Search Results (66)

The genus Sigara Fabricius, 1775 (Hemiptera: Corixidae) is an important freshwater bioindicator, but its conservative morphology complicates traditional species identification. This study combines DNA barcoding, traditional taxonomy, and climatic factors within an integrative framework to provide new insights into species delimitation. We analyzed cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from 501 Sigara specimens collected from 15 countries, including 95 newly generated COI barcodes. Our integrated approach included phylogenetic analyses, genetic distance assessments, and ecological niche modeling. The results revealed remarkable diversity, with sequences clustering into 46 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs). COI genetic distances showed a pronounced bimodal pattern, with most intraspecific divergences below 1% and interspecific divergences mainly ranging from 8–16%, while the few intermediate divergences (4–8%) suggested potential cryptic diversity or recent species divergence. Most morphologically defined species corresponded to distinct molecular lineages, supporting traditional taxonomy, whereas some morphospecies exhibited genetic discordance potentially associated with species divergence. Integrative analyses revealed that climatic factors, particularly isothermality and seasonal temperature and precipitation, are major drivers of Sigara MOTU distributions, highlighting the important role of climate in shaping their geographic patterns. These findings indicate that although COI barcodes are not sufficient to define the species boundaries of Sigara alone, they provide a key entry point for the accurate division of species, which in turn promotes the development of molecular tools for freshwater ecological monitoring and conservation. Full article

Species delimitation and biodiversity assessment in Chironomidae are frequently hindered by morphological conservatism and widespread cryptic diversity. Neozavrelia (Diptera: Chironomidae), a genus inhabiting specialized freshwater microhabitats such as springs and hygropetric seepages, remains poorly understood with respect to its genetic diversity and the environmental processes underlying lineage differentiation. Clarifying lineage diversity is a prerequisite for evaluating the ecological factors associated with genetic differentiation. In this study, we compiled a global COI DNA barcode dataset comprising 137 sequences from newly generated specimens and publicly available records in the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD). Genetic diversity was evaluated using neighbor-joining (NJ) analysis and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), whereas environmental and geographic drivers of genetic differentiation were assessed using Mantel tests, distance-based redundancy analysis (db-RDA), variation partitioning, and hierarchical partitioning. A total of 26 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) were identified, with most lineages forming well-supported clades in the NJ tree. Genetic differentiation was significantly associated with both environmental and geographic distances, although environmental variables explained a substantially greater proportion of the observed variation. Hierarchical partitioning identified slope, annual cloud cover, mean precipitation amount of the coldest quarter, and frost frequency as the principal environmental predictors of lineage differentiation. Our findings reveal substantial COI genetic diversity within Neozavrelia and suggest that environmental heterogeneity, particularly variation in water availability and thermal conditions, is significantly associated with lineage differentiation. This study expands the global COI DNA barcode reference library for Neozavrelia and provides new insights into ecological and evolutionary factors associated with diversification in freshwater chironomids. Full article

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that may affect musculoskeletal alignment, respiratory mechanics, and neuromotor control. Rigid thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthoses (TLSOs) remain the primary conservative treatment during skeletal growth. Most brace systems rely on three-point pressure mechanisms that primarily generate lateral compression forces, while the contribution of shear components to corrective biomechanics has been insufficiently quantified. This study presents the experimental and analytical validation of the Canali Front-Push Orthopedic Brace, a rigid orthotic system designed to generate controlled compressive and shear forces through a frontal thrust mechanism and anterior rib cage engagement. By applying anterior force, the device reduces the frontal-plane lever arm, thereby limiting the mechanical moment that contributes to transverse plane rotation. An instrumented four-segment torso model derived from the internal CAD geometry of the brace was developed to independently measure upper compression, lower compression, and intersegmental shear forces. Controlled misalignment conditions (0 mm, 2 mm, and 4 mm) were introduced to simulate asymmetric engagement of the orthosis. Three load cell configurations (200 N and 500 N capacity) were tested. Mechanical endurance of the rack–latch fastening system was also evaluated. A predictive shear–misalignment relationship was derived and experimentally validated. Peak compressive forces reached approximately 370 N, while shear forces increased from less than 40 N under symmetric alignment (D0) to approximately 170 N under maximal misalignment (D4). Shear activation demonstrated near-linear proportionality to imposed geometric asymmetry (R² > 0.94). Following cyclic loading, the fastening system stabilized mechanically around 300 N. Measurement repeatability showed a coefficient of variation below 5%. These findings demonstrate that the brace produces predictable and controllable shear activation while maintaining high mechanical repeatability. The results provide a quantitative biomechanical framework for understanding shear-induced corrective mechanics in scoliosis bracing and support future studies integrating computational modeling and clinical validation. The proposed mechanical framework may contribute to the development of next-generation orthotic strategies aimed at controlling spinal rotation through vector modulation rather than purely compressive correction. Full article

This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between the acute-phase proteins (APP) serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp), herd-level factors, and the seroprevalence of respiratory pathogens in Estonian dairy herds. Serum samples were analysed from 938 cows (95 herds) and 921 heifers (94 herds). Seroprevalence was tested for bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3, bovine viral diarrhoea virus, bovine coronavirus, bovine adenovirus, and Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis). Farm visits included questionnaires on herd management practices. Linear random-intercept regression models showed higher serum SAA concentrations in cows from farms with BHV-1 seroprevalence of >50% and on BRSV-positive farms (p < 0.05), while farms employing a veterinarian had lower serum SAA concentrations. Cows had higher serum Hp concentrations in M. bovis-positive herds (p = 0.030). In heifers, serum SAA concentrations increased with low to moderate BHV-1 seroprevalence, decreased with higher M. bovis seroprevalence, and were higher in free-stall or mixed housing compared to tie-stall housing. Heifers’ serum Hp concentrations were lower in BHV-1-positive herds, but higher in herds with breeding bulls and larger herd sizes. To conclude, APP may reflect the herd health status and management-related effects on animals, supporting their use in herd-level monitoring. Full article

This study investigated the associations between acute-phase proteins (APPs) such as serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), and albumin (Alb) as well as immunoglobulin G (IgG) with bovine respiratory disease (BRD), seroconversion to respiratory infections and farm-level factors in rearing calves. Datasets were obtained from a randomised trial of 476 calves in Finland that compared morbidity in large- versus small-group housing. Calves were assessed for clinical BRD, and their blood was sampled three times during the first 50 rearing days to measure APPs and IgG concentrations and virus-specific antibodies against Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV3), and bovine coronavirus (BCV). Linear mixed-effects regression models showed higher serum SAA and Hp concentrations in calves with clinical BRD. BRSV seroconversion was associated with increased serum SAA and lower Alb while M. bovis seroconversion with increased serum Hp. Calves in larger groups had lower serum Hp, SAA and Alb, and pens with higher BRD cases were associated with increased serum SAA and lower Alb. IgG concentration was associated with BRSV seroconversion. These results suggest that early immune monitoring using APPs and IgG could help guide targeted management strategies to improve calf health and welfare. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity commonly managed with conservative strategies, including bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs). The Canali Postural Method^® (CPM) is an individualized kinesiological approach aimed at postural reprogramming, while the Canali Orthopedic Brace is an intermittent, non-rigid device intended to facilitate active postural control rather than continuous passive correction. Case Presentation: We retrospectively report two adolescent females with thoracolumbar rotoscoliosis (Risser grade 4). Case 1 (15 years) presented with a left-convex thoracolumbar curve (apex T12–L1) with a Cobb angle of 19.4° and a derotation angle ratio (DAR) of 1.9. Case 2 (16 years) presented with a right-convex thoracolumbar curve (apex T10) with a Cobb angle of 41.14° and a DAR of 3.7. Both patients underwent supervised CPM-based exercise sessions combined with intermittent use of the Canali Orthopedic Brace. Discussion and Conclusions: Follow-up radiographs showed a marked reduction in curve magnitude and rotational parameters: in Case 1, the Cobb angle decreased from 19.4° to 4.1° and DAR from 1.9 to 0.4; in Case 2, the Cobb angle decreased from 41.14° to 15.17° and DAR from 3.7 to 1.36. Pelvic asymmetry was also reduced, and no worsening of sagittal alignment was observed. Given the retrospective design, the small sample size, heterogeneity in intervention duration, and the lack of clinical outcomes and formal measurement reliability testing, these findings should be interpreted with caution and warrant confirmation in prospective controlled studies. Full article

Pseudoscorpions collected from the remote southeast Pacific Island of Motu Motiro Hiva (also known as Isla Salas y Gómez) yielded two different species. A juvenile specimen of the genus Garypus (Garypidae) was found near the seashore, which represents the most southerly record of Garypus in the Pacific Ocean. Numerous specimens of an unusual chernetid were taken from inside mummified carcasses of seabirds that breed on the island. Although they show morphological similarities to some other American genera such as Americhernes Muchmore, Cordylochernes Beier, and Lustrochernes Beier, the gaping fingers on the male chela and the positions of the trichobothria clearly differentiate them from all other genera. We therefore propose the new genus and species Motuchernes spatiodigitus sp. nov., which is endemic to this small remote and isolated island. Full article

Background/Objectives: Environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly recognised as a powerful molecular tool for biodiversity monitoring, enabling the detection of species through trace genetic material found in environmental samples. This study investigates the utility of eDNA analysis for identifying vertebrate marine species in the central Mediterranean, with a focus on taxa that serve as ecological indicators to local ecosystems. Methods: Seawater samples were collected from nine sites around the Maltese Islands between May and August 2021, at depths ranging from 2 to 5 m. Samples were filtered and DNA was extracted, amplified and sequenced. The resulting sequences were processed through a bioinformatics pipeline, clustered into molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) and assigned taxonomic identities using reference databases. Results: This study led to the detection of 70 MOTUs, including ecologically important species such as the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), underscoring the method’s effectiveness in the detection of taxa of conservation value. Additionally, we detected a number of overlooked Blenniidae and Gobiidae taxa and deep-water or rarely encountered species such as the ocean sunfish (Mola mola), Cornish blackfish (Schedophilus medusophagus), Haifa grouper (Hyporthodus haifensis) and Madeira lantern fish (Ceratoscopelus maderensis). eDNA of the invasive dusky spinefoot (Siganus luridus) and that of the lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), a species not previously recorded in Maltese waters, was also detected during this study. The latter’s detection highlights the potential of this methodology as an early detection tool for biological invasions. Conclusions: These findings support the integration of eDNA surveillance into marine biodiversity monitoring frameworks, particularly within marine protected areas to monitor native indicator taxa and assess the effectiveness of conservation measures, but also in ports and bunkering zones, where the risk of alien species introduction is elevated, with potential subsequent invasive species expansion that impacts native species and habitats. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite their ecological significance, DNA barcoding data for African rainforest Orthoptera remain underrepresented globally, limiting progress in species discovery, biodiversity assessment, and conservation. This study aimed to generate molecular data for morphologically identified Serpusia Karsch, 1891 species to evaluate their taxonomic status. Methods: Specimens were collected from multiple sites in Cameroon and analyzed using DNA barcoding with COI-5P and 16S rDNA markers. Species delimitation was performed with Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery, and phylogenetic relationships were inferred using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference. Additionally, external morphology and the male phallic complex were examined. Results: Molecular analyses delineated 19 MOTUs, five corresponding to Serpusia opacula, seven to Serpusia succursor and the remainder to outgroups. Similarity-based assignments matched these MOTUs to 19 BINs. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed S. opacula and S. succursor as two genetically distinct clades, with the S. opacula group more closely related to Aresceutica Karsch, 1896 than to the S. succursor group. Accordingly, we established a new genus, Paraserpusia gen. nov., to accommodate S. succursor. Within the S. opacula group, five species are recognized: one previously described (S. opacula) and four new species (S. kennei sp. nov., S. missoupi sp. nov., S. seinoi sp. nov., and S. verhaaghi sp. nov.). The former S. succursor, now Paraserpusia succursor, is divided into six well-supported lineages, five of which are formally described here (P. hoeferi sp. nov., P. husemanni sp. nov., P. kekeunoui sp. nov., P. tamessei sp. nov., and P. tindoi sp. nov.). A haplotype network based on COI-5P sequences corroborates three major clades corresponding to the S. opacula group, the S. succursor group, and Aresceutica. Diagnostic morphological differences between Serpusia and Paraserpusia are consistently supported across characters. Conclusions: This integrative approach reveals substantial hidden diversity within Serpusia and highlights the importance of combining molecular and morphological data to uncover and formally describe previously overlooked taxa. Full article

Despite an abundance of available research, calf mortality persists as a multifaceted phenomenon that presents ongoing challenges in practical management. This historical single-cohort study was conducted to provide a more comprehensive layer of knowledge to the existing information pool on calf mortality risk factors by using multiblock partial least squares analysis. The method reveals the contribution of several variables aggregated into thematic blocks and allows to include multiple outcome variables describing the same phenomenon. Such an analysis of the data provides valuable information to farmers, veterinarians, and advisors alike, not only about single risk factors, but also about management areas to prioritize when tackling calf mortality. Data was gathered from 118 Estonian dairy herds, each comprising ≥100 cows, via questionnaire, sample collection, and on-farm scoring and measurements. The final dataset included 147 questions divided into 13 meaningful blocks. The outcome variables were annual herd-level calf mortality risk during the first 21 days (MR21) and 22–90 days (MR90) using farm records and the national cattle database, respectively. The average MR21 was 5.9% (median 4.4%, range 0.0–26.8%) and the average MR90 was 2.7% (median 2.3%, range 0.0–12.7%). Of the 13 thematic variable blocks, the most important blocks explaining calf mortality were ‘Routine stress-inducing activities’, ‘Herd characteristics’, ‘Calving management’, ‘Calf housing during 5–21 days’, and ’External biosecurity’. The most influential single variables associated with higher overall calf on-farm mortality during the preweaning period were poorer cleanliness scores of calving animals and calves having access to an outdoor area during the first 21 days of life. Detected risk factors for MR21 were calf barn age > 20 years, allowing the calves to suckle the first colostrum, bucket feeding calves during the first three weeks, disbudding all calves (compared to only heifer calves), and disbudding at 21–29 days of age. Risk factors for MR90 included the use of automatic milk feeders and feeding waste milk during the first three weeks, early introduction of calves to large group pens and higher in-pen age differences, absence of forced ventilation during the first three weeks, opportunity for feces to spread between calf pens, and use of calving pens for sick animals. Washing and disinfection of newborn calves’ pens and testing colostrum quality were protective factors against both MR21 and MR90. Other protective practices for MR21 were related to proper colostrum feeding routines, whereas lower MR90 was mostly associated with efficient external biosecurity practices and vaccination programs. The multiblock model proved to be beneficial in providing a broader understanding of the importance of different management areas on calf mortality. Full article

The genera: Lerniana Delicado et Hauffe, 2022, Trichonia Schütt, 1980, and two clades (“Radomaniola” elongata Radoman, 1973, and an unnamed clade referred to as “Radomaniola” sp. 1, sp. 2) whose assignment to any genus remains unknown, form sister group with the genus Radomaniola Szarowska, 2007 (Hydrobiidae W. Stimpson, 1865, subfamily Horatiinae D. W. Taylor, 1966). The paper deals with all these clades sister to Radomaniola. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences have been used to infer phylogenetic relationships between the snails collected at 15 localities in southern Greece and one in Montenegro. Thirty-two haplotypes represent eight Molecular Taxonomical Units (mOTUs) of the species level, four of them within the genus Lerniana: L. seminula (Frauenfeld, 1863), L. tritonum (Bourguignat, 1852), and two other of these four species are both described as new. First of them has been found at seven localities in Peloponnese, Attica and southern Thessaly, the second only at one locality, sympatrically with the former species. “Radomaniola” elongata does not belong to Radomaniola, and its relationships remain unknown, similarly as in other unnamed clade, whose genus-level assignment cannot currently be resolved. The shells, protoconchs, radulae, female reproductive organs and penes are presented, also for Trichonia trichonica Radoman, 1973, for which the genus assignment remains undecided based on our molecular results. The study clearly illustrates how fragmentary is our knowledge is on the real biodiversity of the minute truncatelloid gastropods, whose morphology—simple and variable—makes species distinction hardly possible. Informed decisions on species and habitat protection should consider the above. Full article

The Yuanjiang River, situated in the upper reaches of the Red River, is a crucial component of a biodiversity hotspot in the mountains of southwestern China, supporting a high diversity of fish species. Nevertheless, systematic research on fish diversity in the Yuanjiang River is scarce, scattered, and outdated. In our study, we produced 764 DNA barcodes belonging to 64 fish morphospecies to evaluate fish diversity in the Yuanjiang River. Barcoding gap analysis and DNA-based delimitation approaches achieved a high identification success rate (>93%), indicating that DNA barcoding is a practical approach for delimiting fish in the Yuanjiang River. However, four species were characterized by high levels of intraspecific divergence, generating multiple clades and/or molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), suggesting that these species might comprise undetected species. Meanwhile, two closely related species within the genus Schistura, i.e., S. callichroma and S. caudofurca, cannot be delimited by the DNA barcoding technique, which is indicative of recent speciation. In summary, this study established a reliable DNA barcode reference library for fish species in the Yuanjiang River and revealed previously unknown fish diversity. Full article

Artificial reservoirs in arid regions provide unique ecological environments for studying the spatial and functional dynamics of plankton communities under the combined stressors of climate change and anthropogenic activities. This study conducted a systematic investigation of the phytoplankton community structure and its environmental drivers in 17 artificial reservoirs in the Ili region of Xinjiang in August and October 2024. The Ili region is located in the temperate continental arid zone of northwestern China. A total of 209 phytoplankton species were identified, with Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, and Cyanobacteria comprising over 92% of the community, indicating an oligarchic dominance pattern. The decoupling between numerical dominance (diatoms) and biomass dominance (cyanobacteria) revealed functional differentiation and ecological complementarity among major taxa. Through multivariate analyses, including Mantel tests, principal component analysis (PCA), and redundancy analysis (RDA), we found that phytoplankton community structures at different ecological levels responded distinctly to environmental gradients. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), dissolved oxygen (DO), and mineralization parameters (EC, TDS) were key drivers of morphological operational taxonomic unit (MOTU). In contrast, dominant species (SP) were more responsive to salinity and pH. A seasonal analysis demonstrated significant shifts in correlation structures between summer and autumn, reflecting the regulatory influence of the climate on redox conditions and nutrient solubility. Machine learning using the random forest model effectively identified core taxa (e.g., MOTU1 and SP1) with strong discriminatory power, confirming their potential as bioindicators for water quality assessments and the early warning of ecological shifts. These core taxa exhibited wide spatial distribution and stable dominance, while localized dominant species showed high sensitivity to site-specific environmental conditions. Our findings underscore the need to integrate taxonomic resolution with functional and spatial analyses to reveal ecological response mechanisms in arid-zone reservoirs. This study provides a scientific foundation for environmental monitoring, water resource management, and resilience assessments in climate-sensitive freshwater ecosystems. Full article

The Romanian Church United with Rome, Greek-Catholic, boasts a long and rich synodal tradition, with roots tracing back to the Metropolitanate of the Orthodox Romanians of Alba Iulia, which, at the close of the seventeenth century (1697–1700), re-established communion with the Church of Rome. The aim of the study I put forward is to analyse the evolution of synodality in the Greek-Catholic Church of Romania between the years 1964 and 2024, employing a methodology that will systematically relate historical, ecclesiological, and canonical aspects, thereby highlighting their identity implications. The structure of the article is determined by the principal stages through which the Greek-Catholic Church has traversed during the specified period: 1964–1989; 1989–2005; 2005–2024. These stages have witnessed profound transformations within the Greek-Catholic Church, including modifications to its canonical status that have also impacted its synodal life. In the year 1964, as the Second Vatican Council concluded and the decree Orientalium Ecclesiarum was approved, the Greek-Catholic Church of Romania was in the midst of severe communist persecution, having been outlawed since 1948. Its canonical status as a metropolitan province extra Patriarchatus was regulated by the Motu Proprio Cleri Sanctitati (2 June 1957), which recognised the institution of the provincial metropolitan synod, yet not that of the diocesan synod. Due to the persecution, the celebration of the metropolitan synod was not possible; however, privy conferences of bishops and diocesan ordinaries were held, which had significant effects on the life of the Church. The fall of communism, in December 1989, and the legalisation of the Greek-Catholic Church were followed by the publication, on 18 October 1990, of the Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium. According to the new legislation, the Greek-Catholic Church regained the status of a Metropolitan Church sui iuris, a status unsuitable to its dignity and tradition since it lacked the institution of the synod. Indeed, the Council of Hierarchs, which under the presidency of the metropolitan archbishop governed the Church, did not constitute a synod but merely a form of exercising episcopal collegiality. Nevertheless, with the approval of the Holy See, the Fourth Provincial Council was held in Blaj (1997–2000). On 14 December 2005, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the Greek-Catholic Church of Romania to the dignity of a Major Archbishopric. Thus, the full attainment of synodality was achieved, with the supreme governing authority being the Major Archbishop and the Synod of Bishops. The proceedings of the Synod of Bishops of the Greek-Catholic Church have prompted institutional development, to be detailed in the article. This research will also illustrate the limitations of the current Codex Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium concerning the synodality of the Greek-Catholic Church. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with most cases classified as non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Various treatments exist, among which are physical exercises that promote flexibility, mobility and core stabilization, improving muscle function and body posture. The Canali Postural Method (CPM) is a kinesiological method that offers a personalized approach to postural reprogramming. This study compares the effects of the CPM and generic exercises in individuals with NSLBP. Methods: Subjects with NSLBP were engaged in a four-week intervention either based on a CPM reprogramming phase (CPM group) or generic exercises for the control group (CG). The CPM group underwent an assessment phase to identify the possible musculoskeletal causes of compensatory postural arrangements. The functional disability and pain level were assessed before, immediately after and 3 months post-intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Thirty-five subjects per group participated, with the CPM group averaging 38.6 ± 10.1 years and the CG 40.2 ± 12.1 years. The CPM group experienced significantly greater pain relief both immediately post-intervention and at the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001). While the disability perception decreased in both groups, the CPM group showed superior improvement at the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The CPM represents promise for enhancing motor control and quality of life, suggesting potential benefits for other musculoskeletal issues. Future research should explore its broader applications and underlying physiological mechanisms. Full article