. 1. Material examined Type material. MCZR Oligochaeta 0049–0050, Holotype and one paratype from Italy, Tuscany (Tu-3), Rovine di Castelvecchio (43.4320°N, 11.0052°E, 400 m asl), about 4 km Ν of Castel S. Gimignano, 8 km SW of San Gimignano (Siena). Oak wood on limestone, pH 7.1–7.3, 23.05.1994, E. Rota coll. New material (in the author’ s collection). About 150 specimens from Italy, Campania (Ca-2), plots N1 – N3, 13.05.2009 and 26.10.2009. Nine specimens from Italy, Tuscany (Tu-4), 8– 16.06.2004. Seven specimens from Italy, Tuscany (Tu-5), 24.04.2009 and 05.11.2009. Augmented diagnosis Live body length 2.0– 3.5 mm, width 0.15–0.21 mm at XII. Segments 21–24. Paired knob-like cutaneous gland structures dorsolateral in II– VI (Figure 4A). Clitellum laterodorsally made of hyaline cells irregularly scattered among granular cells, with a narrow middorsal interruption (25 μm); ventrolaterally only granular cells occur; clitellum absent midventrally (gap as wide as the distance between male pores, 64 μm). Secondary pharyngeal glands in V and VI. Pronounced oesophageal loops in IV and VII, visible both in vivo (Figure 4B, C) and in fixed material. Dorsal blood vessel originating in VII and entering directly into VI, i.e. bypassing the oesophageal loop of VII. Three pairs of preclitellar nephridia (6/7–8/9). Sperm funnels 48–53 by 27–35 μm. Sperm heads about 15 μm long, tails 25 μm. Penial bulbs in XII, compact, oval, 32 μm long. One egg mature. Remarks The validity of this species has recently been questioned by Graefe (2007), and its synonymization with A. iberica has been proposed (Schmelz and Collado 2010, 2012). The original description (Rota 1995) mentioned ‘inconspicuous lens-shaped epithelial cells observed dorsolaterally from II’. These words have been misinterpreted as if referring to the lentiform gland cells segmentally punctuating the sides of the body of A. iberica at three distinct levels, but the structures of A. etrusca swell inwards, occur as one dorsolateral pair per segment and are limited to segments II–VI (in segment I, more dorsal and bilobed structures occur, probably of a different nature) (Figure 4A). Thus they would rather seem homologous to the ‘dorsolateral epidermal follicles slightly protruding into the body cavity’ characterizing segments I, III–VI in A. antefolliculata Dózsa-Farkas and Boros, 2005. Differences between A. etrusca and the latter include the number of secondary pharyngeal glands (two vs. one pair) and the pairs of preclitellar nephridia (three vs. two). Distribution This species was discovered originally in oak woodland soil on limestone in central Tuscany. The present new records in the outskirts of Siena and in Capodimonte Park, Naples city, confirm its association to evergreen Mediterranean woodland and scrubland on neutral soils. In Capodimonte Park it appeared equally abundant in spring and autumn.Published as part of Rota, Emilia, 2015, Five new species of Enchytraeidae (Annelida: Clitellata) from Mediterranean woodlands of Italy and reaffirmed validity of Achaeta etrusca, Fridericia bulbosa and F. miraflores, pp. 1987-2020 in Journal of Natural History 49 (33) on pages 1999-2001, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2015.1009514, http://zenodo.org/record/399798
Nerve Stimulator–Guided Sciatic-Femoral Block in Pet Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Undergoing Hind Limb Surgery: A Case Series
No full textThis article describes the clinical applicability of a nerve stimulator–guided technique, previously described in dogs, to block the sciatic and the femoral nerves in 4 pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) undergoing hind limb surgeries. Preanesthetic intramuscular doses of medetomidine (0.08 mg/kg), ketamine (15 mg/kg), and buprenorphine (0.03 mg/kg) were administered to the rabbit patients. The rabbits were intubated and general anesthesia was maintained using isoflurane in oxygen. The sciatic-femoral nerve block was performed with 2% lidocaine at a volume of 0.05 mL/kg/nerve. Sciatic-femoral block was feasible in rabbits, and the motoric responses following electrical stimulation of both nerves were consistent with those reported in dogs after successful nerve location. Iatrogenic complications, namely nerve damage and local anesthetic toxicity, did not occur. Based on these results, the authors conclude that the sciatic-femoral nerve block described in dogs can be safely performed in rabbits. Clinical trials are required to assess the analgesic efficacy of the combined sciatic-femoral nerve block in rabbits as a part of multimodal pain management
Fridericia bargaglii Rota 2015, sp.nov.
No full textFridericia bargaglii sp.nov. (Figures 5–6) Fridericia polychaeta, Rota 1995, p. 215 (partim) Fridericia sp. 3, Rota et al. 2013, tables 1 and figure 3 (species ‘s27’); Rota et al. 2014, tables 1, 2 and Suppl. 1. Type material Holotype. MCZR Oligochaeta 0179, whole-mounted specimen, fully mature. Type locality Italy, Tuscany ( Tu-6 ), Siena city, Orti dei Tolomei (43.3146°N, 11.3324°E, 330 m asl), grass under Laurus nobilis shrubs on yellowish-brown sandy soil, 31.03.2004, E. Rota coll. Paratypes. MCZR Oligochaeta 0180, one whole-mounted submature specimen, from Italy, Tuscany (Tu-8), 01.04.1992. MCZR Oligochaeta 0181, one wholemounted specimen, submature, from Italy, Tuscany (Tu-5), 04.11.1993. SMNH- Types 8723–8724, two whole-mounted specimens, submature, from type locality and date. Other material. Several specimens, whole mounted or fluid preserved, from Italy, Tuscany, loc. Tu-3, Tu-5, Tu-6, Tu-7, Tu-8, Tu-9, Tu-10, in the author’ s collection. Etymology Named for Prof. Roberto Bargagli, for his dedication and achievements in environmental research, and with thankfulness for his enduring friendship and support. Diagnosis Large multisetose species (4÷7 – 6÷2: 4÷7 – 6÷2), clitellar gland cells in indefinite rows, ventrally reduced to a narrow strip behind male pores, extra lobes of pharyngeal glands ventrally in VII, nucleated coelomocytes large and pale, peptonephridia multi-branched at two distinct levels, five pairs of preclitellar nephridia, chylus cells in XIII–XV, dorsal blood vessel from XVIII–XX, large seminal vesicle, sperm funnels elongate conical, male slits I-shaped (longitudinal), subneural glands in XIII–XV, spermathecae large, elongate, with two toe-shaped aciliated diverticula and no distinct ectal gland. Description Colour white-yellowish, paler after storage in alcohol. Live body length 17–28 mm, width about 0.67–0.83 mm at XII; dimensions can be large also in fixed specimens: length 25 mm, width 0.55–0.60 mm at V, 0.8 mm at XII. Segment number 56–73, x = 63.5, s = 6.2 (n = 31). Prostomium 1.2 times longer than peristomium, frontally rounded, blunt conical in a lateral view, dorsally depressed in front of head pore, pointing forwards (Figure 5A). Epidermal sensory buds abundant on prostomium, segments I–II and pygidium. Epidermal glands small, dot-shaped, arranged in four complete transverse rows per trunk segment. Clitellum (Figure 5B) slightly elevated (30 μm), interrupted ventrally except immediately behind male openings in XII where a strip of both hyaline and granular cells occurs; both types of gland cells small, 12–18 by 8–12 μm, arranged in indefinite rows, the granular type twice as numerous as the hyaline type. Subneural glands on nerve cord midventral in IV (Figure 5B) and in XIII–XV, located either at the segment equator, or between the ventral chaetal bundles, or in the intersegment. Sometimes also a papilla midventral at 12/13. Head pore at 0/1, oval (50 μm long). Dorsal pores from VII. Spermathecal pores in ‘lateral lines’ at 4/5, surrounded by glandular epidermis. Male pores as I-shaped longitudinal slits, with distinct, asymmetrical, transverse extensions. Chaetae weakly hooked entally, 4÷7 – 6÷2: 4÷7 – 6÷2, but specimens with maximally six chaetae in preclitellar bundles are very frequent. Caudal bundles reducing to two or three chaetae only in last 10 segments. In fixed specimens, ectal tips of chaetae pointing posteriorly in anterior 25 segments, thereafter showing the opposite orientation. Length of chaetae maximal caudally, reaching 120–150 μm. Cuticle thin, less than 2 μm thick throughout. Body wall thick but soft and relatively transparent. No thickened septa. Brain (Figure 5A) oval, with shallow anterior convexity, in vivo 190–204 by 135–146 μm. Peptonephridia ending in VI or VII, each consisting of a stout stem giving off many thin, long, equal-sized, straight branches at two distinct levels, proximally (or at midlength) and terminally (type c sensu Nielsen and Christensen, 1959) (Figure 6D). Pharyngeal glands four pairs, three of which partly merging dorsally at 4/5–6/7, plus extra lobes ventral in VII (Figure 6A). Five pairs of preclitellar nephridia (6/7–10/11), with efferent ducts arising antero- to midventrally from postseptal. Coelomocytes: nucleated cells in vivo opaque when accumulated, filled with fine pale granules, up to 50–60 μm long, with very small nucleus; anucleate corpuscles small, 5–10 μm long. The worms discharge abundant coelomic fluid that coagulates at fixation. Chloragogen cells from V. Chylus cells in XIII–XV or XIII–1/2XVI. Ventral intestinal ridge not clearly visible. Dorsal vessel most frequently originating in XVIII–XX, with four pairs of thin lateral commissures: two starting from a common root in III, one in IV and one in V. Seminal vesicle occupying 2–3 segments within X–XIII (Figure 5C), forming paired bulgings at both ends. Sperm funnels (Figure 5C) elongate conical, tapering toward vas deferens, each 600–900 μm long and 180–250 μm broad in its proximal one-third (which in vivo appears opaque). Collar distinctly set off, 7 μm high, slightly narrower or as wide as funnel. Heads of spermatozoa about 130 μm long. Vasa deferentia 11 μm thick in vivo. Each penial bulb 150–170 μm long (fixed). Up to two eggs mature. Spermathecae (Figure 6A–C) independently communicating with the dorsal side of gut entally at 5/6; ampulla elongate with two stalked diverticula (resembling big toes) apically converging toward the ectal duct. Total width of ampulla and diverticula 204–235 μm. Each diverticulum 83–105 μm wide, ending with a large hemispherical (toe-nail shaped) sperm chamber (Figure 6B, C). Inner wall of ampulla pimpled throughout. Inner wall of diverticula not ciliated. Sperm mass not rotating inside the diverticula. Ectal duct 500–550 μm long (1.5–2 times the ampulla) and only 25–30 μm thick in vivo; duct canal straight, of uniform width (2.5 μm); duct projecting into ampulla as a broad bulb lined by tall cells. Some small, indistinct gland cells at spermathecal ectal pores. Remarks This species has been earlier (Rota 1995) confounded under the name of F. polychaeta Bretscher augm. Southern (1907). After the improved characterization and recognition of the latter taxon as a new distinct species, F. healyae, by Schmelz (2003), and following personal observations on Swedish material of F. healyae (see Erséus et al. 2005), I was able to separate the Italian material compiled in Rota (1995) into specimens belonging to F. healyae (sample from site Tuscany 17) and specimens belonging to the present new species (all remaining Tuscan samples). In F. healyae the clitellum is girdle-shaped and the gland cells are arranged to form an irregular honeycomb tiling, with a ratio between hyaline and granular cells of 1:4 (pers. obs.). In F. bargaglii sp. nov. the two types of cells occur with a ratio of about 1:2 and the clitellum is nearly absent ventrally. Other important differences from F. healyae are the two-level branching of peptonephridia, the always welldeveloped seminal vesicle, the extra pair of pharyngeal glands in VII, the many subneural glands and the absence of inner ciliation in the spermathecal diverticula. F. bargaglii sp. nov. differs from F. polychaeta Bretscher, 1900 as originally defined (whether or not one accepts the latter as a valid taxon), by its brain shape, the number of pharyngeal glands, the origin of the dorsal vessel, and the habitat (unlike F. bargaglii sp. nov., both F. healyae and F. polychaeta appear to be associated with wet soils). Distribution Apparently endemic to Tuscany, associated with neutral soils. Recent studies (Rota et al. 2013, 2014) have confirmed the abundance of this species in urban (Villa Patrizia, plots S2 and S3) and suburban (Belcaro) districts in Siena.Published as part of Rota, Emilia, 2015, Five new species of Enchytraeidae (Annelida: Clitellata) from Mediterranean woodlands of Italy and reaffirmed validity of Achaeta etrusca, Fridericia bulbosa and F. miraflores, pp. 1987-2020 in Journal of Natural History 49 (33) on pages 2001-2005, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2015.1009514, http://zenodo.org/record/399798
Generic ABILHAND questionnaire can measure manual ability across a variety of motor impairments
No full textABILHAND is, in its original version, a 46-item, 4-level
questionnaire. It measures the difficulty perceived by
patients with rheumatoid arthritis as they do various daily
manual tasks. ABILHAND was originally built through
Rasch analysis. In a later study, it was simplified to a
generic 23-item, three-level questionnaire, showing both
cross-cultural (Belgium vs. Italy) and cross-impairment
(rheumatoid arthritis vs. stroke) validity. Later research
returned to the development of impairment-specific
versions, with modified item sets and levels. Each version
has its own Rasch-derived item difficulty calibrations,
which are required to extract the patient’s measure from
the individual string of responses, through computerized
algorithms. All of these hamper the practical application of
the scale in rehabilitation units, where patients with diverse
conditions may share similar impairments and treatment
approaches. In this study through Rasch analysis the
‘generic’ scale was applied to 126 chronic patients with
different upper limb impairments, and to 24 healthy
controls. It was supported that the generic questionnaire
remains valid across a variety of motor impairments. To
further facilitate clinical application, a normative cut-off
(> 79 of 100) is suggested. Rasch-based item calibrations
are provided together with a software routine designed to
calculate, on individual patients, linear 0–100 measures
and error estimates from the raw scores
Análisis estructural del relato de la obra “La mujer rota” de Simone de Beauvoir, según Roland Barthes
No full textLa presente investigación se enfoca en el análisis estructural del relato en la obra La mujer rota de Simone de Beauvoir, según la teoría propuesta por el semiólogo Roland Barthes. La elaboración de este proyecto se desarrolla debido a los escasos estudios realizados en cuanto a la temática planteada teniendo como objeto de estudio los textos literarios. El objetivo general del estudio es realizar un análisis estructural en los tres relatos existentes de la obra indicada. En el marco teórico la temática abordada primordialmente son los niveles narrativos propuestos por Barthes, con influencias de los teóricos Proop, en cuanto al nivel de funciones; Greimas en el nivel de acciones y Todorov apoya con sus estudios en el nivel de narración. Además, se evidencia reseñas tanto del texto como de la autora, también se analiza la estructura externa e interna de la obra. El proyecto consta con una sola variable que es el análisis estructural del relato y como objeto de estudio se encuentra la obra La mujer rota de la filósofa Simone de Beauvoir. Finalmente, se obtiene como conclusión principal la importancia de realizar análisis estructurales del relato para una adecuada comprensión de las obras literarias.The present research focuses on the structural analysis of the story in the literary work The Broken Woman by Simone de Beauvoir, according to the theory proposed by the semiologist Roland Barthes. This project is developed due to the few studies carried out regarding the topic raised, as object the study of literary texts. The general objective of the study is to carry out a structural analysis of the three existing literary stories of the mentioned work. Within the theoretical framework, the main subject matter is the narrative levels proposed by Barthes, with influences of the Proop theorists, in terms of the functions level; Greimas on the actions level and Todorov supports with his studies on the narration level. Additionally, revision of both the text and the author are evidenced, and also the external and internal work structure is analyzed. The project consists of a single variable, which is the story’s structural analysis and as an object of study is the literary work The broken woman by the philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. Finally, the main conclusion is the importance of carrying out structural analysis of the story for a proper understanding of literary works
Walk Ratio (step length/cadence) as a summary index neuromotor control of gait : application to multiple sclerosis
No full textIn healthy adults, the step length/cadence ratio [walk ratio (WR) in mm/(steps/min) and normalized for height] is known to be constant around 6.5 mm/(step/min). It is a speed-independent index of the overall neuromotor gait control, in as much as it reflects energy expenditure, balance, between-step variability, and attentional demand. The speed independence of the WR in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and its capacity to discriminate (a) across patients with MS and controls and (b) among disability levels in MS were tested. The WR was computed in 30 outpatients with MS [20 women, 10 men; Extended Disability Status Scale (potential range: 0-10, observed median 3.5, range 2.5-5.0)] walking at free speed (range: 0.43-1.67 ms -1), and in 30 healthy controls (20 women, 10 men) at free and slow speed (range: 0.55-1.67 ms -1). The WR was 6.38±0.66 in controls versus 5.36±0.86 in patients with MS (P<0.000), independent of age, sex, and walking speed. The WR was 5.95±0.69 and 4.90±0.70 in patients with an Extended Disability Status Scale score (P<0.001) below or above the median, respectively, independent of the disease duration (P<0.000). In patients with MS, the WR is a disability-sensitive index of neuromotor control of gait, and thus a promising outcome measure for treatments aimed at improving motor coordination
The company agreement Takeaway.com: the occupational health and safety profile
No full textThe article focuses on Takeaway.com's collective agreement, signed with the traditional trade unions. In particular, the author addresses the provisions on the health and safety protection of riders.
The author first highlights the legislation on health surveillance and on the intensity of cooperation required from the worker.
The analysis then focuses on the insurance protection that the company offers in the case of death or permanent disability of the worker and in relation to injuries that the rider may cause to third parties or their property.
The aim of the article is to highlight any deviations from the protection discipline provided by Legislative Decree 81/2008
Achaeta giustii Rota 2015, sp. nov.
No full textAchaeta giustii sp. nov. (Figure 3) ‘ Achaeta bohemica (Vejdovský, 1879a) sensu Nielsen and Christ. 1959 ’, Rota 1995, p. 196 (partim). ‘ Achaeta cf. bohemica sensu Nielsen and Christ. 1959 ’, Rota et al. 2013, table 1 (species ‘s2’); Rota et al. 2014, tables 1, 2 and Suppl. 1 (partim). Type material Holotype. MCZR Oligochaeta 0176, whole-mounted specimen, fully mature. Type locality Italy, Tuscany (Tu-1), La Verna (Arezzo), centuries-old Abies alba and beech forest with young maple, Helleborus and Viola on bryozoal limestone (43.7065°N, 11.9319° E, 1120 m asl). Brown sandy humus and wood litter under rotten logs, moist, pH 5.9, 02.05.1996, E. Rota coll. Paratypes. MCZR Oligochaeta 0177–0178, two whole-mounted specimens from Italy, Latium (La-1), 22.05.1994. SMNH-Types 8721–8722, two whole-mounted specimens from Italy, Latium (La-2), 25.03.1992. Other material. One whole-mounted specimen from Italy, Tuscany (Tu-2), 29.10.1993. One alcohol-preserved specimen from Italy, Campania (Ca-1), 14.05.2009, in the author’ s collection. Etymology The new species is named for Prof. Folco Giusti, outstanding malacologist and dedicated zoogeographer, for his contributions to the knowledge of Mediterranean endemism. Diagnosis Medium-sized species, with large flask-shaped glands occurring dorsally from II to tail, including XII; clitellum over XII–1/2XIII, absent middorsally, hyaline and granular gland cells forming dorsolaterally a reticulate pattern; male pores in XII, penial bulbs compact, preclitellar nephridia two pairs at 6/7–7/8, spermathecae opening ventrally, ampullae reaching VII–IX. Description Live body length 6–8 mm, width 0.28–0.36 mm at XII; after fixation, length 4.2–5.8 mm, width 0.23–0.30 mm at XII. Segments 28–37. Large flask-shaped glands dorsally paired from II to tail, including XII (Figure 3A, F), absent ventrally; in vivo measured length throughout up to 120 μm, fixed 85–100 μm, glands smaller (50–75 μm) in II; dorsal distance between left and right glands 100–120 μm (fixed). Knob-like glands and lentiform glands absent. Clitellum in XII–1/2 XIII, dorsally interrupted (gap 90 μm wide), elsewhere continuous; dorsolateral sides made of polygonal granular and not much larger hyaline cells forming a reticulate pattern; dorsal edge consisting of granular cells (Figure 3C); only granular cells ventrally (Figure 3E, F); thickness of clitellum at midpoint 16–32 μm (fixed). Head pore on prostomium. Spermathecal pores ventral at 4/5, 65–70 μm (fix) distant from one another. Male pores in XII, 50–70 μm apart, somewhat closer than spermathecal pores. Cuticle at least 2.5 μm thick, in places reaching 6.0 μm, larger dorsally than ventrally. Brain about 150 μm long in vivo, 125–135 μm when fixed. Oesophageal outer ridge dorsal on III–V, inconspicuous. Pharyngeal glands three primary pairs at 4/5–6/7, each merging dorsally, no secondary lobes (Figure 3B). Two pairs of preclitellar nephridia at 6/7–7/8 constricted by septum, without swollen terminal vesicle; nephridia generally absent from first five postclitellar segments. Coelomocytes of various size, with grooved but not granular cytoplasm, roundish, often with one to five marginal prominences, brownish when accumulated. Gut linear, without loops. Oesophagus gradually expanding into intestine at 7/8. Intestinal inner ridge extending over three segments between XVIII–XXIII (ventral intestinal ridge). Chloragogenous cells filled with fine granules. Dorsal blood vessel arising in VII (Figure 3B). Seminal vesicle absent or small. Sperm funnels elongate equal to or shorter than body width, broadest point slightly below collar, length:width 3–4:1 (180–230 by 50–80 μm in vivo), generally bent at midlength; collar distinct, as wide or narrower than funnel (Figure 3H). Spermatozoa 50 μm long, heads 20 μm long. Vasa deferentia long and narrow (8–10 μm), tightly coiled. Penial bulbs small, compact, enclosed in a muscular sheath, 53–64 μm long in fixed worms (Figure 3E, F). One egg mature. Spermathecal ampullae reaching to VII–IX, ectal ducts almost parallel to long body axis in vivo, more contracted on one side (thus bent at an obtuse angle) in fixed specimens (Figure 3G); ectal ducts not tapering towards pore, rather appearing glandular at junction with body wall. Remarks This species belongs to the group of Achaeta with only dorsal flask-shaped glands and spermathecae opening ventrally. While alive it looks similar to ‘ Achaeta bohemica sensu Nielsen and Christensen, 1959 ’, it can be recognized (more easily after fixation) by having a complete series of dorsal flask-shaped glands (i.e. from segment II to tail) and clitellum longer and reticulate, with granular gland cells bordering the dorsal edges (see above). Distribution Apparently endemic to the Mediterranean region, recorded in Italy from Tuscany to Campania.Published as part of Rota, Emilia, 2015, Five new species of Enchytraeidae (Annelida: Clitellata) from Mediterranean woodlands of Italy and reaffirmed validity of Achaeta etrusca, Fridericia bulbosa and F. miraflores, pp. 1987-2020 in Journal of Natural History 49 (33) on pages 1996-1999, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2015.1009514, http://zenodo.org/record/399798
Achaeta borbonica Rota 2015, sp. nov.
No full textAchaeta borbonica sp. nov. (Figure 1) Achaeta sp. 1, Rota et al. 2013, table 1 and figure 3 (species ‘s1’); Rota et al. 2014, tables 1, 2 and Suppl. 1. Type material Holotype. MCZR Oligochaeta 0174, whole-mounted specimen, fully mature. Type locality Italy, Campania (Ca-1), Astroni State Nature Reserve, 8.5 km to the northwest of Naples, under the canopy of the oldest Q. ilex trees surviving in the crater (40.8490°N, 14.1499°E, 50 m asl). Thick coarse litter on loose, organic-rich soil with volcanic ash and pumice, pH 5.8, 27.10.2009, E. Rota coll. Paratype. MCZR Oligochaeta 0175, one whole-mounted specimen, fully mature, from type locality, 14.05.2009. Other material. One whole-mounted specimen from type locality, 14.05.2009, in the author’ s collection. Etymology Discovered within a former hunting preserve for the Bourbon royal family. Diagnosis Small species, with flask-shaped glands occurring dorsally from V, clitellum including two mid-dorsally contiguous hyaline bands, male pores in XI, preclitellar nephridia one pair at 7/8, spermathecae short, confined to V, opening ventrally. Description Small, filiform species (Figure 1A). Live body length 2.2–3.2 mm, width 0.125 – 0.150 mm at XII; after fixation, length 1.3–2.0 mm, width 0.10 mm at clitellum. Segment number 20–22. Prostomium (Figure 1A) rounded both in frontal and lateral views, pointing forwards, one-fourth longer than peristomium (32 μm after fixation). Flask-shaped glands present dorsally from V (Figure 1B), conspicuous (30–35 μm long in vivo, about 25 μm in fixed material), absent ventrally. Knob-like glands and lentiform glands absent. Clitellum (Figure 1A, G, H) in XI–1/2XII, gland cells in 18 transverse rows, hyaline cells present only dorsolaterally, forming one longitudinal band per side, the two hyaline bands dorsally contiguous; granular cells covering all other sides of clitellum but absent in its middle along the midventral line. Head pore at 0/1. Spermathecal pores ventral at 4/5. Male pores in XI (Figure 1A, G, H). Cuticle and body wall thin. No thickened septa. Brain twice longer than broad (60 μm long when fixed), posteriorly rounded. Oesophageal outer ridge dorsal on III– V (Figure 1B). Pharyngeal glands, three pairs, all well developed and connected dorsally, secondary lobes absent (Figure 1A). One pair of preclitellar nephridia, anchored (but not constricted) by septum 7/8 (Figure 1A, E). Coelomocytes smaller than flask-shaped glands, oval or drop-shaped, finely rugose and grained, pale (Figure 1B, F). Transition between oesophagus and intestine gradual. Gut constantly forming a loop in IX (Figure 1A). Intestinal floor of 1/2XV– XVII modified as an inner ridge of tall cells (ventral intestinal ridge). Chloragogenous cells in vivo filled with large (3 μm) opaque inclusions (Figure 1B–F), somewhat resembling the oil globules filling of Enchytraeus species, but rendering the sides of gut dark-brown in transmitted light. Dorsal blood vessel arising in VI. Seminal vesicle absent. Sperm funnels (Figure 1D) twice longer than broad, in vivo 60 by 30 μm, with distinct collar (7 μm high). Heads of spermatozoa about 10 μm long and vasa deferentia 4.5 μm thick in vivo. Penial bulbs small, oval, compact, 25 μm long in vivo, 21 μm after fixation (Figure 1A, G, H). One egg mature, conspicuous, generally stretching through two whole segments (Figure 1A). Spermathecae (Figure 1B, C) short, confined to V, club-shaped, thicker-walled in their distal half (ectal duct), totally about 50 μm long and 15 μm across (live). Sperm arranged as a straight bundle inside ampulla. Remarks This new species resembles A. minima Southern, 1907 in body size, dorsal occurrence of the flask-shaped glands and position and size of the spermathecae (A. minima and A. borbonica sp. nov. are the only known Achaeta species possessing flask-shaped glands with spermathecae confined to V), but differs from it by the cephalic displacement of the genital organs, the size of the sperm funnels and the location of the first preclitellar nephridia. An identical cephalic displacement of the genital organs, combined with ventral spermathecal pores, dorsal flask-shaped glands and possession of one pair of preclitellar nephridia, as in the new species, is observed in the northern European A. abulba Graefe, 1989 and A. bibulba Graefe, 1989. From the latter two, the new species appears different because: (1) the nephridia comprise an anteseptal part and occur preclitellarly at 7/8 rather than at 6/7; (2) compact penial bulbs are present; (3) the spermathecae are confined to V and lack any glandular formation at pore. Distribution Only recorded in the Astroni State Nature Reserve, sexually mature both in spring and autumn.Published as part of Rota, Emilia, 2015, Five new species of Enchytraeidae (Annelida: Clitellata) from Mediterranean woodlands of Italy and reaffirmed validity of Achaeta etrusca, Fridericia bulbosa and F. miraflores, pp. 1987-2020 in Journal of Natural History 49 (33) on pages 1991-1993, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2015.1009514, http://zenodo.org/record/399798
Fridericia meridiana Rota 2015, sp. nov.
No full textFridericia meridiana sp. nov. (Figure 7; Table 1) Fridericia sp. 1, Rota et al. 2013, tables 1 and figure 3 (species ‘s17’); Rota et al. 2014, tables 1, 2 and Suppl. 1. Type material Holotype. MCZR Oligochaeta 0182, whole-mounted specimen, fully mature. Type locality Italy, Campania (Ca-2), Naples city, Capodimonte Park, a 134 ha historical urban park, positioned on the top of a hill in the northern part of the city (40.8717°N, 14.2519°E, 50 m asl). Holm oak trees with underbrush of Ruscus aculeatus, Hedera helix and, occasionally, Tradescantia fluminalis. Litter and dark humus on loose, coarse-textured soil with fragments of pyroclastic origin, moist, plot N 3, pH 6.4, 13.05.2009, E. Rota coll. Paratypes. MCZR Oligochaeta 0183–0184 and SMNH Types 8725–8727, five wholemounted specimens from type locality and date. Other material examined. Several specimens from type locality, 26.10.2009 and 20.06.2014, in the author’ s collection. Etymology From the Latin ‘meridianus’ (meaning = of midday, noon, southern), due to its apparent geographic distribution. Diagnosis Small quadrisetose species with four chaetae only present in some preclitellar ventral bundles, other bundles containing two or three chaetae; behind clitellum, bundles with three chaetae occurring ventrally in XIII–XIV, all other bundles bisetose. Segments 28–36, clitellar gland cells absent ventrally between and before male pores. Coelomocytes type b, peptonephridia type a, four pairs of preclitellar nephridia (6/7–9/10), chylus cells preclitellar. Male slits T-shaped, spermathecae with a small, sessile ectal gland, and bulb-shaped ampullae attached separately, on same or opposite sides of gut. Description Colour whitish. Live body length 5–6 mm, width about 0.16–0.17 mm at V, up to 0.19–0.20 mm at clitellum; fixed length 2.8–4.1 mm, width 0.14–0.17 mm at clitellum. Segment number 28–36, x = 31.8, s = 2.3 (n = 17). Prostomium (Figure 7A) rounded both in frontal and lateral views, pointing forwards, just as long as peristomium (40 μm after fixation), 50 μm high. Epidermal glands of irregular shape, inconspicuous, arranged in four transverse rows in anterior segments. Clitellum (Figure 7B, D) thin (6 μm), transparent, interrupted between and in front of male pores, annular elsewhere. Clitellar gland cells arranged in about 15 regular rows; dorsal and lateral sides mostly made of large hyalocytes (measuring 16–20 μm across when fixed); only granular cells on ventral side. Subneural glands on nerve cord absent. Head pore at 0/1. Dorsal pores from VII. Spermathecal pores in ‘lateral lines’ at 4/5. Male pores as T-shaped slits with all three ‘arms’ of equal length (Figure 7C). Chaetae 2,3 – 2: 2÷4 – (3),2, length in preclitellar bundles 25–40 μm, reaching maximal values caudally (50 μm). In fixed specimens, ectal tips of chaetae pointing posteriorly in anterior 15 segments, thereafter showing the opposite orientation. Only occasional detached chaetae in coelomic cavity. Cuticle and body wall thin. No thickened septa. Brain (Figure 7A) soft-tissued, egg-shaped, in vivo up to 123 μm long, fixed 70–80 by 40 μm. Peptonephridia (Figure 7H) simple, unbranched, ending in anterior half of V (type a sensu Nielsen and Christensen, 1959). Pharyngeal glands three pairs, merging dorsally at 4/5 (widely) and 5/6 (partly), separate at 6/7, the latter pair with a small spur into VII (Figure 7A). Ventral lobes very small in IV, elongate in V, largest and bent upwards in VI. Four pairs of preclitellar nephridia (6/7–9/10), with efferent ducts arising midventrally from postseptal. Coelomocytes (Figure 7F, G): in vivo nucleated cells with peripheral vesicles (type b), 18–32 μm long, anucleated corpuscles of various size, 5–12 μm long. Chloragogen cells from V, in vivo opaque, yellow-greenish. Chylus cells in IX–X or X–XI. Intestinal inner ridge extending over 4–6 segments between XIX–XXVIII (ventral intestinal ridge). Dorsal vessel originating in XIII–XIV. Four pairs of thin lateral commissures connect the dorsal vessel with the circumoesophageal commissures and the ventral vessel: two in III, one in IV and one in V. Seminal vesicle absent. Sperm funnels (Figure 7E) very small, in vivo totally 75 μm long, 38 μm broad in proximal two-thirds, tapering distally. Collar narrower than body of funnel. Heads of spermatozoa about 24 μm long in vivo. Vasa deferentia 5–7 μm thick in vivo (narrower in distal course). Penial bulbs small, 55 μm long in vivo, 45 μm after fixation. One egg mature. Spermathecae attached separately to gut, on same or opposite side of dorsal vessel (Figure 7F). Each spermatheca consists of a simple bulb-shaped ampulla (24 μm wide in vivo, 20 μm after fixation) and an ectal duct (160–175 μm long and 9 μm thick in vivo, 80 by 8–10 μm after fixation) endowed with a small sessile gland (16 μm long, 8–10 μm after fixation) at the external orifice. Sperm mass in a circle inside ectal lumen of ampulla. Remarks This species belongs to a group of small, quadrisetose Fridericia with bulb-shaped spermathecal ampulla, characterized by peripherally granular coelomocytes and short unbranched peptonephridia (see Cech and Dózsa-Farkas 2005). In particular, it resembles F. bretscheri Southern, 1907 in the texture of coelomocytes and number of preclitellar nephridia, but differs from it by the thinner body wall, the small spermathecal gland, the different chaetal formula, clitellar pattern, position of the chylus cells and shape of the male slits. In the latter features, it rather resembles F. composti Schmelz, 2003, F. schmelzi Cech and Dózsa-Farkas, 2005 and F. semisetosa Dózsa-Farkas, 1970, all of which however possess five pairs of preclitellar nephridia, comparatively larger anucleated coelomocytes and different chaetal formulae and clitellar patterns (Table 1). Distribution The material described comes exclusively from Naples, Capodimonte, plot N3 (sexually mature both in spring and autumn). According to some old notes, possibly also found in Erice (Sicily).Published as part of Rota, Emilia, 2015, Five new species of Enchytraeidae (Annelida: Clitellata) from Mediterranean woodlands of Italy and reaffirmed validity of Achaeta etrusca, Fridericia bulbosa and F. miraflores, pp. 1987-2020 in Journal of Natural History 49 (33) on pages 2005-2009, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2015.1009514, http://zenodo.org/record/399798
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