Phylogeny of east asian bufonids inferred from mitochondrial DNA sequences (Anura: amphibia)

We investigated the relationships of Asian bufonids using partial sequences of mitochondrial DNA genes. Twenty-six samples representing 14 species of Bufo from China and Vietnam and 2 species of Torrentophryne from China were examined. Three samples of Bufo viridis from Armenia and Georgia were also sequenced to make a comparison to its sibling tetraploid species B. danatensis. Bufo americanus, from Canada, was used as the outgroup. Sequences from the 12S ribosomal RNA, 16S ribosomal RNA, cytochrome b, and the control region were analyzed using parsimony. East Asian bufonids were grouped into two major clades. One clade included B. andrewsi, B. bankorensis, B. gargarizans, B. tibetanus, B. tuberculatus, its sister clade B. cryptotympanicus, and the 2 species of Torrentophryne. The second clade consisted of B. galeatus, B. himalayanus, B. melanostictus, and a new species from Vietnam. The placement of three taxa (B. raddei, B. viridis, and its sister species, B. danatensis) was problematic. The genus Torrentophryne should be synonymized with Bufo to remove paraphyly. Because B. raddei does not belong to the clade that includes B. viridis and B. danatensis, it was removed from the viridis species group. The species status of B. bankorensis from Taiwan is evaluated.

Pregnancy resulting from rape

Pregnancy resulting from rape is more prevalent than generally recognized, and violations of women's sexual and reproductive self-determination take many forms. Four themes--relationship rape, power dynamics, maternal ambivalence, and social reactions and support--can be identified in one woman's experiences and the literature. Recommended interventions, based on a woman-centered empowerment framework, include safety assessment, formulating a safety plan, and facilitating social support. Emergency postcoital contraception is a preventive option.

Four new coccidia (Apicomplexia: Eimeriidae) from anoles (Lacertilia: Polychrotidae) in the Dominican Republic

Fecal samples from 25 Anolis armouri, 2 Anolis bahorucoensis, 48 Anolis cybotes, and 21 Anolis olssoni (Lacertilia: Polychrotidae) from southern Hispaniola were examined for coccidian oocysts. Two eimerians and 2 isosporans are herein described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria schwartzi n. sp. from A. armouri are ellipsoidal, 22.7 (20.8-25.0) x 15.7 (14.6-17.7) microns, with spherical to subspherical sporocysts, 7.9 (6.2-9.4) x 7.4 (6.2-8.3) microns. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora reui n. sp. from A. bahorucoensis are spherical to subspherical, 18.2 (15.6-20.0) x 17.8 (15.6-19.8) microns, with ovoid sporocysts, 11.9 (10.4-12.7) x 8.5 (7.5-9.4) microns. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora hendersoni n. sp. from A. armouri and A. cybotes are spherical to subspherical, 23.2 (20.8-26.0) x 21.1 (18.4-23.9) microns, with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 14.7 (12.5-15.6) x 10.0 (9.2-11.4) microns. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria avilae n. sp. from A. olssoni are cylindrical, 29.3 (26.0-33.3) x 15.9 (13.5-18.9) microns, with ellipsoidal sporocysts 10.2 (9.4-11.4) x 6.8 (5.2-8.0) microns.