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We combine multivariate ratio analysis (MRA) of body measurements and analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear data to examine the status of several species of European paper wasps (Polistes Latreille, 1802) closely related to P. gallicus. Our analyses unambiguously reveal the presence of a cryptic species in Europe, as two distinct species can be recognized in what has hitherto been considered Polistes bischoffi Weyrauch, 1937. One species is almost as light coloured as P. gallicus, and is mainly recorded from Southern Europe and Western Asia. The other species is darker and has a more northern distribution in Central Europe. Both species occur syntopically in Switzerland. Given that the lost lectotype of P. bischoffi originated from Sardinia, we selected a female of the southern species as a neotype. The northern species is described as P. helveticus sp. n. here. We also provide a redescription of P. bischoffi rev. stat. and an identification key including three more closely related species, P. biglumis, P. gallicus and P. hellenicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cognitive dysfunction is the most common problem of patients with Alzheimer Disease (AD). The pathological mechanism of cognitive impairment in AD may contribute to neuronal loss, synaptic dysfunction, and alteration in neurotransmitters receptors. Mitochondrial synapses dysfunction due to the accumulation of Amyloid Beta (Aβ) is one of the earliest pathological features of AD. The flavone apigenin has been reported to play some protective roles in AD through the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed at investigating the effects of apigenin on spatial working memory and neural protection by restoring mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibition of caspase 9. Methods: Intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinjection of Aβ 25-35 was used for AD modeling. Working memory was assessed 21 days later using the Y maze test. Neuronal loss was detected in the hilar area of the hippocampus using Nissl and Fluoro-jade B staining, whereas immunohistochemistry was used to illustrate cytochrome c positive cells and caspase 9. Results: The results revealed that apigenin significantly ameliorated spatial working memory. It also significantly reduced the number of degenerative neurons in the hilus area. Apigenin almost completely blocked the release of cytochrome c and caspase 9 in hilus. Conclusion: Apigenin may improve the spatial working memory deficits and neuronal degeneration through the amelioration of the mitochondrial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group I introns were found in the cob and cox I genes of Volvox carteri. These introns contain tandem arrays of short palindromic sequences that are related to each other. Inspection of other regions in the mtDNA revealed that similar palindromic repetitive sequences are dispersed in the non-protein coding regions of the mitochondrial genome. Analysis of the group I intron in the cob gene of another member of Volvocaceae, Volvox aureus, has shown that its sequence is highly homologous to its counterpart in V. carteri with the exception of a cluster of palindromic sequences not found in V. carteri. This indicates that the palindromic clusters were inserted into the introns after divergence of the two species, presumably due to frequent insertions of the palindromic elements during evolution of the Volvocaceae. Possible involvement of the palindromic repetitive elements in the molecular evolution of functional RNAs is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The spin trapping method combined with EPR spectroscopy has been employed by a number of laboratories to study alcohol-induced oxidative stress. Ethanol is converted to a free radical metabolite, the 1-hydroxyethyl radical in chemical reactions that generate hydroxyl radicals, in incubations of rat liver microsomes and in vivo. Furthermore, both acute and chronic ethanol administration leads to formation of radicals in the liver that are presumed to be products of lipid peroxidation. In general, overall radical production is enhanced by treatments known to be involved in alcoholic liver injury, such as chronic alcohol administration along with high levels of dietary fat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: As a result of the ten years (2012-2022) work under the critical revision of the genera of Reticulariaceae, a set of papers was published. Collection data of hundreds of specimens, used as a material for these studies, were provided as supplements of corresponding papers, but remained unpublished in biodiversity databases. New information: Here, we represent an occurrence dataset "Barcoded Reticulariaceae of the World", published in GBIF. It includes data on 523 myxomycete collections (including 36 types) gathered from five continents and spanning 24 countries. The dataset encompasses 43 distinct species and one subspecies of myxomycetes, including rare, endemic, and recently-described taxa. Species included to the database mainly belong to the genera Alwisia, Lycogala, Reticularia, Siphoptychium, Thecotubifera and Tubifera (Reticulariaceae), but as well Lindbladia and Licaethalium (Cribrariaceae). Nearly all of the research material, with the exception of several old collections, underwent molecular barcoding, primarily involving the 18S rDNA gene, but also the elongation factor 1α gene and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. For those sequences that are stored in the NCBI GenBank, accession numbers are provided in the dataset. Newly-described species make up a significant part of the studied herbarium collections; many of them can be characterised as common for their region. A particularly high level of taxonomic novelty is observed in Australia, which may be explained by the endemism of the local myxomycete biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dryinidae are a diverse family of parasitoids, and they are important natural enemies of Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) pests. A comprehensive understanding of the diversity and host interaction networks of these parasitoids is critical to their application in biological control programs and their conservation. However, traditional methods such as morphological identification and rearing are insufficient to understand the diversity and host associations of dryinids. In this paper, we assessed the effectiveness of DNA barcode techniques for surveying dryinid diversity and their host associations on the Xisha Islands. Based on the analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of adults and larvae, we recognized 11 dryinid species, including an undescribed species and one re-instated species, on the Xisha Islands. We also confirmed the host associations of each dryinid species and constructed a dryinid–hopper interaction network which suggests that the population sizes of some dryinid species are extremely small and further conservation assessments of dryinids for the Xisha Islands are needed. Our study demonstrates that DNA barcoding methods are potent for assessing parasitoid diversity and their host associations. Dryinidae are a cosmopolitan group of important parasitoids that attack the nymphs and adults of Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) pests. Effective application of these parasitoids as biological control agents against Auchenorrhyncha and the development of conservation strategies depend upon a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and host interaction networks of these parasitoids. However, traditional morphology-based identification and rearing methods are inadequate to understand the diversity and host associations of dryinids due to their extreme sexual dimorphism, species rarity, and unique biology. To address this, we assessed the effectiveness of DNA barcode techniques for surveying dryinid diversity and their host associations on the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea. By analyzing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequencies of adults and larvae of dryinids collected on six islets of the Xisha Islands, we recognized 11 dryinid species, including an undescribed species and one re-instated species, A. malaysianum Olmi, 1987, stat. rev. Additionally, we confirmed the host associations of each dryinid species and constructed a dryinid–hopper interaction network. This network was mostly composed of specialists, suggesting that the population sizes of some dryinid species were extremely small and highlighting the need for further conservation assessments of dryinids on the Xisha Islands. Overall, our study demonstrates the efficacy of DNA barcoding methods for assessing parasitoid diversity and their host associations, which are crucial for guiding conservation and management efforts for these important insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the South American rust fungi Puccinia modiolae and P. platyspora (Pucciniales/Uredinales) as new alien species of the European rust funga. Puccinia modiolae is presently known from Switzerland and Germany, P. platyspora from Switzerland, Germany, and France. The records of P. platyspora are the first ones from outside South America. The specimens were identified by teliospore characters and sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (internal transcribed spacer 2 and domains D1–D2 of the nuclear ribosomal large subunit) and the mitochondrial CO3 (cytochrome c oxidase III) gene. Puccinia modiolae and P. platyspora have been recorded so far in Europe on members of the genera Alcea, predominantly on Alcea rosea, Althaea, and Malva of the Malvaceae, subfam. Malvoideae. Alcea rosea is host of both species and shared also with the common mallow rust, P. malvacearum, allowing for mixed infections. The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental and may play a major role for the spread of the alien Malvaceae rust fungi. It was observed for the first time that P. platyspora can produce spermogonia and aecidium-type aecia, suggesting phenotypic plasticity regarding the formation of spore states. The observed spermogonia mainly remained closed and did not liberate spermatia. They produced telio- and aeciospores besides spermatia in their cavity and eventually converted entirely into telia or, rarely, into aecidium-like sori. Small clusters of aeciospores and peridial cells were commonly found hidden in the telial plectenchyma, and well-developed aecidium-type aecia provided with a peridium developed rarely in the center of mature telia. Spermogonia belonging to group V type 4 were found in P. malvacearum, which is generally supposed to lack spermogonia. Some spermogonia produced only spermatia in their cavity; others formed spermatia and teliospores, and some eventually converted into telia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Correct taxonomic identification is essential for conducting successful biological research, especially of the important natural enemies of insects, such as Anastatus, a genus of parasitic wasps. In the present study, the key to all 21 Chinese Anastatus species, based on females, is provided, and seven new species are described and illustrated. We also used cytochrome oxidase I (COI) to identify and distinguish Chinese Anastatus. Seventeen sequences from seven Anastatus species were obtained and included in the GenBank database. Anastatus is the second-largest genus in the family Eupelmidae, with 150 species found worldwide and fourteen known species in China. Most species in this genus are the primary parasitoids of insect eggs, particularly those of Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, and several species have been used for the biological control of various insect pests. In this paper, seven new species of Anastatus Motschulsky, 1859 (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) from China are described, of which A. caeruleus Wang and Peng n. sp. and A. garygibsoni Zhou and Peng n. sp. were reared from the eggs of Tessaratoma papillosa (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae), while A. daiyunensis Wang and Peng n. sp., A. makrysourus Zhou and Peng n. sp., A. polikiarkoudus Wang and Peng n. sp., A. taibaiensis Wang and Peng n. sp., and A. zdenekbouceki Zhou and Peng n. sp. were collected by malaise traps or sweeping. The new species are all described and illustrated based on female specimens, and the key to all 21 Chinese Anastatus species, based on females, is provided. Partial COI sequences of A. caeruleus n. sp., A. garygibsoni n. sp., and A. taibaiensis n. sp. are provided, and a phylogenetic reconstruction based on maximum likelihood analyses, while showing similar results at high taxonomic levels to our morphological feature classification results, provides additional information on the placement of Anastatus at the species level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Crenosoma vulpis (Dujardin,1845) is a lungworm which has spread worldwide in canines and is associated with upper respiratory infections. In a majority of cases, the infections are accompanied with chronic cough. Diagnosis of lungworms is often underdiagnosed and can be misinterpreted as other respiratory diseases. Methods: The Small Animal Clinic of the University Veterinary Hospital admitted an 11-month-old dog presented with persistent cough associated with difficulty in breathing and even asphyxia. Based on clinical symptoms, the patient underwent radiological and bronchoscopic examination. Bronchoscopy revealed the presence of lungworms obturating the branches of the tracheobronchial tree. Larvae were collected by bronchoscopic lavage and subjected to parasitological and molecular examination. Results: Microscopic detection and morphological identification of the worms removed during the bronchoscopy confirmed the presence of female adult worms. The subsequent molecular characterisation of the mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) and 12S ribosomal DNA (rDNA)), nuclear (18S rDNA) genes, as well as the analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) region of the ribosomal DNA, confirmed the Crenosoma vulpis species. Faecal samples were processed using the Baermann method, which confirmed the presence of the larval stage 1 of C. vulpis. The therapy with fenbendazole at a dose of 50 mg/kg of live weight once daily for the period of 7 days was initiated for the patient. Conclusion: This paper presents the first molecularly confirmed clinical case of a Crenosoma vulpis infection in an 11-month-old female dog of the Miniature Schnauzer breed in Slovakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Iberian Peninsula constitutes a diversity hotspot with a high number of endemisms, where the land snail genus Iberus is likely the best example. Despite this, its species diversity is still debated as it holds several cryptic species. In the present paper, we use molecular evidence (mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I) to clarify the position of I. ortizi and three new cryptic species that are described herein: I. giennensis, I. axarciensis and I. antikarianus spp. nov. For this, we sampled 281 sampling points to delimitate a comprehensive geographic mapping of these species. Moreover, we carried out a comprehensive morphometric analysis based on 3205 shells. Our findings show that, morphologically, the three described species overlap in the form of their shells, their morphologies being very similar to other close species with nearby distributions (I. ortizi, I. angustatus and I. marmoratus loxanus). Still, all these species are well-defined by genetic distances, but display allopatric distributions, suggesting that they evolved by allopatric speciation as a consequence of biogeographic isolation. Hence, our findings show insights into the evolution of land snails in southeastern Spain, with implications for their conservation, given that our exhaustive sampling shows that the three species described here have very limited distribution ranges, especially I. antikarianus sp. nov. Our study, moreover, implies an integrated approach to the study of the evolution of land snails, including the sampling of the complete geographic area occupied by the genus, genetic analysis to delimit the actual species range, as well as morphometric analyses to understand the phenotypic differentiation and adaptations of the three new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron–copper complexes have been extensively studied in the search for efficient cytochrome c oxidase models. Whereas most dinuclear materials usually focus on fine-tuning the coordination of heme-Fe, this work shows that the coordination of copper in cytochrome c oxidase models should be carefully taken into consideration. A β-cyclodextrin dimer was built around a bipyridine linker and combined with Fe-tetraphenylsulfonatoporphyrinate (FeTPPS) to generate a self-assembled hydrosoluble cytochrome c oxidase model. Cyclic voltammetry and rotating ring disk electrode experiments showed that this model with a tetrahedral coordination of copper(I) is efficient for the reduction of molecular oxygen with an average of 3.6 electrons indicating a preference and efficiency for the four-electron reduction to water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study reports the results of a multidisciplinary research on Mediterranean pelagic octopods belonging to the species Argonauta argo, Ocythoe tuberculata, Tremoctopus gracilis and Tremoctopus violaceus for the first time. The study area was the Strait of Messina and southern Tyrrhenian Sea. We used information from stranding events, accidental fishing catches and stomach contents of large predators (albacore, bluefin tuna, swordfish and Mediterranean spearfish). We analysed 47 fresh octopods, including exceptional records of rare males, and 330 individuals found in the stomachs of 800 predators. The analysis of genetic aspects was used to provide further details on the life and identity of these species. The present paper represents the first all-encompassing study on all Mediterranean holopelagic octopods belonging to Argonautoidea (Argonauta argo, Ocythoe tuberculata, Tremoctopus gracilis, Tremoctopus violaceus). Argonautoidea octopuses were collected by different sampling methods in the Strait of Messina and southern Tyrrhenian Sea. The aim of this paper was to improve knowledge, using information from different data sources, such as the study of stranded individuals or accidental caught specimens, as well as the analysis of stomach content of large pelagic fishes. Moreover, we investigated their taxonomic profile through the amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Overall, 47 fresh holopelagic octopods were collected, including valuable records of rare males. Moreover, 330 Argonautoidea octopuses were found in the stomachs of 800 predators. The results provided evidence that these cephalopods are more abundant than thought in the past. The molecular approach supported the ecological results with interesting insights. The similarity-based identifications and tree-based methods indicated that three females could be identified as Tremoctopus violaceus in agreement with their morphological classifications. The sequences obtained from the two T. gracilis individuals were clustered with the sequences of Tremoctopus violaceus from the Gulf of Mexico and were differentiated from the sequences attributed to T. gracilis and T. robsoni. The study represents a valuable contribution to the genetic characterization of Mediterranean individuals of the genera Tremoctopus, Argonauta and Ocythoe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new genus in the nudibranch family Discodorididae, Avaldesia n. gen. is established for Avaldesia albomacula (Chan & Gosliner, 2007) and Avaldesia tahala (Chan & Gosliner, 2007), originally assigned to the genus Thordisa Bergh, 1877, and a new species, Avaldesia tamatoa n. sp. described here from the central Pacific. To establish species relationships within Avaldesia , as well as the placement of Avaldesia within Discodorididae, we utilized four molecular markers (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 16S rRNA, histone H3 and 28S rRNA) in our Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses. Four species delimitation methods were complemented by morphological dissections and scanning electron microscopy. Our results reveal a clear separation between Avaldesia and Thordisa and suggest that Avaldesia is more closely related to the genera Hoplodoris Bergh, 1880 and Asteronotus Ehrenberg, 1831. The most characteristic features of Avaldesia include a radula with increasing denticulation towards the fimbriate outermost laterals and a reproductive system with a lobate vestibular gland, occasional hollow vestibular spine and a penis armed with one or more penial spines. All species of Avaldesia are found in shallow water (5–10 m depth) on rocky reefs, sandy sediments and algal fields with distributions across the Indo-Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fine-scale phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of Peripatopsis lawrencei s.l. was conducted with both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data, using both external morphology and scanning electron microscopy of taxonomically important characters. A total of 119 sequences were used for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) whereas a single representative specimen from each locality was sequenced for the nuclear 18S rRNA locus. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted on the total COI data set and the combined COI + 18S rRNA data set using a Bayesian analysis and maximum likelihood analyses. For the combined DNA sequence data set, a divergence time estimation was further undertaken in BEAST and specimens placed in a phylogenetic framework including all the described Peripatopsis species from South Africa. In addition, a phylogeographic study was conducted exclusively on P. lawrencei s.s. (clade A) using an analysis of molecular variance and haplotype network. Phylogenetic results indicated that, at the Oubos sample locality, two highly distinct genetic lineages were present (clades A and B), whereas a divergence time estimation suggests a Miocene cladogenesis of the novel Oubos lineage. Marked phylogeographic structure was observed for P. lawrencei s.s. (restricted to clade A) across the distribution range with limited maternal dispersal. Morphologically, the two sympatric lineages at Oubos A and B differed in leg pair number, ventral colour and dorsal scale rank counts, as evident from scanning electron microscopy. Our results support the recognition of a distinct species that occurs in sympatry with P. lawrencei s.s. The new species , P. aereus sp. nov. (clade B) is described and the implication for fine-scale taxonomic studies on saproxylic taxa is discussed. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AB6E0BDA-7B5F-4FD3-A863-BA7C814E278C Velvet worms are soft-bodied organisms, where crypticity and habitat complexity have created poor taxonomic delineations. This study aims to contribute to the taxonomic revisions through the identification of an undescribed ancient novel lineage living in sympatry, at the Riviersonderend Mountains at Oubos, with the known Peripatopsis lawrencei. In this study, we discovered a new velvet worm species, P. aureus sp. nov., and this is described in this paper. (Photograph by Prof. M. D. Picker.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pinna nobilis, a species of marine shellfish living in the Mediterranean Sea, is at a high risk of extinction due to a not-entirely-known disease that started affecting its populations in 2016. In this paper, we reported the main traits of its evolutionary history to understand how this species evolved over time and space from the moment its ancestor entered the Mediterranean. To achieve this goal, we analysed a total of 469 sequences from all over the Mediterranean Sea. Our research showed that P. nobilis evolved from its ancestor about 2.5 million years ago, following a rapid and catastrophic entry of waters from the Atlantic Ocean that pushed the P. nobilis ancestor into the Mediterranean around 5.3 million years ago. Our results also suggest that the central part of the western Mediterranean was the first marine area where this species settled and, later on, it spread to the Adriatic and the eastern part of the basin. This information is of twofold importance, as it helps us to understand how this species adapted to the Mediterranean over time and may be the basis of present and future restocking plans which want to take into consideration the reconstruction of pre-existing genetic variability. Pinna nobilis, commonly known as the noble pen shell, is a marine bivalve endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, due to a multifactorial disease that began affecting its populations in 2016, the species is currently facing the threat of extinction. To gain insights into the evolutionary history of P. nobilis before the mass mortality event (MME), and to obtain a comprehensive understanding of how evolutionary processes led to the adaptation of the species into the Mediterranean Sea, phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were carried out. The dataset analysed includes 469 sequences of COI gene fragment both from GenBank and the present study (100). The analysis performed evidenced that P. nobilis diverged about 2.5 mya, after the entrance of its ancestor into the Mediterranean Sea following the Zanclean flood (5.33 mya). Moreover, our results suggest that the starting point of colonisation was the central part of the western Mediterranean basin, with the eastern basin being populated subsequently. From a conservational viewpoint, these results provide important hints for present and future restocking plans, helping to reconstruct the pre-existing genetic variability in sites where the species became extinct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barathronus is a genus of blind cusk eels comprising 11 valid species. In this paper, we report the second specimen ever documented of Barathronus roulei (Bythitidae) obtained from the Porcupine Bank by R.V. Vizconde de Eza using a bottom trawl at a depth of 1349 m. Morphological description and illustrations, including a radiograph, are provided. In addition, three new sequences corresponding to three different genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)‐DNA barcoding, 16S ribosomal RNA (16S), and recombination activating protein 1 (RAG1), have been added to the molecular repositories, representing the first sequences for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishes of the Mugilidae family are poorly known from a taxonomic perspective, largely because of their conservative morphology. In this paper, we aim to fill the knowledge gap and data deficiency regarding the genetic diversity of mullets occurring in southern peninsular India. A comprehensive mitochondrial phylogeny based on 238 COI sequences (78 newly generated) and three species delimitation methods (ASAP, RESL, and ABGD) confirmed the presence of 21 species of mullets within eight genera in southern peninsular India. These include one species each under the genera Rhinomugil Gill 1863, Minimugil Durand, Chen, Shen, Fu, and Borsa, 2012, Plicomugil Schultz 1953, and Ellochelon Whitley 1930; seven species of Planiliza Whitley 1945; four species of Crenimugil Schultz 1946; four species of Osteomugil Luther 1982; and two species of the "Mugil cephalus Linnaeus 1758" complex—though with uncertainty regarding the exact geographic origin of one of the two species of the "Mugil cephalus" complex and one species phylogenetically close to Planiliza subviridis (Valenciennes 1836). We provide an overview of the specific geographical regions in southern peninsular India, and "species groups", which require future research using an integrative approach, so as to unravel the true extent of mullet diversity and their distribution in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indonesia is home to many species of non-human primates (NHPs). Deforestation, which is still ongoing in Indonesia, has substantially reduced the habitat of NHPs in the republic. This has led to an intensification of interactions between NHPs and humans, which opens up the possibility of pathogen spillover. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of malarial parasite infections in NHPs in five provinces of Indonesia in 2022. Species of the genus Anopheles that can potentially transmit malarial pathogens to humans were also investigated. Methods: An epidemiological survey was conducted by capturing NHPs in traps installed in several localities in the five provinces, including in the surroundings of a wildlife sanctuary. Blood samples were drawn aseptically after the NHPs had been anesthetized; the animals were released after examination. Blood smears were prepared on glass slides, and dried blood spot tests on filter paper. Infections with Plasmodium spp. were determined morphologically from the blood smears, which were stained with Giemsa solution, and molecularly through polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing using rplU oligonucleotides. The NHPs were identified to species level by using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene and the internal transcribed spacer 2 gene as barcoding DNA markers. Mosquito surveillance included the collection of larvae from breeding sites and that of adults through the human landing catch (HLC) method together with light traps. Results: Analysis of the DNA extracted from the dried blood spot tests of the 110 captured NHPs revealed that 50% were positive for Plasmodium, namely Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium coatneyi, Plasmodium inui, Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium sp. Prevalence determined by microscopic examination of the blood smears was 42%. Species of the primate genus Macaca and family Hylobatidae were identified by molecular analysis. The most common mosquito breeding sites were ditches, puddles and natural ponds. Some of the Anopheles letifer captured through HLC carried sporozoites of malaria parasites that can cause the disease in primates. Conclusions: The prevalence of malaria in the NHPs was high. Anopheles letifer, a potential vector of zoonotic malaria, was identified following its collection in Central Kalimantan by the HLC method. In sum, the potential for the transmission of zoonotic malaria in several regions of Indonesia is immense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rachiplusia nu (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Plusiinae) is a defoliator of soybean (Glycine max L., Fabaceae), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., Asteraceae), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L., Fabaceae), and horticultural crops in temperate southern South America; however, there is little genetic information available about this pest insect. Recently, concerns about this insect have increased because of its suspected resistance to Bt soybean and its spread to tropical regions. To better understand pest dynamics, and therefore implement suitable management strategies, a thorough knowledge of the genetic variability and spatial structuring of populations is required. In this paper, R. nu larvae were sampled from various crops and locations in central Argentina (where the pest is endemic) to assess diversity and population structure through mtDNA sequence analysis. In addition to the analysis of the standard cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) 'barcode' fragment, a new set of primers was developed to explore genetic variation in the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene. COI and Cytb concatenated sequences revealed an overall high haplotype diversity (mean ± SD = 0.798 ± 0.037) and low nucleotide diversity (0.00137 ± 0.00013). The haplotype network showed a total of 19 haplotypes, separated by at most five mutational steps. A main central haplotype and four additional frequent haplotypes (accounting for 80% of the specimens examined) were distributed across populations with no obvious pattern related to host plant or geographic origin. Analysis of molecular variance further supported a weak population structure, where genetic variation within populations was the main source of total variation (ca. 96%). Pairwise comparisons showed only minor genetic differentiation among some of the populations studied. Implications of these findings in the context of R. nu control are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long wavelengths that can deeply penetrate into human skin are required to maximize therapeutic effects. Hence, various studies on near-infrared organic light-emitting diodes (NIR OLEDs) have been conducted, and they have been applied in numerous fields. This paper presents a microcavity tandem NIR OLED with narrow full-width half-maximum (FWHM) (34 nm), high radiant emittance (> 5 mW/cm2) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) (19.17%). Only a few papers have reported on biomedical applications using the entire wavelength range of the visible and NIR regions. In particular, no biomedical application studies have been reported in the full wavelength region using OLEDs. Therefore, it is worth researching the therapeutic effects of using OLED, a next-generation light source, and analyzing trends for cell proliferation effects. Cell proliferation effects were observed in certain wavelength regions when B, G, R, and NIR OLEDs were used to irradiate human fibroblasts. The results of an in-vitro experiment indicated that the overall tendency of wavelengths is similar to that of the cytochrome c oxidase absorption spectrum of human fibroblasts. This is the first paper to report trends in the cell proliferation effects in all wavelength regions using OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anguillicoloides crassus is an invasive nematode parasite of the critically endangered European eel, Anguilla anguilla, and possibly one of the primary drivers of eel population collapse, impacting many features of eel physiology and life history. Early detection of the parasite is vital to limit the spread of A. crassus, to assess its potential impact on spawning biomass. However accurate diagnosis of infection could only be achieved via necropsy. To support eel fisheries management we developed a rapid, non-lethal, minimally invasive and in situ DNA-based method to infer the presence of the parasite in the swim bladder. Screening of 131 wild eels was undertaken between 2017 and 2019 in Ireland and UK to validate the procedure. DNA extractions and PCR were conducted using both a Qiagen Stool kit and in situ using Whatman qualitative filter paper No1 and a miniPCR DNA Discovery-System™. Primers were specifically designed to target the cytochrome oxidase mtDNA gene region and in situ extraction and amplification takes approximately 3 h for up to 16 individuals. Our in-situ diagnostic procedure demonstrated positive predictive values at 96% and negative predictive values at 87% by comparison to necropsy data. Our method could be a valuable tool in the hands of fisheries managers to enable infection control and help protect this iconic but critically endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Pakistan has rich biodiversity, many groups are poorly known, particularly insects. To address this gap, we employed DNA barcoding to survey its insect diversity. Specimens obtained through diverse collecting methods at 1,858 sites across Pakistan from 2010–2019 were examined for sequence variation in the 658 bp barcode region of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene. Sequences from nearly 49,000 specimens were assigned to 6,590 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs), a proxy for species, and most (88%) also possessed a representative image on the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). By coupling morphological inspections with barcode matches on BOLD, every BIN was assigned to an order (19) and most (99.8%) were placed to a family (362). However, just 40% of the BINs were assigned to a genus (1,375) and 21% to a species (1,364). Five orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera) accounted for 92% of the specimens and BINs. More than half of the BINs (59%) are so far only known from Pakistan, but others have also been reported from Bangladesh (13%), India (12%), and China (8%). Representing the first DNA barcode survey of the insect fauna in any South Asian country, this study provides the foundation for a complete inventory of the insect fauna in Pakistan while also contributing to the global DNA barcode reference library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temnocephalids are ectosymbionts of various freshwater animals. A species tentatively identified as Temnosewellia aff. vietnamensis (Platyhelminthes: Rhabdocoela: Temnocephalidae) is reported based on materials collected from the body surface of the freshwater crabs Eriocheir japonica (Brachyura: Varunidae) and Geothelphusa exigua (Potamidae) in Kagoshima, southern Japan. The temnocephalid is characterized as follows: the cirrus composed of a cone-shaped shaft and a cylindrical introvert 42–77 μm long; the introvert covered with approximately 30 vertical rows of fine sharp spines; the four seminal receptacles; and a long, curved oviduct with vaginal gland; a pair of gland cells (Haswell's cells) present anterior to the excretory ampullae. Bayesian inference trees using partial nuclear 28S rDNA (28S) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes supported that the specimens collected from both crab species are conspecific but these also showed the geographical variations among them on both 28S and COI. The previous records of the genus Temnosewellia in East to South Asian countries are assembled and shown on the map (fig.7, this paper). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND In eastern Canada, surveys of overwintering 2nd instar spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) larvae ('L2s') are carried out each fall to guide insecticide application decisions in the following spring. These surveys involve the collection of fir and spruce branches in selected stands, followed by the mechanical/chemical removal of larvae. The latter then are counted manually on filter papers, using a stereomicroscope. Considering the significant effort and difficulties which this manual counting entails, we developed a quantitative (q)PCR‐based 'molecular counting' approach designed to make this step less tedious. RESULTS: Using the C. fumiferana mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene as a target for qPCR DNA quantification, we show that the amount of DNA in a larval extract is strongly correlated with the number of larvae used to generate that extract, and that molecular estimates of L2 counts are comparable to those generated using the manual approach. In addition, we used the same DNA extracts to monitor the microsporidian pathogen Nosema fumiferanae, and the hymenopteran parasitoids Glypta fumiferanae and Apanteles fumiferanae in overwintering L2s employing a subset of a TaqMan assay developed by Nisole et al. (2020) for the identification of budworm natural enemies. We show that the proportion of individuals affected by each natural enemy in samples containing a known number of larvae can be estimated from presence/absence data through the binomial probability distribution. CONCLUSION: The present proof‐of‐principle study shows that a molecular approach for counting L2s and assessing their natural enemy load is clearly possible and is expected to generate reliable results. © 2021 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Natural Resources Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last decade, the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii , has spread from eastern Asia to the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This fly attacks many species of cultivated and wild fruits with soft, thin skins, where its serrated ovipositor allows it to lay eggs in undamaged fruit. Parasitoids from the native range of D. suzukii may provide sustainable management of this polyphagous pest. Among these parasitoids, host-specificity testing has revealed a lineage of Ganaspis near brasiliensis , referred to in this paper as G1, that appears to be a cryptic species more host-specific to D. suzukii than other parasitoids. Differentiation among cryptic species is critical for introduction and subsequent evaluation of their impact on D. suzukii. Here, we present results on divergence in genomic sequences and architecture and reproductive isolation between lineages of Ganaspis near brasiliensis that appear to be cryptic species. We studied five populations, two from China, two from Japan, and one from Canada, identified as the G1 vs G3 lineages based on differences in cytochrome oxidase l sequences. We assembled and annotated the genomes of these populations and analyzed divergences in sequence and genome architecture between them. We also report results from crosses to test reproductive compatibility between the G3 lineage from China and the G1 lineage from Japan. The combined results on sequence divergence, differences in genome architectures, ortholog divergence, reproductive incompatibility, differences in host ranges and microhabitat preferences, and differences in morphology show that these lineages are different species. Thus, the decision to evaluate the lineages separately and only import and introduce the more host-specific lineage to North America and Europe was appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Hexatoma Latreille, 1809 is a large group of aquatic crane flies, with almost 600 species worldwide. The largest subgenus is Eriocera Macquart, 1838, which includes all nine species known from the Korean Peninsula. Molecular methods were used to associate Hexatoma larvae with their putative adult species from South Korea. Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene fragment sequences (DNA barcodes) of recently collected adults of H. (E.) gifuensis, H. (E.) ilwola, H. (E.) pernigrina, and H. (E.) pianigra were compared with twelve sequences of Hexatoma larvae. The larvae of H. (E.) pernigrina, H. (E.) pianigra, and H. (E.) gifuensis were associated with their putative adults. The larvae of H. (E.) gifuensis and H. (E.) pianigra and the larvae and pupae of H. (E.) pernigrina are described and illustrated. The larvae of two species not associated with any adult are described, and their COI gene fragment sequences (DNA barcodes) are presented. This paper presents the morphological characteristics suitable for distinguishing larval species. A key for the identification of larvae of the genus Hexatoma on the Korean Peninsula has been compiled. H (E.) sachalinensis is recorded from the Korean Peninsula for the first time. Our study is the first contribution to the Hexatoma larvae taxonomy using phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial COI fragment (DNA barcode) and one of the first attempts to reveal phylogenetic relationships between Hexatoma species using molecular markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the favorite issues for the ecologists and physiologists is searching the effects of the environmental factors (i.e. salinity, temperature, drought, rainfall, etc.) in the plants. In the present paper, the response of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in different populations of Pistacia atlantica and Pistacia khinjuk were investigated under different climatic conditions. Ten trees of any population of P. atlantica and P. khinjuk were garnered from diverse locations of Iran in September, 2017. The leaf samples were transferred to the laboratory using liquid nitrogen and were frozen for analysis of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in different populations. According to the soil and climatic analyses, Jebalbarez, Sangan and Anjirk are more stressful compared to other regions. Generally, our results unveiled that the contents of protein, proline and total soluble sugar like compatible osmolytes in some populations of P. atlantica are higher than those of P. khinjuk. The antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were more in P. khinjuk. The activity of key enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway of the phenolic compounds in P. khinjuk was more than that of P. atlantica. Furthermore, the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as phenol, flavonoids and tocopherols in P. atlantica was higher than that of P. khinjuk. The respiratory enzymes (e.g. aconitase, fumarase and succinate dehydrogenase) had high activity in P. khinjuk. P. atlantica used more non-enzymatic systems; however, P. khinjuk applied the enzymatic system in response to different climatic conditions. In conclusion, the present study revealed that P. atlantica used more of the osmoregulation and non-enzymatic system; however, P. khinjuk utilized the enzymatic antioxidant system and the respiratory enzymes in response to the ecophysiological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA barcoding and mini-barcoding involve Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene in mitochondrial genome and are used for accurate identification of species and biodiversity. The basic goal of the current study is to develop a complete reference database of fishes. It also evaluates the applicability of COI gene to identify fish at the species level with other aspects i.e., as Kimura 2 parameter (K2P) distance. The mean observed length of the sequence was ranging from 500 to 700 base pairs for fish species in DNA barcoding and from 80 to 650 base pairs for DNA mini-barcoding. This method describes the status of known to unknown samples but it also facilitates the detection of previously un-sampled species at distinct level. So, mini-barcoding is a method which focuses on the analysis of short-length DNA markers and has been demonstrated to be effective for species identification of processed food containing degraded DNA. While DNA metabarcoding refers to the automated identification of multiple species from a single bulk sample. They may contain entire organisms or a single environmental sample containing degraded DNA. Despite DNA barcoding, mini-barcoding and metabarcoding are efficient methods for species identification which are helpful in conservation and proper management of biodiversity. It aids researchers to take an account of genetic as well as evolutionary relationships by collecting their morphological, distributional and molecular data. Overall, this paper discusses DNA barcoding technology and how it has been used to various fish species, as well as its universality, adaptability, and novel approach to DNA-based species identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among ~1300 species of world nemerteans, seven species in five genera of lineid heteronemerteans have been known to possess a branched proboscis. In this paper, we describe the eighth branched-proboscis species: Gorgonorhynchus citrinus sp. nov. from Okinawa, Japan. We also report Gorgonorhynchus cf. repens Dakin & Fordham, 1931 with uniformly orange body, as a new member for the Japanese nemertean fauna. We infer the phylogenetic relationships between these forms and other members of Lineidae McIntosh, 1874 for which partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and the nuclear 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and histone H3 genes are available in public databases, along with newly sequenced data of another branched-proboscis heteronemertean, Polydendrorhynchus zhanjiangensis (Yin & Zheng, 1984) from China. In the resulting tree, Gorgonorhychus Dakin & Fordham, 1931 was sister group to non-branched-proboscis Dushia Corrêa, 1963, whereas P. zhanjiangensis was sister group to likewise non-branched-proboscis Cerebratulus lacteus (Leidy, 1851). http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:685992C5-F595-4C28-9178-256D945E595A Among ~1300 species of world nemerteans, seven species in five genera of lineid heteronemerteans have been known to possess a branched proboscis. In this paper, we describe the eighth branched-proboscis species: Gorgonorhynchus citrinus sp. nov. from Okinawa, Japan. We infer the phylogenetic relationships between the genus and other members of Lineidae along with newly sequenced data of another branched-proboscis heteronemertean, Polydendrorhynchus zhanjiangensis (Yin & Zheng, 1984) from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas' disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the kinetoplastid protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The only therapies are the nitroheterocyclic chemicals nifurtimox and benznidazole that cause various adverse effects. The need to create safe and effective medications to improve medical care remains critical. The lack of verified T. cruzi therapeutic targets hinders medication research for Chagas' disease. In this respect, cytochrome bc1 has been identified as a promising therapeutic target candidate for antibacterial medicines of medical and agricultural interest. Cytochrome bc1 belongs to the mitochondrial electron transport chain and transfers electrons from ubiquinol to cytochrome c1 by the action of two catalytic sites named Qi and Qo. The two binding sites are highly selective, and specific inhibitors exist for each site. Recent studies identified the Qi site of the cytochrome bc1 as a promising drug target against T. cruzi. However, a lack of knowledge of the drug mechanism of action unfortunately hinders the development of new therapies. In this context, knowing the cause of binding site selectivity and the mechanism of action of inhibitors and substrates is crucial for drug discovery and optimization processes. In this paper, we provide a detailed computational investigation of the Qi site of T. cruzi cytochrome b to shed light on the molecular mechanism of action of known inhibitors and substrates. Our study emphasizes the action of inhibitors at the Qi site on a highly unstructured portion of cytochrome b that could be related to the biological function of the electron transport chain complex. Author summary: Chagas' disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is prevalent in low-income African, Asian, and American countries and spread through the rest of the world through migrations infecting about 8 million people and causing 10 000 deaths per year. Currently, the only drugs approved for treating Chagas' disease have various side effects. Identifying proteins of the parasite that can limit its activity can help the development of new and more effective drugs. In this context, the cytochrome bc1 of Trypanosoma cruzi has been identified as a promising drug target. However, it is unclear how certain drugs affect cytochrome bc1 biological activity. Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to analyze the impact of specific small molecules on protein conformational changes that may be related to cytochrome bc1's biological function. This manuscript presents a computational approach that could identify small-molecule lead compounds and distinguish between true and false cytochrome b inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Authentic species-level identification is key to many fields of entomology, especially insect pest management and biosecurity. Bamboo, known as "Poor Man's Timber" and "Green Gold", is one of the fastest growing plants on earth. Bamboo and food grain crops (rice and wheat, for example) belong to the same family (Poaceae), so there is a chance of host shift because of global climate change and extensive cultivation. In the present study, the colour polymorphism of the bamboo-feeding leafhopper Mukaria splendida is highlighted, along with additional geographical distribution records. The integration of the morpho-molecular data confirmed that all the colour morphs belonged to the same species, M. splendida. The leafhopper species, Mukaria splendida Distant, is economically important due to itsstatus as a pest on bamboo and was recently reported to bea vector for phytoplasmal disease. Morphological identification is often difficult and requires a high level of taxonomic expertise, with misidentifications causing problematic false-positive/negative results. In this paper, colour polymorphism was recorded in the bamboo-feedingleafhopper M. splendida (Distant, 1908), which is a major insect pest in the bamboo ecosystem based on explorations conducted in different locations of India. Ten morphs were identified for each sex of M. splendida Distant based on the colour pattern on the pronotum and forewings. However, in view of the economic importance of the species, the morphological studies were integrated with the molecular data for the accurate identification of the species. The morphological characteristics and sequence results of the amplified product of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene confirmed that all the morphs were M. splendida and the pairwise distance matrix showed a negligible genetic distance in the COI mtDNA gene. Simulated future predictions, along with detailed notes on the colour polymorphic forms with illustrations, and additional distribution records as well as thebiology of M. splendida were discussed in light of the available literature, all of which will aid the authentic identification of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the study of the enchytraeid fauna of South Korea, specimens were found, which were identified as Bryodrilus ehlersi based on their morphological characters. This was an unexpected result since this species is common in Northern and Central Europe but has not yet been found in the Far East. Furthermore, sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, the nuclear histone 3 gene and the nuclear ribosomal ITS region showed unambiguously that the specimens collected in South Korea represent a different evolutionary lineage. In this paper, the detailed morphological and molecular comparison of Bryodrilus ehlersi specimens collected from various sites and countries are presented. Although the Korean specimens could not be formally described as a different species due to the lack of studied specimens from the type locality, clear evidence of cryptic genetic diversity was found within Bryodrilus ehlersi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic and formic acid are two commonly found monocarboxylic organic acids. Lactic acid is discharged into the water bodies as acidic industrial effluent from the food, cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, whereas formic acid is discharged from various paper, leather tanning, and textile processing industries. The present study investigated the toxicity of both organic acids upon the benthic oligochaete worm Tubifex tubifex. The 96-h median lethal concentration (LC50) values for lactic and formic acid are determined as 143.81 mg/l and 57.99 mg/l respectively. The effects of two sublethal concentrations (10% and 30% of 96 h LC50) of these acids on differential expression of oxidative stress enzymes are investigated. The comparative analysis of acute toxicity demonstrates that formic acid exposure is more detrimental to T. tubifex than lactic acid. The in silico structural analysis predicts that formic acid can interact with cytochrome c oxidase of the electron transport system and thereby inhibits its functionality and induces reactive oxygen species production. Integrated biomarker response (IBR) analysis illustrates that overall oxidative stress of formic acid to T. tubifex is significantly higher than that of lactic acid, which supports the structural analysis. It is concluded from this study that toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic and species sensitivity distributions studies are helpful for ecological risk management of environmental toxicants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapinoma indicum Forel is one of the most abundant nuisance pests found in Penang Island, Malaysia. However, limited research has been done on T. indicum, especially in the molecular genetic field. This paper aims to collect T. indicum from three districts in Penang Island, Malaysia including George Town, Gelugor, Balik Pulau, characterize T. indicum based on morphological measurements and molecular characterization of T. indicum using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1 (CO1) sequences and 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequences. The morphological measurements resulting in HL = 4.31 ± 0.12 mm, HW = 3.87 ± 0.06 mm, EL = 0.89 ± 0.05 mm, EW = 0.58 ± 0.01 mm, SL = 3.56 ± 0.08 mm, ML= 1.11 ± 0.12 mm, CI = 89.83 ± 1.17, EI = 20.59 ± 0.88 and SI = 82.95 ± 2.34. The CO1 sequences and 16S rDNA sequences of T. indicum from each population are deposited and accessible via Genbank (NCBI) database. The phylogenetic trees result in two clades with three haplotypes, but the genetic structure is not well revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Natural enemies of cheatgrass, an invasive plant in the western USA that is associated with recent increases in destructive wildfires, were sought as part of a classical biological control program targeting that plant. A population of mites was discovered infesting cheatgrass plants in central Bulgaria and determined to be a new species using morphological, morphometric analysis (i.e., measurement of specific body parts) and DNA barcoding (i.e., comparison of DNA sequences in genes shared by all mite species). Without these modern analytical tools, this mite would probably have been considered as the same species as another mite that infests other plants. This new mite species will now be tested to determine if it is suitable for importation and release in the USA as a biological control agent of cheatgrass. A new species of eriophyoid mite, Aculodes marcellisp. nov., was discovered on cheatgrass, Anisantha tectorum (L.) Nevski (syn. Bromus tectorum L.), an annual grass that is native to Eurasia and Northern Africa. This grass was introduced to North America near the end of the 19th century and now is widespread and associated with the observed increases in the size, frequency, and intensity of wildfires in western N. America. In this paper, A. marcellisp. nov., is morphologically described and illustrated. Compared with other Aculodes spp., it differs based on morphology and the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene, subunit I (MT-CO1). Results of morphometric analysis showed clear differentiation between A. marcellisp. nov., and the most similar congener, A. altamurgiensis from Taeniatherum caput-medusae. Analysis of MT-CO1 sequence divergence revealed significant levels of genetic variation (17.7%) and supported the results from the morphometric analysis; therefore, it is determined that they are two different species. Aculodes marcellisp. nov., is a new candidate agent for classical biological control of A. tectorum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triaenonychidae is a family of Opiliones with almost 500 described species distributed in the southern continents. Recent work has provided a solid phylogenetic foundation based on Sanger and ultraconserved element molecular sequence data that resulted in a global reorganisation of the family. In this study, we turn to the South American triaenonychids, aggregating sequences of three markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I), re-examining the position of additional South American species and confirming the existence of a new genus. We provide novel information regarding the external morphology of 10 of the 11 South American genera of Triaenonychidae, based on stereomicroscope and SEM images of the body and genitalia. In addition, a new genus Adrianonyx gen. nov. and two new species, Adrianonyx contulmo sp. nov. from the Monumento Natural Contulmo (Chile) and Adrianonyx crypticus sp. nov. from the Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta (Chile) are described. Triaenonychidae is a family of Opiliones distributed in the southern continents. In this paper we focused on the South American triaenonychids, aggregating sequences of three markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I), re-examining the position of additional South American species. In addition, we describe a new genus Adrianonyx gen. nov. and two new species, Adrianonyx contulmo sp. nov. from the Monumento Natural Contulmo and Adrianonyx crypticus sp. nov. from the Parque Nacional Nahuelbuta, are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, and viral infections are a common cause of this disease. Myocarditis in some patients can progress to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The mouse model of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is commonly used to understand this disease progression in DCM patients. In this paper, we have attempted to analyze antibodies for heart antigens that could be produced as a result of heart damage in animals infected with CVB3 using a technique called Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing (PhIP-Seq). The analyses led us to identify antibodies for several proteins that were not previously reported that may have relevance to human disease. Enteroviruses such as group B coxsackieviruses (CVB) are commonly suspected as causes of myocarditis that can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and the mouse model of CVB3 myocarditis is routinely used to understand DCM pathogenesis. Mechanistically, autoimmunity is suspected due to the presence of autoantibodies for select antigens. However, their role continues to be enigmatic, which also raises the question of whether the breadth of autoantibodies is sufficiently characterized. Here, we attempted to comprehensively analyze the autoantibody repertoire using Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing (PhIP-Seq), a versatile and high-throughput platform, in the mouse model of CVB3 myocarditis. First, PhIP-Seq analysis using the VirScan library revealed antibody reactivity only to CVB3 in the infected group but not in controls, thus validating the technique in this model. Second, using the mouse peptide library, we detected autoantibodies to 32 peptides from 25 proteins in infected animals that are ubiquitously expressed and have not been previously reported. Third, by using ELISA as a secondary assay, we confirmed antibody reactivity in sera from CVB3-infected animals to cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor 4 homolog (COA4) and phosphoinositide-3-kinase adaptor protein 1 (PIK3AP1), indicating the specificity of antibody detection by PhIP-Seq technology. Fourth, we noted similar antibody reactivity patterns in CVB3 and CVB4 infections, suggesting that the COA4- and PIK3AP1-reactive antibodies could be common to multiple CVB infections. The specificity of the autoantibodies was affirmed with influenza-infected animals that showed no reactivity to any of the antigens tested. Taken together, our data suggest that the autoantibodies identified by PhIP-Seq may have relevance to CVB pathogenesis, with a possibility that similar reactivity could be expected in human DCM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Hippobosca longipennis (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), the dog fly or dog louse fly, is an obligate blood‐feeding ectoparasite of wild and domestic carnivores in Africa and the Middle East. Outside its typically known geographic range, H. longipennis has been reported occasionally on mainly domestic dogs in Asia and southern Europe, and infrequently in other areas (central Europe and the U.S.A.). This paper presents the first report of H. longipennis in Romania and the second record of Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), a potentially invasive species. Hippobosca longipennis was found on domestic dogs in two regions of the country (northern Romania in Maramures and southwestern Romania in Dobrogea) and on two road‐killed wildcats in Maramures. Lipoptena fortisetosa was found on domestic dogs in Maramures. In both species identification was based on morphology and confirmed by barcoding of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. It is not clear for how long H. longipennis has been present in central Europe, nor if it was introduced (via the movement of domestic dogs or import of exotic carnivores) or present historically (Holocene remnants). This paper discusses the possible origins of H. longipennis in central Europe as its current distribution in the area is sparse and patchy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a biodiversity survey in the arid western interior of South Africa, two new species of dionychan spiders were collected and are described herein. The prodidomid genus NamundraPlatnick & Bird, 2007, previously known from arid parts of Namibia and Angola, is recorded from South Africa for the first time, and N. murphyisp. n. is described from a single female. Scanning electron micrographs, based on juvenile specimens only, detail some aspects of the fine morphology of this enigmatic genus for the first time. A new species of the trochanteriid genus Platyoides O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1891, P. robertsisp. n., is described from three females. DNA barcodes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I, COI) are provided for all of the specimens included in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, three species of the macrostomid free-living flatworm genus Macrostomum are described. Two species, Macrostomum littorale Wang & Shi, sp. nov. and M. shekouense Wang & Shi, sp. nov., were collected from coastal water at Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. One species, M. brandi Wang & Shi, sp. nov., was collected from Perth, Western Australia and Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. Macrostomum littorale sp. nov. differs from congeneric species within the genus in the length of the stylet, diameter of stylet opening, and the bend of the stylet. Macrostomum shekouense sp. nov. and M. brandi sp. nov. differ from similar species within the genus in the stylet morphology, position of the female antrum and developing eggs, or presence or absence of the false seminal vesicle. Phylogenetic analysis based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene shows that M. littorale sp. nov. and M. hystrix are sister clades on two well-separated branch, M. shekouense sp. nov. and M. brandi sp. nov. are sister clades on two well-separated branches. Accordingly, both morphological and molecular evidence support M. littorale sp. nov., M. shekouense sp. nov., and M. brandi sp. nov. as three new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Haloa includes dull-coloured species of haminoeid snails inhabiting tidal and shallow waters of the tropical and sub-tropical Indo-West Pacific. This paper reports on the diversity and systematics of Haloa based on the phylogenetic hypothesis generated by Oskars and Malaquias (2019) and on the morphological study of specimens. Shells, external features and anatomical characters from the jaws, radula, gizzard plates and male reproductive system were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The molecular species delimitation method Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery, using DNA sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, was implemented to aid delimiting candidate species. Thirteen species were recognised as valid, including two new to science, namely Haloa cobbi, sp. nov. and Haloa eora, sp. nov., and one unnamed species herein referred to as Haloa sp. 1. Species depict intraspecific variability in their colouration and little character displacement in their anatomy. Shells are of limited taxonomic use; only details of the male reproductive system (e.g. fundus) and the DNA were truly diagnostic. Three species have an Indo-West Pacific distribution and three are restricted to the Indian Ocean. The remaining seven species occur in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, three of them having geographical ranges restricted to offshore islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]