Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eric LoPresti
Summary: The function of epidermal bladder cells in quinoa and iceplant was previously believed to be physiological, but new research suggests that they primarily serve as biotic defense mechanisms, which raises many interesting and important questions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Petra Frdlova, Veronika Janovska, Jana Mrzilkova, Milada Halaskova, Marketa Riegerova, Jan Dudak, Veronika Tymlova, Jan Zemlicka, Petr Zach, Daniel Frynta
Summary: This study discovered dermal armour in sand boas, which is the first description of such feature in snakes. Ancestral state reconstructions suggest that osteoderms likely evolved once or multiple times in the Erycidae family. Similar structures can be found in unrelated squamate clades, supporting the idea of deep developmental homology. The researchers propose that osteoderms protect sand boas like the brigandine armor of medieval warriors.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Arsalan Marghoub, Catherine J. A. Williams, Joao Vasco Leite, Alexander C. Kirby, Loic Kever, Laura B. Porro, Paul M. Barrett, Sergio Bertazzo, Arkhat Abzhanov, Matthew Vickaryous, Anthony Herrel, Susan E. Evans, Mehran Moazen
Summary: Vertebrate skin is an important organ that provides support and protection. Lizards exhibit a wide range of diversity in the morphology and distribution of their osteoderms (ODs), but the factors driving this diversity are not well understood.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel A. Zhigila, Emmanuel I. Aigbokhan, A. Muthama Muasya
Summary: The article describes and illustrates Tinnea gombea, an endemic species in the Sudan savanna grasslands in northern Nigeria, using integrative evidence from morphology, ecology, and molecular phylogenetics. The new species is similar to T. barteri and T. aethiopica in terms of morphology and ecology but can be distinguished by unique characters. The distribution, habitat, and molecular evidence also support T. gombea as a distinct species. However, due to its small population and limited conservation prioritization, T. gombea is assessed as Critically Endangered.
Article
Developmental Biology
Binbin Li, Liza Brusman, Jacob Dahlka, Lee A. Niswander
Summary: This study highlights the importance of mesoderm migration for spinal neural tube closure and implicates TMEM132A in regulating integrins and cell migration. Disruption of this process may lead to conditions like spina bifida.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Rita G. Simoes, Lauren A. Eserman, Alexandre R. Zuntini, Lars W. Chatrou, Timothy M. A. Utteridge, Olivier Maurin, Saba Rokni, Shyamali Roy, Felix Forest, William J. Baker, Sasa Stefanovic
Summary: This study uses a large dataset of nuclear genes to provide support for resolving phylogenetic uncertainties within the Convolvulaceae family. It confirms that Cuscuta belongs within the family, but challenges the monophyly of Merremieae and provides novel relationships within Dicranostyloideae. The exact placements of Erycibe and Cuscuta remain uncertain and require further investigation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Letter
Anatomy & Morphology
Bernardo de C. P. e. M. Peixoto, Gabriel E. B. de Barros, Carolina S. I. Nascimento, Beatriz Robbi, Marcelo A. Fernandes
Summary: Boyde et al. (2023) pointed out inaccuracies in Moura et al.'s (2021) explanation of how fleas generate cavities in armadillo osteoderms, and also misinterpreted the content written about it in Moura et al. (2021).
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Yumeng Liu, Peizhen Ma, Zhen Zhang, Cui Li, Ya Chen, Yunan Wang, Haiyan Wang
Summary: The study investigated the phylogenetic relationships within Veneridae using multigene fragments and mitochondrial genomes, redefining controversial taxa and supporting the monophyly of different subfamilies.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Benny K. K. Chan, Niklas Dreyer, Andy S. Gale, Henrik Glenner, Christine Ewers-Saucedo, Marcos Perez-Losada, Gregory A. Kolbasov, Keith A. Crandall, Jens T. Hoeg
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive revision and synthesis of the higher-level classification of barnacles to the genus level, with updated insights from recent phylogenetic studies. The resulting classification divides barnacles into three subclasses, containing a total of 2116 species within 14 orders, 65 families, and 367 genera. The taxonomy is accompanied by a discussion of major morphological events in barnacle evolution and justifications for the proposed rearrangements.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Chien-Hui Yang, Ka Yan Ma, Ka Hou Chu, Tin-Yam Chan
Summary: This study reconstructed a robust molecular phylogeny for Penaeus s.l. shrimps using the largest dataset to date. The findings revealed some paraphyletic genera within Penaeus s.l. Furthermore, the traditional morphological characters used for species differentiation are not synapomorphic or evolutionarily informative. Therefore, retaining these shrimps in a single genus is appropriate to reflect their evolutionary relationships.
Article
Plant Sciences
Torsten Eriksson, Nannie L. Persson, Jenny E. E. Smedmark
Summary: The classification of Potentilla has historically varied greatly, with some collapsing it into a single genus and others dividing it into multiple genera. A phylogenetic perspective is used to discuss and achieve a reasonable classification based on a monophyletic clade. Other criteria, such as history, stability, gene flow, information content, and identification ease, are also taken into account.
Article
Paleontology
Alfredo A. Carlini, Jorge D. Carrillo-Briceno, Arturo Jaimes, Orangel Aguilera, Alfredo E. Zurita, Jose Iriarte, Marcelo R. Sanchez-Villagra
Summary: Muaco and Taima-Taima sites in Venezuela are early human occupation sites in South America, with artifacts and preserved megafaunal remains dating back to 19,810-15,780 years ago. This study presents new visual and CT scanning analysis of glyptodont skulls from these sites, revealing intentional fractures in the fronto-parietal region caused by direct human percussion. The technique targeted areas of thinner cephalic shield for greater impact. These findings suggest human-glyptodont interaction during the Late Pleistocene, with an estimated 150-170 kg of potential food sources from an adult Glyptotherium cylindricum.
SWISS JOURNAL OF PALAEONTOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Beatriz Fernandez-Santos, Marta Reyes-Corral, Jose Manuel Caro-Vega, Miguel Lao-Perez, Claudia Vallejo-Grijalba, Cristina Mesa-Cruz, Francisco J. Moron, Patricia Ybot-Gonzalez
Summary: This study found that a mutation in the Vangl2 gene in mice led to the development of caudal closed neural tube defects (NTDs), with cellular aggregates that may facilitate defect sealing. The severity of the dorsal fusion failure was systematically assessed using neural crest cell markers. The combination of this mutation with other NTD mutants worsened the defects, and the NTDs in these mice were resistant to maternal folic acid and inositol supplementation. Loop-tail mice serve as a useful model for studying the molecular interactions involved in NTD development and for designing strategies for prevention.
DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS
(2023)
Article
Paleontology
Martin Zamorano
Summary: This study analyzed the phylogenetic position of a Panochthus specimen UATF-V s/n based on characteristics of the dorsal carapace. The cladistic analysis revealed that UATF-V s/n is the sister taxon of other Panochthus species, exhibiting more plesiomorphic characters. Glyptodon reticulatus was identified as the sister group of Panochthus, featuring osteoderms with a reticular pattern in the mid-dorsal region. Panochthus is unique in having ornate osteoderms in the mid-dorsal and anterior mid-lateral regions of the dorsal carapace.
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PALEONTOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Geology
Julian C. G. Silva Junior, Felipe C. Montefeltro, Thiago S. Marinho, Agustin G. Martinelli, Max C. Langer
Summary: Finite element analysis was used to evaluate the bites of two potential predators on titanosaur osteoderms, showing that the bites caused less stress on solid bone osteoderms. This supports the hypothesis that titanosaur osteoderms could have served as defensive tools beyond just mineral storage.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biology
Fernando H. de S. Barbosa, Kleberson de O. Porpino, Herminio I. de Araujo-Junior, Lilian P. Bergqvist, Bruce M. Rothschild
HISTORICAL BIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Paleontology
Juan C. Fernicola, Andres Rinderknecht, Washington Jones, Sergio F. Vizcaino, Kleberson Porpino
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fabio Cunha Guimaraes de Lima, Kleberson de Oliveira Porpino
Article
Paleontology
Shaline Elaide de Araujo, Kleberson de Oliveira Porpino
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PALEONTOLOGIA
(2018)
Article
Biology
Fernando H. de S. Barbosa, Kleberson de O. Porpino, Bruce M. Rothschild, Rafael C. da Silva, Domenico Capone
Summary: This study reported a malignant bone neoplasm, parosteal osteosarcoma, found in a Quaternary ground sloth in a cave in Bahia, Brazil. This is the first documented case of cancer in a Quaternary non-human mammal and the first report of this specific form of bone cancer in the fossil record. The presence of this pathology suggests potential suffering and limitations in movement for the individual, highlighting the impact of this disease on ancient organisms.
HISTORICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Lucas Henrique Medeiros da Silva Trifilio, Herminio Ismael de Araujo-Junior, Kleberson de Oliveira Porpino, Fernando Henrique de Souza Barbosa
Summary: This study conducted a taphonomic analysis on fossil deposits in the F3 cave in Brazil, identifying 17 taxa, with a dominance of fossils from the Eremotherium laurillardi species. Most bones were buried within a year, but the taphonomic history was influenced by alternating dry and wet cycles, leading to the recognition of four different taphonomic modes.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Paleontology
Juliana C. S. Carvalho-Laurentino, Kleberson O. Porpino, Herminio Araujo-Junior
Summary: This work studied the fossil diagenesis of vertebrates from a quaternary tank deposit in northeastern Brazil, identifying microfractures, permineralization, and replacement. XRF analysis highlighted that specimens with high manganese and iron percentages appeared darker, with rare earth elements showing temporal mixing.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Gustavo Prado de Oliveira Martins, Herminio Ismael de Araujo-Junior, Anderson Costa dos Santos, Kleberson de Oliveira Porpino
Summary: This paper presents a diagenetic analysis of megafauna bone thin sections from four tank deposits in northeastern Brazil and compares their diagenetic histories and characteristics. The study finds similarities among the thin sections from different tank deposits due to geographic proximity and similar paleoclimatic settings. However, differences arise from the local geological settings and distances from nearby drainages. The study also reveals temporal mixing in the vertebrate accumulations within these natural-trap deposits.
JOURNAL OF SOUTH AMERICAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Maxsuel Marcos Fernandes de Lima, Kleberson de Oliveira Porpino, Jose Ronaldo Pereira da Silva
Summary: This study categorizes galaxies based on the evolutionary and hierarchical development of their parameters. The astrocladistic approach was applied to the galaxies of the M81 group. Physical parameters such as magnitudes and rotation velocities were described for 28 galaxies of the M81 group. Maximum Parsimony analysis and implied weights analysis were carried out on this dataset, resulting in the identification of hierarchical organizations and evolutionary groups within the M81 group.
ASTROPHYSICS AND SPACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Herminio Ismael de Araujo-Junior, Mario Andre Trindade Dantas, Kleberson de Oliveira Porpino, Anderson Costa dos Santos, Fernando Henrique de Souza Barbosa
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Paleontology
Lucas Henrique Medeiros da Silva Trifilio, Herminio Ismael de Araujo Junior, Kleberson de Oliveira Porpino
Summary: This paper examines the Quaternary vertebrate paleontology of the Brazilian Intertropical Region, focusing on bone ichnology. Various trace fossils, including gnaw marks, bite marks, and insect modifications, were discovered and two new ichnospecies were proposed.
ICHNOS-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PLANT AND ANIMAL TRACES
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Fernando H. De S. Barbosa, Lais Alves-Silva, Alexandre Liparini, Kleberson De Oliveira Porpino
Summary: In this study, we estimate the body mass of 10 iconic species of extinct xenarthrans from the Quaternary of Brazil using two sets of predictive equations based on postcranial variables. Our results show that one of these methods is more reliable in estimating the body mass of the evaluated taxa, although both methods provide accurate results. We suggest that the body mass estimates presented in this study are more robust compared to previously proposed estimates, as they are based on predictive equations with high predictive power and a broader phylogenetic dataset.
JOURNAL OF QUATERNARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Paleontology
Rodolfo C. da Silva, Fernando H. de S. Barbosa, Kleberson de O. Porpino
Summary: The study evaluates pathological changes in fossils from the Brazilian Intertropical Region, finding evidence of diseases such as osteoarthritis, articular depressions, and osteochondritis dissecans. These findings are significant for understanding diseases in the South American megafauna.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fernando Henrique De S. Barbosa, Kleberson De O. Porpino, Bruce M. Rothschild, Uiara G. Cabral, Lilian P. Bergqvist
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2019)
Article
Paleontology
Fernando H. De S. Barbosa, Kleberson De O. Porpino, Lilian P. Bergqvist, Bruce M. Rothschild