A new Colombian species of Liodessus diving beetles from the Páramo de Sumapaz (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Bidessini)

Liodessus picinussp. nov. is described from the Páramo de Sumapaz near Bogota D.C. at 3,500 m above sea level. The species can be distinguished from the other Colombian Liodessus species by its dark coloration, discontinuous habitus, shiny surface of the pronotum and elytron, presence of a distinct occipital line, distinct basal pronotal striae, short or even faint basal elytral striae, as well as by its distinct geographic distribution and cox1 signature.

Patient-identified early clinical warning signs of nodular melanoma: a qualitative study

Background Nodular (NM) and superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) show different disease trajectories, with more rapid development in NM and fewer opportunities for early detection often resulting in worse outcomes. Our study described the patient-identified early signs of thin NM via comparisons to thin (≤ 2 mm) SSM and thick (> 2 mm) NM. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with NM and SSM patients and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. Results We enrolled 34 NM and 32 SSM patients. Melanoma early signs uniquely identified by patients with thin NM included white, blue or black coloration, “dot-like” size, fast changes in shape and color observed over 2 weeks, elevation and texture or “puffiness” over 6–12 months, and the sensation that the mole “did not feel right”. Early signs reported by both thin NM and thin SSM patients included round or oblong shape, “jagged” border, pink/red, brown/reddish or dark coloration, “elevated like a pimple” or “tiny bump”, fast color darkening, diameter growth, and border irregularity, and mole feeling “really itchy”. Conclusions We found evidence that early signs of NM can be self-identified, which has important implications for the earlier detection of this most aggressive type of melanoma by both health professionals and patients.

Patient-identified early clinical warning signs of nodular melanoma: A qualitative study

Background: Nodular (NM) and superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) show different disease trajectories, with more rapid development in NM and fewer opportunities for early detection often resulting in worse outcomes. Our study described the patient-identified early signs of thin NM via comparisons to thin (≤ 2 mm) SSM and thick (>2 mm) NM. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with NM and SSM patients and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. Results: We enrolled 34 NM and 32 SSM patients. Melanoma early signs uniquely identified by patients with thin NM included white, blue or black coloration, “dot-like” size, fast changes in shape and color observed over 2 weeks, elevation and texture or “puffiness” over 6-12 months, and the sensation that the mole “did not feel right”. Early signs reported by both thin NM and thin SSM patients included round or oblong shape, “jagged” border, pink/red, brown/reddish or dark coloration, “elevated like a pimple” or “tiny bump”, fast color darkening, diameter growth, and border irregularity, and mole feeling “really itchy”.Conclusions: We found evidence that early signs of NM can be self-identified, which has important implications for the earlier detection of this most aggressive type of melanoma by both health professionals and patients.

DISTRIBUTION, CHARACTERISTIC AND BEHAVIOR OF Rhinocypha anisoptera SELYS, 1879 (ODONATA: ZYGOPTERA: CHLOROCYPHIDAE) IN EAST JAVA

Rhinocypha anisoptera is distributed in Sumatra and Java. In Java, this species was previously recorded from Mount Wilis, Mount Arjuno, Mount Welirang, Mount Kawi, Nongkojajar, Mount Tengger, Mount Semeru, Ijen Crater and Baju-kidul, with most recent encounter at Mount Kelud. Despite the vast encounter localities, there was lack of specimens collected to reveal its typical characteristic and behavior. This study confirmed the existence of R. anisoptera at most localities in East Java as reported in 1934 by Lieftinck, with additional new distribution in Mount Anjasmoro. R. anisoptera is typically characterized by dark coloration at the hind wing leaving transparent in the bases with metallic blue-tinged covering 4–5 % area in mid-section of the hindwing. Differ from other Chlorocyphidae, R. anisoptera perch on leaves more frequently compared to perching on twigs and rocks near waterways.

Thraulodes marianoi sp. nov., a remarkable new species of mayfly (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) with dark wings from the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Thraulodes marianoi sp. nov. is described, illustrated and diagnosed based on a single male imago from a subtropical forest at Pico do Marumbi State Park, in the protected area of Mananciais da Serra, state of Paraná, Brazil. Based on the dark coloration of legs and the large dark spot at base of forewing, T. marianoi sp. nov. is similar to species of the niger-group (Peruvian Amazonia) and to T. basimaculatus Giordano & Domínguez, 2005, a species endemic to Bolivia. The new species can be distinguished from all other species in the genus Thraulodes Ulmer, by the combination of following characteristics: (1) four cross-veins basal to bulla in forewing; (2) brown area covering about of proximal half of the forewing; (3) pleura violet; (4) middle and posterior femora yellowish washed with dark brown; (5) terga and sterna I–IV white washed with dark brown on posterior and lateral margin terga and sterna V–X dark brown; (6) penes short and wide with distolateral area, “ear-like” and poorly developed lateral pouch; (7) styliger plate triangular, median projection short and rounded on the apex. This new species represents the first record of the genus from the state of Paraná, Brazil.

Laser treatment of high-performance Kynol fibers: An example as alternative tool for coloration and imaging on surfaces of high-performance fibers

Novolac resins are used to prepare high-performance flame-retardant fibers, which are also supplied under the brand name Kynol fibers. In the current study, Kynol fiber materials are treated with a laser beam to introduce dark coloration at distinct areas on the textile surface. By this, imaging and writing on the textile surface is possible. For investigation, two different types of Kynol fiber materials are used - a non-woven fiber felt and a woven fabric. It is shown that a laser treatment of medium intensity can introduce a change to dark coloration with good rubbing fastness. The writing of letters and symbols onto fabrics is possible. However, treatments with strong laser intensity lead to significant fiber damages and low rubbing fastness. Nevertheless, the presented method is a promising tool to apply images onto flame retardant fabrics from high performance fibers, which are difficult to dye using conventional techniques of dyeing and printing.

LC50 determination and intoxication symptoms of a new pyridine carboxamide pesticide Flonicamid on common carp Cyprinus carpio

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the lethal toxicity and stress signs of Flonicamid toward juvenile common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ). The 96 h LC50 values, determined 43.17 mgL-1 by probit analysis in a semi-static system. LC50 24, 48 and 72 h were 47.54, 41.83 and 43.51 mgL-1, respectively. Behavioral changes include hyperexcitement, erratic swimming, dark coloration, loss of equilibrium and lethargy were observed with different intensities. Consequently, mortality rate, stress signs and behavioral changes observed in response to the Flonicamid are dependent to dose and time exposure.

Records of melanistic Tamandua tetradactyla (Pilosa, Myrmecophagidae) from Ecuador

In Ecuador, the presence of melanistic individuals of Southern Tamandua Tamandua tetradactyla Linnaeus (1758) has been recognized but there has not been a formal report written about it. Neither has there been one on the observations or the collected specimens in museums. We present six records of melanism in Tamandua tetradactyla from southern Ecuador and discuss other records in wildlife and from museum collections. Half of the records are recent photographic ones (2018), and the other three are museum specimens collected between 2009 and 2016. Our report of melanistic individuals suggests that dark coloration varieties are frequent mutations in the region. This report can be useful to promote conservation initiatives, based on the Southern Tamandua as a potential flagship-species.

Four new species of Actinopus (Mygalomorphae: Actinopodidae) from Uruguay

Actinopus specimens from different localities in Uruguay that did not match any of the previously species present in the country were examined, and four new species are described: A. coboi sp. nov., from Colonia province; A. fernandezi sp. nov., from Salto province; A. simoi sp. nov., from Maldonado province; and A. uruguayense sp. nov., from Colonia and Cerro Largo provinces. The record of the species A. longipalpis for Montevideo is rejected and A. liodon is considered “species inquirenda”. Actinopus coboi has spermathecae with an apical lobe diagonally directed; A. fernandezi is characterized by a stylized copulatory bulb and its greater number of retrolateral thorns on tibia II. Actinopus simoi can be distinguished from A. uruguayense by its carapace with a dark coloration; a reddish coloration in the palpal tibia and the shape of its spermathecae and copulatory bulb. With the presence of the Argentinian species—A. gerschiapelliarum, A. puelche and A. insignis—the number of species known in the country is increased to nine. All new species are diagnosed and illustrated; a dichotomous key to all species of Actinopus from Uruguay is also provided.