Rhyacophila siparantum sp. nov. (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae), a new species of the R. philopotamoides species group from the Republic of Kosovo with molecular and ecological notes

In this study we describe Rhyacophila siparantum sp. nov., a new species of the Rhyacophila philopotamoides species group from the Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains in Kosovo, based on morphological (male adults) and molecular (sequencing of the barcode region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI)) characteristics. The new species is morphologically closest to Rhyacophila schmidinarica Urbanič, Krušnik & Malicky, 2000, and also closely resembling Rhyacophila hirticornis McLachlan, 1879. R. siparantum sp. nov. differs from both its most similar congeners primarily by the shape of the segment X, which is in lateral view short apically and with a pronounced lateral hump on the posterior edge. This difference, combined with other characters related to the shape of the second segment of inferior appendages, spine pattern of parameres and size of ventral teeth on segments VI and VII, make R. siparantum sp. nov. easily distinguishable from both most similar congeners. Phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships were reconstructed using two methods of phylogenetic inference, and two species delimitation methods. All this supports Rhyacophila siparantum sp. nov. as a distinct taxon. The adults of Rhyacophila siparantum sp. nov. were found during the period May – August, nearby a small rheocrene spring inside a forested area. The new species is most probably a microendemic of the Bjeshkët e Nemuna, a mountainous massive known for several other endemic species of caddisflies. Rhyacophila siparantum sp. nov. is the seventeenth known species of the genus Rhyacophila Pictet, 1834 from Kosovo.

Taxonomy of the Proisotoma complex. VI. Rediscovery of the genus Bagnallella Salmon, 1951 and epitoky in Bagnallella davidi (Barra, 2001), comb. nov. from South Africa

The genus Bagnallella Salmon is restored and given a diagnosis. It takes an intermediate position between Proisotoma Börner and Cryptopygus Willem complexes and is characterized by the separation of the two last abdominal segments (like in Proisotoma) and 3 and 5 s-chaetae on the fourth and fifth abdominal segments (like in Cryptopygus and its allies). A list of and key to species belonging to Bagnallella is given. Bagnallella bisetacomb. nov., B. dubiacomb. nov., B. sedecimoculatacomb. nov., and B. tenellacomb. nov. are commented and redescribed. Morphology of Bagnallella davidi (Barra), comb. nov. is described from the specimens from South Africa. So far B. davidi appears to be a complex of forms differing in size of the furca and macrochaetae. Two types of strongly modified males were found and described. Antennae, ventral side of abdomen, posterior edge of abdominal tergites, and mandibles are affected with epitoky. The nature of the discovered strong polymorphism is unclear.

Analysis of the Dose Drop at the Edge of the Target Area in Heavy Ion Radiotherapy

Background. The dose distribution of heavy ions at the edge of the target region will have a steep decay during radiotherapy, which can better protect the surrounding organs at risk. Objective. To analyze the dose decay gradient at the back edge of the target region during heavy ion radiotherapy. Methods. Treatment planning system (TPS) was employed to analyze the dose decay at the edge of the beam under different incident modes and multiple dose segmentation conditions during fixed beam irradiation. The dose decay data of each plan was collected based on the position where the rear edge of the beam began to fall rapidly. Uniform scanning mode was selected in heavy ion TPS. Dose decay curves under different beam setup modes were drawn and compared. Results. The dose decay data analysis showed that in the case of single beam irradiation, the posterior edge of the beam was 5 mm away, and the posterior dose could drop to about 20%. While irradiation in opposite direction, the posterior edge of the beam was 5 mm away, and the dose could drop to about 50%. In orthogonal irradiation of two beams, the posterior edge of the beam could drop to about 30-38% in a distance of 5 mm. Through the data analysis in the TPS, the sharpness of the dose at the back edge of the heavy ion beam is better than that at the lateral edge, but the generated X-ray contamination cannot be ignored. Conclusions. The effect of uneven CT value on the dose decay of heavy ion beam should also be considered in clinical treatment.

Unstable Fractures Osteosynthesis of Malleoli and Posterior Edge of the Tibia Using Posterolateral Surgical Approach

The malleoli fractures in combination with the fractures of posterior edge of the tibia are considered unstable injuries and present particular difficulties in surgical treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate short-term and mid-term results of osteosynthesis on account of unstable fractures of malleoli and posterior edge of the tibia using posterolateral surgical approach. Materials and Methods. The analysis of short-term and mid-term results of the treatment of 29 patients with malleoli fractures types 44-B3 and 44-C1.3, C2.3 and C3.3 (according to the AO classification) with the involvement of the Volkman`s posterior tibia fragment was performed in traumatology departments of three hospitals during the period from January 2019 to September 2020. In all 29 cases the fracture of the posterior edge of the tibia was classified as type 1 according to the classification of N. Haraguchi et al. All patients underwent osteosynthesis of the posterior edge of the tibia and the lateral malleolus via posterolateral surgical approach. Combined fracture of the medial malleolus was fixed via classical medial approach. 5 patients (17.2%) with continued instability of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis underwent fixation with positional screw. Functional results, as well as the range of motions in the ankle joint were evaluated with the use of AOFAS and Neer scales 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results. Statistically significant improvement in functional outcomes over time was noted when evaluated on the AOFAS scale (p0.05) and on the Neer scale (p0.01). 12 months after the surgery these points were 83.213.4 and 87.816.8 respectively. Complications were noted in 5 patients (17.24%). Deep periimplant infection was registered just in one case, another patient had marginal necrosis of the operative wound. Three patients had clinically significant post-traumatic deforming arthritis of the ankle joint. Conclusion. Posterolateral surgical approach has advantages when performing osteosynthesis in patients of the studied profile and enables anatomical reduction and stable fixation of fragments of the Volkman`s posterior edge of the tibia, which provides the possibility of early mobilization of the ankle joint and has positive effect on the results of treatment.

Location of the Femoral Nerve in the Lateral Decubitus Versus Prone Position

Study Design Cadaveric study. Objective To compare the position of the femoral nerve within the lumbar plexus at the L4-L5 disc space in the lateral decubitus vs prone position. Methods Seven lumbar plexus specimens were dissected and the femoral nerve within the psoas muscle was identified and marked with radiopaque paint. Lateral fluoroscopic images of the cadaveric specimens in the lateral decubitus vs prone position were obtained. The location of the radiopaque femoral nerve at the L4-L5 disc space was normalized as a percentage of the L5 vertebral body (0% indicates posterior location and 100% indicates anterior location at the L4-L5 disc space). The location of the femoral nerve at L4-L5 in the lateral decubitus vs prone position was compared using a paired t test. Results In the lateral decubitus position, the femoral nerve was located 28% anteriorly from the posterior edge of the L4-L5 disc space, and in the prone position, the femoral nerve was relatively more posterior, located 18% from the posterior edge of the L4-L5 disc space ( P = .037). Conclusions The femoral nerve was on average more posteriorly located at the L4-L5 disc space in the prone position compared to lateral decubitus. This more posterior location allows for a larger safe zone at the L4-L5 disc space, which may decrease the incidence of neurologic complications associated with Lateral lumbar interbody fusion in the prone vs lateral decubitus position; however, further studies are needed to evaluate this possible clinical correlation.

Topographic-anatomical characteristics of artery tibialis posterior and its branches in the area of ankle canal

AIM: To clarify peculiarities of the anatomy and topography of the plantar vessels in the area of the ankle canal, to justify access to the bifurcation of the artery tibialis posterior and ultrasound examination of the plantar arteries. The results of anatomical preparations of 10 amputated lower limbs, and of ultrasound duplex angioscanning (DUS) of 30 healthy volunteers without pathology of the vascular system performed using a linear transducer with frequency of 7–12 MHz, were studied. According to the data of anatomical preparation and ultrasound examination, the bifurcation level of the artery tibialis posterior was 1.7 ± 0.4 cm (min 0.5 cm — max 2 cm) below the level of the posterior edge of the medial ankle and was slightly covered by the musculus abductor hallucis. The average diameter of the artery tibialis posterior above the bifurcation level was 2.56 ± 0.4 mm, of the medial plantar artery 1.4±0.44 mm, and of the lateral plantar artery 1.8 ± 0.5 mm. The lateral plantar artery was 90% larger in diameter than the medial plantar artery. In 7% of cases, the medial plantar artery was larger, and in 3% of cases, the diameters of both arteries were equal. When taking the bifurcation of the posterior tibial artery as the central point, the plantar vessels on the DUS can be traced distally down under the abdomen of the musculus abductor hallucis: the medial vessels lie more anteriorly at 2 o’clock position, and the lateral vessels lie somewhat posteriorly at 1 o’clock. Assessment of blood flow at this level gives an idea of the state of the foot vessels. The level of bifurcation of the artery tibialis posterior is located 1.7 ± 0.4 cm below the posterior edge of the medial malleolus, which makes it possible to identify the location of access to it. The location of the DUS probe from this point at 2 o'clock position corresponds to the projection of the medial plantar artery, at 1 o'clock — to the lateral plantar artery on the right lower limb, on the left lower limb — at 10 and 11 o'clock, respectively.

Osteodiscus abyssicola, a new snailfish (Cottoidei: Liparidae) collected off the Pacific coast of northern Japan

The snailfish Osteodiscus abyssicola sp. nov. is described from a single specimen collected off the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, northern Japan, at a depth of 4,671–4,744 m. It is distinguished from all currently recognized congeners by the following combination of characters: vertebrae 49; dorsal-fin rays 44; anal-fin rays 39; principal caudal-fin rays 8; pyloric caeca 5; mouth horizontal; teeth on both jaws simple and sharp, without cusps; upper and lower jaw symphyses without diastema; cephalic pore sizes moderate, similar to or slightly larger than nostril; gill slit extending ventrally to 2nd pectoral-fin ray base; pectoral fin notched; mandibular symphysis to center of anus 101.6% head length (HL); posterior edge of pelvic disk to center of anus 15.5% HL; epural 1, reduced; epipleural ribs absent. An emended diagnosis and key to the species of Osteodiscus are provided.

Different breeding conditions affect the morphological variability in larvae of Platytrombidium fasciatum (Trombidiformes: Microtrombidiidae)

The impact of temperature and light/dark cycle on morphological traits of Platytrombidium fasciatum was examined in larvae obtained from field-collected females. The eggs laid by 65 females at laboratory conditions were assigned to four experimental groups. Varied thermal conditions affected the values of nine out of 46 (nonparametric MANOVA) and 26 out of 37 (LDA) morphometric traits in larvae. As many as six quantitative traits differed significantly irrespective of the method (MANOVA, LDA) applied. The analysis of the metric traits within the dorsal sclerites revealed that the lower mean temperature over the period of egg incubation, translated into longer duration of development, was associated with an increase in distance between the bases of 3rd pair of non-sensillary setae on scutum at the decrease in distance between the bases of 2nd pair of non-sensillary setae as well as in distance between the level of sensilla and the posterior edge of the sclerite. In the case of 40 measurable traits in larvae of P. fasciatum, the variability going beyond the hitherto knowledge on the species was observed.

Liobagrus huaiheensis, a new species of torrent catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from the Huaihe River basin in Central China

Liobagrus huaiheensis, a new species of catfish, is described from the Shihe River, a tributary of the Huaihe River, in Henan Province, Central China. It shares a serrated posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine with L. marginatus, L. nigricauda, L. kingi, L. chenghaiensis, L. andersoni, L. mediadiposalis, L. obesus, L. somjinensis, and L. hyeongsanensis, but it is distinguished from these nine species by having combination of the following characters: 2–3 serrations on the posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine; 15–17 anal-fin rays; an upper jaw longer than lower one; a rounded caudal-fin with 50–55 rays; 35–37 post-Weberian vertebrae; anus close to pelvic-fin insertion and an adipose-fin posteriorly continuous with caudal-fin, with a marked incision at confluence.

‘Nemacheilus’ argyrogaster, a new species of loach from southern Laos (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)

‘Nemacheilus’ argyrogaster, new species, is described from the Xe Kong, Mekong drainage, in Attapeu and Xe Kong provinces, southern Laos. It is distinguished from all other Nemacheilidae in Southeast Asia by its unique colour pattern made of a bold black midlateral stripe separating the yellowish brown dorsal part of the body from the silvery whitish ventral part and a middorsal row of 14–19 thin saddles. Besides, the male has a globulous suborbital flap with tubercles along its free, posterior edge, and the pectoral fin with thickened anterior ray and branched rays 1–4 and unculiferous pads behind them covered by small tubercles; lips thin, lower lip continuous with a narrow median notch. It was found in moderate to fast flowing water, over pebble to stone bottom. ‘Nemacheilus’ argyrogaster, was earlier misidentified as N. longistriatus; it is provisionally placed in the genus Nemacheilus.