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T-cell intracellular antigen 1 (TIA1) is an RNA-binding protein (RBP) that plays a multifunctional role in RNA metabolism. TIA1 has three RNA-Recognition Motifs (RRMs) and a prion-like carboxyl C-terminal domain (LCD) with intrinsically disordered regions (IDR) implicated in the dynamics (i.e., formation, assembly, and disassembly) of transient RNA-protein aggregates known as stress granules (SGs). A protein related to TIA1 is its paralog TIA1-related/like protein (TIAR/TIAL1), whose amino acid sequence, structural organisation, and molecular and cellular functions are highly conserved with TIA1. Both proteins are the main components of SGs, which are non-membranous RNA-protein condensates formed under stress to promote cell survival. Welander distal myopathy (WDM) is a late-onset muscular dystrophy that has been linked to a single-nucleotide substitution (c.1362G>A; p.E384K) in the gene encoding the TIA1 protein, which impacts TIA1-dependent SGs dynamics. Herein, we have analysed cellular and molecular aspects by targeting mutagenesis to position 384 to understand its molecular grammar in an amino acid/proteinogenic-dependent or -independent manner under oxidative stress. The observations suggest differential, even opposing, behaviours between TIA1 and TIAR in the presence of specific amino acids with negative and positive charges, and also uncharged acids, at equivalent positions of TIA1 and TIAR, respectively. Collectively, these findings illustrate a characteristic molecular grammar of TIAR- and TIA1-dependent SGs under oxidative conditions, suggesting a gain of versatility between two structurally and functionally highly conserved/related proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protamines are proteins responsible for condensing sperm chromatin. There are two protamines whose ratio remains constant in each species and which is related to fertility. To quantify their expression, it is necessary to have a good protocol of sample collection (i.e., RNA stabilizing buffers and temperature conditions). The aim of this work was to compare gene expression of protamines, with analysis of RNA quality and ratios, in testis samples from wild-derived mice, Mus musculus, preserved in different buffers (RNAlater® or Nucleic Acid Preservation–NAP–buffer) and different temperatures (room temperature -RT-, 4°C, -20°C, -80°C or liquid nitrogen) for different times (one week, one month, 3 months and one year). The relative abundance of protamine expression was assessed by qPCR using 18S rRNA as housekeeping. The results showed that the preservation of testes in RNAlater® or NAP buffer at -80°C afforded equivalent good preservation as in somatic tissues. Testis samples stored at RT in both buffers for 1 week resulted in a similar RNA quality and protamine expression over time. Moreover, samples in RNAlater® stored at RT, 4°C, -20°C and -80°C, were analyzed after 24 h, 7 days, 30 days, 90 days or 365 days; samples stored at RT resulted in a loss of RNA quality but protamine ratio was maintained up to 90 days. Samples stored at 4°C and -20°C showed similar values of RNA integrity and protamine expression than those stored at -80°C. Finally, we stored testis samples at -80°C or -196°C, after initial snap-freezing in liquid nitrogen. Both methods afforded very good preservation of RNA integrity and protamine expression. These results open new possibilities for the collection, transport and storage of testes samples under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: To estimate national and provincial prevalence of obesity and excess weight in the child and adolescent population in Spain by sex and sociodemographic characteristics, and to explore sources of inequalities in their distribution, and their geographical patterns. Methods: ENE‐COVID is a nationwide representative seroepidemiological survey (68 287 participants) stratified by province and municipality size (April–June 2020). Participants answered a questionnaire which collected self‐reported weight and height, that allowed estimating crude and model‐based standardized prevalences of obesity and excess weight in the 10 543 child and adolescent participants aged 2–17 years. Results: Crude prevalences (WHO growth reference) were higher in boys than in girls (obesity: 13.4% vs. 7.9%; excess weight: 33.7% vs. 26.0%; severe obesity: 2.9% vs. 1.2%). These prevalences varied with age, increased with the presence of any adult with excess weight in the household, while they decreased with higher adult educational and census tract average income levels. Obesity by province ranged 1.8%–30.5% in boys and 0%–17.6% in girls; excess weight ranged 15.2%–49.9% in boys and 10.8%–40.8% in girls. The lowest prevalences of obesity and excess weight were found in provinces in the northern half of Spain. Sociodemographic characteristics only partially explained the observed geographical variability (33.6% obesity; 44.2% excess weight). Conclusions: Childhood and adolescent obesity and excess weight are highly prevalent in Spain, with relevant sex, sociodemographic and geographical differences. The geographic variability explained by sociodemographic variables indicates that there are other potentially modifiable factors on which to focus interventions at different geographic levels to fight this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report of the European Food Safety Authority Advisory Group on Data presents the outcomes of the activities of the group in 2022. The mission of the group is to show how digitalisation can improve food safety and nutrition in Europe. In 2022 the group initiated five different tangible projects solving the most pressing pain points in the data management processes of the EU Member States and initiated the creation of six subgroups to foster more detailed and technical discussions on data in the European Food Safety System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation has been shown to be beneficial. The question of whether this technique is safe and effective in the distal vasculature remains unanswered. We wanted to compare outcome data from mechanical thrombectomy of M2 branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with those of the M1 segment, and better understand the clinical predictors of these M2 occlusions. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of data prospectively collected between January 2017 and July 2021 from patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy of isolated M1 or M2 branches of the MCA. Results: 350 patients were identified, 287 with M1 and 63 with M2 occlusions. Mean age was 70.71 ± 12.55 and 75.21 ± 10.21 years, respectively (p = 0.0083). Baseline Alberta Stroke Program Computed Tomography (ASPECT) score was worse in the M1 cohort (7.68 ± 1.73 vs. 8.32 ± 1.54; p = 0.0079), while there was no significant difference in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores. No statistical disparity existed in mean procedure duration for each cohort; fewer thrombectomy attempts were required in the M2 cohort (2.01 vs. 1.63; p = 0.0478). There was no statistical difference in total time to recanalization (559.19 vs. 629.97, p = 0.2506). Similar rates of successful reperfusion were observed (Thrombolysis in Ischaemic Stroke score [TICI] ≥ 2b 80.84% vs. 71.43% p = 0.1221). Good outcome (modified Rankin scale ≤ 2) was 56.10 in M1 occlusions and 63.49% on M2 groups. Intracranial haemorrhage rates were similar. Conclusions: M2 thrombectomy is safe and a significant proportion of patients achieve a good clinical outcome. Advanced age, atrial fibrillation and previous treatment with anticoagulants were predictors for poor outcome. Good outcome was achieved when effective recanalization was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intra‐ or peri‐procedural aneurysm rupture is one of the most feared adverse effects associated with embolization. Our aim was to report the characteristics of patients suffering intra‐ or peri‐procedural ruptures during embolization of cerebral aneurysms. Patients and methods: Between March 1994 and October 2021, 648 consecutive cerebral aneurysms were treated by endovascular procedure at our facility. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively with emphasis on procedure description, potential risk factors, and clinical outcomes related to intra‐ or peri‐procedural rupture. Results: Of the 648 patients, 17 (2.6%) suffered an intra‐ or peri‐procedural hemorrhagic event. The most common location was the anterior communicating artery. There was no significant difference between previously ruptured and unruptured aneurysms in the incidence of bleeding. In four patients, bleeding was evident within 24 h after the procedure. The clinical evolution at three months was poor and only four patients presented a positive evolution. There were 11 deaths (64.71%). Balloon remodeling was associated with an increased frequency of ruptures, while stenting was a safer treatment. Conclusion: Aneurysmal rupture during endovascular therapy is unpredictable, and its occurrence can be devastating. The incidence is quite low although the outcome is frequently poor. Early detection and proper management, including prompt occlusion of the aneurysm, are important to achieve a positive outcome. Anterior communicating artery aneurysms and those treated with balloon catheters have a higher incidence of rupture. A small number of ruptures of uncertain origin occur that go unnoticed in digital subtraction angiograms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The optimal endovascular treatment (EVT) technique for middle cerebral artery (MCA) M2 segment occlusions remains unknown. We aim to analyze whether reperfusion rate, procedure times, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcome differed between patients with isolated M2 occlusions who underwent stent-retriever (SR) alone versus combined SR and contact aspiration (CA) as a front-line EVT. Methods Patients who underwent EVT for isolated MCA-M2 occlusion were recruited from the prospectively ongoing ROSSETTI registry. Patients were divided regarding the EVT approach into SR alone versus SR+CA and propensity score matching was used to achieve baseline balance. Demographic, procedural, safety, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of first-pass effect (FPE) and 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-2. Results 214 patients underwent EVT for M2 occlusion, 125 treated with SR alone and 89 with SR+CA. Propensity score matchnig analysis selected 134 matched patients. The rates of FPE (42% vs 40%, p=1.000) and 90-day mRS 0-2 (60% vs 51%, p=0.281) were comparable between groups. Patients treated with SR alone had lower need of rescue therapy (p=0.006), faster times to reperfusion (p<0.001), and lower procedure-related complications (p=0.031). Higher initial Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was an independent predictor of FPE. Age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and procedure duration were significant predictors of good clinical outcome at 3 months. Conclusions As front-line modality in M2 occlusions, the SR alone approach results in similar rates of reperfusion and good clinical outcomes to combined SR+CA and might be advantageous due to faster reperfusion times and fewer adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewed in-depth multi-disciplinary investigation of a large coastal mound settlement in Peru has extended the occupation back more than 7000 years to a first human exploitation ~13720 BP Research by the authors has chronicled the prehistoric sequence from the activities of the first maritime foragers to the construction of the black mound and the introduction of horticulture and monumentality. The community of Huaca Prieta emerges as innovative, complex and ritualised, as yet with no antecedents. Keywords: Peru, Holocene, ritual mound, horticulture, Introduction The warming trend at the end of the Pleistocene led to new and generally richer terrestrial and coastal environments that were exploited by human foragers in several regions of [...]

Background Balloon guide catheter (BGC) in stent retriever based thrombectomy (BGC +SR) for patients with large vessel occlusion strokes (LVOS) improves outcomes. It is conceivable that the addition of a large bore distal access catheter (DAC) to BGC +SR leads to higher efficacy. We aimed to investigate whether the combined BGC +DAC+SR approach improves angiographic and clinical outcomes compared with BGC +SR alone for thrombectomy in anterior circulation LVOS. Methods Consecutive patients with anterior circulation LVOS from June 2019 to November 2020 were recruited from the ROSSETTI registry. Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and outcome data were compared between patients treated with BGC+SR alone versus BGC+DAC+SR. The primary outcome was first pass effect (FPE) rate, defined as near complete/complete revascularization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2c-3) after single device pass. Results We included 401 patients (BGC+SR alone, 273 (66.6%) patients). Patients treated with BGC+SR alone were older (median age 79 (IQR 68-85) vs 73.5 (65-82) years; p=0.033) and had shorter procedural times (puncture to revascularization 24 (14-46) vs 37 (24.5-63.5) min, p<0.001) than the BGC+DAC+SR group. Both approaches had a similar FPE rate (52% in BGC+SR alone vs 46.9% in BGC+DAC+SR, p=0.337). Although the BGC+SR alone group showed higher rates for final successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥2b (86.8% vs 74.2%, p=0.002) and excellent reperfusion, mTICI ≥2 c (76.2% vs 55.5%, p<0.001)), there were no significant differences in 24 hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score or rates of good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) at 3 months across these techniques. Conclusions Our data showed that addition of distal intracranial aspiration catheters to BGC+SR based thrombectomy in patients with acute anterior circulation LVO did not provide higher rates of FPE or improved clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background First-pass effect (FPE) has been established as a key metric for technical success and strongly correlates with better clinical outcomes. Most data supporting improved outcomes with the use of a balloon guide catheter (BGC) predate the advent of last-generation large-bore intracranial aspiration catheters. We aim to evaluate the impact of BGC in FPE and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of patients treated with contemporary technology. Methods Patients were recruited from the prospectively ongoing ROSSETTI registry. This registry includes all consecutive patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (LVO) from 10 comprehensive stroke centers in Spain. Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and clinical outcome data were compared between BGC and non-BGC groups. FPE was defined as the achievement of mTICI2c-3 after a single device pass. Results 426 patients were included out of which 271 (63.62%) used BCG. BGC-treated patients had higher FPE rate (45.8% vs 27.7%; P<0.001), higher final mTICI ≥2 c recanalization rate (76.8% vs 50.3%, respectively; P<0.001), shorter procedural time [median (IQR), 30 (19-58) vs 43 (33-71) min; P<0.001], higher NIHSS difference from admission to 24 hours [median (IQR), 8 (2-12) vs 3 (0-10); P=0.001], and lower mortality rate (17.6% vs 29.8%, P=0.026) compared with non-BGC patients. BGC use was an independent predictor of FPE (OR 2.197, 95% CI 1.436 to 3.361; P<0.001), and excellent clinical outcome at 3 months (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.68; P=0.002). Conclusions Our results support the benefit of BGC use on angiographic and clinical outcomes in anterior circulation LVO ischemic stroke remain significant even when considering recent improvements in intracranial aspiration technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic status of the controversial crustacean family Leptobathynellidae is investigated using molecular and morphological methods in this study. Partial sequences of the nuclear 18S gene are studied from 28 genera of Bathynellacea from several continents. The analysis includes some of the most plesiomorphic genera of the family Parabathynellidae, such as Billibathynella and Brevisomabathynella from Australia; Habrobathynella and Parvulobathynella from India; the diverse Iberobathynella ; the cosmopolitan genus Hexabathynella ; and representative genera of two subfamilies of Bathynellidae (Gallobathynellinae and Bathynellinae). We used a molecular approach to analyse the systematic relationships amongst 64 species from Europe, North America, Australia and Asia, and review the morphological characters relevant at the family level. The molecular phylogeny clearly shows the presence of three highly divergent clades that could represent the three families. This is the first molecular phylogenetic reconstruction of Bathynellacea that can be used to: (1) verify the validity of Leptobathynellidae, (2) explore the diversity of the families and (3) explore the phylogenetic relationships among families. We propose a plausible evolutionary scenario for the order Bathynellacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Imaging selected patients with proximal anterior circulation stroke who demonstrate limited infarct may benefit from endovascular treatment beyond conventional time limits. Our aim was to evaluate the results of the EVT group series arriving between 6 and 24 hours from the onset of symptoms with (ASPECTS) ≥7 to our hospital (with 24/7 interventional neuroradiology) comparing them with those obtained in our prospectively registered series arriving between 0 and 6 hours. Materials and methods: The inclusion criteria were ≥18 years, an interval between stroke and endovascular treatment of 6‐24 hours, prestroke score mRS 0‐2, no intracranial haemorrhage, (NIHSS) scale 8‐22 and infarct evaluated by CT scan ≥7 in ASPECTS scale. Data, including patient demographics, neuroimaging findings, procedural details, recanalization rates and 90‐day mRS, were collected. Results: Twelve of the 14 (85.71%) endovascular group patients who came to our centre between 6 and 24 hours had good outcomes at 90 days. To confirm our findings, we evaluated patients treated at our centre who met the selection criteria from January 2017 to September 2019. In this period, 382 patients with large vessel occlusion were treated endovascularly. 56 patients met all the criteria for inclusion and exclusion for our study. 31 of these 56 patients (56.36%) obtained a (mRS) scale ≤2 at three months. There was no significant difference (P = 0.063). Conclusion: In circumstances of difficult access to MRI or CT perfusion, a computed tomography of ASPECTS ≥7 is sufficient to indicate endovascular treatment in a stroke of known onset between 6 and 24 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report reviews the current state-of-the-art applied approaches on automated tools, services and workflows for extracting information from images of natural history specimens and their labels. We consider the potential for repurposing existing tools, including workflow management systems; and areas where more development is required. This paper was written as part of the SYNTHESYS+ project for software development teams and informatics teams working on new software-based approaches to improve mass digitisation of natural history specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim is to report the incidence and risk factors of contrast-induced nephropathy after the use of iodine-based contrast for the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Data from patients who underwent neuroendovascular procedures in a center over a period of 22 months were analysed retrospectively. Contrast-induced nephropathy was determined by an increase in serum creatinine level of >25% of baseline or an absolute increase in serum creatinine level of at least 44 µmol/L (0.50 mg/dL) occurring after intravascular administration of contrast media without alternative explanation. The primary outcome measure of this study was the presence of contrast-induced nephropathy in these treated patients. Continuous data were presented as mean ± standard deviation, and categorical data as frequencies or percentages. The comparison was made using Student's t-test or Fisher's test. Logistic regression was performed to find independent contrast-induced nephropathy predictors. All statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred and eighty-nine patients undergoing endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Twenty cases of the total cohort (n = 189) presented contrast-induced nephropathy (10.58%). Only diabetes and creatinine levels between 1.3 and 2.5 mg/dL were associated with contrast-induced nephropathy. No patient was treated with dialysis. Conclusion: Contrast-induced nephropathy is a relatively common complication after endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke and is associated with worse outcome in patients with this condition. However, there is no increase in the frequency of hemodialysis after the use of iodinated contrast medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bathynellidae is the neglected family of Bathynellacea, a groundwater group of crustaceans with 33 genera and 107 species described and almost half of them included in the 'catch‐all' genus Bathynella. Due to the morphological homogeneity of the species, the taxonomic uncertainties have accumulated over time. Therefore, to explore the phylogenetic relationships among taxa, a combined approach using morphological and molecular data is needed. In this paper, we performed a phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of COI and 18S including 30 species of Bathynellidae. This data set represents the most updated one, including a new genus and a new species (Altainella calcarata gen. n. sp. n.) of Bathynellidae described here from Altai Mountain (Russia). The new taxon presents a new type of sexual dimorphisms with a peculiar structure on the coxopod of the male thoracopod VII and also sexual dimorphism on the mandibular palp, as some species of the subfamily Gallobathynellinae. This is the first species of Bathynellidae that presents both variants of sexual dimorphism. The molecular phylogeny supports the morphology and the erection of the new genus and displays highly divergent genetic units corresponding to subfamilies, with the new genus closer to Bathynellinae genera than other subfamilies. With the description of this new species and its molecular characterization, the existence of the other genera beyond Bathynella is confirmed in Eurasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Strokes in children are characterised by a high mortality rate while, at the same time, the low number of cases makes it difficult to gain practical experience. As heart disease is the most common risk factor, and as more and more cardiological interventions are being carried out, an increase in the incidence of paediatric stroke is expected. In some cases a transplant is required. While waiting for a donor, the use of ventricular assist devices may be necessary. These present with a high rate of neurological complications. We present two cases of children under 2 years of age awaiting heart transplantation supported by ventricular assist devices who had a stroke which was treated by endovascular techniques. Case 1: A 16-month-old boy with restrictive cardiomyopathy who was listed for a cardiac transplant. At 20 months he required an implantation of an external biventricular support device (Berlin Heart) and had a left hemisphere stroke at 23 months. An intra-arterial approach was used and produced good clinical results. One month later, a heart transplant was performed successfully. Case 2: An 18-month-old girl with non-compacted dilated cardiomyopathy included in the cardiac transplant programme and in need of a Levitronix Centrimag ventricular assist device presented with an acute left hemisphere stroke at 23 months. An intra-arterial procedure was carried out leading to positive clinical results except for residual right hypertonia. Seven months later she received her transplant. Conclusion: As a result of the difficulty in performing arterial puncture, the small vessel calibre and the limitation in the use of iodated contrast, there are certain limitations to endovascular treatment of strokes in children that can lead to complications. A multidisciplinary approach to managing such cases would be helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A stent is often necessary for the treatment of stroke. In such cases,it is essential for the patient to have antiplatelet therapy. There are several methods of antiaggregation, such as oral loading doses of aspirin and clopidogrel, intravenous aspirin, or intravenous glycoprotein Ilb/Illa receptor antagonists, such as abciximab. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hematoma (sICH) associated with our antiplatelet protocol: intravenous abciximab bolus at half the dose (0125 mg/ kg) at the time of the stenting procedure; oral aspirin (150 mg) and clopidogrel (75 mg) daily added the next day after CT shows no significant hematoma. Materials and methods Retrospective review of our database of endovascular management of large acute vessel occlusion treated with intravenous abciximab between January 2015 and March 2018. Demographics data, material, drugs, and complications were registered. Fisher tests were used to compare the incidence of sICH in the literature where abciximab 0.25 mg/kg plus maintenance doses are often administrated. Results Intravenous abciximab was administered to 99 patients. No sICH was observed. According to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study Scale, there were 8 cases of hemorrhagic infarction 1, 5 cases of hemorrhagic infarction 2, 4 cases of parenchymal hemorrhage 1, and no cases of parenchymal hemorrhage 2.A comparison between sICH with conventional antiplatelet doses based on the literature showed a statistically significant difference favoring our protocol. Conclusion In the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke, a bolus dose of 0125 mg/kg of abciximab with no maintenance doses, followed by 150 mg of aspirin and 75 mg of clopidogrel orally the next day, is safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bathynella natans Vejdovsky, 1882, the first described Bathynellidae species, was found in a well in Prague. Its original description was short and incomplete, and the holotype was already damaged in 1899. The lack of type material resulted in the poor description of the type genus of the morphologically very homogeneous family. This troubled beginning is the basis of a taxonomic problem that has led to the assignment of many species in Europe and other continents to the genus Bathynella. As currently understood, the genus is cosmopolitan, with more than 50 species and subspecies, most of them insufficiently described. We analyse the systematic position of the 29 genera and approximately 100 species. This analysis includes genera from Europe, USA and Western Australia, which have been characterized with molecular data (18S and COXI). In most cases, the genetic distances among genera and species are congruent with detected morphological differences. This is the first world molecular phylogenetic reconstruction of Bathynellidae, and it creates a framework for (1) confirming or discarding the cosmopolitan status of the genus Bathynella, (2) clarifying taxonomic uncertainties, (3) adequately describing new species, (4) advancing knowledge of the family's real diversity and (5) describing the phylogenetic relationships among genera from different continents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first published database of a Bathynellacea Chappuis, 1915 collection of slices and DNA extracts. It includes all data of bathynellaceans (Crustacea: Syncarida) collected in the last 48 years (1968 to 2016) on the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands, studied since 1984. It also includes specimens studied across many countries of Europe (Portugal, Romania, France, Italy, Slovenia, Bulgaria, and England), as well as some specimens obtained from samples of North America (Montana, Washington, Alaska and Texas), South America (Brazil, Chile and Argentina), Asia (China, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia and India), Africa (Morocco and Chad) and Australia (New South Wales -NSW- and Queensland). The samples come from groundwater (caves, springs, wells and hyporrheic habitat associated with rivers) obtained from both, sampling campaigns and occasional sampling efforts. The data set includes 3399 records (2657 slices and 742 DNA extracts) corresponding to three families (Parabathynellidae Noodt, 1965, Leptobathynellidae Noodt, 1965 and Bathynellidae Grobben, 1905) of the order Bathynellacea; the existence of three families is accepted, but this is a controversial issue and here is not the appropriate context to address this problem; 52 genera and 92 species formally described, in addition to 30 taxa under study and, thus, still unpublished. This represents more than half of all the genera known worldwide (80) and almost one third of the species currently known in the world (329, which increases every year). This dataset contains especially relevant collection that includes holotypes and type series of 43 new species of Bathynellacea (33 from the Parabathynellidae and ten from the Bathynellidae) described by Ana I. Camacho (AIC hereinafter); eleven of these are the type species for new genera described from all around the world, ten belonging to the Parabathynellidae and one from the Bathynellidae. As previously mentioned, these new species come from all continents, although 26 of them are from the Iberian Peninsula. The most important feature of this collection is that it has been created and reviewed by a specialist of the group (AIC), and each specimen, regardless of its shape (either permanent slices or DNA extracts), includes taxonomic, geographical and authorship information. The specialist has been involved in all stages of the process, from field sampling to the digitization of the results we are now presenting, and has worked in close collaboration with the curators responsible for the different collections involved in this project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first published database of Bathynellacea. It includes all data of bathynellids (Crustacea, Bathynellacea) collected in the last 64 years (1949 to 2013) on the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Island. The samples come from groundwater (caves, springs, wells and hyporrheic habitat associated rivers) from both sampling campaigns and occasional sampling conducted throughout the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. The dataset lists occurrence data of bathynellids distribution, sampling sites (with localities, county and geographic coordinates), taxonomic information (from family to species level) and sampling sources (collector and sampling dates) for all records. The descriptions of new species and species identifications have been carried out by an expert taxonomist (AIC) with 25 years experience in the bathynellids studies (see references). Many of the sampling sites are type localities of endemic species from Iberian Peninsula. The dataset includes 409 samples record corresponding to two families, 12 genera and 58 species, 42 of them formally described plus 16 taxa unpublished and 47 samples in study. All species known from the study area are included, which nearly sum up a quarter of species of Bathynellacea known in the world (250 species). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article discusses the highlights of the November 2012 meeting of the European, Middle Eastern, and African Society for Biopreservation & Biobanking (ESBB). Doctor Ann Clarke of the University of Nottingham and Lucy Cavendish College issued a warning that many living species are in the danger of becoming extinct in the near future. Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales' Doctor Isabel Rey presented how they are using molecular technique to maintain their Natural History collection.

Copyright of Archaeobios is the property of Arqueobios and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archaeobios is the property of Arqueobios and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The "Iberobathynella group", or Iberobathynellini tribe, is a complex of six genera consisting of 33 nominal species and several cryptic species with an amphiatlantic distribution (in Europe, North Africa and North America). A modern systematic revision of this group of subterranean crustaceans is presented here. A phylogenetic and biogeographic study using morphological and molecular data (mitocondrial coi and nuclear 18S) was carried out and allowed to a) re-evaluate the taxonomic status and validity of previously erected subtribes, genera and subgenera that show congruence in the data; b) assess whether the identified mitochondrial lineages represent cryptic species; c) provide a plausible phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships within Iberobathynellini and with the other two genera of the family Parabathynellidae that inhabit North America and Europe (Montanabathynella and Parabathynella, respectively); d) propose a plausible temporal and historical framework (paleobiogeographic scenario) for the diversification and evolution of the Iberobathynellini tribe based on the current distribution of morphotypes and their estimated times of divergence. Our results show that in parabathynellids, molecular and morphological divergences are not always congruent. Subtribe and subgenus are invalid categories so they must be eliminated. Paraiberobathynella genus needs to be revisited. The molecular dating results support the early divergence of the Iberobathynellini Tribe (Upper Cretaceous, around 78 Mya) and the vicariance by plate tectonics as main factor to explain the amphi-Atlantic distribution shown by this ancient subterranean crustacean group. Since there are species morphologically very similar to I. magna and I. imuniensis, but genetically different, we can ensure the existence of at least three cryptic species. Texanobathynella is undoubtedly a valid genus distinct from Iberobathynella. Montanabathynella and Parabathynella are two well-differentiated genera closely related to the Iberobathynellini tribe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preliminary molecular phylogenetic framework for 12 genera (23 species) of the family Parabathynellidae from Europe, Australia, North Africa and India is presented based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers (Cox1 and 18S). The generated hypothesis places the Southeast Asia genus Paraeobathynella closer to European genera (Iberobathynella, Paraiberobathynella and Parabathynella) than to the Australian (Brevisomabathynella, Atopobathynella, Billibathynella, Octobathynella, Arkaroolabathynella and Lockyerenella) or Indian genera (Habrobathynella), or to the cosmopolitan genus Hexabathynella (Spain and Australia). Three new species of the genus Paraeobathynella from Thailand, P. ratensis n. sp., P. siamensis n. sp. and P. hanjavanitiana n. sp., are described based on morphological and molecular features. This is the first record of the genus from Thailand and extends its range of distribution within Asia, where it was previously known only from Vietnam. The new species are clearly separated as independent units at least since the Middle Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]