Ice cage: new records and cryptic, isolated lineages in wingless snow flies (Diptera, Limoniidae: Chionea spp.) in German lower mountain ranges

In Earth's history warm and cold periods have alternated. Especially, during the Pleistocene, the alternation between these different climatic conditions has led to frequent range expansions and retractions of many species: while thermophilic species dispersed during warm periods, cold adapted species retracted to cold refugia and vice versa. After the last Pleistocene cycle many cold adapted taxa found refuges in relict habitats in mountain ranges. One example for such a cold adapted relict is the flightless snow fly Chionea araneoides (Dalman, 1816). It can be found in lower mountain ranges of Central Europe exclusively in stone runs and stony accumulations which provide cold microclimates. Imagines develop only in winter. They have strongly restricted ranges and hence experienced strong isolation predicting that local populations may show local adaptation and hence also genetic differentiation. We investigated this for several middle mountain ranges of Germany using the COI barcoding gene. Our analyses revealed two distinct lineages, one in the Bavarian Forest and a second one in all other more northern locations up to Scandinavia. These lineages likely go back to post-Pleistocene isolation and should be studied in more detail in the future, also to confirm the taxonomic status of both lineages. Further, we confirmed former records of the species for Germany and report new records for the federal states of Saxony, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. Finally, we provide the first evidence of two types of males for the species, a small and a larger male type.

ARAapp: filling gaps in the ecological knowledge of spiders using an automated and dynamic approach to analyze systematically collected community data

The ARAMOB data repository compiles meticulously curated spider community datasets from systematical collections, ensuring a high standard of data quality. These datasets are enriched with crucial methodological data that enable the datasets to be aligned in time and space, facilitating data synthesis across studies, respectively, collections. To streamline the analysis of these datasets in a species-specific context, a suite of tailored ecological analysis tools named ARAapp has been developed. By harnessing the capabilities of ARAapp, users can systematically evaluate the spider species data housed within the ARAMOB repository, elucidating intricate relationships with a range of parameters such as vertical stratification, habitat occurrence, ecological niche parameters (moisture and shading) and phenological patterns. Database URL: ARAapp is available at  www.aramob.de/en.

Spider (Arachnida, Araneae) diversity in secondary and old-growth southern Atlantic forests of Paraná state, Brazil

The data presented here have been collected in the southern part of the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) in the state of Paraná, Brazil within a bilateral scientific project (SOLOBIOMA). The project aimed to assess the quality of secondary forests of different regeneration stages in comparison with old-growth forests with regard to diversity of soil animals and related functions. The Atlantic Forest is a hotspot of biological diversity with an exceptionally high degree of endemic species, extending over a range of 3,500 km along the coast of Brazil. The anthropogenic pressure in the region is very high with three of the biggest cities of Brazil (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Curitiba) lying in its extension. An evaluation of the value of secondary forests for biodiversity conservation is becoming more and more important due to the complete disappearance of primary forests. In 2005, we sampled spiders in 12 sites of three successional stages (5-8, 10-15, 35-50 yr old, three replicates of each forest stage) and old-growth forests (> 100 yr untouched, also three replicates). All sites were inside a private nature reserve (Rio Cachoeira Nature Reserve). We repeated the sampling design and procedure in 2007 in a second private reserve (Itaqui Nature Reserve). The two nature reserves are within about 25 km of each other within a well preserved region of the Mata Atlântica, where the matrix of the landscape mosaic is still forest. A widely accepted standard protocol was used in a replicated sampling design to apply statistical analyses to the resulting data set and allow for comparison with other studies in Brazil. Spiders were sorted to family level and counted; the adult spiders further identified to species if possible or classified as morphospecies with the help of several spider specialists.

The database of the PREDICTS (Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems) project

The PREDICTS project-Projecting Responses of Ecological Diversity In Changing Terrestrial Systems (www.predicts.org.uk)-has collated from published studies a large, reasonably representative database of comparable samples of biodiversity from multiple sites that differ in the nature or intensity of human impacts relating to land use. We have used this evidence base to develop global and regional statistical models of how local biodiversity responds to these measures. We describe and make freely available this 2016 release of the database, containing more than 3.2 million records sampled at over 26,000 locations and representing over 47,000 species. We outline how the database can help in answering a range of questions in ecology and conservation biology. To our knowledge, this is the largest and most geographically and taxonomically representative database of spatial comparisons of biodiversity that has been collated to date; it will be useful to researchers and international efforts wishing to model and understand the global status of biodiversity.

Towards a DNA Barcode Reference Database for Spiders and Harvestmen of Germany

As part of the German Barcode of Life campaign, over 3500 arachnid specimens have been collected and analyzed: ca. 3300 Araneae and 200 Opiliones, belonging to almost 600 species (median: 4 individuals/species). This covers about 60% of the spider fauna and more than 70% of the harvestmen fauna recorded for Germany. The overwhelming majority of species could be readily identified through DNA barcoding: median distances between closest species lay around 9% in spiders and 13% in harvestmen, while in 95% of the cases, intraspecific distances were below 2.5% and 8% respectively, with intraspecific medians at 0.3% and 0.2%. However, almost 20 spider species, most notably in the family Lycosidae, could not be separated through DNA barcoding (although many of them present discrete morphological differences). Conspicuously high interspecific distances were found in even more cases, hinting at cryptic species in some instances. A new program is presented: DiStats calculates the statistics needed to meet DNA barcode release criteria. Furthermore, new generic COI primers useful for a wide range of taxa (also other than arachnids) are introduced.

Practicle example of the defence of a contamination incident

By routine examinations of a radiation worker, a contamination incident with transuranium nuclides was discovered. Immediate investigations showed a serious degree of the incident. First countermeasures were done to narrow the effects down and to avoid a spread of contamination. A complex decontamination followed for which the radiation protection infrastructure had to be built up.

Nematode assemblages in banana (Musa acuminata) monocultures and banana plantations with Juçara palms (Euterpe edulis) in the southern Mata Atlântica, Brazil

The composition of the nematode fauna at two different agrosystems (banana monocultures and mixed banana-palmito plantations) was investigated at six study sites on the coastal plain of southern Brazil. Nematode abundance was higher and the number of families was lower (25 compared to 33) in the soil of banana monocultures. The assemblages in the soil of the banana monocultures were dominated by bacterial feeders and plant parasites, whereas in the soil of the mixed plantations the proportion of the other trophic groups was higher. In the monocultures, the percentage of families categorised as colonisers (c-p 1 families) was higher and the persisters lower. The difference in the assemblage of c-p groups was significant between sites of the two different systems. Principal component analysis (PCA) ordination of the samples by nematode family composition showed site-specific assemblages, similarity between two sites of each system and significant dissimilarities between the two systems. The MI 1-5 and the MI 2-5 were lower in the banana monocultures. Additionally, the MI 2-5 of banana site B2 was significantly higher than that of the two other banana sites. The ratio F/B was higher and the ratio F+B/plant feeders was lower in the banana-palmito plantations. The differences between the systems in nearly all measured parameters indicate a higher degree of disturbance and nutrient enrichment of the soil under monocultures. However, a low number of plant parasites and dominance of c-p 3 taxa at both agroecosystems show that the soil of both agroecosystems seems to be of an advanced successional stage. This may be a result of a less intensive ‘organic’ cultivation without the use of plant protection products and fertilisers and with additional non-host plants. Despite many non-controlled variables in the smallholder systems, according to the results the nematodes can be regarded as suitable indicators of soil disturbance in banana and banana-palmito agro-ecosystems.

When to sample in an inaccessible landscape: a case study with carabids from the Allgäu (northern Alps) (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

While pitfall trapping is generally accepted as the standard method for sampling carabid beetles, this method has rarely been used in mountain ecosystems, mainly due to the high labour intensity it involves. As part of a research project in the German Alps, we investigated the phenologic appearance of adult carabid beetles in mountain ecosystems along with the consequences of possible reductions in sampling periods. Our results show that an early activity peak among carabids is predominant in mountain ecosystems. However, there are differences among species: the main group of species showed the highest activity directly after snow melt, a second group showed a delayed activity peak and a small third group had no clear peak at all. Based on this study, we recommend two fortnightly sampling periods as a minimum for a sampling programme: one immediately after snow melt, and a second sampling period after a pause of two weeks.

Minimally invasive stereotaxic vacuum core breast biopsy

The purpose of our study was the assessment of the diagnostic value of vacuum core biopsy, which promises high accuracy by minimally invasive percutaneous excision of 1-2 cm3 of tissue. The materials used were a digital stereotaxic biopsy table (Fischer Imaging) and a Mammotome-gun (Biopsys). A total of 236 patients with 261 predominantly indeterminate lesions (indeterminate: 230; suspicious: 26; malignant: 5) underwent vacuum core biopsy (VCB). Verification was as follows: (a) demonstration of complete or partial removal of the lesion or replacement of the lesion by a small hematoma by comparison of the pre- and post-VCB mammogram; (b) reexcision of 45 malignant and 6 borderline lesions; (c) radiologic-histologic correlation; and (d) 6-month-follow-up mammograms in 129 cases. Two VCBs were not possible because very fine microcalcifications could not be visualized. Two puncture errors occurred which, however, were immediately recognized and VCB was repeated. Based on the above verification a 100 % accuracy was achieved. No relevant side effects occurred. Except for 2 cases mammographically hardly any scarring was visible. Based on the excellent accuracy and excellent tolerance of the procedure VCB appears to be the future method of choice for the workup of those indeterminate mammographically detected lesions that up to now have still required surgical biopsy.

[Vacuum punch biopsy of the breast with a stereotaxic guide. A new procedure for percutaneous diagnostic biopsy based on 120 cases]

PURPOSE

To test the capabilities of vacuum core biopsy (VCB) in the diagnosis of mammographically indeterminate lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

120 patients (131 lesions) were examined using VCB with 14G or 11G vacuum core.

RESULTS

VCB was mostly performed because of indeterminate microcalcifications (67 cases) or soft tissue densities/architectural distortion (64 cases). 112 benign changes, 14 DCIS and 5 invasive carcinomas were found. Excellent accuracy was achieved (presently 100%), since complete excision of small lesions/areas (< or = 1 cm) or partial excision of larger lesions was possible. No relevant hematomas or infections occurred. Patients tolerated the painless procedure very well.

DISCUSSION

This report confirms our previous experiences. This method promises to replace diagnostic open biopsy of indeterminate or suspicious nonpalpable lesions.

Misleading changes of the signal intensity on opposed-phase MRI after injection of contrast medium

OBJECTIVE

The effect of opposed-phase imaging on the interpretation of MR contrast studies is highlighted.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A model calculation is performed. It demonstrates the change of signal intensity of an average tumor before and after application of Gd-DTPA on an in-phase and an opposed-phase image, depending on the percentage of fat within the voxels. The effect is then demonstrated, using a small cotton stick soaked with water or a solution of contrast agent representing a tumor before and after i.v. application of Gd-DTPA.

RESULTS

If an average enhancing tumor, which is surrounded by fat, occupies less than 50-60% of the slice thickness, it becomes undetectable on opposed-phase images. The reason is that due to signal cancellation on the opposed image, no signal change or even signal decrease results, while signal increase is visible on the in-phase image.

CONCLUSION

In those areas of the body where significant partial volume of a tumor with fat may occur (such as for breast tumors growing along ducts, which are surrounded by fat), severe errors can result. Therefore we explicitly warn from using opposed-image sequences for MR contrast studies.