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Pauronemoides lorestanensis n. sp., the fifth species of the newly established genus Pauronemoides, is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The new species was recovered from a soil sample collected from the rhizosphere of grasses in Lorestan province. It is characterised by having a medium-sized body (868-1092 μm, females; 714, 710 μm, males), four incisures in lateral fields, asymmetrical knobs of stylet, vulva at 87.9-90.2%, post-vulval uterine sac (PUS) absent, intestine with extension over rectum, and tail dimorphism of sexes and bursa of males reaching near tail end in lateral view. It was morphologically compared with four currently known species of the genus viz. P. siddiqii, P. iranicus, P. mucronatus and P. macrocellus, and is regarded as the cryptic form of P. iranicus, both of which could be separated using some morphological characters and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses of the partial small and large subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU, LSU D2-D3 rDNA) sequences of the new species were conducted, and the resulting topologies discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new species Verrucaria aptrootii sp. nov. is described from Darel Valley, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. A comparative morpho-anatomical, chemical study and ITS-based molecular analyses confirmed the position of this new species within the genus Verrucaria. Verrucaria aptrootii sp. nov. is closely related to V. squamulosa and characterized by a not squamulose thallus, plane to concave areoles, excipulum of 25–40 µm, simple, branched periphyses, ascospores of 27–35 × 10–15 µm and calcareous rock substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever is a viral disease that causes hemorrhagic fever in domestic pigs and wild swine worldwide. The first case of ASF in Indonesia was reported in North Sumatra Province in September 2019. A total of 20 archival samples of positive ASF collected from the Animal Disease Investigation Center of Medan during the outbreak investigation took place from 2019 to 2023, were used in this study. The partial B646L gene (p72), the full sequence of the E183L gene (p54) and the central variable region (CVR) of the B602L gene were amplified, purified, then sequenced. Web-based BLAST program and MEGA XI software were used to analyze the nucleotide sequencing results. The results of molecular and phylogenetic characterization analysis revealed that the ASF virus that infected pigs in North Sumatra Province in 2019-2023 was belonged to genotype II. Analysis of the three genes (B646L, E183L and B602L) did not show changes in the nucleotide and amino acid sequences in the isolates in the last 5 years. No novel variants were found in the CVR gene B602L. CVR analysis showed that these ASF virus strain belonged to subgroup XXXII. The results of this study revealed that the ASF virus in North Sumatra Province has high homology with ASF virus isolates previously detected in China, Vietnam and East Leste in 2019.

The newly described chrysophyte, Mallomonas vietnamica, is reported for the first time in China from specimens collected in Guizhou Province, SW China. The morphological characteristics were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The species was described based on morphological characteristics, including cell size, scale size, dome, V-rib, and bristles. Subsequently, molecular sequencing of M. vietnamica was conducted and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on concatenated SSU, LSU, and rbcL sequences. The phylogenetic tree led us to suggest raising a new section named Uncatusipedae for this species. This study provides new molecular data from the genus Mallomonas and enriches our understanding of the species diversity and geographical distribution of the genus Mallomonas in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Three populations of Pauronemoides siddiqii n. gen., n. sp. were recovered from three different locations in northwestern and northern Iran from bark and soil samples. The new genus was described and illustrated based upon morphological and molecular characteristics. Pauronemoides n. gen. belongs to the family Paurodontidae and is characterised by the medium-sized body, asymmetrical knobs in stylet base, stem-like extension into intestine, post-vulval uterine sac (PUS) absent or rudimentary, different tail tip shape between sexes, and bursa enveloping tail or reaching to the tail end. The type species, Pauronemoides siddiqii n. gen., n. sp., is mainly characterised by 752-1281 μ m body length in females and 660-1085 μ m in males, six equally-sized lips, stylet 9-11 μ m long with asymmetrical knobs, six incisures in lateral fields forming five bands, three of which (two outers and one central) are wider, and variably lengthened stem-like extension projecting into the intestine. Vulva situated posteriorly (V = 87.7-91.7%), PUS absent. Conical tail with widely rounded end, having a small mucron at tip in females, males with conical tail ending to a narrower tip and bursa enveloping tail completely. The type species of the new genus was compared with all known species of the genera Prothallonema , Paurodontus , Paurodontoides and Paurodontella. Pauronemoides siddiqii n. gen., n. sp. resembles Prothallonema macrocellum and P. mucronatum by having the bulb extension penetrating into the intestine, dimorphism in tail shape of both sexes and bursa enveloping tail, and Paurodontella iranica by tail shape dimorphism between sexes and bursa ending near tail tip. Therefore, the above-mentioned species are transferred to the new genus as Pauronemoides macrocellus n. gen., n. comb. (= Prothallonema macrocellum), P. mucronatus n. gen., n. comb. (= Prothallonema mucronatum) and P. iranicus n. gen., n. comb. (= Paurodontella iranica). In addition to morphological comparisons, molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed using two sequences of small subunit (SSU), and three partial sequences of D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit (LSU) rDNA, and the resulting topologies were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species Buellia darelensis, B. densitheca, B. kashmirensis and two new records B. elegans and B. taishanensis are added to the lichen biota of Pakistan. Buellia darelensis and B. kashmirensis share the same habitats found on the rock while B. densitheca colonized on bark of Pinus hardwoods in the Himalayan forest, Pakistan. Morphological, chemical, and phylogenetic analyses were carried out to elucidate the placement of these species and to support the delimitation of the new taxa. Detailed descriptions and figures for the species are given, and a key to all known buellioid species from Pakistan is provided. Research Highlights: During recent explorations of lichens from different regions of Pakistan, we observed specimens that could not be readily assigned to any known species. A phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer nrDNA region confirms their position within the genus Buellia, and morphological data showed distinctiveness of three species from other known species of the genus. We therefore describe these specimens as new species to science, and two species are as new records for the country. Pakistan exhibits a large altitudinal variation, with climatic conditions and a diverse vegetation that supports a diverse and conspicuous lichen biota. The nature reserves have abundant biological resources, and it is expected that more new species of lichen may be discovered in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piroplasmosis is a zoonotic disease mainly caused by the Babesia and Theileria parasites. Piroplasmosis is often a subclinical infection in dogs and cats that is difficult to detect and is often suspected when clinical signs such as anemia are present. It has been reported to be prevalent in China. However, molecular evidence of the disease has not been reported in pet dogs and cats in Guiyang. In this study, we collected 307 anticoagulated blood samples from an animal hospital in the Wudang District of Guiyang during the period March 2021 to November 2021 and extracted DNA from the samples. The 18S rDNA gene was amplified using PCR, and the positive amplification product was sequenced. The sequences were then analyzed for homology and phylogeny. Of the 307 samples collected, 164 were feline and 143 were canine, with a total of 23 amplifying a target band of approximately 400 bp. The percentage of positives of piroplasms infection in pet cats was 4.27% (7/164), with the pathogens being T. uilenbergi (3) and T. luwenshuni (4). One Colpodella sp. and two undetermined species were also detected in the cat samples. The percentage of positives of piroplasms infection in pet dogs was 7.69% (11/143), with the pathogen being T. uilenbergi (11). One Colpodella sp. was also detected in the dog samples. The results confirmed that T. uilenbergi and T. luwenshuni are prevalent in pet cats and dogs in this area. In addition, the study found a rare zoonotic pathogen, Colpodella sp., in cats and dogs. Therefore, this study is expected to serve as a valuable reference for decision-making regarding animal health management and public health work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background DNA barcoding is a powerful method for phylogenetic mapping and species identification. However, recent research has come to a consistent conclusion about the universality of DNA barcoding. We used matK and rbcL markers to test the universality of twelve accessions from different locations belonging to two Selinum species, Selinum tenuifolium Wall. C. B. Clarke and Selinum vaginatum C. B. Clarke, keeping in mind their ability to identify species and establish phylogenetic relationships within and between the accessions. Results The success rates of PCR amplification using matK and rbcL were 75.26% ± 3.65% and 57.24% ± 4.42%, and the rate of DNA sequencing was 63.84% ± 4.32% and 50.82% ± 4.36%, respectively, suggesting that success rates of species identification of the two fragments were higher than 41.00% (matK, 41.50% ± 2.81%; rbcL, 42.88% ± 2.59%), proving that these fragments might be used to identify species. The best evolutionary tree with good supporting values was produced utilizing combinations of matK + rbcL markers when phylogenetic relationships were built with random fragment combinations. The twelve accessions of Selinum collected from different locations and their molecular sequences of matK and rbcL markers were blasted with other genera of Apiaceae family, and it was found that Selinum is most closely related to Angelica species of Apiaceae family. Conclusion The present study has grouped twelve accessions of Selinum species using molecular markers into phylogenies, which is first-of-its-kind report that established interrelationships within different species of Apiaceae with respect to Selinum. Graphical abstract

Background: DNA barcoding is a powerful method for phylogenetic mapping and species identification. However, recent research has come to a consistent conclusion about the universality of DNA barcoding. We used matK and rbcL markers to test the universality of twelve accessions from different locations belonging to two Selinum species, Selinum tenuifolium Wall. C. B. Clarke and Selinum vaginatum C. B. Clarke, keeping in mind their ability to identify species and establish phylogenetic relationships within and between the accessions. Results: The success rates of PCR amplification using matK and rbcL were 75.26% ± 3.65% and 57.24% ± 4.42%, and the rate of DNA sequencing was 63.84% ± 4.32% and 50.82% ± 4.36%, respectively, suggesting that success rates of species identification of the two fragments were higher than 41.00% (matK, 41.50% ± 2.81%; rbcL, 42.88% ± 2.59%), proving that these fragments might be used to identify species. The best evolutionary tree with good supporting values was produced utilizing combinations of matK + rbcL markers when phylogenetic relationships were built with random fragment combinations. The twelve accessions of Selinum collected from different locations and their molecular sequences of matK and rbcL markers were blasted with other genera of Apiaceae family, and it was found that Selinum is most closely related to Angelica species of Apiaceae family. Conclusion: The present study has grouped twelve accessions of Selinum species using molecular markers into phylogenies, which is first-of-its-kind report that established interrelationships within different species of Apiaceae with respect to Selinum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AdV pollution in fishing ports was associated with nearby polluted river water. • HAdV 41 and PAdV 5 were the dominant serotypes in the waters of the fishing ports. • The seasonal distributions of HAdV and PAdV differed significantly. • The AdV detection rate significantly differed according to regional distribution. • The presence of AdV was associated with total plate count, pH, and salinity. Adenoviruses (AdVs) are a major cause of clinical infections and have been proposed as indicators of water quality. However, quantitative data on the environmental prevalence of AdVs is lacking. We investigated the prevalence, distribution, seasonal occurrence, quantity, and genotype of AdVs in 13 fishing harbours in Taiwan. AdVs in the water samples were isolated by membrane filtration and the AdV DNA was extracted. Next, AdVs were detected using nested polymerase chain reaction. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis were performed to identify various AdV genotypes present in the water samples. The F species human AdV (HAdV) serotype 41 (63.6%) and C species porcine AdV (PAdV) serotype 5 (33.3%) were more prevalent than the other serotypes. The prevalence of AdVs was highest in the fall, followed by in the spring and summer. Among the fishing harbours, the highest detection rate of AdVs was observed in Yenpudongang in all seasons. However, Puoziliao was the only site at which AdVs were not detected during the study period. AdV detection at sampling sites may be correlated with sewage and livestock wastewater discharge via outflow of nearby rivers to fishing ports. Statistical analysis (Mann–Whitney U test) based on data from water quality indicators revealed that the presence of AdVs was significantly associated with the heterotrophic plate count, pH, and salinity. Human and swine population data from nearby local townships and river/drainage basins were collected from the Taiwan Central Government's website. The data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between the prevalence of AdVs, HAdVs, and PAdVs in fishing harbours, and microbial water quality indicators. Statistical evidence indicated that the detection levels of HAdVs and PAdVs in fishing harbours were mainly associated with human and swine populations in the corresponding river/drainage basin, respectively. Additionally, the swine population in the river/drainage basin was positively correlated with microbial water quality indicators. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]