Earliest evidence of avian primary feather moult.

Feather moulting is a crucial process in the avian life cycle, which evolved to maintain plumage functionality. However, moulting involves both energetic and functional costs. During moulting, plumage function temporarily decreases between the shedding of old feathers and the full growth of new ones. In flying taxa, a gradual and sequential replacement of flight feathers evolved to maintain aerodynamic capabilities during the moulting period. Little is known about the moult strategies of non-avian pennaraptoran dinosaurs and stem birds, before the emergence of crown lineage. Here, we report on two Early Cretaceous pygostylian birds from the Yixian Formation (125 mya), probably referable to Confuciusornithiformes, exhibiting morphological characteristics that suggest a gradual and sequential moult of wing flight feathers. Short primary feathers interpreted as immature are symmetrically present on both wings, as is typical among extant flying birds. Our survey of the enormous collection of the Tianyu Museum confirms previous findings that evidence of active moult in non-neornithine pennaraptorans is rare and likely indicates a moult cycle greater than one year. Documenting moult in Mesozoic feathered dinosaurs is critical for understanding their ecology, locomotor ability and the evolution of this important life-history process in birds.

Decoupled evolution of ventral and dorsal scales in agamid lizards: ventral keels are associated with arboreality.

Arboreality has evolved in all major vertebrate lineages and is often associated with morphological adaptations and increased diversification concomitant with accessing novel niche space. In squamate reptiles, foot, claw, and tail morphology are well-studied adaptations shown to be associated with transitions to arboreality. Here, we examined a less well understood trait-the keeled scale-in relation to microhabitat, climate, and diversification dynamics across a diverse lizard radiation, Agamidae. We found that the ancestral agamid had keeled dorsal but not ventral scales; further, dorsal and ventral keels are evolutionarily decoupled. Ventral keeled scales evolved repeatedly in association with arboreality and may be advantageous in reducing wear or by promoting interlocking when climbing. We did not find an association between keeled scales and diversification, suggesting keels do not allow finer-scale microhabitat partitioning observed in other arboreal-associated traits. We additionally found a relationship between keeled ventral scales and precipitation in terrestrial species where we posit that the keels may function to reduce scale degradation. Our results suggest that keeled ventral scales facilitated transitions to arboreality across agamid lizards, and highlight a need for future studies that explore their biomechanical function in relation to microhabitat and climate.

Evaluation of Mesiodistal Angulation of Maxillary Anterior Teeth in Incisal View Using Manual and Digital Methods: An In Vivo Study.

AIM: The aim of the present research was to assess the mesiodistal angulation of the maxillary anterior teeth utilizing Image J computer software, a Profile projector, and a Custom-made jig. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 subjects (17 males and 17 females) were chosen from a group of 18-30 years old with bilateral Angle Class I molars and canine relationships. One manual approach (Custom-made jig) and two digital methods (J computer software, a Profile projector) were used to record the mesiodistal angulation in incisal view. The individuals had alginate impressions made, and a facebow was used to capture the maxilla's spatial relationship with the cranium. The articulated cast with the help of mounting ring moved to the specially customized jig, then the angulations was measured in the incisal view after the casts were placed in a semi-adjustable articulator. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mesiodistal angulation in the incisal view via three methods between the 17 males and 17 females has statistically significant different. Although the mesiodistal angulation for maxillary lateral incisor and canine did not show any statistically significant difference, the maximum and minimum values obtained were always greater in males in comparison with the females. This indicates that the positions of six maxillary anterior teeth in the males resulted in the creation of upward sweep of incisal edges of central and lateral incisors which was also referred to as "smiling line" producing masculine surface anatomy more squared and vigorous while feminine surface anatomy being more rounded, soft, and pleasant. There was no statistically significant difference between the right and left sides, indicating bilateral arch symmetry and the symmetrical place of the right teeth compared with the left side's corresponding teeth. CONCLUSION: On conclusion, according to the current study's findings, all three approaches can measure the mesiodistal angulations of maxillary anterior teeth in incisal view with clinically acceptable accuracy. The digital methods, which included using the Image J computer software and the profile projector, achieved more accurate results than the manual method. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The outcomes of this study's mesiodistal angulations can be used as a reference for placing teeth in both fully and partially edentulous conditions. This study contributes to a better understanding of the importance of achieving the ideal occlusion in the Indian population by placing the maxillary anterior teeth at the proper mesiodistal angulation. How to cite this article: Shadaksharappa SH, Lahiri B, Kamath AG, et al. Evaluation of Mesiodistal Angulation of Maxillary Anterior Teeth in Incisal View Using Manual and Digital Methods: An In Vivo Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):320-325.

Chondrocranial anatomy of Testudo hermanni (Testudinidae, Testudines) with a comparison to other turtles.

Using histological cross-sections, the chondrocranium anatomy was reconstructed for two developmental stages of Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni). The morphology differs from the chondrocrania of most other turtles by a process above the ectochoanal cartilage with Pelodiscus sinensis being the only other known species with such a structure. The anterior and posterior processes of the tectum synoticum are better developed than in most other turtles and an ascending process of the palatoquadrate is missing, which is otherwise only the case in pleurodiran turtles. The nasal region gets proportionally larger during development. We interpret the enlargement of the nasal capsules as an adaption to increase the surface area of the olfactory epithelium for better perception of volant odors. Elongation of the nasal capsules in trionychids, in contrast, is unlikely to be related to olfaction, while it is ambiguous in the case of Sternotherus odoratus. However, we have to conclude that research on chondrocranium anatomy is still at its beginning and more comprehensive detailed descriptions in relation to other parts of the anatomy are needed before providing broad-scale ecological and phylogenetic interpretations.

The First Case of Menacanthus pallidulus (Neumann, 1912) (Phthiraptera: Amblycera: Menoponidae) on A Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) in Türkiye.

This case report was prepared to provide information about Menacanthus pallidulus (Neumann, 1912), which was detected for the first time on a domestic chicken in Hatay province of Türkiye. Louse specimens collected from a chicken by a student were brought to Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, and sent to Selçuk University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, for identification of species and microscopic examination revealed the presence of Menacanthus pallidulus (Neumann, 1912). Thus, with this study, the presence of M. pallidulus on domestic chickens was recorded for the first time in Türkiye.

Inclusion of cocoa bran in the diet of lambs and its effect on reproductive parameters.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of cocoa bran in the diet of lambs and its effect on reproductive parameters. For this, 40 lambs were randomly assigned to four treatments, and including 0, 10, 20 and 30% levels of cocoa bran in the concentrate. Blood was collected to measure cholesterol and testosterone and semen for physical and morphological evaluation; testicular biometry and morphometry were also evaluated. There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in body weight and tubulosomatic index between the lambs in the control treatment and those in the 30% cocoa bran treatment. There was no difference in testicular biometry, physical and morphological parameters of fresh semen, testicular morphometry, and volumetric ratio between lambs in all the treatments (P < 0.05). In addition, there was no difference in plasma cholesterol or testosterone concentration (P > 0.05). Thus, it is possible to include up to 30% of cocoa bran in diet without affecting the reproductive parameters of lambs.

Brain-age prediction: Systematic evaluation of site effects, and sample age range and size.

Structural neuroimaging data have been used to compute an estimate of the biological age of the brain (brain-age) which has been associated with other biologically and behaviorally meaningful measures of brain development and aging. The ongoing research interest in brain-age has highlighted the need for robust and publicly available brain-age models pre-trained on data from large samples of healthy individuals. To address this need we have previously released a developmental brain-age model. Here we expand this work to develop, empirically validate, and disseminate a pre-trained brain-age model to cover most of the human lifespan. To achieve this, we selected the best-performing model after systematically examining the impact of seven site harmonization strategies, age range, and sample size on brain-age prediction in a discovery sample of brain morphometric measures from 35,683 healthy individuals (age range: 5-90 years; 53.59% female). The pre-trained models were tested for cross-dataset generalizability in an independent sample comprising 2101 healthy individuals (age range: 8-80 years; 55.35% female) and for longitudinal consistency in a further sample comprising 377 healthy individuals (age range: 9-25 years; 49.87% female). This empirical examination yielded the following findings: (1) the accuracy of age prediction from morphometry data was higher when no site harmonization was applied; (2) dividing the discovery sample into two age-bins (5-40 and 40-90 years) provided a better balance between model accuracy and explained age variance than other alternatives; (3) model accuracy for brain-age prediction plateaued at a sample size exceeding 1600 participants. These findings have been incorporated into CentileBrain (https://centilebrain.org/#/brainAGE2), an open-science, web-based platform for individualized neuroimaging metrics.

Combined uranium-series and electron spin resonance dating from the Pliocene fossil sites of Aves and Milo's palaeocaves, Bolt's Farm, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa.

Bolt's Farm is the name given to a series of non-hominin bearing fossil sites that have often been suggested to be some of the oldest Pliocene sites in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. This article reports the results of the first combined Uranium-Series and Electron Spin Resonance (US-ESR) dating of bovid teeth at Milo's Cave and Aves Cave at Bolt's Farm. Both tooth enamel fragments and tooth enamel powder ages were presented for comparison. US-ESR, EU and LU models are calculated. Overall, the powder ages are consistent with previous uranium-lead and palaeomagnetic age estimates for the Aves Cave deposit, which suggest an age between ~3.15 and 2.61 Ma and provide the first ages for Milo's Cave dates to between ~3.1 and 2.7 Ma. The final ages were not overly dependent on the models used (US-ESR, LU or EU), which all overlap within error. These ages are all consistent with the biochronological age estimate (<3.4->2.6 Ma) based on the occurrence of Stage I Metridiochoerus andrewsi. Preliminary palaeomagnetic analysis from Milo's Cave indicates a reversal takes place at the site with predominantly intermediate directions, suggesting the deposit may date to the period between ~3.03 and 3.11 Ma within error of the ESR ages. This further suggests that there are no definitive examples of palaeocave deposits at Bolt's Farm older than 3.2 Ma. This research indicates that US-ESR dating has the potential to date fossil sites in the Cradle of Humankind to over 3 Ma. However, bulk sample analysis for US-ESR dating is recommended for sites over 3 Ma.

Doubling the known diversity of a remote island fauna: marine bivalves of the Juan Fernández and Desventuradas oceanic archipelagos (Southeastern Pacific Ocean).

Juan Fernández and Desventuradas are two oceanic archipelagos located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean far off the Chilean coast that received protected status as marine parks in 2016. Remoteness and access difficulty contributed to historically poor biodiversity sampling and limited associated research. This is particularly noticeable for bivalves, with most prior regional publications focused on single taxa or un-illustrated checklists. This study investigates marine bivalves collected between the intertidal and 415 m depth during (1) the 1997 IOC97 expedition aboard the M/V Carlos Porter, with special focus on scuba-collected micro-mollusks of both archipelagos, (2) two expeditions by the R/V Anton Bruun (Cruise 12/1965 and Cruise 17/1966), and (3) Cruise 21 of USNS Eltanin under the United States Antarctic Program, which sampled at Juan Fernández in 1965. Also, relevant historical material of the British H.M.S. Challenger Expedition (1873-1876), the Swedish Pacific Expedition (1916-1917), and by German zoologist Ludwig H. Plate (1893-1895) is critically revised. A total of 48 species are recognized and illustrated, including 19 new species (described herein) and six other potentially new species. The presence of two species mentioned in the literature for the region (Aulacomya atra and Saccella cuneata) could not be confirmed. The genera Verticipronus and Halonympha are reported for the first time from the Eastern Pacific, as are Anadara and Condylocardia from Chilean waters. Lectotypes are designated for Arca (Barbatia) platei and Mytilus algosus. These findings double the number of extant bivalve species known from the Juan Fernández and Desventuradas archipelagos, highlighting the lack of attention these islands groups have received in the past. A high percentage of species endemic to one or both archipelagos are recognized herein, accounting for almost 78% of the total. The newly recognized level of bivalve endemism supports the consideration of Juan Fernández and Desventuradas as two different biogeographic units (Provinces or Ecoregions) of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Wing mechanics and acoustic communication of a new genus of sylvan katydid (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae) from the Central Cordillera cloud forest of Colombia.

Stridulation is used by male katydids to produce sound via the rubbing together of their specialised forewings, either by sustained or interrupted sweeps of the file producing different tones and call structures. There are many species of Orthoptera that remain undescribed and their acoustic signals are unknown. This study aims to measure and quantify the mechanics of wing vibration, sound production and acoustic properties of the hearing system in a new genus of Pseudophyllinae with taxonomic descriptions of two new species. The calling behaviour and wing mechanics of males were measured using micro-scanning laser Doppler vibrometry, microscopy, and ultrasound sensitive equipment. The resonant properties of the acoustic pinnae of the ears were obtained via µ-CT scanning and 3D printed experimentation, and numerical modelling was used to validate the results. Analysis of sound recordings and wing vibrations revealed that the stridulatory areas of the right tegmen exhibit relatively narrow frequency responses and produce narrowband calls between 12 and 20 kHz. As in most Pseudophyllinae, only the right mirror is activated for sound production. The acoustic pinnae of all species were found to provide a broadband increased acoustic gain from ~40-120 kHz by up to 25 dB, peaking at almost 90 kHz which coincides with the echolocation frequency of sympatric bats. The new genus, named Satizabalus n. gen., is here derived as a new polytypic genus from the existing genus Gnathoclita, based on morphological and acoustic evidence from one described (S. sodalis n. comb.) and two new species (S. jorgevargasi n. sp. and S. hauca n. sp.). Unlike most Tettigoniidae, Satizabalus exhibits a particular form of sexual dimorphism whereby the heads and mandibles of the males are greatly enlarged compared to the females. We suggest that Satizabalus is related to the genus Trichotettix, also found in cloud forests in Colombia, and not to Gnathoclita.

Effects of weight-bearing dance aerobics on lower limb muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women.

Objective: To investigate the effects of 12-week weight-bearing dance aerobics (WBDA) on muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women. Methods: This controlled study recruited 37 female participants (66.31y ± 3.83) and divided them into intervention and control groups according to willingness. The intervention group received 90-min WBDA thrice a week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained normal activities. The groups were then compared by measuring muscle thickness, fiber length and pennation angle by ultrasound, muscle strength using an isokinetic multi-joint module and functional fitness, such as 2-min step test, 30-s chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, TUG and single-legged closed-eyed standing test. The morphology, strength, and functional fitness were compared using ANCOVA or Mann-Whitney U test to study the effects of 12 weeks WBDA. Results: Among all recruited participants, 33 completed all tests. After 12 weeks, the thickness of the vastus intermedius (F = 17.85, P < 0.01) and quadriceps (F = 15.62, P < 0.01) was significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group, along with a significant increase in the torque/weight of the knee flexor muscles (F = 4.47, P = 0.04). Similarly, the intervention group revealed a significant improvement in the single-legged closed-eyed standing test (z = -2.16, P = 0.03) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The study concluded that compared to the non-exercising control group, 12-week WBDA was shown to thicken vastus intermedius, increase muscle strength, and improve physical function in older women. In addition, this study provides a reference exercise program for older women.

A taxonomic revision of Rhizophora L. (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand.

A taxonomic revision of Rhizophora L. (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand is presented. Two species, R. apiculata Blume and R. mucronata Poir., are enumerated with updated morphological descriptions, illustrations and a taxonomic identification key, together with notes on distributions, habitats and ecology, phenology, conservation assessments, etymology, vernacular names, uses, and specimens examined. Three names in Rhizophora, are lectotypified: R. apiculata and two associated synonyms of R. mucronata (i.e., R. latifolia Miq. and R. macrorrhiza Griff.). R. longissima Blanco, a synonym of R. mucronata, is neotypified. All two Rhizophora species have a conservation assessment of Least Concern (LC). Based on the morphological identification, these two species can be distinguished from one another by the shape and width of the leaf laminae and the length of a terminal stiff point of the leaf laminae; the type and position of the inflorescences and the number of flowers per inflorescence; the character and color of the bracteoles; the presence or absence of the flower pedicels; the shape of the mature flower buds; the shape, color, and texture of the sepals; the shape, character, and the presence or absence of hairs of the petals; the number of stamens per flower; the size of the fruits; the color and size of the hypocotyls; the color and diameter of the cotyledonous cylindrical tubes; and the color of the colleters and exudate. The thick cuticles, sunken stomata, large hypodermal cells, and cork warts are adaptive anatomical features of leaves in Rhizophora that live in the mangrove environments. The pollen grains of Thai Rhizophora species are tricolporate, prolate spheroidal or oblate spheroidal shapes, small-sized, and reticulate exine sculpturing.

Intersexual patterns of the digestive tract and body size are opposed in a large bird.

The appropriate structure of the digestive tract is crucial for individual adaptation to ecological conditions. In birds, the length of the small intestine, responsible for food absorption, is generally believed to be positively correlated with body size. In this study, we investigated the variation in small intestine length in the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), a monomorphic species without visible sexual dimorphism, but characterized by differing parental efforts, which can be reflected by the small intestine lengths between the sexes. We examined the relationship between small intestine length and body size within the sexes. Our findings show that male White Storks have significantly shorter small intestines than females, despite having larger body sizes than the latter. Furthermore, we found a significant relationship between body size and small intestine length, but it was of a different nature in the two sexes. Males exhibited a previously unreported phenomenon, whereby increasing body size was associated with shortening small intestines, whereas females exhibited the opposite pattern. These novel findings shed light on the anatomical adaptations of the digestive tract in birds.

Male and female contributions to diversity among birdwing butterfly images.

Machine learning (ML) newly enables tests for higher inter-species diversity in visible phenotype (disparity) among males versus females, predictions made from Darwinian sexual selection versus Wallacean natural selection, respectively. Here, we use ML to quantify variation across a sample of > 16,000 dorsal and ventral photographs of the sexually dimorphic birdwing butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). Validation of image embedding distances, learnt by a triplet-trained, deep convolutional neural network, shows ML can be used for automated reconstruction of phenotypic evolution achieving measures of phylogenetic congruence to genetic species trees within a range sampled among genetic trees themselves. Quantification of sexual disparity difference (male versus female embedding distance), shows sexually and phylogenetically variable inter-species disparity. Ornithoptera exemplify high embedded male image disparity, diversification of selective optima in fitted multi-peak OU models and accelerated divergence, with cases of extreme divergence in allopatry and sympatry. However, genus Troides shows inverted patterns, including comparatively static male embedded phenotype, and higher female than male disparity - though within an inferred selective regime common to these females. Birdwing shapes and colour patterns that are most phenotypically distinctive in ML similarity are generally those of males. However, either sex can contribute majoritively to observed phenotypic diversity among species.

Genoarchitectural Definition of the Adult Mouse Mesocortical Ring: A Contribution to Cortical Ring Theory.

Data mining was performed at the databases of the Allen Institute for Brain Science (RRID:SCR_017001) searching for genes expressed selectively throughout the adult mouse mesocortex (transitional cortex ring predicted within the concentric ring theory of mammalian cortical structure, in contrast with central isocortex [ICx] and peripheral allocortex). We aimed to explore a shared molecular profile selective of all or most mesocortex areas. This approach checks and corroborates the precision of other previous definitory criteria, such as poor myelination and high kainate receptor level. Another aim was to examine which cortical areas properly belong to mesocortex. A total of 34 positive adult selective marker genes of mesocortex were identified, jointly with 12 negative selective markers, making a total of 46 markers. All of them identify the same set of cortical areas surrounding the molecularly different ICx as well as excluding adjacent allocortex. Four representative mesocortex markers-Crym, Lypd1, Cdh13, and Smoc2-are amply illustrated, jointly with complementary material including myelin basic protein, to check myelination, and Rorb, to check layer 4 presence. The retrosplenial (ReSp) area, long held to be mesocortical, does not share any of the 46 markers of mesocortex and instead expresses Nr4a2 and Tshz2, selective parahippocampal allocortex markers. Moreover, it is not hypomyelinic and lacks a Rorb-positive layer 4, aspects generally present in mesocortex. Exclusion of the ReSp area from the mesocortex ring reveals the latter to be closed at this locus instead by two adjacent areas previously thought to be associative visual ICx (reidentified here molecularly as postsplenial and parasplenial mesocortex areas). The concepts of ICx, mesocortex, and parahippocampal allocortex are thus subtly modified by substantial molecular evidence.

Where Do Core Thalamocortical Axons Terminate in Mammalian Neocortex When There Is No Cytoarchitecturally Distinct Layer 4?

Although the mammalian cerebral cortex is most often described as a hexalaminar structure, there are cortical areas (primary motor cortex) and species (elephants, cetaceans, and hippopotami), where a cytoarchitecturally indistinct, or absent, layer 4 is noted. Thalamocortical projections from the core, or first order, thalamic system terminate primarily in layers 4/inner 3. We explored the termination sites of core thalamocortical projections in cortical areas and in species where there is no cytoarchitecturally distinct layer 4 using the immunolocalization of vesicular glutamate transporter 2, a known marker of core thalamocortical axon terminals, in 31 mammal species spanning the eutherian radiation. Several variations from the canonical cortical column outline of layer 4 and core thalamocortical inputs were noted. In shrews/microchiropterans, layer 4 was present, but many core thalamocortical projections terminated in layer 1 in addition to layers 4 and inner 3. In primate primary visual cortex, the sublaminated layer 4 was associated with a specialized core thalamocortical projection pattern. In primate primary motor cortex, no cytoarchitecturally distinct layer 4 was evident and the core thalamocortical projections terminated throughout layer 3. In the African elephant, cetaceans, and river hippopotamus, no cytoarchitecturally distinct layer 4 was observed and core thalamocortical projections terminated primarily in inner layer 3 and less densely in outer layer 3. These findings are contextualized in terms of cortical processing, perception, and the evolutionary trajectory leading to an indistinct or absent cortical layer 4.

The association between 2D:4D digit ratio and sex-typed play in children with and without siblings.

The 2D:4D digit ratio is commonly used as a surrogate possibly reflecting prenatal testosterone levels. Indirect evidence comes from studies investigating the association between 2D:4D and human characteristics that likely relate to prenatal testosterone. In children, sex-typed play reveals large sex differences early in development and an influence of prenatal testosterone is likely. Findings on the association between 2D:4D and children's sex-typed play are heterogeneous and other influences on the development of sex-typed play have been suggested, most of all social influences like siblings, their sex and birth order. The current study examined the association between right and left 2D:4D, a proposed surrogate for prenatal testosterone exposure, which was assessed in right and left hands of N = 505 6-month-old children, and sex-typed play behavior, which was evaluated 3.5 years later using the Pre-School Activities Inventory (PSAI), and the influence of siblings. To capture differential effects of siblings' sex and birth order, dummy-coded variables were used reflecting having no siblings as well as older or younger sisters or brothers. Multiple regression models were used to investigate the association between PSAI scores and sex, right and left 2D:4D, being a singleton as well as having an older or younger sister or brother. It was shown that sex and having an older brother were significant predictors for sex-typed play. Effects were further disentangled by conducting separate regression analyses in boys and girls. In boys, a significant association between PSAI scores and having an older brother was revealed, in girls, no significant associations were found. Results are discussed highlighting the non-significant association between 2D:4D and children's sex-typed play, which weakens the applicability of 2D:4D as a surrogate reflecting influences of prenatal T. Further, the importance of social factors like siblings on children's sex-typed play is discussed.

Morphological examination of the visual system and orbital region in the red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens).

OBJECTIVES: The red panda is currently the only surviving member of the Ailuridae family in the Caniformia suborder. In this study, we provide data on anatomical, morphometric, histological and histochemical examination of the orbital region, eyelids, orbital gland, and eye tunics in two adult males Ailurus fulgens fulgens from the Wroclaw Zoological Garden, Poland. METHODS: The study involved morphometric analysis of the eyeball and selected accessory organs of the eye, along with analysis of the bony orbit, including its morphometry, macroscopic, and microscopic evaluation. Microscopic evaluation encompassed histological and histochemical staining, with the former involving hematoxylin & eosin (H&E), Movat pentachrome, picro-Mallory trichrome, Fontana-Masson, and the latter including PAS, AB pH 1.0, AB pH 2.5; AB pH 2.5/PAS, and HDI. RESULTS: The upper (UE) and lower (LE) eyelids presented well-developed tarsal glands, sebaceous glands, and a characteristic simple alveolar gland (producing a mucous secretion). The palpebral part of the lacrimal gland was present. A single lymphoid follicle was observed only in the upper eyelids. The superficial gland of the third eyelid (SGTE) was a multilobar acinar complex that produces mucous secretion and is contained within the interlobular ducts of numerous aggregates of lymph nodes. The third eyelid (TE) was T-shaped and composed of hyaline tissue, containing CALT. The lacrimal gland (LG) also revealed a multilobar acinar complex that produced mucous secretion, with a single lymphoid follicle. The cornea consisted of 4 layers, as Bowman's membrane was absent. The Vogt palisades composed of 7-10 layers of epithelial cells were demonstrated. The pupil was horizontally ovoid at rest (post-mortem). The sphincter pupil and the dilator pupil were well developed. Macroscopically, the tapetum lucidum appeared as a milky, non-opalescent crescent. Histologically, the choroidal tapetum lucidum cellulosum consisted of 5 to 9 layers of loosely packed oval cells. The retina showed a composition similar to that of terrestrial nocturnal carnivores. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our research indicate that the anatomical features of the eye and orbital region in the red panda share similarities with those described in the Musteloidea clade, as well as the Canidae and Ursidae families.

Taxonomic revision of two species in the genus Ptychorhynchus Simpson, 1900 (Bivalvia: Unionidae: Gonideinae), with description of a new species.

Accurate identification and precise classification of freshwater mussel species that are among the most threatened freshwater taxa in the world, play a crucial role in informing conservation and management efforts for these organisms. However, due to the variability in shell morphology, relying solely on shell characteristics for species taxonomy poses significant challenges, thereby impeding effective conservation planning and management. The freshwater mussel genus Ptychorhynchus Simpson, 1900 is one such group in need of study. We integrate molecular phylogeny, shell morphology and soft-body anatomy to examine the classification of Ptychorhynchus denserugata (Haas, 1910) and Ptychorhynchus resupinatus (von Martens, 1902). The COI barcoding data support the clustering of P. denserugata and Nodularia douglasiae within a single clade, and P. denserugata shares the diagnostic feature of the genus Nodularia , i.e. knobs or bumps on the inner mantle surface in the excurrent aperture. Therefore, by integrating molecular data and anatomical characteristics, we confirm that the nominal species P. denserugata syn. nov. is a new synonym for N. douglasiae . The multi-locus (COI + ND1 + 16S rRNA + 18S rRNA + 28S rRNA ) phylogeny and mitochondrial phylogenomics support the transfer of P. resupinatus from Ptychorhynchus to the newly elevated genus Cosmopseudodon stat. rev., as Cosmopseudodon resupinatus stat. rev. that is still considered the designated type species. We also describe a new species based on integrative taxonomy, i.e. Cosmopseudodon wenshanensis sp. nov. The comprehensive understanding of the taxonomy and diversity of the revised Cosmopseudodon species, and shell heteromorphism of N. douglasiae (=P. denserugata syn. nov.), will serve as a crucial foundation for further scientific assessment and conservation strategies pertaining to these taxa. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E48968B1-DF0F-42AD-8F31-B8C95F23CE57.

Drought intensity and duration effects on morphological root traits vary across trait type and plant functional groups: a meta-analysis.

The increasing severity and frequency of drought pose serious threats to plant species worldwide. Yet, we lack a general understanding of how various intensities of droughts affect plant traits, in particular root traits. Here, using a meta-analysis of drought experiments (997 effect sizes from 76 papers), we investigate the effects of various intensities of droughts on some of the key morphological root traits. Our results show that root length, root mean diameter, and root area decline when drought is of severe or extreme intensity, whereas severe drought increases root tissue density. These patterns are most pronounced in trees compared to other plant functional groups. Moreover, the long duration of severe drought decreases root length in grasses and root mean diameter in legumes. The decline in root length and root diameter due to severe drought in trees was independent of drought duration. Our results suggest that morphological root traits respond strongly to increasing intensity of drought, which further depends on drought duration and may vary among plant functional groups. Our meta-analysis highlights the need for future studies to consider the interactive effects of drought intensity and drought duration for a better understanding of variable plant responses to drought.