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Genitalia
Kinds of Genitalia Selected AbstractsHAVE MALE AND FEMALE GENITALIA COEVOLVED?EVOLUTION, Issue 9 2005A PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF GENITALIC MORPHOLOGY AND SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM IN WEB-BUILDING SPIDERS (ARANEAE: ARANEOIDEA) Abstract Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) can strongly influence the evolution of reproductive strategies and life history. If SSD is extreme, and other characters (e.g., genitalic size) also increase with size, then functional conflicts may arise between the sexes. Spiders offer an excellent opportunity to investigate this issue because of their wide range of SSD. By using modern phylogenetic methods with 16 species of orb-weaving spiders, we provide strong evidence for the "positive genitalic divergence" model, implying that sexual genitalic dimorphism (SGD) increases as SSD increases. This pattern is supported by an evolutionary mismatch between the absolute sizes of male and female genitalia across species. Indeed, our findings reveal a dramatic reversal from male genitalia that are up to 87X larger than female genitalia in size-monomorphic species to female genitalia that are up to 2.8X larger in extremely size-dimorphic species. We infer that divergence in SGD could limit SSD both in spiders, and potentially in other taxa as well. Further, male and female body size, as well as male and female genitalia size, are decoupled evolutionarily. Finally, we show a negative scaling (hypoallometry) of male and female genitalic morphology within sexes. Evolutionary forces specific to each sex, such as larger female size (increased fecundity) or smaller male size (enhanced mate-searching ability), may be balanced by stabilizing selection on relative genitalic size. [source] Sensilla on the External Genitalia of the Carabid Beetle, Carabus (Ohomopterus) dehaanii dehaanii Chaudoir (Coleoptera, Carabidae)ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2004Lark KIM ABSTRACT Sensilla on the male and female external genitalia of the carabid beetle, Carabus (Ohomopterus) dehaanii dehaanii Chaudoir, were investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The investigation for female genitalia was conducted on the coxites and styli. As a result, 4 types of sensilla were distinguished. In male, a total of 6 types of sensilla were identified on the aedeagus. The external morphology and distribution pattern of each type of the sensilla in both sexes were described. Results are expected to provide a ground work for future research on the phylogenetic study of the genus Carabus and the comparative ultrastructure or behavior in the carabid beetle. [source] Linear Epidermolytic Verrucous Epidermal Nevus of the Male GenitaliaPEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2007EVREN SARIFAKIOGLU M.D. No abstract is available for this article. [source] Is puberty starting earlier in urban South Africa?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Laura L. Jones Age at the initation of pubertal development was estimated for 401 Black (212 boys) and 206 White (100 boys) urban South African adolescents born in Soweto-Johannesburg in 1990. Average age at the initation of puberty, assessed by age at the transition from Tanner Stage 1 to Tanner Stage 2 for breast/genitalia or pubic hair development ranged between 9.8 and 10.5 years. There were no statistically significant differences in age at initiation between genders or ethnic groups. Age at the initation of pubertal development has remained stable over the last 10 to 15 years, with the exception of pubic hair in boys which has declined on average 1.3 years over a decade. There is evidence to suggest that the tempo of pubertal maturation is increasing in girls born in the Soweto-Johannesburg area, however, the evidence is less clear for boys. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Gene expression analyses on embryonic external genitalia: identification of regulatory genes possibly involved in masculinization processesCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 2 2008Hisayo Nishida ABSTRACT Androgen plays a crucial role in initiating and maintaining the expression of male sexual characteristics in mammals. In humans and mice, any defects along the pathway of androgen functions result in congenital urogenital abnormalities. The genital tubercle (GT), an anlage of the external genitalia, differentiates into a penis in males and a clitoris in females. Although masculinization of the external genitalia is androgen-dependent, the molecular pathway of its potential downstream genes is largely unclear. To identify the genes involved in mouse GT masculinization, we performed gene expression analyses, such as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and section in situ hybridization analysis. From our studies we have identified candidate genes, Cyp1b1, Fkbp51 and MafB as potential androgen targets during mouse GT masculinization. [source] HOXA13 directly regulates EphA6 and EphA7 expression in the genital tubercle vascular endotheliaDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2007Carley A. Shaut Abstract Hypospadias, a common defect affecting the growth and closure of the external genitalia, is often accompanied by gross enlargements of the genital tubercle (GT) vasculature. Because Hoxa13 homozygous mutant mice also exhibit hypospadias and GT vessel expansion, we examined whether genes playing a role in angiogenesis exhibit reduced expression in the GT. From this analysis, reductions in EphA6 and EphA7 were detected. Characterization of EphA6 and EphA7 expression in the GT confirmed colocalization with HOXA13 in the GT vascular endothelia. Analysis of the EphA6 and EphA7 promoter regions revealed a series of highly conserved cis -regulatory elements bound by HOXA13 with high affinity. GT chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that HOXA13 binds these gene-regulatory elements in vivo. In vitro, HOXA13 activates gene expression through the EphA6 and EphA7 gene-regulatory elements. Together these findings indicate that HOXA13 directly regulates EphA6 and EphA7 in the developing GT and identifies the GT vascular endothelia as a novel site for HOXA13-dependent expression of EphA6 and EphA7. Developmental Dynamics 236:951,960, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A new interpretation of the female genitalia in Macrocyclops albidus (Copepoda, Cyclopidae)ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 1 2003D. Defaye Abstract The female genital structures of Macrocyclops albidus (Cyclopidae, Eucyclopinae) were studied using light and electron microscopy. The results confirm that the exterior genital area shows only a copulatory pore, located anteromedially on the ventral face of the genital double-somite, and paired gonopores (not directly visible), situated laterally under the P6 plates. An internal seminal receptacle, composed of several parts, is connected to the gonopores by ventro-lateral cuticular extensions or seminal ducts. The lateral site of communication shows a complex set of connections between the seminal receptacle and the oviducts (via the egg-laying ducts). The structure until now designated as ,transverse ducts', visible by transparency on the ventral face, is in fact constituted of internal cuticular thickenings resulting of the fusion of the 6th thoracic somite and the 1st abdominal somite forming the genital double-somite and appearing externally as a part of the suture line; the term ,suture cord' is proposed to designate it. The functioning of the system is explained. [source] The male postabdomen of Stolotermes inopinus: a termite with unusually well-developed external genitalia (Dictyoptera: Isoptera: Stolotermitinae)ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2 2000Klaus-Dieter Klass Abstract Klass, K.-D., Thorne, B. L. and Lenz, M. 2000. The male postabdomen of Stolotermes inopinus: a termite with unusually well-developed external genitalia (Dictyoptera: Isoptera: Stolotermitinae). ,Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 81: 121,130 Stolotermes inopinus has large external male genitalia (phallic lobe), which contrast with the small genital papillae or lack of external genitalia of other Isoptera. As in the genital papilla of Mastotermesdarwiniensis, a ventral sclerite pair is present, the gonopore is located ventroterminally on the phallic lobe, and the genital area is entirely symmetrical , suggesting that this may be the groundplan condition of Isoptera. The relations of the phallic lobe to surrounding components like the subgenital plate, paraprocts, and certain muscles and nerves indicate that the lobe of S. inopinus is homologous with the phallomeres of other Dictyoptera. The bilateral symmetry and simple structure, however, are in strong contrast to the asymmetry and high complexity found in male genitalia of Blattaria and Mantodea. The postabdominal nervous system of S. inopinus resembles that of the cockroach Periplaneta americana. Indications are given that the Stolotermitinae are related to the Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae, and Termitidae rather than to the Termopsinae. [source] Lispe patellitarsis Becker (Diptera: Muscidae) new to KoreaENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Sang Jae SUH Abstract Lispe patellitarsis Becker is identified for the first time in Korea. Diagnoses and illustrations of the habitus and male genitalia are given. [source] New record of Compsidolon elaegnicola Yasunaga (Hemiptera: Miridae) from KoreaENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Young Jae CHO Abstract In this paper, two Korean Compsidolon species, C. salicellum (Herrich-Schaeffer) and C. elaegnicola Yasunaga, were treated. Of these, C. elaegnicola Yasunaga, 1999, which was previously known only from Japan, is reported from Korea for the first time and diagnosed. A dorsal habitus image and illustrations of the male genitalia are provided. [source] A New Record of Larerannis miracula (Prout) from Korea (Lepidoptera, Geometridae)ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2005Sei-Woong CHOI ABSTRACT An ennomine species, Larerannis miracula (Prout, 1929), is newly recorded from Korea. Description of the adult and life history and illustration of male genitalia are provided. [source] A Taxonomic Revision of Illiberis Walker (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae: Procridinae) in KoreaENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2004Sung-Soo KIM ABSTRACT The Korean species of Illiberis Walker are revised. A total of 10 species are recognized, including four species new to Korea: I. rotundata Jordan, I. psychina (OberthÜr), I. consimilis Leech, and I. hyalina (Staudinger). The identities of I. cybele Leech and I. assimilis Jordan, the two ambiguously defined Korean species, are reconfirmed with the examination of type specimens and additional materials. Photos of the adults and type materials are provided, and male and female genitalia of each species are illustrated. Biology and distribution for each species are briefly discussed with the larval host records from Korea. [source] Sensilla on the External Genitalia of the Carabid Beetle, Carabus (Ohomopterus) dehaanii dehaanii Chaudoir (Coleoptera, Carabidae)ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2004Lark KIM ABSTRACT Sensilla on the male and female external genitalia of the carabid beetle, Carabus (Ohomopterus) dehaanii dehaanii Chaudoir, were investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The investigation for female genitalia was conducted on the coxites and styli. As a result, 4 types of sensilla were distinguished. In male, a total of 6 types of sensilla were identified on the aedeagus. The external morphology and distribution pattern of each type of the sensilla in both sexes were described. Results are expected to provide a ground work for future research on the phylogenetic study of the genus Carabus and the comparative ultrastructure or behavior in the carabid beetle. [source] A New Species of Theridion Walckenaer (Araneae: Theridiidae) from KoreaENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2004Bo-Keun SEO ABSTRACT A new species, Theridion longipili sp. nov. (Theridiidae), is described from Korea. It is easily distinguished from other congeners by the structure of conductor, radix, median apophysis, and the female epigynum and internal genitalia. [source] Taxonomy of the Cidariini (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in Korea (II)ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2004Sei-Woong CHOI ABSTRACT Eight genera and 16 species of the Korean Cidariini, a tribe of Larentiinae (Lepidoptera, Geometridae), were revised: Dysstroma Hübner, Paradysstroma Choi, Callabraxas Butler, Thera Stephens, Heterothera Inoue, Pennithera Viidalepp, Polythrena Guenée and Xenortholitha Inoue. Pennithera comis (Butler) was newly added to the Korean fauna. Diagnostic and phylogenetic characters supporting the monophyly of the genera and a key to the genera were provided. For the species, diagnoses with figures of male and female genitalia and distributional data with maps in Korea, and taxonomic remarks were provided. [source] A New Record of Pterotocera ussurica Djakonov (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) from KoreaENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2003Yoo-Hang SHIN ABSTRACT One species of the genus Pterotocera Staudinger, P. ussurica Djakonov, is first recorded from Korea. Description of adult and illustration of male genitalia are provided. Based on the previous and the present works, there are 22 winter geometrid moths in Korea. [source] Taxonomy of the Cidariini (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in Korea (I)ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2002Sei-Woong CHOI ABSTRACT Among forty species of the Korean Cidariini, a tribe of Larentiinae (Lepidoptera, Geometridae), nineteen species of ten genera are revised: Ecliptopera Warren, Lampropteryx Stephens, Eustroma Hübner, Eveeliptopera Inoue, Lobogonodes Bastelberger, Hysterura Warren, Sibatania Inoue, Eulithis Hiibner, Gandaritis Moore, and Electrophaes Prout. The diagnostic characters and monophyly of each genus are provided. Figures of adults including male and female genitalia, and distribution maps in Korea are also provided. [source] Naturally occurring egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in a pomegranate orchard in TunisiaENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2010Ines KSENTINI Abstract Four Trichogramma species were found in a pomegranate orchard in Gabès, an arid region of Tunisia, from parasitized eggs of Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), an economically important insect pest. Identification based on assessment of male genitalia and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences showed that they were T. bourarachae Pintureau and Babault, 1988, T. oleae Voegelé and Pointel, 1979, T. cacoeciae Marchal, 1927 and T. evanescens Westwood, 1833. Trichogramma evanescens is reported for the first time in Tunisia. Trichogramma cacoeciae was the largely dominant species in the analyzed samples, whereas T. bourarachae was present in a minor portion of 1.38%. The implications of these results for attempts at controlling E. ceratoniae are discussed. [source] Genus Thubana Walker in Indonesia, with descriptions of four new species (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae) and a world catalog of the genusENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009Kyu-Tek PARK Abstract The genus Thubana Walker (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae: Torodorinae) in Indonesia is reviewed, with three known species from Java and four additional new species: Th. raphidodea sp. nov. from Sulawesi, Indonesia and Malaysia; and Th. erycinae sp. nov., Th. apiculalis sp. nov. and Th. sellarius sp. nov. from Sumatra, Indonesia. The previously known species from Java, Th. costimaculella (Snellen), is redescribed for the wing venation and genitalia of both sexes; however, the syntype of Th. heylaertsi (Snellen) is observed only by its photograph. No specimens of Th. heylaertsi and Th. xylogramma Meyrick were found during this study. Photos of all known species, except Th. xylogramma Meyrick, and a key to species are provided. A catalog for the genus with all 46 known species in the world is given. [source] Notes on two species of the subgenus Lyrothorax Chaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae; genus Pterostichus), Pterostichus amagisanus Tanaka and Ishida and Pterostichus fujitai Tanaka and IshidaENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2009Kôji SASAKAWA Abstract Two species of the subgenus Lyrothorax Chaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae; genus Pterostichus), Pterostichus amagisanus Tanaka and Ishida and Pterostichus fujitai Tanaka and Ishida, were revised based on the male endophallus (inner sac everted from aedeagus). P. amagisanus was newly recorded based on a single male from Kyushu, southwest Japan, far from its known distribution (Honshu; the Fuji-Hakone-Izu volcano area), although additional materials are necessary to confirm this record. Despite a highly disjunct distribution, no conspicuous difference was recognized in either external or genital characters between the materials from Honshu and Kyushu. The nominal species P. fujitai was separated into two species, P. fujitai (Honshu) and Pterostichus eoyoritomus sp. nov. (Shikoku; type locality: Mount Jingayama); these two species have some significant differences in the endophallic structures. Character states in male genitalia suggest a sister relationship between P. eoyoritomus sp. nov. and Pterostichus yoritomus Bates. [source] Systematic and morphological studies of the genus Chaetopleurophora Schmitz (Diptera: Phoridae) occurring in JapanENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Hiroto NAKAYAMA Abstract Japanese species of the genus Chaetopleurophora are reviewed. All belong to the C. erythronota group. The following three species from Japan are described: C. rhomboidea sp. nov., C. pygidialis Schmitz and C. dividua sp. nov. The male and female genitalia are studied and further examples of unique characters of the genus including asymmetric features are added. The male aedeagus of the genus is illustrated for the first time. The aedeagus of the species treated in this study consists of only two components, the inner core plate and the outer jacket plate. The jacket plate wraps sinistrally around the core plate. The combination of the core plate and the jacket plate forms complex, asymmetric features of the aedeagus in the Phoridae. The structure around the genital opening in the female genitalia protrudes posteriorly under the segment IX + X, and shows asymmetric features in C. rhomboidea sp. nov. with a bilaterally different degree of sclerotization, shifted genital opening to the right side and a membranous ribbon just on the left side. In addition, C. dividua sp. nov. is different from most of the species in the C. erythronota group, and very closely related to C. multiseriata (known in North America) in the male and female genitalia, wing venation and bristle formation on the scutellum. It is suggested that C. dividua sp. nov. forms a monophyletic group with C. multiseriata and the related species. [source] Revision of the genus Stichillus Enderlein of Japan (Diptera: Phoridae)ENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2004Hiroto NAKAYAMA Abstract The genus Stichillus in Japan is revised. Three species are recognized: S. japonicus (Matsumura), S. spinosus Liu and Chou and S. cylindratus sp. nov. Stichillus brunneicornis Beyer is excluded from the Japanese fauna. These Japanese species are described and keyed. The male genitalia and the female terminalia are illustrated. Some unique characters of the male genitalia in the genus are reported, and morphology of the male genitalia and the female terminalia is discussed. [source] Identification of economically important Liriomyza species by PCR-RFLP analysis,EPPO BULLETIN, Issue 1 2005L. F. F. Kox Only adult males of Liriomyza bryoniae, L. huidobrensis, L. sativae and L. trifolii can be identified with certainty on basis of their genitalia. Female adults, pupae and larvae can only be identified on the level of groups of species (L. bryoniae and L. huidobrensis vs. L. sativae and L. trifolii). Species identification in all developmental stages is possible using molecular biological techniques. Our method is a PCR amplification of a 790-bp fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II (COII) DNA followed by RFLP analysis. The method was tested on single larvae, pupae and adults and proved to be applicable to these three life stages. The specificity of the assay was assessed by comparing the results of the PCR-RFLP analysis with those of morphological analysis using 60 Liriomyza specimens. Molecular and morphological identification agreed for all specimens analysed. PCR-RFLP is a powerful diagnostic tool for rapid and reliable identification of all life stages of economically important Liriomyza species. [source] Dominance, Status Signals and Coloration in Male Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx)ETHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Joanna M. Setchell Where individuals contest access to a resource, escalated physical fighting presents a risk to all involved. The requirement for mechanisms of conflict management has led to the evolution of a variety of decision rules and signals that act to reduce the frequency of aggression during competitive encounters. We examined strategies of conflict management in male mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) living in two semi-free-ranging groups in Gabon. Adult male mandrills are large (31 kg), with long canines, making the costs of conflict potentially very high. We found that males formed dominance hierarchies, but that male,male relationships were characterized by avoidance, appeasement and ignoring. Fights were rare, but could result in death. Examination of the relationship between dominance and signaling showed that males use facial and gestural signals to communicate dominance and subordinance, avoiding escalated conflict. Male mandrills also possess rank-dependent red coloration on the face, rump and genitalia, and we examined the hypothesis that this coloration acts as a ,badge of status', communicating male fighting ability to other males. If this is the case, then similarity in color should lead to higher dyadic rates of aggression, while males that differ markedly should resolve encounters quickly, with the paler individual retreating. Indeed, appeasement (the ,grin' display), threats, fights and tense ,stand-off' encounters were significantly more frequent between similarly colored males, while clear submission was more frequent where color differences were large. We conclude that male mandrills employ both formal behavioral indicators of dominance and of subordination, and may also use relative brightness of red coloration to facilitate the assessment of individual differences in fighting ability, thereby regulating the degree of costly, escalated conflict between well-armed males. [source] HAVE MALE AND FEMALE GENITALIA COEVOLVED?EVOLUTION, Issue 9 2005A PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF GENITALIC MORPHOLOGY AND SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM IN WEB-BUILDING SPIDERS (ARANEAE: ARANEOIDEA) Abstract Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) can strongly influence the evolution of reproductive strategies and life history. If SSD is extreme, and other characters (e.g., genitalic size) also increase with size, then functional conflicts may arise between the sexes. Spiders offer an excellent opportunity to investigate this issue because of their wide range of SSD. By using modern phylogenetic methods with 16 species of orb-weaving spiders, we provide strong evidence for the "positive genitalic divergence" model, implying that sexual genitalic dimorphism (SGD) increases as SSD increases. This pattern is supported by an evolutionary mismatch between the absolute sizes of male and female genitalia across species. Indeed, our findings reveal a dramatic reversal from male genitalia that are up to 87X larger than female genitalia in size-monomorphic species to female genitalia that are up to 2.8X larger in extremely size-dimorphic species. We infer that divergence in SGD could limit SSD both in spiders, and potentially in other taxa as well. Further, male and female body size, as well as male and female genitalia size, are decoupled evolutionarily. Finally, we show a negative scaling (hypoallometry) of male and female genitalic morphology within sexes. Evolutionary forces specific to each sex, such as larger female size (increased fecundity) or smaller male size (enhanced mate-searching ability), may be balanced by stabilizing selection on relative genitalic size. [source] Construction and characterization of a doxycycline-inducible transgenic system in Msx2 expressing cellsGENESIS: THE JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 5 2009Congxing Lin Abstract Homeobox gene Msx2 is widely expressed during both embryogenesis and postnatal development and plays important roles during organogenesis. We developed an Msx2 -rtTA BAC transgenic line which can activate TetO-Cre expression in Msx2 -expressing cells upon doxycycline (Dox) treatment. Using the Rosa26-LacZ (R26R) reporter line, we show that rtTA is activated in Msx2 -expressing organs including the limb, heart, external genitalia, urogenital system, hair follicles and craniofacial regions. Moreover, we show that in body appendages, the transgene can be activated in different domains depending on the timing of Dox treatment. In addition, the transgene can also be effectively activated in adult tissues such as the hair follicle and the urogenital system. Taken together, this Msx2 -rtTA;TetO-Cre system is a valuable tool for studying gene function in the development of the aforementioned organs in a temporal and spatially-restricted manner, as well as for tissue lineage tracing of Msx2 -expressing cells. When induced postnatally, this system can also be used to study gene function in adult tissues without compromising normal development and patterning. genesis 47:352,359, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] TWO NEW SPECIES OF SUBGENUS CALCEORHOPALUM TSUNEKI FROM CHINA (HYMENOPTERA: SPHECIDAE)INSECT SCIENCE, Issue 1 2000LI Qiang Abstract, Two new species of the subgenus Calceorhopalum Tsuneki of the genus Rhopalum Stephens are described. The new species, Rhopalum (Calceorhopalum) odontodorsale sp. nov. from Sichuan and Guizhou Province, is similar to R. (C.) spinicollum Tsuneki, but can be distinguished from the latter in the shape of clypeus, vertex with denser and larger punctures, anterior lateral corner of collar with a small tooth, tarsomere I of fore legs rather broad in male, and the shape of male genitalia. Holotype (,) is deposited in the Insect Collections of Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Paratypes (9 ,, 14 2 2) are deposited in the Insect Collections of Institute Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Insect Collections of Zhejiang Agricultural University separately. The other new species, Rhopalum (Calceorhopalum) rubigabdominale sp. nov. from Sichuan Province, is similar to R (C.) spinicollum Tsuneki also, but can be distinguished from the latter by the characters of the vertex concave, anterior lateral comer of collar rounded, posterior lateral corner of propleuron with a coarse and long tooth, prepectus with blunt comer medially, head and thorax with denser and larger punctures, abdomen yellowish or reddish brown, and the shape of male genitalia. Holotype (,) and paratypes (3,,) are kept in the Insect Collections of Institute Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. [source] Growth of the tufted-tailed ratINTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2007Vololomboahangy R. RANDRIANJAFY Abstract Eliurus myoxinus (Rodentia: Nesomyidae, Nesomyinae) is one of the four species of endemic Malagasy rodents known to exist in the Ankarafantsika National Park, northwestern Madagascar. In order to study growth parameters and to determine at which age E. myoxinus commences breeding, we used two different techniques: captive breeding and a capture-mark-release field program in the species' natural habitat. The data collected on the breeding of E. myoxinus in captivity demonstrated that females can give birth to a litter of up to four pups, with up to four litters per calendar year. Reproduction of E. myoxinus was more likely to be continuous in captivity than under natural habitat conditions. If parturition failed, then post-partum mating occurred. Pups had a rapid linear growth phase from birth until 1 month of age. Between 1.5 and 2 months of age, the growth rate continued to increase, but then decreased at around the time of weaning, which occurred by 3.5 months of age. The successive maximum method of age determination showed that individuals at the "young" stage had an average body length of 90 mm and a weight of 30 g and were between 1.5 and 2 months old. The greatest variation in measurements of juveniles occurred at the age of 3.5 months. At this stage, sub-adults resembled adults but their external genitalia were not well developed. Individuals were classified as adults if they had reached a body length of 110 mm and a body weight of 40 g. This occurred at more than 4.5 months of age when the animals were generally reproductively active. The Vo n Bertalanffy method indicated that individuals reach the adult stage by 6 to 7 months. Males grew more rapidly than females, reaching adulthood by 5.5 months of age, whereas females only reached adulthood several weeks later. This species is polygamous. The sex ratio of pups at birth favored females by approximately 3:1. The higher proportion of female pups at birth may represent a survival strategy of this species, possibly associated with ecological conditions. [source] Fixed drug eruption in NigeriaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2006Edith N. Nnoruka MBBS Fixed drug eruption (FDE) causes cosmetic embarrassment in Nigerian patients, particularly when the characteristic hyperpigmented patches affect the face and lips. Drugs that have been implicated in the etiology of FDE, and the sites of lesions, may vary from country to country. Antimalarials, such as Fansidar, Fancimef, Maloxine, Amalar, and Metakelfin, were the most common offending agents, accounting for 38% of FDEs, followed by trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) (28%), dipyrones (10%), Butazolidin (6%), thiacetazone (6%), metronidazole (4%), paracetamol (3%), and naproxen (3%). Lesions induced by the combination of sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine (in antimalarials) mainly involved the face and lips. In most cases, patients took these sulfa-containing antimalarials in combination with numerous other drugs, particularly analgesics. Unlike chloroquine-induced pruritus, which affects most Africans, the association between antimalarials and FDE has not been well documented in our region. Co-trimoxazole was associated more often than antimalarials with FDEs involving the mucocutaneous junctions of the genitalia and lips. Males with genital lesions on the glans penis represented 11 (48%) of those with co-trimoxazole hypersensitivity. The trunk and limbs were affected mainly by pyrazoles and Butazolidin, respectively; however, solitary lesions on the trunk were usually due to co-trimoxazole, whereas solitary lesions on the limbs were associated with Butazolidin. [source] Fournier's gangrene: Report of thirty-three cases and a review of the literatureINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 7 2006LUTFI TAHMAZ Background:, Fournier's gangrene (FG) is an extensive fulminant infection of the genitals, perineum or the abdominal wall. The aim of this study is to share our experience with the management of this difficult infectious disease. Methods:, Thirty-three male patients were admitted to our clinic with the diagnosis of FG between February 1988 and December 2003. The patient's age, etiology and predisposing factors, microbiological findings, duration of hospital stay, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups. The first 21 patients (Group I) were treated with broad-spectrum triple antimicrobial therapy, broad debridement, exhaustive cleaning, and then they underwent split-thickness skin grafts or delayed closure as needed. The other 12 patients (Group II) were treated with unprocessed honey (20,50 mL daily) and broad-spectrum triple antimicrobial therapy without debridement. Their wounds were cleaned with saline and then dressed with topical unprocessed honey. The wounds were inspected daily and the honey was reapplied after cleaning with normal saline. Then, the patients' scrotum and penis were covered with their own new scrotal skin. Results:, The mean age of the patients was 53.9 ± 9.56 years (range = 23,71). The source of the gangrene was urinary in 23 patients, cutaneous in seven patients, and perirectal in three patients. The predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus for 11 patients, alcoholism for 10 patients, malnutrition for nine patients, and medical immunosuppression (chemotherapy, steroids, malignancy) for three patients. The mean duration of hospital stay was 41 ± 10.459 (range = 14,54) days. Two patients in Group I died from severe sepsis. The clinical and cosmetic results were better in Group II than Group I. Conclusions:, Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and genitalia is a severe condition with a high morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, good management is based on aggressive debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and intensive supportive care but unprocessed honey might revolutionize the treatment of this dreadful disease by reducing its cost, morbidity, and mortality. [source] |