A new species from the eastern Amazon rainforest with lectotype designations and key for Brazilian Oxarthrius Reitter, 1883 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)

Oxarthrius spiculatus sp. nov. from the Brazilian Amazon is described. Major diagnostic features of male and female genitalia are illustrated. Female genitalia is described for the genus for the first time. The specimens of the new species were collected from bauxite mining area in the State of Par, Brazil where they seem to live in leaf litter. The distribution of the genus is covered and a key to the known Brazilian species is given. Additionally, the lectotype is designated for the Brazilian species Oxarthrius anthicoides (L.W.Schaufuss) and Oxarthrius bispinosus (Reitter).

First description of the male genitalia in a short-tailed whipscorpion (Arachnida: Schizomida), description of the female, and comments on pygidial glands and cuticular ultrastructure of Surazomus algodoal Ruiz & Valente, 2017

The male genitalia of Surazomus algodoal Ruiz & Valente, 2017 are described. Since this is the first attempt to describe male genitalia in the schizomids, we propose new terminology to describe the sclerites of the male genital chamber in the order. We believe that the male genitalia may provide a large set of characters for taxonomic research in schizomids, as the female genitalia have proven to do. The setae and other cuticular structures were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The female of S. algodoal is described for the first time, including the genitalia, and we highlight the sexual dimorphism present in the species. We also present descriptions of: 1) microtrichia, with respect to their presence/length/distribution, 2) cuticular sensilla, glandular openings and other cuticular structures, proposing new terminology, 3) setae of the pedipalpal trochanter and tarsus. Some changes on the terminology of setae of pedipalpal tibia are also given. These advances may be useful for description in other schizomids. The pygidial glands, mostly ignored in modern papers, were assessed and commented upon.

The first species of Cotithene Voss (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae) from Amazonian Brazil, with notes on its role as a pollinator of Evodianthus funifer (Poit.) Lindm. (Cyclanthaceae)

Cotithene gorayebi Valente, da Silva de Medeiros, sp. nov. is the first species of Cotithene Voss, 1940 described from the Amazonian forest in Brazil. The new species differs from other described species of Cotithene by its integument color pattern dissimilar between sexes and by the procoxal cavities separated by only a narrow septum in both male and female. It furthers differs by the unique morphology of male and female genitalia. A previously published key and phylogenetic matrix to Cotithene species were each modified to include the new species. The historical trajectory of host associations (inflorescences of Cyclanthaceae) in Cotithene is reanalyzed with the inclusion of the host of the new species. Previously known species are believed to be non-pollinators of various Cyclanthaceae; however, field observations of adults of the new species on inflorescences in anthesis of Evodianthus funifer (Cyclanthaceae) strongly suggest that this may be the first species of Cotithene known to play a role as a pollinator of Cyclanthaceae.

Description of a new species of Surazomus (Arachnida: Schizomida), with comments on homology of male flagellum and mating march anchorage in the genus

Surazomus saturninoae sp. nov. is described from eastern Amazon. The male has a pentagonal flagellum, similar to those of three other species in the genus. These four species are herein gathered as the arboreus-group of Surazomus. We present a brief synopsis of chaetotaxy description in hubbardiines and several homology proposals for the flagellum of the species in the arboreus-group: the posterior lobes may be homologous to the lateral lobes of hubbardiine species with trilobed flagella; the setal brush with 4-5 setae on the posterior lobe may be composed of one Dl2 seta and enlarged lobular microsetae; the single, median posterior coupling pocket may be homologous to the pair of posterior pockets seen in other hubbardiines; the single, median anterior coupling pocket may be homologous to the pair of pockets on the anterior border of the flagellum seen in other hubbardiines. Based on the morphology of these pockets and the chelicerae within Surazomus, we discuss the anchoring mechanism during the mating march.

Reproductive phenology of Mauritia flexuosa L. (Arecaceae) in a coastal restinga environment in northeastern Brazil

The buriti, Mauritia flexuosa, is the most common palm in Brazil, where it has considerable ecological and economic importance. However, few data are available on the phenology of the species, mainly in coastal restinga ecosystems. The present study monitored the reproductive phenology of M. flexuosa in the restinga of Barreirinhas, in the Brazilian Northeast, and investigated the relationship between phenophases and climatic variables. The presence/absence of flowers and fruits was recorded monthly in 25 individuals of each sex between August, 2009, and October, 2012. There was no difference in the phenology of male and female specimens, with flowering and fruiting occurring exclusively in the dry season. We believe that the specific abiotic characteristics of the study environment, such as the intense sunlight and availability of water in the soil, contribute to the reproductive success of M. flexuosa in the dry season, with consequent germination and establishment of seedlings occurring during the subsequent rainy season.

Evolutionary trends in derelomine flower weevils (Coleoptera : Curculionidae): from associations to homology

The host-plant associations and life histories of weevils in the pantropical tribe Derelomini are reviewed in light of new phylogenetic insights. The most immediate derelomine ancestor likely had a ‘special association’ with the inflorescences of palms (Arecaceae) involving pollination and oviposition into dispensable male flowers. Case studies of select genus groups show multiple historical forces driving their diversification. In the South and Central American genus Celetes, abundant host shifts are important, though clearly not enough to account for the existence of all species. Females of the Neotropical genus Staminodeus have remarkable morphogical and behavioural modifications for exploiting the staminodes of cyclanth (Cyclanthaceae) inflorescences. The evolution of males in this genus is mostly explained by sexual selection. Cyclanthura illustrates the potential of the weevils for colonising hosts with widely divergent inflorescence biologies, including arums (Araceae) in the genus Anthurium. Members of the Ganglionus–Systenotelus clade, in turn, are exclusively associated with the cyclanth genus Carludovica. A phylogenetic trend in this group to attack the plants’ seeds has led to a series of counteracting transformations in inflorescence morphology. Overall there were at least three independent secondary host shifts to dicots, including one in the taxonomically complex genus Phyllotrox. The results suggest that in this particular tribe of weevils, focusing on the homology of specific biological traits in individual lineages is more likely to produce new knowledge than a formalistic, large-scale approach.

A disease-specific activity index for Wegener's granulomatosis: modification of the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score. International Network for the Study of the Systemic Vasculitides (INSSYS)

OBJECTIVE

To refine and validate the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) as a disease-specific activity index for Wegener's granulomatosis (WG).

METHODS

Sixteen members of the International Network for the Study of the Systemic Vasculitides (INSSYS) revised the BVAS, with 3 goals: to reduce the redundancy of some component items, to enhance its ability to capture important disease manifestations specific to WG, and to streamline the instrument for use in clinical research. We defined the items and weighted them empirically as either minor (e.g., nasal crusting = 1 point) or major (e.g., alveolar hemorrhage = 3 points). We then validated the new, disease-specific BVAS/WG in 2 simulation exercises and a clinical case series that involved 117 patients with WG.

RESULTS

We removed 38 items from the original BVAS, revised 9 items, and added 7 new items. Correlations between the scores on the BVAS/WG and the physician's global assessment (PGA) of disease activity were high, even when patients in remission were excluded. In the clinical case series, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between the BVAS/WG and the PGA was r = 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.73-0.87). The interobserver reliability using intraclass (within-case) correlation coefficients in the 2 simulation exercises was r = 0.93 for the BVAS/WG and r = 0.88 for the PGA in the first and r = 0.91 for the BVAS/WG and r = 0.88 for the PGA in the second. There was no significant observer effect in the scoring of the BVAS/WG or the PGA. The discriminant validity of the BVAS/WG was good: r = 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.43-0.83).

CONCLUSION

The BVAS/WG is a valid, disease-specific activity index for WG. Tested in simulation exercises and in actual patients, the BVAS/WG correlates well with the PGA, is sensitive to change, and has good inter- and intraobserver reliability. The INSSYS will use the BVAS/WG to assess the primary outcome in a phase II/III trial of etanercept in WG.

A commonsense approach to shoulder problems

Shoulder pain is a common entity in a primary care physician's practice. The unique anatomy of the shoulder allows for almost unrestrained motion in all planes. A thorough history and physical examination are important to ensure efficient patient evaluation. Further assessment may include radiographic and diagnostic laboratory tests. This article presents an organized approach to the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of common shoulder disorders for the primary care physician. The distinction between disorders that are intrinsic or extrinsic to the shoulder joint is discussed. Treatment and the need for appropriate referral are described.

Bond strength of visible light-cured glass ionomer orthodontic cement

In this in vitro study, tensile strength tests were conducted with a visible light-cured glass ionomer cement (Fuji Ortho LC, GC America Inc.) bonded to extracted teeth under six different enamel surface conditions: (1) dry nonetched, (2) moist etched, (3) moist nonetched, (4) moist nonetched rebonded, (5) moistened with saliva substitute, and (6) moistened with human saliva. Two resin adhesives (Rely-A-Bond and Phase II, Reliance Orthodontic Products) were applied to dry and etched enamel and served as control agents. The glass ionomer cement approached the strength observed for resin adhesives and required the presence of moisture on the enamel surface for optimal performance.

Foot and ankle surgery in patients with psoriasis

During a 15-year period, 17 patients with psoriatic arthritis had 27 foot and ankle operations. The most common operation was forefoot arthroplasty. The stage of psoriatic skin involvement and the pattern of radiographic changes in the foot and ankle joints were evaluated, and the factors thought to influence perioperative outcome were reviewed. The complications were Koebner's phenomenon (or isomorphic response), infection, and nonunion, which were uncommon. The features predicting outcome of diagnosis and treatment were not identified.

Characterization of lymph node histology in adult onset Still's disease

Adult onset Still's disease is an acknowledged cause of fever of unknown origin. Eight patients with adult onset Still's disease each had a lymph node biopsy as part of their initial evaluation. Seven of 8 biopsies exhibited intense, somewhat atypical, paracortical immunoblastic hyperplasia. This nodal histology, while not specific for the disorder, appears distinct from that associated with rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. This paracortical cellular proliferation with apparent nodal effacement, along with atypical immunoblasts, can simulate lymphoma. Adult onset Still's disease should be added to the differential consideration of benign lymph node histology simulating lymphoma.

Erosive spondyloarthropathy in long-term dialysis patients: relationship to severe hyperparathyroidism

We describe the development of a destructive, erosive spondyloarthropathy in three long-term dialysis patients (mean duration of dialysis, 96 months). In all three patients, the lesions caused symptomatic vertebral pain and developed during a period of only a few months. All patients had extremely elevated levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone, and two patients had evidence of severe hyperparathyroidism on bone biopsy specimens. Two patients who underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy had rapid relief of symptoms and no further radiographic evidence of progression of the spondyloarthropathy. The third patient refused subtotal parathyroidectomy and had pronounced progression of the destructive spondyloarthropathy in the cervical spine. The limited experience of others, along with our currently reported findings, strongly suggests that hyperparathyroidism plays a major role in the development of this disorder. Erosive spondyloarthropathy is increasingly recognized in long-term dialysis patients and may be a unique clinical and radiographic manifestation of severe hyperparathyroidism in this population.

Surgical history of Crohn's disease in a well-defined population

Since 1935, 42 of 103 residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, identified as having Crohn's disease underwent one or more surgical procedures. The incidence and type of surgical intervention, distribution of disease, and risk of recurrent disease after surgery were analyzed. Follow-up extended to 32 years, with a median of 8.5 years. Thirty-six patients underwent at least one definitive resection; eight of these patients subsequently underwent a second definitive operation. The likelihood that any patient would undergo operation was greatest within the first year of diagnosis. The proportion of patients in whom recurrent disease developed after the first and second definitive resections was 50% and 37%, respectively. Approximately half the patients who experienced a recurrence underwent further surgery. The site of diseased bowel and sex were not factors specifically influencing recurrence rates. Patients 40 years of age and older who underwent surgery appeared to fare better with respect to recurrent disease than younger patients. Although our findings suggest cumulative risks of recurrent disease after definitive resection similar to those reported from larger population groups or major referral centers, the proportion of patients who underwent surgery during the natural history of their Crohn's disease was much less than generally reported. We conclude that operation for Crohn's disease is not inevitable and that evidence to the contrary may imply both a treatment and a referral bias.