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Objective: To analyze the evolving perception of graduate students of Masters in ‘health professional education with diverse educational backgrounds regarding online learning and teaching. Study Design: Mixed-method’ study of Convergent Parallel Design. Place and Duration of Study: Riphah University, Rawalpindi Pakistan, Dec 2021 to Feb 2022. Methodology: Twenty-five graduate students of Masters in ‘health professional education’ with diverse educational backgrounds answered semi-structured questionnaires at the end of 2 online teaching sessions. Results: The mean scores of 3 domains of ‘student’s perception of learning, ‘contents and teaching strategies and ‘educational environment’ in 1st vs second online sessions were as follows, respectively: (4.37 0.42 vs 4.09, 0.45; p-value 0.04), (4.40 0.47 vs 4.29, 0.58; p-value 0.44) and (4.43 0.43 vs 4.23 0.69; p-value 0.36). The students agreed that the contents covered, teaching strategies and education environment were satisfactory, and the perception was not statistically different between the two sessions in these domains. In contrast, students’ self-perception of learning was more satisfactory in the first online session. Conclusion: The graduate students of Masters in ‘health professional education’ with diverse educational backgrounds were satisfied regarding the contents covered, teaching strategies and education environment in two online teaching sessions. In contrast, their perception of their learning depreciated in the second online teaching session.

Objective: To assess the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and chronic low back pain in South Punjab. Materials and Methods: Retrospective research was done from January 2021 to June 2022. 173 chronic nonspecific low back pain patients presenting in outpatient clinics were included in our study. Two groups were made of all patients, one was vitamin-D level deficient, and the other was a vitamin-D normal group. The blood level of 30 ng/ml of vitamin D was taken as normal. Chronic Low back pain status was analyzed by VAS score. All the demographic data of patients were recorded. The relationship between vitamin D and VAS score was assessed by the spearman coefficient and p

Social media has become an integral part of our life. People around the globe interact with each other by using social media applications. Social media turns the world into global village. The use of social media has become a great risk for children and adolescents. Thesis risks include some psychological issues related to mental health. This research explores the psychological effects of TikTok social media application among the students of Hazara University, Mansehra. Uses and Gratification theory of media is the relevant theory with this research study. Population for this specific research study was the student so Hazara University. A self-administered questionnaire used for collecting data from a sample of 400 respondents, both male and female with equal presential. The collected data was analyzed by using statistical software SPSS. Data tabulation and its sub-sequent analysis reveals that almost all the students i.e., 100% of Hazara University use smartphone in their regular routine life and 78% students used smartphone more than three hours a day. The empirical analysis reveals that more than 65% respondents use smartphone for different purposes i.e., chat, calls, information, entertainment etc. the exclusive analysis of data reveals that TikTok smartphone application have different psychological effects on its users these effects include loneliness, anxiety, stress etc.

Objective: To compare the clinical, radiological and functional outcomes of patients between open TLIF and minimally invasive TLIF techniques. Study Design: Prospective cohort study Place and duration: Study was conducted at department of neurosurgery Bakhtawar Amin Hospital, Multan from August 2021 to July 2022 in duration of one year. Methodology: A total of 94 patients planned for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) were enrolled in study. Main variables of study were intra operative blood loss, duration of surgery, VAS score, ODI index and functional score. SPSS version 24 was used for data analysis, t-test and chi square test were applied to see association among variables. P value less than or equal 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Oswestry disability index readings were 35.16±2.18 and 5.12±0.61 in O-TLIF and MIS-TLIF groups respectively at 3 weeks after surgery. The differences were statistically insignificant, (p>0.050). Physical component summary of both the groups at different time intervals as shown better outcomes in MIS-TLIF group, no difference was found to be statistically significant except at 6 week. Mental component summary in both the groups was almost equal, (p>0.050). Implications: There was no local study on comparison of open and minimally invasive technique for TLIF, our study will fulfill the local reference gap and help the surgeons for choice of better management technique in future. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery TLIF technique is better in immediate benefits as soft tissue injury and iatrogenic injury which is associated with better post operative pain functional recovery time. So, minimal invasive interbody fusion is a safe and reliable option for short term (blood loss, post operative pain) and long term outcomes like functional recovery. Keywords: Interbody fusion, VAS score, SF-36, ODI index, TLIF Technique

This study involves elucidation of spatial and temporal influences on horizontal and vertical distribution and fate of contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) in riverain systems. In total, 23 CEC...

Earthworms are an important part of terrestrial ecosystems that are often acknowledged for their diverse ecological functions. Mizoram, one of the northeastern regions (NER) of India, was assessed for earthworm diversity and genetic variability based on integrated taxonomical procedures using morpho-anatomical features and sequencing of the COI gene. For species delimitation, three barcoding approaches, i.e., ABGD, BIN, and barcode gap analysis (BGA), were employed, and the K2P intraspecific, as well as interspecific distances, were evaluated in MEGA X. Also, for phylogenetic studies, maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian interference (BI) trees were generated. The genetic variability and haplotype analysis were assessed using DnaSP and Network. The morpho-anatomical features revealed 20 species that belonged to 3 families (Moniligastridae, Megascolecidae, and Rhinodrilidae) across 5 genera: Drawida, Amynthas, Metaphire, Perionyx, and Pontoscolex. Furthermore, we reported 12 new earthworm records from Mizoram that includes Amynthas carinensis carinensis, Metaphire anomala, Perionyx rufulus, P. depressus, Pontoscolex corethrurus, Drawida bullata, D. victoriana, D. vulgaris, D. papillifer papillifer, D. nagana, D. periodosa, and D. assamensis species. The mean K2P intraspecific and minimum interspecific genetic distances were 9.59% and 13.97%. Moreover, the species P. depressus and M. houlleti showed deep intraspecific divergence and are composed of several cryptic species. ABGD proposed a barcode gap of 10–12%, whereas BGA suggested around 13%. All the species were strongly supported in MP and BI trees; however, P. depressus appeared polyphyletic and the paraphyly or polyphyly of genera Amynthas and Metaphire were supported. Furthermore, the network revealed 43 haplotypes, and the genetic diversity was highest in P. depressus and M. houlleti.

Taxonomic classification of earthworms based on anatomical features has created several challenges for systematics and population genetics. This study examines the application of molecular markers, in particular mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI), to facilitate discrimination of closely related earthworm species. Molecular markers have also provided insights into population genetics by aiding assessment of genetic diversity, lineage sorting, and genealogical distributions of populations for several species. Phylogeography—a study that evaluates the geographical distribution of these genealogical lineages and the role of historical processes in shaping their distribution—has also provided insights into ecology and biodiversity. Such studies are also essential to understand the distribution patterns of invasive earthworm species that have been introduced in non-native ecosystems globally. The negative consequences of these invasions on native species include competition for food resources and altered ecosystems. We anticipate that molecular markers such as COI and DNA barcoding offer potential solutions to disentangling taxonomic impediments in earthworms and advancing their systematics and population genetics.

Living organisms are naturally bestowed with unique and imitable qualities for maintaining ecological balance and earthworms are no exceptions. These so-called keystone species of terrestrial ecosystems are equipped with wonderful machinery, allowing them to nurture soil beautifully. Earthworm gut represents a potential microbial reservoir, having a complex interdependence with the host. The study aimed to profile bacterial community structure of three earthworm species belonging to two different life forms; Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae (epigeic), Polypheretima elongata (endogeic) respectively. Diversity analysis using 16S amplicon sequencing revealed that the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria (34.17-77.88) followed by Actinobacteria (13.43-35.54%), Firmicutes (1.69-15.45%) and Bacteroidetes (0.51-8.12%). The alpha diversity indices explicit similar gut microbiota of Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae and while higher alpha diversity was recorded in comparison to Polypheretima elongata gut. The taxonomic to the phenotypic annotation of 16S rRNA metagenomes revealed that dominance of Gram-negative bacterial community in all earthworm species while, Polypheretima elongata comprises higher percentage (78%) of Gram-negative bacterial community to Perionyx excavatus (32.3%) and Eudrilus eugeniae (38.3%). The oxygen requirement phenotypic analysis showed that all earthworm species were abundant with aerobic followed by anaerobic bacterial groups. Furthermore, functional metabolism phenotypic analysis revealed that a high abundance of ammonia oxidizers (29.3-80.2%), the gut microbiomes showed the relative abundance of sulphate reducer (22.6-78.7%), nitrite reducer (19.8-73.2%), dehalogenators (12.6-25.1%), illustrating in the role of these microbial communities in various degradation and bioremediation processes. The present study signifies the intrinsic gut microbiota of earthworm species for intensified biodegradation.

Objectives: The main objective of the study was to explore the factors to predict academic failure before the first major assessment. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted from March 2021 to August 2021 at Riphah International University. Using the purposive sampling technique, 16 students and seven teachers were included in the study. Eight online interviews were conducted with students who were academic failures and two focus group discussions were held with eight high achievers and seven teachers. The data was analyzed and thematic analysis was done. Results: Thematic analyses deduced relevant themes which were: Educational Journey Does past matter? Essential for learning, Personality and psychological make-up, and assessment of behaviour. The factors identified were performance record, learning difficulty, educational dislocation, missionless and purposeless, against free will, tuition, poor self-regulation, low effort, procrastination, non-reflective practice, cognitive load mismanagement, limited remediation, hesitant help-seeking, low self-efficacy, introvert behaviour, demotivation, emotional imbalance, observation of student behaviour, assessment of assigned task. Conclusion: Academic failure can be predicted early and salvaged. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5951 How to cite this:Rashid A, Yasmeen R, Ahmed R, Jawed K. Factors leading to the academic failure of undergraduate medical students - Predict early to prevent. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5951 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Integrative approach of taxonomy drives us to the discovery of three new species of the genus Eutyphoeus Michaelsen 1900, namely Eutyphoeus phawngpuiensis sp. nov., Eutyphoeus serei sp. nov. and Eutyphoeus tawi sp. nov. from protected forests of Mizoram, India. E. phawngpuiensis sp. nov. belongs to the Eutyphoeus hastatus group, and is characterized by holandric male organs, having spermathecal pores at “a or ab”, bidiverticulate spermathecae, and lack of genital marking glands. While, E. tawi sp. nov. has spermathecal pores at b or lateral to b, without lateral intestinal caeca. E. serei sp. nov. belongs to the Eutyphoeus gigas group, and is distinguished by having metandric male organs, lacking female pore of right side, and having spoon shaped tip of penial setae without ornamentation. Molecular characterization using coi gene marker also supports the findings. The maximum intraspecific distances and distance to the nearest neighbour of E. phawngpuiensis sp. nov., E. serei sp. nov. and E. tawi sp. nov. were recorded 3.5%, 9.37%; 2.35%, 14.83%; and 2.28%, 12.86% respectively. The key to Eutyphoeus species of India was also updated.

Gut microbiomes, a consortium of microorganisms that live in the animal gut, are highly engineered microbial communities. It makes a major contribution to digestive health, metabolism management, and the development of a strong immune system in the host. The present study was taken up to answer the long-running question about the existence of truly indigenous microflora of the epigeic earthworm gut. This is due to the general difficulties of culturing many of the microorganisms found in soil or earthworms' gut. Keeping this fact in a view, the metagenomics approach using 16S rRNA marker gene incorporated with amplicon-based sequencing was used to explore microbiota of commercially overriding, diversely fed epigeic earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg) in three varied habitats viz., artificial soil (AS), organic agricultural farm soil (OAFS) and conventional agriculture farm soil (CAFS). There are predominant bacteria that belong to different phyla such as Proteobacteria (29.72-76.81%), Actinobacteria (11.06-34.42%), Firmicutes (6.02-19.81%), and Bacteroidetes (2.40-9.22%) present in the gut of E. eugeniae. The alpha diversity (Observed species, Chao1, ACE, Shannon, Simpson, and Fisher alpha) indices showed that OAFS had significantly higher alpha diversity than AS and CAFS groups. The core microbiota analysis showed that OAFS and AS groups had a relatively similar bacterial panel in comparison to the CAFS group. Various statistical tools i.e. MetagenomeSeq, LEfSe, and Random Forest analysis were performed and the findings demonstrated prevalence of the most significant bacterial genera; Aeromonas, Gaiella, and Burkholderia in CAFS group. Nonetheless, in AS and OAFS groups, the common existence of Anaerosporobacter and Aquihabitans were found respectively. Metagenomic functional prediction revealed that earthworms' gut microbial communities were actively involved in multiple organic and xenobiotics compound degradation-related pathways. This is the first research to use high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to show the gut microbiota of E. eugeniae in diverse agricultural systems. The findings suggest the configuration of the gut microbiota of earthworms and its potential role in the soil ecosystem depends on the microbial communities of the soil.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM), known as a key to the aquatic carbon cycle, is influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. However, the compositional variation and these factors' effects on fluorescence DOM (FDOM) in urban rivers undergoing different anthropogenic pressure are poorly investigated. Herein, using fluorescence excitation-emission matrix and parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC), four FDOM components (C1, C2, C3, and C4) were identified in a less urbanized north river (NR) and a more urbanized west river (WR) of Jiulong River Watershed in Fujian province, China. C1, C2, and C4 were related to humic-like substances (HLS) and C3 to protein-like substances (PLS). HLS (63.9% in WR and 36.4% in NR) and PLS (62.7% in WR and 37.3% in NR) exhibited higher fluorescence in the more urbanized river. We also found higher PLS in winter, but higher HLS in summer for both rivers. Although the coefficient of variation indicated a difference in FDOM components stability to some extent between the two rivers, the typhoon event that occurred in summer had a stronger disruptive impact on the CDOM and FDOM of a more urbanized river than that of a less urbanized river. We explore abiotic and biotic factors' effects on FDOM using the partial least squares path model (PLS-PM). PLS-PM results revealed higher significant influences of biotic factors on FDOM in the more urbanized river. This study enhances our understanding of FDOM dynamics of rivers with different anthropogenic pressure together with the abiotic and biotic factors driving them.

A consortium of already isolated strains has been applied to degrade endosulfan. These were identified by 16S rRNA technique as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia EN-1, Pseudomonas sp. TAH and Enterobact...

Objective: To evaluate VMAT plans for conformity and homogeneity of radiation dose to the target in order to share our experience as a pioneering institute to use VMAT technology in Pakistan. Methods: Since December 2014 to January 2018, 530 patients of various anatomical sites were treated by VMAT technique at Neurospinal Cancer Care Institute (NCCI) Karachi Pakistan. ERGO++ planning system (Version 1.7.2) was used to develop VMAT plans with single or multiple arcs by the rotation of couch and gantry. The plans were evaluated by calculating Conformity Index (CI) and Homogeneity Index (HI) and critical organ (OARs) doses of individual tumor sites. Results: The average CI of various sites was 1.4 (range: 1.0–2.0) and average HI of various sites was 1.20 (range: 1.07–1.374), respective critical organ doses were adequately achieved. Conclusions: VMAT treatment planning technique showed good conformal and homogeneous target coverage with sparing of organs at risk and reduced treatment delivery time. With these features, safety of VMAT technique may allow its routine clinical use, though it is still under investigation in many areas. Abbreviations Used:CI: Conformity Index, HI: Homogeneity Index, GI: Gradient Index, SIB: Simultaneous Integrated Boost, SRS: Stereotactic Radiosurgery, SBRT: Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy, VMAT: Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy, MLCs: Multi-leaf Collimators, MU: Monitor Units, DAM: Dynamic Arc module, TV: Target Volume, MD: Maximum Dose, PD: Prescription Dose, RTOG: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, Linac: Linear accelerator. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2647 How to cite this:Rashid A, Ahmad Z, Memon MA, Hashim ASM. Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT): A modern radiotherapy technique-A single institutional experience. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):355-361. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2647 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The work was aimed to investigate earthworms species particularly Eutyphoeus endemic to India with the use of DNA barcodes and usual morpho-anatomical standards of earthworm taxonomy from protected areas of Garo Hills, Meghalaya, the north-east region (NER) of India. The study revealed two new records Eutyphoeus kempi Stephenson, E. nepalensis Michaelsen and confirms availability of three known sp. namely E. callosus Gates, E. gammiei Beddard and E. turaensis Stephenson. The neighbor-joining tree was constructed using the K2P substitution model and the genomic signature of each species using COI-1 gene was generated for the first time and were used to reconfirm the identification of species.

The mutual interaction of a microalga Chlorella vulgaris with four antibiotics viz. sulfamethoxazole (SMX), trimethoprim (TMP), azithromycin (AZI), and levofloxacin (LEV) individually and in mixture was studied in batch culture. SMX, TMP, and LEV stimulated algal growth, while AZI inhibited its growth. The Combination Index (CI)-isobologram indicated antagonism of the antibiotic mixture on the growth of C. vulgaris. Higher removal efficiency was observed in the mixed antibiotic than in the single antibiotic batch cultures. Biodegradation was the main antibiotic removal mechanism with a similar antibiotic biosorption pattern in single and mix antibiotic cultures. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry showed minor biochemical alterations on algal cells surface and a stable algal population. Monod kinetics model was successfully applied to understand the growth with respect to the removal efficiency of C. vulgaris in single and mix antibiotic batch cultures. Results indicated relatively higher specific growth rate in the mix antibiotic batch culture with removal efficiency in the order of SMX LEV TMP AZI. In total, 46 metabolites with 18 novel ones of the four antibiotics were identified by using high-resolution mass spectrometry based on the suspect screening approach to propose the potential transformation pathways. Most of the transformation products demonstrated lower toxicity than their respective parents. These findings implied that C. vulgaris could be an outstanding candidate for advanced treatment of antibiotic removal in wastewater.

Eutyphoeus phawngpuiensis sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: CB351D9C-03D8-4D71-B200-98B63669CEC0 (Fig. 2) Material examined. Holotype: One mature (complete body), (MZ17-574 - 1 A, IEW528-17), (Registration number: DHSGV-ZDM-H001), natural forests (22º67’06” N; 93º03’41”E) Phawngpui Blue Mountain National park Lawngtlai district towards the southeast of Mizoram, close to river Chhimtuipui, 1 August 2017, coll. Shweta Yadav. Paratypes: One mature (2–3 segment taken from anal part for DNA extraction) (MZ17-574 - 1 A1), data same as for holotype; 2 clitellate specimen (MZ17-700 - 23 A20), grasslands (22º 70’87” N; 93º 01’11”E) Cheural village sector-Saiha, Mizoram, data same as for holotype. 1 mature (caudal segment taken for DNA extraction) (MZ17- 609 - 6 A2), natural forests, (22º63’81”N; 93º02’44”E) Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park, close to the peak of blue mountain, Mizoram, data same as for holotype. Paratypes (Registration number: DHSGV-ZDM-272016005), Bold accession number—ADL0658. Diagnosis. Length 119–187 mm, diameter 4–4.9 mm, segments 130–160. Prostomium tanylobic. First dorsal pore in xi/xii. Male pores in xvii. A single pair of spermathecal pores in intersegment 7/8 at ab. Pair of genital markings present ventrally in segments ix/x/xi/xii/xvi at ab and at a on xviii/xix/xx/xxi. Septa 6/7/8 absent. Intestinal caeca broadly tubular. Holandric, seminal vesicle in xii not extends much. Four pairs of supra-intestinal glands. Prostate glands tubular, paired in xvii to xxi; ducts twisted and directly attached to body wall. Bidiverticulate spermathecae. Penial setae with slightly curved and pointed tip. Description. External characters: Body cylindrical, length 119–187 mm, diameter 4–4.9 mm on clitellum, segments 130–160. Prostomium tanylobic. Colour, pigmented brownish, anterior seven segment relatively darkly pigmented while first two segment faded in live sample. First dorsal pore on intersegmental region of xi/xii. Clitellum annular, extends up to four segments i.e., 1/3xiii–xvii. Setae originates from segment iii, arranged regular, uniform throughout the body, setal arrangement aa = 2 ab = 0.5 bc = 1.4 cd = 0.1 dd on xii, aa = 3.2 ab = 1.7 bc = 2.5 cd = 0.15 dd on xxiv. One pair of spermathecal pores with transverse slit openings on intersegment 7/8 at ab. Female pore on segment xiv, between setae aa, presetal, paired, visible in the form of an elongated oval circle of light color. Male genital region avestibulate, pores discharges through transverse aperture on porophores in xvii on setal arc of b or lateral to b. Porophores encircled by thick elliptical projected mass with tapering ends. A distinct groove visible between both projected areas carrying male pores. Genital markings paired, postsetal on segments ix/x/xi/xii/xvi at ab, and paired, postsetal at a on xviii/xix/xx/xxi. Internal characters: Septa 4/5/6 thickened, muscular, septa 6/7/8 absent and 8/9/10 relatively less thickened. Septa 8/9 and 9/10 pulled backwardly. Oesophagus with a single gizzard in segments between v/vi and viii/ix. Dorsal blood vessel complete, extends anterior to gizzard in segment iii. A pair of discrete intramural calciferous glands in xii. Intestine begins in segment xv. Last pair of heart in segment xiii. Lateral intestinal caecae on segment xxvii paired, dorsally directed, broadly tubular. Median ventral caecae unpaired, 18 in number from segments xxxiii–l, supra-intestinal glands 4 pairs in lxxi–lxxv. Typhlosole originate from segment xxvii, simple, lamelliform. Testis holoandric, seminal vesicle in ix and xii, later one extends up to segment xiv, prostate tubular extending from xvii to xxi, ducts twisted and directly attached to body wall (Fig. 2f). Spermathecae paired, bidiverticulate, each with a multiloculate shortly stalked ental diverticula. Both diverticulum opens into a duct through a single opening, duct short and stout. Penial setae 1.30–2.16 mm long, 44–53µm diameter, smooth, tip pointed and slightly curved (Fig. 2i), 3–4 penial setae per battery. Genital marking gland absent. Etymology. “ phawngpuiensis ” is derived from its type habitation the Phawngpui Blue Mountain National park, Mizoram. Variations. The main variations observed between holotype and paratypes are in position of genital markings such as: in holotype the genital marking is present as paired, postsetal on segments ix/x/xi/xii/xvi at ab, and paired, postsetal at a on xviii/xix/xx/xxi segments. While in paratypes, sometimes genital marking on segment viii paired, postsetal at ab or sometimes genital marking on segments xix/xx/xxi were absent. Other variation observed were in female pore, in holotype female pore was clearly visible while in paratypes the position of pore was unclear. Remarks. The new species can be categorized into the Eutyphoeus hastatus group (Gates 1958) characterized by pair of spermathecal pores in 7/8 at ab, avestibulate male pores, holandric testes, short seminal vesicles in xii and a complete dorsal blood vessel. It is discriminated from other species of the group by bidiverticulate spermathecae, spermathecal pore at ab in 7/8, arrangements of genital markings and absence of genital marking glands (Table 3)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Lone, Azhar Rashid, Thakur, Samrendra Singh, James, Samuel W. & Yadav, Shweta, 2021, Three uncharted endemicearthworm species of the genus Eutyphoeus (Oligochaeta Octochaetidae) from Mizoram, India, pp. 41-61 in Zootaxa 5005 (1) on pages 46-48, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5005.1.3, http://zenodo.org/record/5141119, {"references":["Gates, G. E. (1958) The earthworms of Burma. VII. The genus Eutyphoeus, with notes on several Indian species. Records of the Indian Museum, 53, 93 - 222."]}

Eutyphoeus serei sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 056FC3BB-0AB3-4F20-8AFC-967730452F48 (Fig. 3) Material examined. Holotype: One mature (complete body), (MZ05 A160405, IEW092-17), (Registration number— ZSI CZRC A.20049), natural forests (24°05’08”N; 92°48’02”E) Dampa Tiger Reserve Forest, range terei, village serei, Mizoram. 28 September 2016, coll. Samuel W James & Shweta Yadav. Paratypes: One mature (caudal segment taken for DNA extraction) (MZ05 A170406, MZ05 A210410), data same as for holotype. Paratypes (Registration number— DHSGV ZDM 272016006), Bold accession number —ADH3131. Diagnosis. Length 170–180 mm, diameter 5.6–6 mm, segments 130–150. First dorsal pore in xi/xii. Female pore single on left side in xiv.Avestibulate, male pores in xvii. Pair of genital markings present ventrally in segments vii (postsetal), viii (presetal) at a, xvi (postsetal) lateral to b, xviii (postsetal at ab), sometimes on xix post setal at a. Septa 6/7/8 absent. Lateral intestinal caeca simple in xxviii. Metandric. 5–6 pairs of supra-intestinal glands. Prostate glands tubular, paired in xvi to xxiii–xxv. Bidiverticulate spermathecae. Penial setae with spoon shaped tip and pointed ends. Description. External characters: Length 170–180 mm by 5.6–6 mm on clitellum, segments 130–150. Prostomium (evanescent shape, bit distorted during preservation). Colour dark caramel. First dorsal pore intersegmental in xi/xii. Clitellum annular, extends up to four segments i.e., 1/3xiii–xvii. Setae originates from segment iii and setal arrangement are aa = 2.5 ab = 1.3 bc = 1.5 cd = 0.08 dd on xii, aa = 3 ab = 1.6 bc = 1.7 cd = 0.1 dd on xxiv. Spermathecal pores one pair on intersegmental region of 7/8, transverse slits like opening or small oval papillae at ab or lateral to b. Female pore single on segment xiv, single on left side at setal line a. Male genital region avestibulate, male pore discharges on the surface through the slit like aperture on protruded dark coloured porophores on segment xvii lateral to setal arc of b. Both porophores are thick short tubular outwardly focussed with centric male pores. Genital markings paired on vii (postsetal), viii (presetal) at a, viii (postsetal) at ab, xvi (post setal) lateral to b just above the encircled area of male genital region, a unique paired elongated marking having two small circular protuberance on xviii (post setal at ab), sometimes on xix post setal at a. Internal characters: Septa 4/5/6 thickened, muscularized, septa 6/7/8 absent and 8/9/10 relatively less thickened, muscular. Oesophagus contains a single gizzard between v/vi and viii/ix. Dorsal blood vessel complete, extends anterior to gizzard in segment iii. Discrete intramural calciferous glands in xii. Intestine begins in segment xv. Last pair of heart in segment xiii. Lateral intestinal caecae paired, conical in shape, ventrally directed in xxviii. Median ventral caecae unpaired, 5–6 in number from segments xxxi–xliii, Supra-intestinal glands 5–6 pairs in segment lxxxi–lxxxv. Typhlosole begins from xxvi simple, lamelliform. Testis metandric, seminal vesicle extending upto xvi. Prostate tubular occupy xvi to xxiii–xxv. Spermathecae paired, bidiverticulate, each with a 2.5–2.8 mm long multilobulated, dorsally directed ectal diverticula, both diverticulum opens into a duct through a separate opening, smaller in size in comparison to ampullae, ampulla cylindrical in shape, duct short. Penial setae 2–3mm long, without ornamentation, tip spoon shape with pointed ends (Fig. 3i). 1–3 penial setae per battery. Genital marking gland absent. Etymology. “ serei ” is derived from the Serei village in which the type’s habitation is found. Variations. The variations were observed in shape and position of spermathecal pores. In holotype, the spermathecal pore opens with a transverse slits on intersegmental region of 7/8 at b extending towards a while in one of its paratypes, spermathecal pore was present on a small oval papilla on intersegmental region of 7/8 at b extending towards lateral to b. Genital marking were present on segment xviii; holotype has two small circular protuberance within an elongated markings, while one of the paratypes has paired elongated markings with four small circular protuberances. Remarks. The new species belongs to the Eutyphoeus gigas group (Gates 1958) characterized by pigmented body, presence of first dorsal pore on xi/xii, single female pore on left side female pore of right side absent, presence of lateral intestinal caeca and numerous ventral caeca. The dorsal blood vessel is aborted and anterior testes along with the funnels of segment x and their ducts is absent. It is distinguished from other species of the group E. gigas Stephenson, 1917 by presence of spoon shaped tip of penial setae with lack of any kind of ornamentation and absence of genital marking glands (Table 3).

Tiwari, Nalini, Lone, Azhar Rashid, Thakur, Samrendra Singh, James, Samuel W., Yadav, Shweta (2021): Three uncharted endemicearthworm species of the genus Eutyphoeus (Oligochaeta Octochaetidae) from Mizoram, India. Zootaxa 5005 (1): 41-61, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5005.1.3

In the present study, 13 endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and their transformation products (TPs) were monitored in Jiulong River and its estuary, China in different seasons. The analytes included antimicrobials [triclosan (TCS) and triclocarbon (TCC)]; estrogens [estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and ethinylestradiol (EE2)]; alkylphenol ethoxylates [4-n-nonylphenol (NP) and 4-n-octylphenol (OP)] and the TPs [methyl triclosan (MeTCS), carbanilide (NCC), dichlorocarbanilide, 4-hydroxy estrone (4-OH E1) and 4-hydroxy estradiol (4-OH E2)]. A significant seasonal variation was observed for most EDCs. Approximately, 79% of the total E2 residues were detected in the normal season in comparison with the wet season to indicate recalcitrant behavior of E2 during the normal season. Risk assessment revealed that E2 was most potent among the EDCs to cause highest risk to both vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic species, whereas, E1, EE2, MeTCS and TCS also showed relatively high risk for some surface water aquatic species.

The distribution and fate of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) was studied in relation to hydrological conditions, land use characteristics, and spatial contiguity in Houxi River. Thirty-four CECs were detected in the surface water during a three-year sampling campaign. Caffeine was most prevalent (99% frequency), while bisphenol A had the highest median concentration (78.2 ng/L) among the detected CECs. Caffeine and the other prevalent CECs lincomycin and bisphenol A, with median concentrations of 3.89 ng/L, 0.26 ng/L, and 78.2 ng/L, respectively, were positively correlated with land use types related to anthropogenic activities (grass, barren, built up, and cropland areas and landscape indexes for human activities). The analysis of similarities revealed significant annual variations, with increasing trends in both the concentrations and detection frequencies of CECs. Spatial variations were demonstrated by higher concentrations and detection frequencies downstream compared to upstream. The singular value decomposition analysis revealed that the downstream sites were the major contributors (55.6%-100%) to the spatial variability of most CECs. Moran's I analysis based on downstream contiguity indicated strong spatial autocorrelation among the connected sites for most CECs. This was further supported by longer correlation lengths for 18 CECs than the average distance between the sampling sites. The spatial autocorrelation can be attributed to the physicochemical properties of CECs and local hydrological dynamics, including temperature, wind speed, and sunshine hours. For most CECs, local contribution predominated over neighbor influence with an average value of 75.5%. The results of this study provide new insight to evaluate CEC distributions, which will be beneficial to policymakers for the management and prioritization of CEC contaminants in the Houxi watershed.

The work was aimed to investigate earthworms species particularly

Environmental selection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is considered to be caused by antibiotic or metal residues, frequently used in livestock. In this study we examined three commercial poultry farms to correlate the co-occurrence patterns of antibiotic and metal residues to the presence of ARGs. We quantified 283 ARGs, 12 mobile genetic elements (MGEs), 49 targeted antibiotics, 7 heavy metals and sequenced 16S rRNA genes. The abundance and type of ARG were significantly enriched in manure while soil harbored the most diverse bacterial community. Procrustes analysis displayed significant correlations between ARGs/MGEs and the microbiome. Cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) were responsible for a majority of positive correlations to ARGs when compared to antibiotics. Integrons and transposons co-occurred with ARGs corresponding to 9 classes of antibiotics, especially Class1 integrase intI-1LC. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and Variance partitioning analysis (VPA) showed that antibiotics, metals, MGEs and bacteria explain solely 0.7%, 5.7%, 12.4%, and 21.9% of variances of ARGs in the microbial community, respectively. These results suggested that bacterial composition and horizontal gene transfer were the major factors shaping the composition of ARGs; Metals had a bigger effect on ARG profile than detected antibiotics in this study.

Rapid urbanization has resulted in pervasive occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in urban aquatic ecosystems. However, limited information is available concerning the ARG profiles and the forces responsible for their assembly in urban landscape lagoon systems. Here, we employed high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR) to characterize the spatial variations of ARGs in surface and core sediments of Yundang Lagoon, China. The results indicated that the average richness and absolute abundance of ARGs were 11 and 53 times higher in the lagoon sediments as compared to pristine reference Tibetan lake sediments, highlighting the role of anthropogenic activities in ARG pollution. Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that various anaerobic prokaryotic genera belonging to Alpha-, Deltaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Euryarchaeota, Firmicutes and Synergistetes were the potential hosts of ARGs. The partial least squares-path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis revealed positive and negative indirect effects of physicochemical factors and heavy metals on the lagoon ARG profiles, via biotic factors, respectively. The horizontal (mediated by mobile genetic elements) and vertical (mediated by prokaryotic communities) gene transfer may directly contribute the most to drive the abundance and composition of ARGs, respectively. Furthermore, the neutral community model demonstrated that the assembly of sediment ARG communities was jointly governed by deterministic and stochastic processes. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the diversity and distribution of ARGs in the benthic habitat of urban lagoon systems and underlying mechanisms for the spread and proliferation of ARGs.

Estuaries, being the transitional zones between freshwater and marine environments, are important for protecting and rehabilitating the aquatic environments. Sediments from freshwater and marine environments were studied in Jiulong River Estuary (JRE) in different years for rare earth elements (REEs) and some environmentally important metal and metalloid elements (MMEs). The concentration of REEs ranged from 0.11 (Tm) to 296.20 mg kg&minus, 1 (Ce), while that of MMEs ranged from 0.40 (Cd) to 86,000 mg kg&minus, 1 (Al). The temporal analysis indicated an increase of both REEs and MMEs contaminants from 2012 to 2018. Fractionation of REEs and Ce and Eu anomalies indicated natural weathering, erosion processes and changes in redox chemistry at the sampling sites. Spatial structure analysis showed relatively higher levels of both REEs and MMEs in the freshwater sediments. These variations among the sampling sites indicated different land use and anthropogenic activities. The values of enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicated anthropogenic sources of accumulation, while, ecological risk assessment (Eix) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicated potential hazards for biota due to the accumulation of Pb, Zn and As elements.

A checklist of earthworm species hitherto recorded from North Eastern Region (NER) of India is presented. In total, 128 species/subspecies belonging to 26 genera spread over 9 families are listed. Of these, 72 species are recognized as endemics, 18 as near endemics, 5 as native peregrines and 32 as exotics. The checklist includes literature citation to the original description, type locality, important synonyms and the state-wise distributional records for each species/subspecies.