Review of the sawfly genus Empria (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae) in Japan

The following eleven Empria species are reported from Japan: Empria candidata (Fallén, 1808), Empria japonica Heidemaa & Prous, 2011, Empria liturata (Gmelin, 1790), Empria loktini Ermolenko, 1971, Empria plana (Jakowlew, 1891), Empria quadrimaculata Takeuchi, 1952, Empria rubicola Ermolenko, 1971, Empria tridens (Konow, 1896), Empria tridentis Lee & Ryu, 1996, Empria honshuana Prous & Heidemaa, sp. n., and Empria takeuchii Prous & Heidemaa, sp. n. The lectotypes of Poecilosoma pallipes Matsumura, 1912, Empria itelmena Malaise, 1931, Tenthredo candidata Fallén, 1808, and Tenthredo (Poecilostoma) hybrida Erichson, 1851 are designated. Empria itelmena Malaise, 1931, syn. n. is synonymized with Empria plana (Jakowlew, 1891). Poecilosoma pallipes Matsumura, 1912, previously assigned to Empria, is transferred to Monsoma, creating Monsoma pallipes (Matsumura, 1912), comb. n. Results of phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ITS1 and ITS2) sequences are also provided.     

The opecoelidae (Digenea) of sparid fishes of the western Mediterranean. II. Pycnadenoides yamaguti, 1938 and Pseudopycnadena Saad-Fares & Maillard, 1986

The genera Pycnadenoides Yamaguti, 1938 and Pseudopycnadena Saad-Fares & Maillard, 1986 are redefined and their validity discussed. Two forms, currently considered to be Pycnadenoides senegalensis Fischthal & Thomas, 1972, one from Lithognathus mormyrus and Diplodus vulgaris off Corsica (Scandola) and one from Sparus aurata off Provence and Languedoc, are described separately, as some preliminary biochemical studies suggest that they might be distinct. This species is commented upon in relation to Distomum mormyri Stossich, 1885, D. umbrinae Stossich, 1885, Pycnadenoides pagrosomi Yamaguti, 1938 and P. ghanensis Fischthal & Thomas, 1968. Pseudopycnadena fischthali Saad-Fares & Maillard, 1986 is redescribed from Diplodus vulgaris, D. annularis and D. sargus off Corsica (Scandola).

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Résumé Les auteurs redéfinissent et discutent la validité des genres Pycnadenoides Yamaguti, 1938 et Pseudopycnadena Saad-Fares & Maillard, 1986. Deux formes considérées actuellement comme Pycnadenoides senegalensis Fischthal & Thomas, 1972, l'une parasite de Lithognathus mormyrus et de Diplodus vulgaris des côtes de Corse (Scandola), l'autre parasite de Sparus aurata des côtes de Provence et du Languedoc, sont décrites séparément. Des études biochimiques préliminaires suggèrent qu'il pourrait s'agir de deux espèces différentes. Cette espèce est discutée par rapport à Distomum mormyri Stossich, 1885, D. umbrinae Stossich, 1885, Pycnadenoides pagrosomi Yamaguti, 1938 et P. ghanensis Fischthal & Thomas, 1968. Pseudopycnadena fischthali Saad-Fares & Maillard, 1986 est redécrit à partir d'exemplaires provenant de Diplodus vulgaris, D. annularis et D. sargus des côtes de Corse (Scandola).

     

The Effect of Age and Gender on 37 Chemical Element Contents in Scalp Hair of Healthy Humans

The effect of age and gender on minor and trace element contents in the scalp hair of 80 relatively healthy 15- to 55-year-old women and men was investigated. Contents or upper limit of contents of 37 chemical elements in the scalp hair were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) for the mass fraction of Ag, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, Hf, Hg, I, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Th, and Zn (milligrams per kilogram of dry hair) were 0.191 ± 0.018, 0.0102 ± 0.0014, 6.33 ± 0.68, 3.59 ± 0.26, 1320 ± 110, 0.369 ± 0.055, 1245 ± 133, 0.0707 ± 0.0054, 2.78 ± 0.22, 0.0082 ± 0.0021, 88.2 ± 6.7, 0.040 ± 0.012, 0.145 ± 0.009, 6.93 ± 1.05, 146 ± 14, 0.238 ± 0.025, 0.0030 ± 0.0007, 163 ± 17, 2.29 ± 0.30, 344 ± 31, 0.65 ± 0.10, 0.062 ± 0.005, 0.0100 ± 0.0012, 0.248 ± 0.008, 0.0090 ± 0.0010, 45.7 ± 3.5, 0.0168 ± 0.0019, and 154 ± 3, respectively. The upper limits of contents of Cd, Cs, Gd, Nd, Ta, Tb, Tm, and Yb were ≤0.17, ≤0.013, ≤0.104, ≤0.19, ≤0.011, ≤0.0048, ≤0.0057, and ≤0.0047, respectively. In all hair samples, the contents of As was under detection limits <0.01. The tendency for the Ce, La, and Th content to increase with age was found in the human hair, but statistically significant changes were shown for females only. The mass fraction of Rb in the male scalp hair increases and of Cl decreases with age. It was shown that higher Au, Ca, Mg, and Sr mass fractions as well as lower Cl, Fe, I, Sc, Se, and Sm content were typical of female hair as compared to those in male hair.     

An annotated catalogue of the types of Chrysididae (Hymenoptera) at the Swedish Museum of Natural History,Stockholm, with brief historical notes

A critical and annotated catalogue of 72 types of Chrysididae (Hymenoptera) belonging to 53 species and subspecies housed in the Swedish Museum of Natural History is given. The lectotypes of Chrysis diversa Dahlbom, 1845, Chrysis soror Dahlbom, 1854, Chrysura sulcata Dahlbom, 1845 and Holopyga amoenula Dahlbom, 1845 are designated. The previous lectotype of Chrysis diversa Dahlbom, 1845 is set aside. Five new synonymies are proposed: Chrysis elegans var. smaragdula Trautmann, 1926 (currently Chrysis elegans ssp. interrogata Linsenmaier, 1959 repl. name for smaragdula Trautmann, nec Fabricius, 1775), syn. n. of Chrysis confluens (Dahlbom, 1845); Chrysis eximia Mocsáry, 1889, syn. n. of Chrysis poecila Mocsáry, 1889; Chrysis pyrrhina Dahlbom, 1845, syn. n. of Chrysis erythromelas Dahlbom, 1845; Chrysis separata Trautmann, 1926, syn. n. of Chrysis lateralis Dahlbom, 1845; Chrysis sicula Abeille de Perrin, 1877, syn. n. of Chrysis erythromelas Dahlbom, 1845. Chrysis serena Radoszkowski, 1891 is the first available name for Chrysis pyrrhina sensu auctorum. Chrysis erythromelas Dahlbom, 1845 is revaluated as valid species. The neotype of Chrysis inaequalis Dahlbom, 1845 is designated in the Linsenmaier collection (NMLS). Illustrations of 34 types are given.     

True bugs (Hemiptera,Heteroptera) as psyllid predators (Hemiptera,Psylloidea)

Data on natural enemies of psyllids are rare and can usually be found in papers about economically significant species. During an investigation of psyllid fauna in Serbia, natural enemies were investigated, too. True bugs were the most numerous among them. From 28 psyllid species, 21 species of true bugs from families Anthocoridae and Miridae were reared. Seven species of Anthocoridae were identified: Anthocoris amplicollis (Horváth, 1839), Anthocoris confusus Reuter, 1884, Anthocoris nemoralis (Fabricius, 1794), Anthocoris nemorum (Linnaeus, 1761), Orius majusculus Reuter, 1884, Orius minutus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Orius niger Wolff, 1811. The following 14 species of Miridae were identified: Atractotomus mali Meyer-Dür, 1843, Campylomma verbasci (Meyer-Dür, 1843), Deraeocoris flavilinea (A. Costa, 1862), Deraeocoris ruber (Linnaeus, 1758), Deraeocoris lutescens (Schilling, 1836), Heterocordylus genistae (Scopoli, 1763), Hypseloecus visci (Puton, 1888), Malacocoris chlorizans Panzer, 1794, Miris striatus (Linnaeus, 1758), Orthotylus marginalis Reuter, 1884, Psallus assimilis Stichel, 1956, Psallus quercus Kirschbaum, 1856, Psallus flavellus Stichel, 1933 and Pseudoloxops coccinea (Meyer-Dür, 1843). The aim of the research was to provide list of true bugs recorded as predators of psyllids in order to preserve their diversity and significance, especially on cultivated plants.     

Revision of the genus Haemonchus Cobb, 1898 (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae)

Summary Only nine species of the genus Haemonchus are considered valid, namely, H. contortus (Rudolphi, 1803) Cobb, 1898 (type), H. bedfordi Le Roux, 1929, H. dinniki Sach, Gibbons & Lweno, 1973, H. krugeri Ortlepp, 1964, H. lawrencei Sandground, 1933, H. longistipes Railliet & Henry, 1909, H. mitchelli Le Roux, 1929, H. similis Travassos, 1914 and H. vegliai Le Roux, 1929. These are redescribed. H. bispinosus Molin, 1860, H. placei Place, 1893, H. cervinus Baylis & Daubney, 1922, H. okapiae van den Berghe, 1937 (in part), H. tartaricus Evranova, 1940, H. contortus contortus Das & Whitlock, 1960, H. contortus cayugensis Das & Whitlock, 1960, H. contortus bangalorensis Rao & Rahman, 1967, H. contortus hispanicus Martínez Gómez, 1968, H. contortus kentuckiensis Sukhapesna, 1974 and H. contortus var. uktalensis Das & Whitlock, 1960 are considered synonyms of H. contortus (Rudolphi, 1803) Cobb, 1898.The synonymy of H. lunatus Travassos, 1914, H. atectus Lebedev, 1929, H. pseudocontortus Lebedev, 1929 and H. fuhrmanni Kamensky, 1929 with H. contortus is confirmed. H. okapiae van den Berghe, 1937 (in part) is considered a synonym of H. mitchelli Le Roux, 1929 and H. bubalis Chauhan & Pande, 1968 is considered a synonym of H. similis Travassos, 1914. H. bovis Bonelli, 1941 and H. contortus var. kashmirensis Fotedar & Bambroo, 1965 are considered species inquirendae. An illustrated key to the species of the genus is provided.Part of a thesis approved by the University of London for the award of the Ph.D. degree.Part of a thesis approved by the University of London for the award of the Ph.D. degree.     

Revision of the genus Dercetina from Taiwan and their similar species,with description of a new species from Myanmar (Insecta,Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae)

Species of the genus Dercetina Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963 in Taiwan are revised. Dercetina azumai Gressitt and Kimoto, 1966, Dercetina itoi Kimoto, 1969, and Dercetina shirozui Kimoto, 1969 are redescribed. Dercetina chinensis (Weise, 1889), Dercetina taiwana (Chûjô, 1938), and Dercetina unifasciata (Allard, 1889) are removed from synonymy with Dercetina flavocincta (Hope, 1831). Dercetina flavocincta and Dercetina nakanei Kimoto, 1969 are transferred to the genus Arthrotus Motschulsky, 1858. Lectotypes are designated for Dercetis taiwana Chûjô, 1938, and Antipha varipennis Jacoby, 1890. The synonymies of Antipha flavofasciata Baly, 1879 and Dercetes femoralis Weise, 1922 with Arthrotus flavocincta (Hope, 1831), Antipha varipennis Jacoby, 1890 with Dercetina chinensis (Weise, 1889) are supported. A new species, Dercetina barclayi sp. n. which was confused with Dercetina flavocincta, is described from Myanmar.     

Revision of the Australian species of the weevil genus Trigonopterus Fauvel

The Australian species of the genus Trigonopterus Fauvel are revised. Eight previously recognized species are redescribed and 24 additional new species are described: Trigonopterus allaetus Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus athertonensis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus australinasutus Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus australis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus bisignatus Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus bisinuatus Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus boolbunensis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus cooktownensis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus daintreensis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus deplanatus Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus finniganensis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus fraterculus Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus garradungensis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus hasenpuschi Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus hartleyensis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus kurandensis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus lewisensis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus montanus Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus monteithi Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus mossmanensis Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus oberprieleri Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus robertsi Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus terraereginae Riedel, sp. n., Trigonopterus yorkensis Riedel, sp. n.. All new species are authored by the taxonomist-in-charge, Alexander Riedel. Lectotypes are designated for the following names: Idotasia aequalis Pascoe, Idotasia albidosparsa Lea, Idotasia evanida Pascoe, Idotasia laeta Lea, Idotasia rostralis Lea, Idotasia sculptirostris Lea, Idotasia squamosa Lea. A new combination of the name Idotasia striatipennis Lea is proposed: Trigonopterus striatipennis (Lea), comb. n.. A key to the species is provided. Australian Trigonopterus occur in coastal Queensland, narrowly crossing into New South Wales. The southern parts of the range are inhabited by species found on foliage. A rich fauna of 19 edaphic species inhabiting the leaf litter of tropical forests is reported for the first time from the Australian Wet Tropics.     

New systematic assignments in Gonyleptoidea (Arachnida, Opiliones, Laniatores)

As part of an ongoing revision of the family Gonyleptidae, we have identified many species that are synonyms of previously described species or misplaced in this family. This article summarizes these findings, adding previously unavailable information or correcting imprecise observations to justify the presented taxonomic changes. The following new familial or subfamilial assignments are proposed: Nemastygnus Roewer, 1929 and Taulisa Roewer, 1956 are transferred to Agoristenidae, Agoristeninae; Napostygnus Roewer, 1929 to Cranaidae; Ceropachylinus peruvianus Roewer, 1956 and Pirunipygus Roewer, 1936 are transferred to Gonyleptidae, Ampycinae; Gyndesops Roewer, 1943, Haversia Roewer, 1913 and Oxapampeus Roewer, 1963 are transferred to Gonyleptidae, Pachylinae. The following generic synonymies are proposed for the family Gonyleptidae: Acanthogonyleptes Mello-Leitão, 1922 = Centroleptes Roewer, 1943; Acrographinotus Roewer, 1929 = Unduavius Roewer, 1929; Gonyleptes Kirby, 1819 = Collonychium Bertkau, 1880; Mischonyx Bertkau, 1880 = Eugonyleptes Roewer, 1913 and Gonazula Roewer, 1930; Parampheres Roewer, 1913 = Metapachyloides Roewer, 1917; Pseudopucrolia Roewer, 1912 = Meteusarcus Roewer, 1913; Haversia Roewer, 1913 = Hoggellula Roewer, 1930. The following specific synonymies are proposed for the family Gonyleptidae: Acanthogonyleptes singularis (Mello-Leitão, 1935) = Centroleptes flavus Roewer, 1943, syn. n.; Geraeocormobius sylvarum Holmberg, 1887 = Discocyrtus serrifemur Roewer, 1943, syn. n.; Gonyleptellus bimaculatus (Sørensen, 1884) = Gonyleptes cancellatus Roewer,1917, syn. n.; Gonyleptes atrus Mello-Leitão, 1923 = Weyhia brieni Giltay, 1928, syn. n.; Gonyleptes fragilis Mello-Leitão, 1923 = Gonyleptes banana Kury, 2003, syn. n.; Gonyleptes horridus Kirby, 1819 = Collonychium bicuspidatum Bertkau, 1880, syn. n., Gonyleptes borgmeyeri Mello-Leitão, 1932, syn. n., Gonyleptes curvicornis Mello-Leitão, 1932, syn. n., Metagonyleptes hamatus Roewer, 1913, syn. n. and Paragonyleptes simoni Roewer, 1930, syn. n.; Gonyleptes pustulatus Sørensen, 1884 = Gonyleptes guttatus Roewer, 1917, syn. n.; Haversia defensa (Butler, 1876) = Sadocus vallentini Hogg, 1913, syn. n.; Liogonyleptoides minensis (Piza, 1946) = Currala bahiensis Soares, 1972, syn. n.; Megapachylus grandis Roewer, 1913 = Metapachyloides almeidai Soares & Soares, 1946, syn. n.; Mischonyx cuspidatus (Roewer, 1913) = Gonazula gibbosa Roewer, 1930 syn. n.; Mischonyx scaber (Kirby, 1819) = Xundarava holacantha Mello-Leitão, 1927, syn. n.; Parampheres tibialis Roewer, 1917 = Metapachyloides rugosus Roewer, 1917, syn. n.; Parapachyloides uncinatus (Sørensen, 1879) = Goyazella armata Mello-Leitão, 1931, syn. n.; Pseudopucrolia mutica (Perty, 1833) = Meteusarcus armatus Roewer, 1913, syn. n. The following new combinations are proposed: Acrographinotus ornatus (Roewer, 1929), comb. n. (ex Unduavius); Gonyleptellus bimaculatus (Sørensen, 1884),comb. n. (ex Gonyleptes);Gonyleptes perlatus (Mello-Leitão, 1935), comb. n. (exMoojenia);Mischonyx scaber (Kirby, 1819), comb. n. (ex Gonyleptes); and Neopachyloides peruvianus (Roewer, 1956), comb. n. (ex Ceropachylus). The following species of Gonyleptidae, Gonyleptinae are revalidated: Gonyleptes atrus Mello-Leitão, 1923 and Gonyleptes curvicornis (Roewer, 1913).     

New genera,species and records of Phaneropterinae (Orthoptera,Phaneropteridae) from sub-Saharan Africa

The results of the study of many specimens preserved in different European museums are reported. The tribe Terpnistrini Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 is resurrected. The distribution of the following species is enhanced: Pardalota asymmetrica Karsch, 1896, Diogena denticulata Chopard, 1954, Diogena fausta (Burmeister, 1838), Plangiopsis adeps Karsch, 1896, Poreuomena sanghensis Massa, 2013 and Tylopsis continua (Walker, 1869). Further, for their peculiar characteristics, two African representatives of the American genus Symmetropleura Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 are included in two new genera: Symmetrokarschia africana (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878), comb. n. and Symmetroraggea dirempta (Karsch, 1889), comb. n. A new genus and species from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angustithorax spiniger gen. n., sp. n., and a new genus and species from Tanzania, Arostratum oblitum gen. n., sp. n. are described. Finally Melidia claudiae sp. n. and Atlasacris brevipennis sp. n. are described and compared with related species.     

Systematics of the family Plectopylidae in Vietnam with additional information on Chinese taxa (Gastropoda,Pulmonata, Stylommatophora)

Vietnamese species from the family Plectopylidae are revised based on the type specimens of all known taxa, more than 600 historical non-type museum lots, and almost 200 newly-collected samples. Altogether more than 7000 specimens were investigated. The revision has revealed that species diversity of the Vietnamese Plectopylidae was previously overestimated. Overall, thirteen species names (anterides Gude, 1909, bavayi Gude, 1901, congesta Gude, 1898, fallax Gude, 1909, gouldingi Gude, 1909, hirsuta Möllendorff, 1901, jovia Mabille, 1887, moellendorffi Gude, 1901, persimilis Gude, 1901, pilsbryana Gude, 1901, soror Gude, 1908, tenuis Gude, 1901, verecunda Gude, 1909) were synonymised with other species. In addition to these, Gudeodiscus hemmeni sp. n. and Gudeodiscus messageri raheemi ssp. n. are described from north-western Vietnam. Sixteen species and two subspecies are recognized from Vietnam. The reproductive anatomy of eight taxa is described. Based on anatomical information, Halongella gen. n. is erected to include Plectopylis schlumbergeri and Plectopylis fruhstorferi. Additionally, the genus Gudeodiscus is subdivided into two subgenera (Gudeodiscus and Veludiscus subgen. n.) on the basis of the morphology of the reproductive anatomy and the radula. The Chinese Gudeodiscus phlyarius werneri Páll-Gergely, 2013 is moved to synonymy of Gudeodiscus phlyarius. A spermatophore was found in the organ situated next to the gametolytic sac in one specimen. This suggests that this organ in the Plectopylidae is a diverticulum. Statistically significant evidence is presented for the presence of calcareous hook-like granules inside the penis being associated with the absence of embryos in the uterus in four genera. This suggests that these probably play a role in mating periods before disappearing when embryos develop. Sicradiscus mansuyi is reported from China for the first time.     

Zinc in Postmortem Body Tissues and Fluids

Data on zinc concentration in the human body may be used to interpret the results obtained in cases of chronic and acute poisonings with zinc compounds, i.e., in clinical and forensic toxicology. In this paper, the concentrations of zinc in human tissues and body fluids obtained from autopsy cases concerning non-poisoned people (n = 203), aged from 14 to 80 years, between 1995 and 2008, are presented. The following values were found by the flame atomic absorption method (mean ± SD, median, range, in microgram per gram or microgram per milliliter): brain 10.3 ± 1.36, 10.2, 7.99–13.8 (n = 48); stomach 14.2 ± 3.63, 13.6, 8.00–22.5 (n = 71); intestines 15.7 ± 5.22, 15.8, 8.36–28.1 (n = 35); liver 39.6 ± 16.1, 36.6, 16.0–78.8 (n = 109); kidney 33.8 ± 10.1, 31.8, 16.4–60.9 (n = 93); lung 12.0 ± 3.88, 11.0, 6.13–18.7 (n = 26); spleen 14.7 ± 2.53, 14.6, 11.4–18.3 (n = 5); heart 26.5 ± 3.63, 26.7, 22.5–31.8 (n = 5); blood 6.81 ± 1.21, 7.00, 4.02–8.68 (n = 50); urine 0.69 ± 1.70, 0.60, 0.39–1.00 (n = 5), and bile 4.92 ± 1.64, 3.75, 3.20–7.09 (n = 9). The accuracy of the method was checked through the use of SRM Bovine Liver 1577b (certified: 127 ± 16 μg Zn/g, found: 117 ± 0.7 μg Zn/g (n = 6)).     

Contribution of the IBD5 locus to inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis

To evaluate the association of the IBD5 locus to the predisposition of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), a series of meta-analyses between five IBD5 variants (OCTN1 C1672T, OCTN2 G-207C, OCTN1/2 TC haplotype, IGR2096a_1, IGR2198a_1 and IGR2230a_1) and Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) were performed, which included a total of 26 studies. Overall, five IBD5 variants in a per-allele model of inheritance were significantly associated with elevated CD risk (for OCTN1: OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.16–1.30, P < 0.001; for OCTN2: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.11–1.30, P < 0.001; for IGR2096a_1: OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.24–1.46, P < 0.001; for IGR2198a_1: OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.24–1.46, P < 0.001; for IGR2230a_1: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.23–1.48, P < 0.001) and OCTN1/2 TC haplotype (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.22–1.43, P < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the statistically significant associations were also observed in adult- and pediatric-onset CD and in Caucasians for five IBD5 variants and the OCTN1/2 TC haplotype. A statistically significant increase in the risk of UC was detected in a recessive model of inheritances for OCTN1 (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.08–1.40, P < 0.001), OCTN2 (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05–1.33, P = 0.006), IGR2096a_1 (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.15–1.62, P < 0.001) and IGR2198a_1 (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.10–1.66, P = 0.004); the increased risks of UC were maintained in the adult and Caucasian subgroups, but not the pediatric subgroup. In summary, our results suggested that the IBD5 locus contributes to the susceptibility of CD in a per-allele manner in adults, children and Caucasians, and the locus contributes to the susceptibility of UC in a recessive manner in adult and Caucasian populations.     

Haematological and biochemical studies in tigers (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Panthera tigris tigris</Emphasis>)

Haematological and biochemical studies were conducted on 12 clinically healthy tigers of Central India. The range and mean (with one standard deviation), respectively for the parameters examined were: red blood cells, 4.66 to 9.15, 7.9 ± 1.42, 10⁶/μl; haemoglobin, 7.8 to 13.8, 12.8 ± 1.65 g/dl; packed cell volume, 36 to 45, 38 ± 2.54; icterus index, 2 to 5, 2 ± 1.51 U; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 14 to 26, 21 ± 4.21 mm at 1 h; white blood cells, 6.2 to 11.05, 8.5 ± 1.49, 10³/μl; neutrophils, 57 to 75, 60 ± 5.08%; lymphocytes, 18 to 35, 30 ± 4.56%; monocytes, 2 to 6, 5 ± 1.21%; eosinophils, 2 to 6, 4 ± 1.3; basophils, 0 to 4, 1 ± 1.21; plasma albumin, 2.1 to 4.6, 3.5 ± 0.99 mg/dl; total protein, 3.7 to 8.7, 6.4 ± 1.88 mg/dl; total bilirubin, 0.4 to 3.2, 1.9 ± 1.21 mg/dl; creatinine, 1.6 to 4.6, 2.90 ± 1.03 mg/dl; blood urea nitrogen, 6.5 to 48.2, 27.90 ± 13.77 mg/dl; glutamic pyruvic transaminase, 21.2 to 109.0, 67.88 ± 27.84 IU/L and glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase, 14.4 to 84, 57.96 ± 17.27 IU/L; index conspicuous erythrocyte sedimentation rate; absence of reticulocytes and predominance of neutrophils.     

Effect of melatonin implants on spermatogenesis in the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus)

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of subcutaneous melatonin implants to temporarily and reversibly suppress spermatogenesis in male cats. Tomcats (n = 8) were housed in a conditioned room with alternating long and short 2-month photoperiod cycles to maintain sperm production and quality. Animals were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments. Four animals received a subcutaneous melatonin implant (MEL, 18 mg; Syntex, Argentina), whereas the other four received a subcutaneous placebo implant (PLA, 0 mg; Syntex). Semen samples were collected by electroejaculation every 14 days for 252 days. Sperm parameters were evaluated in all ejaculates, and data were analyzed by ANOVA. Melatonin-implanted cats significantly decreased their sperm quality in all the parameters studied compared with the control group (MEL vs. PLA; least squares means ± SEM; motility, 71.3 ± 3.4 vs. 82.1 ± 3.6; velocity, 3.4 ± 0.1 vs. 4.6 ± 0.1; total sperm count, 2.6 ± 2.2 vs. 19.4 ± 3.3; acrosome integrity, 48.7 ± 5.6 vs. 62.8 ± 5.6; plasma membrane integrity, 52.2 ± 4.7 vs. 72.9 ± 5.5; normal sperm morphology, 45.8 ± 3.3 vs. 63.7 ± 3.4; P < 0.05). Conversely, volume and serum testosterone concentrations were similar in both groups (volume, 0.15 ± 0.02; serum testosterone concentrations, 1.1 ± 0.1; CV 18.9%; P > 0.05). At 91 ± 7 days after implant insertion, sperm motility decreased 38.5%, velocity 26.5%, total sperm count 82%, acrosome integrity 22%, plasma membrane integrity 30%, and normal sperm morphology decreased 32% of preimplant values. This effect was present until 120 ± 15 days after implant insertion. After that, seminal parameters started to increase and reached preimplant values at about 140 ± 7 days after implant insertion. Nevertheless, treated animals conserved the capacity to produce semen during the treatment period. In conclusion, a single subcutaneous melatonin implant effectively and reversibly reduced sperm production and quality in male domestic cats for approximately 120 ± 15 days without clinically detectable adverse effects.     

Mendel and Darwin A new link in the old quarrel

Zusammenfassung Gegenüber den Ansichten vonJ. Gross (1925), der den Mendelismus für die Stütze der selektionsdarwinistischen Evolutionserklärung halten will, stellt der Verfasser die Argumente zusammen, die beweisen können, dass, im- Grunde genommen, beide Lehren identifiziert sein sollten, da sie mit gleichem Begriffe der allerkleinsten, von einander unabhängigen, hauptsächlich äusserlichen, unbestimmten und meistens nur geringere Lebensbedeutung zeigenden Varianten operieren, deren Ursachen, nachDarwin, öfters unbekannt, das Entstehen sogar zufällig bleiben, d.h. dass sie vollständig den Regeln der Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechnung unterworfen sein müssen, was-im Mendelismus – gleichfalls in dem freien Zusammentreffen und dem Kombinieren der mendelnden Merkmale sein Ausdruck findet, was inbezug auf die sich abspielenden Interaktionen der Genallele, und zwar in Folgte der Anteilnahme von immer zwei Elternseiten, mit allgemeiner Gleichung desNewtonschen Binoms ausgedruckt werden kann, wie das der Verfasser im Jahre 1938 entwickelte.Der alte Vorwurf somit, der seit langem dem Darwinismus gemacht wurde, es habe eine allzugrosse Bedeutung den zufälligen Variationen beigemessen, sollte, im Grunde genommen, von dem Standpunkte der Wahrscheinlichkeitstheorie für ein Argument zugunsten ebengleich des Darwinismus, als des Mendelismus angeführt werden. Umso mehr, wenn es gelingen könnte die Ansicht vonTh. H. Morgan (1919) zu bestätigen, dass die Entwickelung eines jeden beliebigen Merkmals, bloss kraft seines Anwachsens, die Chancen für die weitere Entwickelung desselben in der eingenom-. menen Richtung vergrössert.Zugleich wird jedoch ein deutlicher Vorbehalt gemacht, dass die erschlossene Identifizierung einstweilen nur die microevolutiven Vorgänge (lautW. Ludwig's Terminologie, 1938) betreffen könnte, keineswegs aber die natürliche Zuchtwahllehre, die vor allem die Dynamik der Populationsänderungen behandelt.

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Résumé En s'opposant aux points de vue exprimés parJ. Gross (1925) que la doctrine mendélienne aurait pu être considérée comme le support de celle du sélectionisme darwinien, l'auteur avance des preuves que tous les deux devraient au fond s'identifier, parce qu'elles basent leurs déductions sur les variantes minimes, en majeure partie concernant les traits extérieurs, très souvent d'une importance vitale insignifiante, en même temps peu définies et réciproquement indépendantes, l'origine desquelles, selonDarwin, reste d'ordinaire inconnue, l'apparition même étant imprévue et fortuite, ce qui signifie, qu'elles doivent être assujetties complètement aux règles, requisitions et conséquences de la théorie de probabilité, tandis que dans le mendélisme la même chose se manifeste également dans les associations en majeure partie libres et indépendantes des caractères semblables, qui représentent les interactions combinatoires géniques entre les paires allélomorphiques, qui grâce à la participation de pas plus que deux partenaires parentals s'expriment dans une équation générale du binôme newtonien (1938).De cette manière, l'objection faite jadis contre la doctrine darwinienne d'avoir assigné un poids trop grand au hasard des variations indéfinies, doit être au fond considérée, au point de vue de la théorie de probabilité, plutôt comme l'argument de l'appui en faveur de cette doctrine, aussi bien naturellement que du mendélisme même, lui aussi étant une expression de cette théorie. Cela d'autant plus s'il était possible de confirmer les idées deTh. H. Morgan (1919), selon lequel le développement d'un trait quelconque, une fois commencé, acquiert, par la seule apparition, plus de chances pour son progrès consécutif dans le même endroit.Néanmoins, toute réserve est prise par l'auteur au fait, que cette identification déduite ne saurait être attribuée pour le moment du moins, qu'aux phénomènes microévolutifs (conformément à la terminologie deW. Ludwig, 1938) et qu'elle ne pourrait jamais être appliquée à la théorie de la sélection naturelle, cette denière concernant avant tout les facteurs impliqués dans la dynamique des changements quantitatifs des populations.

     

Type specimens of centipedes (Myriapoda,Chilopoda) in the National Museum,Prague (Czech Republic)

The centipede collection in the National Museum in Prague contains type material of 16 taxa (14 species and two subspecies), of which 15 were described by Luděk J. Dobroruka and one by Karl W. Verhoeff: Allothereua wilsonae Dobroruka, 1979; Chinobius alenae Dobroruka, 1980; Lithobius corrigendus Dobroruka, 1988; Lithobius creticus Dobroruka, 1977; Lithobius erythrocephalus mohelensis Dobroruka, 1959; Lithobius evae Dobroruka, 1958; Lithobius magurensis Dobroruka, 1971; Lithobius purkynei Dobroruka, 1957; Lithobius tatricus Dobroruka, 1958; Lithobius tatricus monounguis Dobroruka, 1958; Monotarsobius homolaci Dobroruka, 1971; Monotarsobius krali Dobroruka, 1979; Pachymerium dilottiae Dobroruka, 1976; Pachymerium hanzaki Dobroruka, 1976; Scolopendra aztecorum Verhoeff, 1934 and Strigamia olympica Dobroruka, 1977. Of these 16 taxa, five were described from the Czech Republic, three from Slovakia and eight from other countries (Greece, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Nepal, Russia and Uzbekistan). The eight taxa described from the Czech and Slovak Republics are now considered as junior synonyms but the eight taxa described from the other countries are still valid.     

New synonyms,combinations, and faunistic records of Western Palaearctic planthoppers of the family Issidae (Homoptera,Fulgoroidea)

Within the frame of the study of the Western Palaearctic Issidae, two generic and four specific synonyms are established: Logvinenkoana Gnezdilov, 2002 is placed as a synonym for Anatolodus Dlabola, 1982; Falcidiopsis Kusnezov, 1930, for Kervillea Bergevin, 1918; Hysteropterum ignavum Dlabola, 1981, for Aeluropsis karabachica Logvinenko, 1975; Hysteropterum alciranum Gnezdilov, 2003, for Hysteropterum alicantium Dlabola, 1986; Hysteropterum tangirum Matsumura, 1910, for Hysteropterum guadarramense Melichar, 1906, and Mycterodus syriacus Gnezdilov, 2008, for Mycterodus bicornutus Dlabola, 1986. Subgenus Corymbius Gnezdilov, 2002 is upgraded to genus. 12 new generic combinations are established: Aeluropsis karabachica Logvinenko, 1975, A. midica Logvinenko, 1975, Hysteropterum pictifrons Melichar, 1906 and H. transcaucasicum Melichar, 1914 are transferred to the genus Anatolodus Dlabola, 1982; Bubastia carinata Logvinenko, 1978 and B. parva Logvinenko, 1977, to the genus Inflatodus Dlabola, 1982; Quadrastylum tubulatum Dlabola, 1989, to the genus Rhissolepus Emeljanov, 1971; Hysteropterum laminatum Horváth, 1911, to the genus Libanissum Dlabola, 1980; Hysteropterum drahamense Linnavuori, 1965, to the genus Bergevinium Gnezdilov, 2003; Conosimus ochaninei Puton, 1890, to the genus Quadriva Ghauri, 1965; Hysteropterum guadarramense Melichar, 1906, to the genus Tingissus Gnezdilov, 2003; Agalmatium corsicum Dlabola, 1982, to the genus Fieberium Dlabola, 1980. New faunistic records are given for 18 species.