Search

Understanding population history and genetic connectivity is important for assessing the long-term viability of populations. The Atlantic surfclam (Spisula solidissima) has historically been subdivided into two subspecies: lesser-known S.s. simitis in the South Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Mexico, and commercially important S.s. solidissima mostly north of Cape Hatteras. Novel populations of the 'southern' S.s. similis subspecies were previously identified far north of their historical range limit. Here, to test a hypothesis of recency and isolation in the North, population samples from Southern New England S..s. similis were compared for the first time to a population sample from Georgia, as well as to S.s. solidissima. Population structure and demographic history were inferred using genetic variation at a combination of microsatellite, mtDNA, and nuclear intron loci. The Southern New England populations of S.s. similis had slightly lower nuclear DNA diversity than in Georgia. Genetic differentiation between Massachusetts and Georgia S.s. similis was weak and only significant for microsatellite markers. Consistent with weak differentiation, coalescent modeling of nuclear sequence variation indicated high levels of gene flow. All S.s. similis populations had extremely low mtDNA diversity, with only two mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I haplotypes found in contrast to 15 haplotypes in S.s. solidissima. Collectively, the population genetic patterns are more parsimoniously explained by the northern S.s. similis populations originating from a postglacial expansion rather than recent colonization. KEY WORDS: Spisula solidissima, population structure, gene flow, marine phylogeography, mitochondrial DNA, COI, intron, microsatellites, coalescent model, demographic history, INTRODUCTION It is valuable to assess the population history and genetic connectivity of populations to assess their long-term viability and threat of extinction (Allendorf & Luikart 2009, Hellberg 2009, Nance [...]

Syngnathidae are a charismatic family of teleost fishes, represented by seahorses, seadragons, and pipefishes. Syngnathidae are mainly composed of marine species, but about 30 species of pipefishes inhabit freshwater insular environments of the Indo‐Pacific realm. Recent research has shown that some freshwater pipefish species are amphidromous and exhibit high intraspecific divergences across their distribution range, like Microphis brachyurus (Bleeker, 1854) distributed from Sri Lanka to French Polynesia and Microphis retzii (Bleeker, 1856) distributed from Taiwan to Indonesia. In this study, we used the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) partial gene of 91 specimens of M. brachyurus and 30 specimens of M. retzii from localities representative of their respective distribution area to improve knowledge on the population structure of these two widespread species. Genetic species delimitation and phylogeographic analyses were combined to explore spatial patterns of genetic diversity across the distribution ranges of the two species. We have highlighted deep genetic structuring within the two species and relate these results to various biotic and abiotic factors. For M. brachyurus, the population in Polynesia is distinct from those in the West Pacific, suggesting its distinctiveness and recognition as an evolutionary significant unit (ESU). For M. retzii, three lineages are delimited in its range distribution, suggesting the existence of two distinct species in Southeast Asia (Bali/Java/Lombok and China/Taiwan). Pipefish species are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures (inherent to Syngnathidae and insular environments). The present results, revising species delimitation and geographic distribution, will help implement effective conservation and management measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria play diverse roles in mammalian physiology. The architecture, activity, and physiological functions of mitochondria in oocytes are largely different from those in somatic cells, but the mitochondrial proteins related to oocyte quality and reproductive longevity remain largely unknown. Here, using whole-exome sequencing data from 1,024 women (characterized by oocyte maturation arrest and degenerated or morphologically abnormal oocytes) and 2,868 healthy controls, we performed a population and gene-based burden test for mitochondrial genes and identified a candidate gene, cytochrome c oxidase assembly protein 15 (COX15). We report that biallelic COX15 pathogenic variants cause human oocyte ferroptosis and female infertility in a recessive inheritance pattern. COX15 variants impaired mitochondrial respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and led to reduced protein levels in HeLa cells. Oocyte-specific deletion of Cox15 led to impaired Fe2+ and reactive oxygen species homeostasis that caused mitochondrial dysfunction and ultimately sensitized oocytes to ferroptosis. In addition, ferrostatin-1 (an inhibitor of ferroptosis) could rescue the oocyte ferroptosis phenotype in vitro and ex vivo. Our findings not only provide a genetic diagnostic marker for oocyte development defects but also expand the spectrum of mitochondrial disorders to female infertility and contribute to unique insights into the role of ferroptosis in human oocyte defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postmenopausal bone loss due to estrogen deficiency necessitates effective therapeutic strategies. Our study explores targeting macrophage Aurora A kinase to mitigate bone loss. Aurora A kinase phosphorylation is observed being increased in bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) from ovariectomy (OVX) mice, along with a reduction in programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression. Detailed analysis reveals that PD‐L1 plays an immunomodulatory role by lowering the ratio of T helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells. The metabolic shift toward glycolysis through transcriptome sequencing, induced by Aurora A kinase inhibition, is essential for PD‐L1 expression in BMDMs. The interaction between Aurora A kinase and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 5B is found to enhance PD‐L1 expression. To apply these findings therapeutically, a multifunctional system is developed using a Nickel‐metal organic framework combined with bisphosphonate and MLN8237 (BP@Ni‐MOF/MLN8237). This system targets bone tissues through bisphosphonate and effectively delivers MLN8237 to macrophages, promoting PD‐L1 expression for a favorable immune environment. Moreover, this system exhibits an obvious angiogenic effect. The present study highlights the crucial roles of macrophage Aurora A kinase and PD‐L1 in maintaining bone homeostasis as well as the angiogenesis effect by Ni‐MOF engineered system, presenting a promising therapeutic approach to prevent postmenopausal bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a global pest that feeds on > 350 plant species and causes major yield loses. Variation in the responses of S. frugiperda males to female sex pheromone compounds affects the detection, monitoring and management of the pest. We determined geographic variation in the responses of S. frugiperda males to four different doses of synthetic sex pheromone compounds using a gas chromatography-electroantennogram detector (GC-EAD). Furthermore, we disentangled regional populations into C- and R- mitotypes via molecular analysis of the cytochrome oxidase I gene, and measured their responses to the compounds. When comparing responses of males from Florida, Benin, Nigeria and Kenya, we found some regional differences in the responses of S. frugiperda males to the major compound, Z9-14:OAc and minor component Z9-12:OAc. However, we found no differences in male responses between the different African countries. All males showed significantly higher antennal responses to Z7-12:OAc than to E7-12:OAc. When comparing the mitotypes, we found that Florida R-type males showed higher responses to Z9-14:OAc, Z7-12:OAc and Z9-12:OAc than Benin R-type males, while C-type males from both regions responded equally to Z7-12:OAc. In addition, Florida R-type males showed higher responses to E7-12:OAc than Florida C-type males. Our study thus shows some differential physiological responses of S. frugiperda males towards the known sex pheromone compounds, including E7-12:OAc, but mostly in the different mitotypes. How these differences translate to field trap catches remains to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy. Current intensified therapeutic protocols coincide with severe side effects, and no salvage therapy is available for primary therapy-resistant or relapsed patients. This highlights the need to identify new therapeutic targets in T-ALL. PSIP1, dispensable for normal hematopoiesis, is a dependency factor in KMT2A-rearranged myeloid leukemia. Nonetheless, loss-of-function mutations suggest a tumor suppressor role for PSIP1 in T-ALL. Here, we demonstrate that the loss of Psip1 accelerates T-ALL initiation in mice which we correlated with reduced H3K27me3 binding. Contrastingly, loss of PSIP1 impaired cell proliferation in several T-ALL cell lines. In cell lines, PSIP1 down-regulation leads to a reduction of COX20, an assembly factor of the cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria, and to a reduction in mitochondrial respiration. This indicates that PSIP1 can exert a dual role in the context of T-ALL, either as a tumor suppressor gene during tumor initiation or as a dependency factor in tumor maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To decipher the dispersal range of the cosmopolitan green microalga Tetracystis vinatzeri, two airborne-collected strains were barcoded using the 18S ribosomal DNA gene (18S) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I subunit (COI), and their survival capacities were investigated across a stepwise acidic to alkaline pH gradient. Genetic fingerprinting confirmed the identity of the strains as representing the same biological species. Investigations of the tolerance of T. vinatzeri to pH levels refined the delimitation of its ecological niche. T. vinatzeri showed optimal growth in freshwater habitats at pH 4.3–9.6 and strains could cope with exposure to slightly more acidic (down to 3.8) and alkaline (up to 10.4) conditions. However, organismal survival was drastically affected by exposure to pH < 3 and > 11. Morphological observations showed that T. vinatzeri could better cope with exposure to acidic pH, exhibiting less cell membrane damage. Genetic analysis showed that the two airborne strains shared the same haplotype, suggesting that they either originated from the same air mass or that the haplotype has a widespread distribution. Further phylogeographic and physiological investigations are required to define the spreading dynamic of T. vinatzeri. Highlights: Tetracystis vinatzeri can grow at pH from 3.8–10.4. Strains from different habitats showed sexual compatibility. Low genetic diversity and cosmopolitan distribution suggest widespread dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Mountains are often used to study how environmental factors influence biodiversity. However, we have limited understanding of the processes causing biodiversity variation in mountains and whether such processes vary across trophic levels and spatial scales. The aim of this study was to evaluate (i) whether community assembly processes varied along elevational gradients, (ii) whether there were differences in such variation between primary producers (vascular plants) and secondary consumers (spiders) and (iii) whether there were scale dependencies in any elevational variation in community assembly. Location: Fennoscandia, Northern Sweden. Taxon: Vascular plants, spiders. Methods: We used phenotypic and phylogenetic dispersion to quantify how elevation influenced community assembly of vascular plants and spiders and whether there were any scale dependencies in such influences. Our original data of plant and spider communities came from our own field surveys, phenotypic dispersion was calculated based on matrices of ecological traits, and phylogenetic dispersion was calculated from phylogenetic trees for each organism group. Trait matrices were based on a combination of literature values and our own measurements. The phylogeny for vascular plants was based on a published plant super‐tree, whereas the phylogeny for spiders was created by ourselves based on the DNA sequences at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI). Results: Plants were environmentally filtered throughout all elevations and scales, but the importance of convergent evolution increased with elevation. For spiders, the importance of environmental filtering as well as niche conservatism increased with elevation. For both groups, communities at smaller scales were more influenced by biotic regulation and niche conservatism than at larger scales. Main Conclusions: Our study highlights both taxonomic differences and scale dependencies in how elevation influences community assembly. We argue that these results can have broad ramifications for our understanding of how spatial variation in biodiversity is generated and maintained. This may have particular relevance for our ability to predict the ecological consequences of climate change. Our results further highlight that high elevation specialists may suffer increased risks of climate driven extinctions due to a combination of increased competition and increased fragmentation of suitable habitats. Particularly for spiders, which had high elevation specialists clustered along specific lineages, such extinctions could lead to significant loss of phylogenetic variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmocerca is a cosmopolitan genus of endoparasitic nematodes that infect amphibians and reptiles, and currently encompasses 37 species. Given the increasing number of molecular studies examining diverse species within this genus, we aim to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among Cosmocerca species, identify research gaps, and guide future investigations, particularly within the Neotropical region. We analysed 40 sequences of nuclear (internal transcribed spacer, ITS) and mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, COI) genetic markers from available sequenced species. Our results revealed a strong correlation between parasites' phylogeny and their geographic distribution across the world's zoogeographical regions. However, we highlight the paucity of studies on Neotropical Cosmocerca species. These findings can assist subsequent studies to address questions regarding the biology, phylogeography and evolution of Cosmocerca species, contributing to a deeper understanding of the clade Cosmocercidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasping the genetic structure ofmarine fish populations is vital for comprehending species connectivity patterns and determining the appropriate spatiotemporal scales for conservation management strategies. Here, we analyzed the population genetics of the Orangefin Ponyfish (Photopectoralis bindus Valenciennes, 1835) by examining a portion of the gene coding for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I. The aim was to evaluate the haplotype pattern, genetic structure, demographic history, as well as the influence of ecological connectivity through the Qiongzhou Strait on the distribution patterns of this species in the northern South China Sea and the Beibu Gulf. In total, 257 specimens yielded only 13 haplotypes, with the predominant haplotype present at all sampling locations. The analysis revealed a "star-like" haplotype pattern, indicating low levels of both haplotype and nucleotide diversity. Additionally, a small but significant genetic structure was observed between the coastal regions flanking the Leizhou Peninsula. These patterns in the haplotype network and genetic structure may be significantly influenced by contemporary currents, particularly through the connectivity of the Qiongzhou Strait. Tajima's D and Fu's Fs demonstrated pronouncedly negative values, along with a unimodal mismatch distribution, suggested a recent demographic expansion of Photopectoralis bindus during the late Pleistocene, likely influenced by fluctuations in sea levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The back-reef depressions, or lagoons, of Reunion Island (western Indian Ocean) host a high abundance of organisms living amongst the coral reefs and are critical sites for artisanal fishing, tourism, and shoreline stability for the island. Over time, increasing degradation of Reunionese reefs has been observed due to overexploitation, beach erosion and eutrophication. Efforts to mitigate the impact of these pressures on aquatic organisms include biodiversity surveys primarily performed through visual censuses that can be logistically complex and may unintentionally overlook organisms. Surveys integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) collections have provided rapid biodiversity assessments, while helping to circumvent some limitations of visual surveys. The present study describes the results of an exploratory eDNA survey, which aims to characterize metazoan communities of four Reunionese lagoons located along the west coast of the island. As eDNA surveys first require deliberate study design and optimization for each new context, we sought to establish a modernized workflow implementing specialized equipment to collect and preserve samples to facilitate future studies in these lagoons. During the austral summer of 2023, samples were pumped directly from surface and bottom depths at each site through self-preserving filters which were then processed for DNA metabarcoding using regions of the 12S ribosomal RNA (12S), small ribosomal subunit 18S (18S) and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) genes. The survey detected high species richness that varied by site, and in a single collection period, recovered the presence of 60 teleost families and numerous invertebrate taxa, including members of the coral faunal community that are less studied in Reunion. Distinct biological communities were observed at each site, and within a single lagoon, suggesting that these differences are due to site-specific factors (e.g., environmental variables, geographic distance, etc.). Although continued protocol optimization is needed, the present findings demonstrate the successful application of an eDNA-based survey for biodiversity assessment within Reunionese lagoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about how pharmacological and toxicological knowledge evolves. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the presentation of the poison hydrogen cyanide in sixteen German-language pharmacology and toxicology textbooks from 1878 to 2020. The categories of structure, molecular mechanism of action, occurrence, effects, resorption, areas of application, lethal dose, acute symptoms of intoxication, treatment of hydrogen cyanide poisoning, and recommended therapeutic preparations were evaluated. The knowledge on the structure, lethal dosage, and occurrence of hydrogen cyanide has remained constant. In contrast, knowledge on molecular mechanism of action and recommended preparations of the poison has changed dramatically. Until 1944, the binding of hydrogen cyanide to hemoglobin was considered the mechanism of action, whereas from 1951 onwards, the interaction of hydrogen cyanide with the Fe3+ of cytochrome oxidase was described. The number of preparations containing hydrogen cyanide decreased into obsolescence until 1951. The areas of application of hydrogen cyanide also show a change, as from 1919 onwards, mainly industrial areas of application of the poison are described instead of medical ones, and from 1951 onwards, criminalistic areas of application are also mentioned. Thus, pharmacological and toxicological knowledge develops non-linearly, molecular mechanism and uses being the most dynamic areas, whereas the knowledge about hydrogen cyanide's chemical structure, lethal dose, and occurrence remained constant. Older pharmacology and toxicology textbooks were better than newer ones at discussing changes in scientific concepts. Pharmacology and toxicology textbooks also mostly failed to discuss the misuse of hydrogen cyanide (Zyklon B) during the Nazi regime, missing an important opportunity to showcase the ethical responsibility of pharmacology and toxicology. Thus, future pharmacology and toxicology textbooks should improve on discussing the development of pharmacological and toxicological concepts and the ethical responsibility of the discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overflow metabolism is a well-known phenomenon that describes the seemingly wasteful and incomplete substrate oxidation by aerobic cells, such as yeasts, bacteria, and mammalian cells, even when conditions allow for total combustion via respiration. This cellular response, triggered by an excess of C-source, has not yet been investigated in archaea. In this study, we conducted chemostat cultivations to compare the metabolic and physiological states of the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius under three conditions, each with gradually increasing nutrient stress. Our results show that S. acidocaldarius has different capacities for the uptake of the two C-sources, monosodium glutamate and glucose. A saturated tricarboxylic acid cycle at elevated nutrient concentrations affects the cell’s ability to deplete its intermediates. This includes deploying additional cataplerotic pathways and the secretion of amino acids, notably valine, glycine, and alanine, while glucose is increasingly metabolized via glycogenesis. We did not observe the secretion of common fermentation products, like organic acids. Transcriptomic analysis indicated an upregulation of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, suggesting the intracellular conservation of energy. Adapting respiratory enzymes under nutrient stress indicated high metabolic flexibility and robust regulatory mechanisms in this archaeon. This study enhances our fundamental understanding of the metabolism of S. acidocaldarius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Angiostrongylus vasorum, commonly known as the "French heartworm," is a nematode belonging to the Metastrongyloidea superfamily. This parasite was first identified in Toulouse, France in 1853 infecting the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart of a Pointer dog. Angiostrongylosis is an important infection due its severe clinical signs and potential for causing high morbidity and mortality in domestic dogs. This nematode has not been studied in Algeria. The aim of this study was investigate the presence of lungworms among different mammal species in a number of Algerian regions. Methods: Between February 2022 and September 2023, 47 road-killed animals were collected from six administrative units (departments) in Algeria. All carcasses underwent a full parasitological necropsy, and lung tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and concentrated ethanol for further study. All collected samples were subjected to histological and PCR (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) analyses for lungworm identification. Results: Histological examination revealed the presence of nematode eggs and larvae in the alveolar space and chronic obstructive vascular changes were detected in a single golden African wolf (Canis lupaster) collected from the department of Constantine. First-stage larvae were collected and morphologically identified as Angiostrongylus spp. The molecular identification confirmed the presence of A. vasorum. All other animals tested were negative for lungworms. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. vasorum infection in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster). We report a new host association, highlighting the importance of further studies to update the geographical distribution of A. vasorum and its epidemiology across Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Neonicotinoids (NNIs) are the most commonly used insecticides in the world and clothianidin, a type of NNI, is commonly found in honey bee collected pollen. Clothianidin has several negative effects on honey bee health and behaviour, but whether and how it might impact learning and memory remains unclear. Therefore, we exposed honey bee workers to a field‐realistic oral dose of clothianidin for 7 days to assess their sugar responsiveness, and olfactory learning and memory using the proboscis extension response paradigm. Sugar responsiveness impacts important colony‐level traits, such as onset of foraging, that help maintain colony homeostasis as well as impacts learning and memory. We then measured how clothianidin alters protein expression in the brain in an effort to understand the mechanism(s) of clothianidin's effects. Clothianidin‐exposed bees had impaired sugar responsiveness, but no effect was seen on learning and memory. We identified 5069 protein groups and showed that the exposed bees had fewer detectable proteins. The exposed bees also had fewer mitochondrial respiration proteins, as well as reduced levels of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (nAChRα7) subunit (one of the targets of clothianidin) and reduced levels of acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase‐2 levels. In the exposed bees, the levels of nAChRα7 subunit positively correlated with sugar responsiveness, providing evidence for a possible mechanical explanation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron-containing porphyrin heme is of high interest for the food industry for the production of artificial meat as well as for medical applications. Recently, the biotechnological platform strain Corynebacterium glutamicum has emerged as a promising host for animal-free heme production. Beyond engineering of complex heme biosynthetic pathways, improving heme export offers significant yet untapped potential for enhancing production strains. In this study, a growth-coupled biosensor was designed to impose a selection pressure on the increased expression of the hrtBA operon encoding an ABC-type heme exporter in C. glutamicum. For this purpose, the promoter region of the growth-regulating genes pfkA (phosphofructokinase) and aceE (pyruvate dehydrogenase) was replaced with that of PhrtB, creating biosensor strains with a selection pressure for hrtBA activation. Resulting sensor strains were used for plate-based selections and for a repetitive batch f(luorescent)ALE using a fully automated laboratory platform. Genome sequencing of isolated clones featuring increased hrtBA expression revealed three distinct mutational hotspots: (i) chrS, (ii) chrA, and (iii) cydD. Mutations in the genes of the ChrSA two-component system, which regulates hrtBA in response to heme levels, were identified as a promising target to enhance export activity. Furthermore, causal mutations within cydD, encoding an ABC-transporter essential for cytochrome bd oxidase assembly, were confirmed by the construction of a deletion mutant. Reversely engineered strains showed strongly increased hrtBA expression as well as increased cellular heme levels. These results further support the proposed role of CydDC as a heme transporter in bacteria. Mutations identified in this study therefore underline the potential of biosensor-based growth coupling and provide promising engineering targets to improve microbial heme production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The back-reef depressions, or lagoons, of Reunion Island (western Indian Ocean) host a high abundance of organisms living amongst the coral reefs and are critical sites for artisanal fishing, tourism, and shoreline stability for the island. Over time, increasing degradation of Reunionese reefs has been observed due to overexploitation, beach erosion and eutrophication. Efforts to mitigate the impact of these pressures on aquatic organisms include biodiversity surveys primarily performed through visual censuses that can be logistically complex and may unintentionally overlook organisms. Surveys integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) collections have provided rapid biodiversity assessments, while helping to circumvent some limitations of visual surveys. The present study describes the results of an exploratory eDNA survey, which aims to characterize metazoan communities of four Reunionese lagoons located along the west coast of the island. As eDNA surveys first require deliberate study design and optimization for each new context, we sought to establish a modernized workflow implementing specialized equipment to collect and preserve samples to facilitate future studies in these lagoons. During the austral summer of 2023, samples were pumped directly from surface and bottom depths at each site through self-preserving filters which were then processed for DNA metabarcoding using regions of the 12S ribosomal RNA (12S), small ribosomal subunit 18S (18S) and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) genes. The survey detected high species richness that varied by site, and in a single collection period, recovered the presence of 60 teleost families and numerous invertebrate taxa, including members of the coral faunal community that are less studied in Reunion. Distinct biological communities were observed at each site, and within a single lagoon, suggesting that these differences are due to site-specific factors (e.g., environmental variables, geographic distance, etc.). Although continued protocol optimization is needed, the present findings demonstrate the successful application of an eDNA-based survey for biodiversity assessment within Reunionese lagoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astroblepus species, commonly known as Andean climbing catfish, exhibit a unique challenge in species delimitation, leading to ongoing taxonomic debates. Here we report data on Astroblepus mindoensis, a vulnerable species endemic to Ecuador, obtained by an integrative approach that includes cytogenetic analysis, molecular identification of the specimens, and recording of morphological and morphometric characters useful for species diagnosis. Thus, this study aimed to associate the karyotype data of the specimens analyzed with morphological and molecular characters, improving and expanding the existing taxonomic information, thus contributing to the systematics of the species. Our morphology results, unlike Regan's original description, which is brief and ambiguous, provide a more detailed morphometric and meristic description. Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction and genetic distance based on a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) showed that our samples constitute a well‐supported and monophyletic clade within the A. grixalvii species complex. The cytogenetic analysis identified distinct chromosomal markers, including a single cluster of major ribosomal genes (on chromosome pair 3) and of minor ribosomal genes (on chromosome pair 12) with their localization differing from those reported in other Astroblepus species analyzed. Additionally, the presence of a heteromorphic chromosome pair in males suggests the presence of an XX/XY sex‐determination system that has not been identified in other congeneric species. Further investigation is necessary to determine if these chromosomes are associated with the accumulation of repeated sequences, as typically occurs with sex chromosomes, and to assess their presence in other species of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new African minnow species, Enteromius cerinus sp. nov. and Enteromius ruforum sp. nov., are described for science from the Angadiko River, a left‐bank sub‐affluent of first order of the Nepoko River, draining the north‐eastern part of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR). Both new species belong to the group of Enteromius for which the last unbranched dorsal‐fin ray is flexible and underrated. Within this morphological group, both are most similar to Enteromius kamolondoensis, especially in life colour pattern characteristics. However, Enteromius cerinus sp. nov. differs from E. kamolondoensis by its low number of circumpeduncular scales, 10–11 (vs. 12), low maximum body depth, 22.8%–25.7% standard length (Ls) (vs. 26.1%–30.0%), and long anterior and posterior barbel lengths, 32.6%–35.3% head length (LH) (vs. 23.6%–27.2%) and 41.6%–43.9% LH (vs. 30.3%–34.9%), respectively. Further, E. ruforum sp. nov. is also easily distinguished from E. kamolondoensis by its high maximum body depth, 30.6%–33.3% Ls (vs. 26.1%–30.0%), and small, isometric, eye diameter, 26.2%–28.0% LH (vs. 29.1%–31.9%). A barcoding study (mtDNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit I [COI]) revealed that specimens of both new species form lineages well differentiated from those of other available species. As such, (i) E. cerinus sp. nov. diverges from E. kamolondoensis by a K2P genetic distance (GD) of 10.3% and (ii) E. ruforum sp. nov. by a K2P GD of 11.2%. To the present day, the fish fauna of the left‐bank sub‐affluents of the Nepoko River, in general, remains poorly known or undocumented. Unfortunately, at the same time, multiple anthropogenic impacts are affecting this fauna, such as (i) the destruction of habitats along the river banks for agriculture and fishing and (ii) the use of illegal fishing practices, such as fishing with plant‐based ichthyotoxins during ecopage, which is combined with dam building. As a result of the demographic growth, this ecopage results in overfishing and thus is threatening both new species in particular, but all other co‐occurring fish species as well. Both new species, E. cerinus sp. nov. and E. ruforum sp. nov., should thus be considered Vulnerable (VU) according to IUCN criterion D2. It is therefore hoped that their discovery highlights the urgent need for a better protection and further in situ exploration of the reserve's freshwater (fish) biodiversity, in general, and that of those small sub‐affluents, in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scabies, an infestation of the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, has seen an increase in clinical diagnoses in the Netherlands since 2011. This study aimed to analyse PCR-positive S. scabiei skin samples through partial genome sequencing and to link findings to patient epidemiological characteristics. Methods: Skin samples were collected from individuals in the Netherlands between January 2016 and January 2023. On the PCR-positive S. scabiei skin samples, partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) sequencing was performed to assess genetic variability. Epidemiological information was collected through interviews. We examined associations between cox1 subtypes, epidemiological factors and treatment outcomes. Results: Sequencing results were obtained from 128 patients, with epidemiological information available for 55 (43%) of these patients. Fifteen distinct cox1 subtypes were identified. Subtype 01 was most prevalent (45%) and present across all age groups and social settings. The remaining subtypes were less common and not consistently found in all contexts. Five clusters were identified, each with identical cox1 subtypes. Comparative analysis with GenBank sequences revealed genetic similarities with strains from Australia, the USA and China, suggesting the global distribution and transmission of specific subtypes. A substantial proportion (73%) of patients with scabies required multiple treatments to eradicate the infestation, with no subtype-related differences. Conclusions: This is the first study linking S. scabiei sequencing results to patient epidemiological data. Several subtypes clustered in specific geographic regions and social contexts, underscoring localised transmission patterns. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to enhance our understanding of the transmission of this mite. This study provides valuable insights that will strengthen scabies control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the Goldilocks principle, mitochondria size must be "just right." Mitochondria balance division and fusion to avoid becoming too big or too small. Defects in this balance produce dysfunctional mitochondria in human diseases. Mitochondrial safeguard (MitoSafe) is a defense mechanism that protects mitochondria against extreme enlarging by suppressing fusion in mammalian cells. In MitoSafe, hyperfused mitochondria elicit flickering—short pulses of mitochondrial depolarization. Flickering activates an inner membrane protease, Oma1, which in turn proteolytically inactivates a mitochondrial fusion protein, Opa1. The mechanisms underlying flickering are unknown. Using a live-imaging screen, we identified Slc25a3 (a mitochondrial carrier transporting phosphate and copper) as necessary for flickering and Opa1 cleavage. Remarkably, copper, but not phosphate, is critical for flickering. Furthermore, we found that two copper-containing mitochondrial enzymes, superoxide dismutase 1 and cytochrome c oxidase, regulate flickering. Our data identify an unforeseen mechanism linking copper, redox homeostasis, and membrane flickering in mitochondrial defense against deleterious fusion. [Display omitted] • Flickering prevents harmful extreme mitochondrial fusion by inducing Opa1 cleavage • Mitochondrial copper, transported by Slc25a3, regulates flickering • Copper-containing SOD1 suppresses flickering • Copper-containing cytochrome c oxidase promotes flickering Murata et al. report that mitochondrial copper, transported by Slc25a3, regulates the balance between mitochondrial fusion and division by suppressing fusion when mitochondria become hyperfused. This function of copper is mediated by two copper-containing enzymes: superoxide dismutase 1 and cytochrome c oxidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lavandula angustifolia holds importance as an aromatic plant with extensive applications spanning the fragrance, perfume, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and spa sectors. Beyond its aesthetic and sensory applications, this plant offers medicinal benefits as a natural herbal remedy and finds use in household cleaning products. While extensive genomic data, inclusive of plastid and nuclear genomes, are available for this species, researchers have yet to characterize its mitochondrial genome. This gap in knowledge hampers deeper understanding of the genome organization and its evolutionary significance. Results: Through the course of this study, we successfully assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genome of L. angustifolia, marking a first in this domain. This assembled genome encompasses 61 genes, which comprise 34 protein-coding genes, 24 transfer RNA genes, and three ribosomal RNA genes. We identified a chloroplast sequence insertion into the mitogenome, which spans a length of 10,645 bp, accounting for 2.94% of the mitogenome size. Within these inserted sequences, there are seven intact tRNA genes (trnH-GUG, trnW-CCA, trnD-GUC, trnS-GGA, trnN-GUU, trnT-GGU, trnP-UGG) and four complete protein-coding genes (psbA, rps15, petL, petG) of chloroplast derivation. Additional discoveries include 88 microsatellites, 15 tandem repeats, 74 palindromic repeats, and 87 forward long repeats. An RNA editing analysis highlighted an elevated count of editing sites in the cytochrome c oxidase genes, notably ccmB with 34 editing sites, ccmFN with 32, and ccmC with 29. All protein-coding genes showed evidence of cytidine-to-uracil conversion. A phylogenetic analysis, utilizing common protein-coding genes from 23 Lamiales species, yielded a tree with consistent topology, supported by high confidence values. Conclusions: Analysis of the current mitogenome resource revealed its typical circular genome structure. Notably, sequences originally from the chloroplast genome were found within the mitogenome, pointing to the occurrence of horizontal gene transfer between organelles. This assembled mitogenome stands as a valuable resource for subsequent studies on mitogenome structures, their evolution, and molecular biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips is one of the important sucking pests infesting vegetable crops causing huge economic damage directly by sucking plant sap and indirectly by transmitting orthotospoviruses in the world as well as in India. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are very important vegetable producing states of India but lacking sound knowledge on incidence and distribution pattern, virus transmission efficiencies of the economically important thrips species occurring on vegetables. The identification of existence of different cryptic species of thrips within a genus is very difficult to distinguish using morphological parameters. Therefore, intensive sampling of thrips species was done on three important solanaceous vegetable crops (tomato, chilli and brinjal) in these two states and were subjected to morphological and molecular diagnostic techniques. Results revealed that nine distinct species of thrips belonging to six genera were known to occur on vegetables in these states. Interestingly, we report three cryptic species of thrips, Haplothrips ganglbaueri Schmutz and Thrips parvispinus (Karny) in Chhattisgarh, and Haplothrips gowdeyi (Franklin) in Madhya Pradesh for the first time. The other six species recorded were Thrips palmi Karny, Frankliniella schuttzei Trybom, Thrips florum Schmutz, Bathrips melanicornis, Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan), and Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood. The most dominant species was found to be S. dorsalis, followed by T. palmi. The current study reports distribution of nine distinct thrips species including three cryptic species and an invasive species, T. parvispinus which is spreading very fast in central India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesopsammic polyclad members in the family Boniniidae have attracted attention in terms of their evolutionary shifts of microhabitat and their unique morphology such as a pair of pointed tentacles extending from the anterolateral margins and prostatoid organs harbouring stylets. Here, we establish a new species of this family as Boninia panamensis sp. nov. from the Pacific coasts of Panama, based on its morphological characteristics of (i) four cerebral and 61–80 marginal eyespots, (ii) two prostatoid organs located anterior and posterior to the penis papilla, and (iii) two uterine canals departing from the anterior part of the Lang's vesicle. We also report Boninia cf. uru from Hawai'i, USA, based on its morphological identity with B. uru from Okinawa, Japan, along with their genetic distances for the partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences, which were beyond the range of intraspecific differences observed in congeners in this study. Boninia oaxaquensis is also reported from Panama as a new locality for the species. Involving the above-mentioned three species sequenced herein, we reconstructed molecular phylogenetic trees of Boninia based on the four gene markers (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, 16S rDNA and COI). Our phylogenetic trees indicated the synapomorphy within the genus Boninia of the small numbers of stylets (2–4) and the connection route of the uterine canals to the Lang's vesicle. The results also showed a characteristic distribution pattern in which pairs of species in distinct lineages occurred sympatrically with different microhabitats, as observed in Boninia uru and Boninia yambarensis in Okinawa and B. panamensis sp. nov. and B. oaxaquensis in Panama. In addition, we discuss possible speciation pathways in this genus based on the tree topology. ZooBank: Boniniidae is a family of marine polyclad flatworms harbouring nine named species distributed worldwide. We describe a new boniniid species, Boninia panamensis from the Pacific coasts of Panama based on morphological and molecular data. We also report Boninia cf. uru from Hawai'i and Boninia oaxaquensis from Panama along with morphological descriptions. In addition, we discuss synapomorphic traits and possible speciation pathways in this genus based on the reconstructed molecular phylogenetic results using 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, 16S rDNA and COI. (Photograph by Marco Curini-Galletti.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The threatened springsnail subgenus Alzoniella (Navarriella) in the Iberian Peninsula has been suggested to be an old and relict lineage of the family Hydrobiidae. The subgenus is represented by two morphological species, both endemic to the Pyrenees and their southern foothills. We conducted phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear gene fragments of topotypes and other populations, four molecular species delimitation methods, and morphological examinations to clarify the uncertain systematic position of the subgenus within the family, assess its species diversity, and understand the population genetic structure of the two geographically restricted species. Our phylogenetic results revealed that Alzoniella (Navarriella) is distantly related to all other species of Alzoniella , even belonging to an independent subfamily-level clade, for which we introduce the new genus Navarriella and the new subfamily Navarriellinae subfam. nov. Molecular methods and geometric morphometric analysis of shell shape identified a single species in the new genus. The significant phylogenetic distance from other hydrobiid taxa, narrow distribution, and limited gene flow among its populations (estimated from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences) highlight Navarriella as an isolated lineage within the family that requires urgent conservation attention. Furthermore, our results cast a new light on the northern Iberian Mountains as a dispersal barrier for ancient spring lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant clams (Tridacna and Hippopus) are large marine bivalves occupying tropical and subtropical reefs in the Indo‐Pacific. Giant clam populations have declined in many areas of the Indo‐Pacific and continue to be threatened by harvesting and environmental change. The small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) occurs throughout the Indo‐Pacific and has been subject to several phylogeographic studies across its range. However, given its broad range, there are several areas where the genetic diversity and connectivity of T. maxima populations has not been characterised. Here, we analyse the mitochondrial marker cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) to examine the genetic diversity and connectivity of T. maxima in two regions: Australia's Coral Sea Marine Park and the Cook Islands. Samples were collected from 13 reefs within the Coral Sea Marine Park and ten islands within the Cook Islands archipelago. Tridacna maxima across the sampled region of the Coral Sea did not display any population structure, whereas significant population structure was detected for T. maxima within the Cook Islands. For the Cook Islands, most pairwise comparisons involving an island in the northern group (Manihiki) were significant, as were comparisons for Palmerston (a more centrally located island) and the southern islands, Rarotonga and Mangaia. Both regions displayed high haplotype diversities (> 0.90), indicating that they are important repositories of genetic diversity. Additional CO1 data from throughout T. maxima's distribution showed that the Coral Sea clams belonged to the clade occurring in the South‐Western Pacific Ocean, whilst those from the Cook Islands belonged to a unique clade found in the Central Pacific Ocean. This clade extended from Fiji in the west to French Polynesia in the east and the atolls of Palmyra and Tarawa (Kiribati) in the north. Our assessment of genetic diversity and population structure in these regions will assist with management decisions for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post- settlement juveniles of 3 greeneye species in the family Chlorophthalmidae, the blackedge greeneye (Chlorophthalmus nigromarginatus), humpback greeneye (C. acutifrons), and bigeyed greeneye (C. albatrossis), are described for the first time on the basis of 5, 2, and 9 specimens, respectively, collected from northern Japan. These identifications were well supported by an analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences of juveniles and adults of the 3 species and congeners. Among the 3 species, post- settlement juveniles of C. albatrossis are readily distinguishable by the following characters: inner pelvic- fin rays heavily pigmented (versus lightly pigmented or unpigmented), grayish blotches on body variegated and form a transverse band from the posterior end of the dorsal- fin base to the pelvic- fin origin (versus round or elliptical, not forming transverse bands), and 13-14 upper and 12-13 lower procurrent caudal- fin rays (versus 10-12 and 9-10). Although post- settlement juveniles of C. nigromarginatus and C. acutifrons are superficially very similar to each other, they are separable by the shape of grayish blotches and several proportional and meristic characters. On the basis of examination of post- settlement specimens, juveniles of the genus Chlorophthalmus appear to undergo a very rapid metamorphosis after settlement on the seafloor when they change from pelagic to benthic lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A partial mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene haplotype variant of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) Oryctes rhinoceros, classed as 'CRB-G (clade I)', has been the focus of much research since 2007, with reports of invasions into new Pacific Island locations (e.g., Guam, Hawaii, Solomons Islands). For numerous invasive species, inference of invasion biology via whole genome is superior to assessments via the partial mtCOI gene. Here, we explore CRB draft mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) from historical and recent collections, with assessment focused on individuals associated within the CRB-G (clade I) classification. We found that all Guam CRB individuals possessed the same mitogenome across all 13 protein-coding genes and differed from individuals collected elsewhere, including 'non-Guam' individuals designated as CRB-G (clade I) by partial mtCOI assessment. Two alternative ATP6 and COIII partial gene primer sets were developed to enable distinction between CRB individuals from Guam that classed within the CRB-G (clade I) haplotype grouping and CRB-G (Clade I) individuals collected elsewhere. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated ATP6–COIII genes showed that only Guam CRB-G (clade I) individuals clustered together, and therefore Guam was not the source of the CRB that invaded the other locations in the Pacific assessed in this study. The use of the mtCOI and/or mtCOIII genes for initial molecular diagnosis of CRB remained crucial, and assessment of more native CRB populations will further advance our ability to identify the provenance of CRB invasions being reported within the Pacific and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of the geographic origin of invasive species can be critical to effective management and amelioration of negative impacts in the introduced range. Liriomyza huidobrensis is a polyphagous leafmining fly that is a devastating pest of many vegetable and floriculture crops around the world. Considered native to South and possibly Central America, L. huidobrensis became invasive in the 1980s and has since spread to at least 30 countries on five continents. We used phylogeographic analysis of over 2 kb of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II sequence data from 403 field‐collected specimens from both native and introduced populations to investigate the geographic origins of invasive L. huidobrensis worldwide. Within South America, there was substantial genetic variation, as well as the strong phylogeographic structure typical of a native range. In contrast, leafminers from the introduced range and Central America all contained little genetic variation and shared the same small set of haplotypes. These haplotypes trace to Peru as the ultimate geographic origin of invasive populations. Central America is rejected as part of the original geographic range of L. huidobrensis. Within Peru, the primary export region of Lima shared an extremely similar pattern of reduced haplotype variation to the invasive populations. An additional 18 specimens collected at US ports of entry did not share the same haplotype profile as contemporary invasive populations, raising perplexing questions on global pathways and establishment success in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of phylogenetics employs a variety of methods and techniques to study the evolution of life across the planet. Understanding evolutionary relationships is crucial to enriching our understanding of how genes and organisms have evolved throughout time and how they could possibly evolve in the future. Eucopia sculpticauda Faxon, 1893 is a deep-water peracarid in the order Lophogastrida Boas, 1883, which can often be found in high abundances in pelagic trawls. The species can be found along the Mariana Trench, in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, west Atlantic and east Pacific Oceans, and in the Gulf of Mexico and as deep as 7526 m. Recent collections of E. sculpticauda in the Gulf of Mexico have revealed putative cryptic diversity within the species based on both molecular and morphological evidence. Previous studies have documented two different morphotypes of the telson: the terminal part of the pleon (abdomen) and part of the tail fan. In adults, the morphotypes can be distinguished by lateral constrictions in the telson. This evidence, combined with a previous barcoding study, led to the speculation that telson morphology may be a distinguishing character useful to define cryptic diversity within E. sculpticauda. This study presents additional molecular data from the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and the large ribosomal subunit (16S), and the nuclear histone 3 gene (H3) to investigate telson morphotypes in relation to evolutionary history within this species. Molecular data identified two strongly supported clades, lending support for potential cryptic diversification within the Gulf of Mexico. Investigations into telson morphology suggest that this character may be informative, but the morphotypes were sometimes ambiguous and additional characters could not be found that discriminate clades. At present, our data suggest early evidence for cryptic diversification within Gulf of Mexico populations, but additional morphological characters and geographic sampling are needed before a new species can be described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinometra spp. are pantropical echinoids found in benthic marine habitat throughout the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Indo-West Pacific oceanic regions. Currently, morphology and molecular data are sparse for echinoids observed along the northeastern coast of Toco, Trinidad, where they are relatively common. Additionally, accurate species identity for Echinometra spp. remains dynamic at both northernmost and southernmost parts of the Caribbean Sea. Although distribution of sea urchins in the genus Echinometra have extensively been studied throughout the Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific, information on its range of distribution at the edge of the Caribbean Sea is lacking. In this study, the mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (mt COI) gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction, then sequenced. Based on successfully obtained gene sequences for 581 base pairs, the echinoid species Echinometra lucunter and Echinometra viridis were identified for black and red color morphotypes from Trinidad (n  = 23) and Key Largo, Florida (n  = 6), respectively. Furthermore, these specimens were genetically identical to species identified in other studies for Puerto Rico, Panamá, Honduras, and Belize. Although morphological variations, such as spine and test color occur throughout Echinometra spp. molecular identification using the barcoding technique confirmed E. lucunter color morphs for the first time in Trinidad. Since the status of E. lucunter populations, specifically at the most northern and southern regions of the Caribbean Sea is dynamic, further studies using gene markers are essential in determining species distribution, in light of current trends in climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers an in-depth analysis of the mitochondrial genome of Selene dorsalis (Gill 1863), a species native to the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The circular mitochondrial DNA molecule measures 16,541 base pairs and comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region (CR). The nucleotide composition exhibits a notable adenine-thymine (AT) bias, accounting for 53.13%, which aligns with other species in the Carangidae family. Most PCGs initiate with the ATG codon, with the exception of Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I, which starts with GTG. Analysis of relative synonymous codon usage reveals that leucine and serine are the most prevalent amino acids in the mitochondrial genome of S. dorsalis and its congeners (S. vomer and S. setapinnis). All tRNAs display the typical cloverleaf structure, though tRNA Serine (S1) lacks a dihydrouracil arm. Pairwise comparisons of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions for all PCGs yielded values below '1', indicating strong purifying selection. The CR spans 847 bp, representing 5.12% of the mitochondrial genome, and is characterized by high AT content (62.81%). It is situated between tRNA-Pro (TGG) and tRNA-Phe (GAA). The CR contains conserved sequence blocks, with CSB-1 being the longest at 22 bp and CSB-D the shortest at 18 bp. Phylogenetic analysis, using Bayesian and Maximum-likelihood trees constructed from concatenated PCGs across 72 species, successfully differentiates S. dorsalis from other carangids. This study also explores how ocean currents and gyres might influence lineage diversification and parapatric speciation of Selene species between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These results highlight the importance of the mitochondrial genome in elucidating the structural organization and evolutionary dynamics of S. dorsalis and its relatives within marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The taxonomy of the sinica group of macaques has been unresolved due to inconsistencies between their physical traits and genetic relationships. To clarify this taxonomic issue, we analyzed DNA from previously unsampled populations of the macaques in the Himalayas. Our results revealed that the sinica group consists of seven distinct species, rather than the previously considered six species as the two subspecies of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis assamensis and M. a. pelops) are separate candidate species with strong genetic variations. The study also identified Arunachal macaques (M. munzala) in the Shannan area of Xizang Zizhiqu in China. Multiple analyses revealed complex historical patterns of species dispersal and separation, mostly linked to climatic changes during the Quaternary period. We propose a new hypothesis about the sinica group's evolutionary history. Owing to the taxonomic incongruence between the morphological features and genetic relationships of the sinica group of macaques (genus Macaca), the taxonomy of this macaque group has remained inconclusive. We aimed to resolve the taxonomic quandary and improve our understanding of the historical biogeography of the group by including macaque DNA samples from previously unsampled areas in the Himalayas. We sequenced and analyzed three mitochondrial DNA loci [cytochrome b (CYTB), cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and D-loop; 2898 bp] for sequence polymorphism, phylogenetics, species delimitation, and ancestral area reconstruction. We confirmed the occurrence of Arunachal macaque (Macaca munzala) on the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalayas in the Xizang Zizhiqu (Tibet Autonomous Region) of China. The results revealed that the sinica group of macaques is a parapatric species group composed of seven distinct species. Phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses revealed that the two previously considered subspecies of Assamese macaques (the eastern subspecies M. assamensis assamensis and the western subspecies M. a. pelops) are two distinct species. The eastern Assamese macaque is a sister species to the Tibetan macaque, whereas the western Assamese macaque and Arunachal macaque are the closest genetic sister species. The sinica group of macaques underwent five vicariance and seven dispersal radiations in the past, which mainly coincided with the Quaternary climatic oscillations between the late Pliocene and the late Pleistocene. By integrating our phylogenetic and ancestral area reconstruction results with findings from previous paleontological and molecular studies, we propose a robust hypothesis about the phylogeography of the sinica group of macaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing the genetic diversity of a species is crucial for understanding the factors that influence its local dispersion and population dynamics. Additionally, it provides insights into local processes that may affect the distribution of other species. Lineus sanguineus (Rathke, 1799) is a widely distributed species commonly found on fouling fauna along rocky shores. This species can reproduce asexually by fissiparity, and its pilidium larva facilitates dispersal, similar to other heteronemerteans. The present study utilized a population genetics approach combined with Ecological Niche Modeling analysis to evaluate L. sanguineus populations along the Brazilian coast. We used sequences from two mtDNA regions, 16S ribosomal RNA (16SrRNA) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), and one nuclear region, Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS-1), from 85 specimens sampled in nine locations. Genetic diversity analysis revealed greater genetic variation for the ITS-1 marker compared to mtDNA, as evidenced by higher intrapopulation diversity values. There was no clear geographic pattern, and the AMOVA analysis revealed low to moderate genetic structuring and high connectivity among sampled localities, with most of the genetic variation contained within populations. The pairwise FST results indicate high genetic structuring between the Northeast and localities along the South and Southeast of Atlantic coastlines. This pattern suggests that Brazilian oceanic currents play an important role in species connectivity. The paleodistribution pattern demonstrated that the colonization could have occured from the South to the Northeast of the continent. These results reinforce that sexual reproduction and larval dispersion play a vital role in the connectivity of these Southwest Atlantic populations and that oceanographic currents, rafting and artificial transport facilitate these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) can modulate the activity, localization and interactions of proteins and (re)define their biological function. Understanding how changing environments can alter cellular processes thus requires detailed knowledge about the dynamics of PTMs in time and space. A PTM that gained increasing attention in the last decades is protein persulfidation, where a cysteine thiol (-SH) is covalently bound to sulfane sulfur to form a persulfide (-SSH). The precise cellular mechanisms underlying the presumed persulfide signaling in plants are, however, only beginning to emerge. In the mitochondrial matrix, strict regulation of persulfidation and H2S homeostasis is of prime importance for maintaining mitochondrial bioenergetic processes because H2S is a highly potent poison for cytochrome c oxidase. This review summarizes the current knowledge about protein persulfidation and corresponding processes in mitochondria of the model plant Arabidopsis. These processes will be compared to the respective processes in non-plant models to underpin similarities or highlight apparent differences. We provide an overview of mitochondrial pathways that contribute to H2S and protein persulfide generation and mechanisms for H2S fixation and de-persulfidation. Based on current proteomic data, we compile a plant mitochondrial persulfidome and discuss how persulfidation may regulate protein function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The extinction risk of sharks and rays exceeds that of most other vertebrates. Genetic analyses can help identify conservation risks. Aims. Identification of Fiji's maskray and testing the null hypothesis of no genetic differentiation within the species over time. Methods. Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) barcoding was used for species identification, and DArTseq technology to monitor the genetic diversity. Cohort samples were collected in 2015 and 2022. A subset from each cohort was barcoded. The genetic survey was complemented by a size comparison between the two cohorts. Key results. Barcoding of the COI gene showed a maximum similarity of 97.84% to Kuhl's maskray (Neotrygon kuhlii) and 96.83% to the Coral Sea maskray (Neotrygon trigonoides), but no higher-level distinct species match to reference sequences in the Barcode of Life Datasystem. Genotyping of 56 individuals in two cohorts yielded 21,293 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and 3871 SNPs per individual were retained. The neutral genetic diversity remained stable over time. The 2015 cohort showed positive inbreeding, with one full-sibling pair identified in each cohort. Body size comparisons indicated a significant reduction in disc length and width in the 2022 cohort. Conclusions. The smaller body size of the 2022 cohort may hint at increased fishing pressure, but genetic diversity has not been affected. Thus, the null hypothesis is accepted. Implications. These findings provide insights into the genetic diversity of Fiji's maskray and enable a genetic comparison with current Neotrygon species known in the region. Taxonomy confirmation is needed, but the presence of a cryptic or potentially new maskray in Fiji seems plausible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Snap beans (Phaseoulus vulgaris L.) are very sensitive to low temperature during postharvest storage. Pitting, rusting, and water‐soaked patches are typical chilling injury (CI) symptoms of snap beans. The appearance of these symptoms reduces the storage quality of snap beans. The energy, soluble carbohydrates, cell wall, and phenolic metabolisms of refrigerated snap beans and their relationship to CI treated with 35 °C hot water (HW) were investigated. RESULTS: HW treatment reduced CI index and electrolyte leakage and increased the contents of soluble solids, titratable acidity, and chlorophyll. HW treatment maintained higher activities of proton ATPase, calcium ATPase, and cytochrome c oxidase, which resulted in the accumulation of more adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, and energy charge. The accumulation of soluble sugar induced by HW treatment was correlated with the stimulation of sucrose phosphate synthase and sucrose synthase. The prevention effect of HW treatment on the degradation of cell wall components was related to the inhibition of pectin methylesterase and cellulase. HW‐induced phenol accumulation is associated with an increase in shikimate dehydrogenase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, cinnamate‐4‐hydroxylase, and 4‐coumarine‐coenzyme A ligase, as well as a decrease in polyphenol oxidase. CONCLUSION: The alleviating effect of HW on CI is due to its regulation of energy, soluble sugar, cell wall, and phenolic metabolism. Therefore, HW treatment may be an effective means to reduce CI of snap beans. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sciadonus alphacrucis Melo, Gomes, Møller & Nielsen, 2022 is a rare deep‐sea species, previously known from only two specimens collected off São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil, in the western South Atlantic. Herein, we report a new specimen of S. alphacrucis collected on the continental slope off Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, thereby extending its known distribution by 420 km. Additionally, we provide the new meristic and morphometric data, the molecular identification using sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), an updated distribution map, and a discussion of troglomorphic traits. [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]

The genus Urotrygon comprises small‐ to medium‐sized endemic round rays on the American continent and has undergone several synonymization processes. Here, we used an integrative taxonomic approach, including meristic, morphometric, and mtDNA analyses, to resolve the particularly intricate relationship among Urotrygon munda Gill, 1863, Urotrygon chilensis (Günther, 1872), and Urotrygon asterias (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883). The latter species is currently a synonym of U. munda but is also considered the U. chilensis "northern morphotype." These taxonomic entities have historically been confounded, mainly due to their phenotypical resemblance along their geographic distribution in the eastern Pacific. We assessed 78 specimens (43 "northern" and 30 "southern morphotypes" of U. chilensis, as well as 5 U. munda) using 19 external variables for taxonomic and morphometric analysis. Distinct meristic patterns, including pectoral and pelvic ceratotrichia, vertebrae number, and thorn distribution along the dorsal midline, were observed in the series‐type specimens of the three taxonomic entities. Our multivariate morphometric analyses consistently differentiated the three groups as distinct taxonomic entities, with an overall classification accuracy of 66.7%. The meristic results also provided reliable information distinguishing the three entities. Based on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH2) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes, our phylogenetic analysis were consistent with the morphometric and meristic data, supporting these three entities as distinct species having their own evolutionary lineages. Our comprehensive approach confidently demonstrated that the northern U. chilensis morphotype matched and corresponded to the description of the Starry round ray, U. asterias, confirming its taxonomic resurrection as a valid species distinct from U. chilensis and U. munda. The geographic distribution of U. asterias spans from the tropical west coast of Mexico (including the Gulf of California) to Costa Rica, revealing that microevolutionary processes have well‐defined population clades within this range. Furthermore, U. chilensis is unequivocally established as the sole Urotrygon species occurring south of the Guayaquil marine ecoregion. In addition, the public COI and NADH2 sequences available for Urotrygon hosted in the ad hoc online databases were found to be misidentified, emphasizing the need for rigorous taxonomic scrutiny in this group. Finally, our research underscores the significance of an integrative approach that combines morphometric, meristic, and molecular techniques with historical data to disentangle the complexities of closely related taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of nemacheilid loach, Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov., is described from three cave‐dwelling populations (Barak–Surma–Meghna drainage) in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The new species possesses prominent eyes but is easily distinguished from all the congeners of the genus Schistura from Barak–Surma–Meghna and adjacent rivers drainages of northeast Indian (except S. syngkai) in having 13–26 vertically elongated to circular mid‐lateral black blotches (brownish in life) overlayered on a grayish‐black mid‐lateral stripe on a dull white or pale‐beige (golden brown in life) body. However, it can be easily distinguished from S. syngkai in having a complete (vs. incomplete) lateral line with more 72–89 (vs. 19–42) lateral‐line pored scales, greater pre‐dorsal length (48.5–53.1 vs. 41.9–44.1 %SL), a wider body at dorsal‐fin origin (11.3–16.7 vs. 9.4–10.3 %SL), greater dorsal (18.1–21.1 vs. 15.1–17.0 %SL) and lateral (20.9–24.1 vs. 17.4–18.9 %SL) head length, a wider head (14.5–18.5 vs. 11.6–13.3 %SL), and moderately forked (vs. emarginated) caudal fin. Further, molecular analysis confirms the distinctiveness of S. sonarengaensis sp. nov. from its congeners found in northeast India by significant divergences with uncorrected genetic distance ranging from 3.7% to 17.3% in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene dataset. The phylogenetic position of the new species with its sister species was evaluated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis. The species delimitation approaches assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) and Poisson tree processes (PTP) utilized for testing species assignments consistently identified our test group as a distinct species from its sister species. Although the new species lacks typical morphological adaptations usually associated with a subterranean life, such as complete absence (or vestigial presence) of eyes and pigmentation, it exhibits a reduction of pigmentation when compared to the epigean congeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered mitochondrial structure and function are implicated in the functional decline of skeletal muscle. Numerous cytoskeletal proteins are known to affect mitochondrial homeostasis, but this complex network is still being unraveled. Here, we investigated mitochondrial alterations in mice lacking the cytoskeletal adapter protein, XIN (XIN-/-). XIN-/- and wild-type littermate male and female mice were fed a chow or high-fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal fat) for 8 weeks before analyses of their skeletal muscles were conducted. Immuno-electron microscopy (EM) and immunofluorescence staining revealed XIN in the mitochondria and peri-mitochondrial areas, as well as the myoplasm. Intermyofibrillar mitochondria in chow-fed XIN-/- mice were notably different from wild-type (large, and/or swollen in appearance). Succinate dehydrogenase and Cytochrome Oxidase IV staining indicated greater evidence of mitochondrial enzyme activity in XIN-/- mice. No difference in body mass gains or glucose handling was observed between cohorts with HFD. However, EM revealed significantly greater mitochondrial density with evident structural abnormalities (swelling, reduced cristae density) in XIN-/- mice. Absolute Complex I and II-supported respiration was not different between groups, but relative to mitochondrial density, was significantly lower in XIN-/-. These results provide the first evidence for a role of XIN in maintaining mitochondrial morphology and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent collecting efforts in the upper Malagarazi basin (2013–2022) allowed for an integrative study based on qualitative (colour), quantitative (meristic and metric), and barcoding gene [mtDNA, cytochrome c oxidase (COI)] data of specimens similar to Enteromius sp. ‘ascutelatus’, being a previously identified, potentially, new species. Based on these data, the present study confirms its identification as a new species for science, which is here formally described as Enteromius nzigidaherai sp. nov. This new species belongs to the group of Enteromius species for which the last unbranched ray of the dorsal fin is flexible and devoid of serrations along its posterior edge. This species has a horizontal series of black spots at the midlateral level of the sides. Three congeneric species, known from the Congo basin sensu lato, with two of them also found in the upper Malagarazi basin, are most similar to it. However, E. nzigidaherai sp. nov. is distinguished from the two sympatric upper Malagarazi species, that is, E. quadrilineatus and E. lineomaculatus, at least by two meristics and two morphometrics. It is also distinguished from E. urostigma, known from the upper Congo basin, by two meristics and one, apparently related, morphometric. In addition, a barcoding (mtDNA, COI) study revealed that the specimens of E. nzigidaherai sp. nov. form a well‐supported, separate lineage, with a K2P genetic distance of more than 10% with specimens identified as E. quadrilineatus and E. lineomaculatus, both originating from the upper Malagarazi basin and for which tissue samples were available. Finally, the new species was found to be endemic to the upper reaches of two left bank affluents of the upper Malagarazi basin: the Muyovozi and the Kinwa. However, both affluents are threatened by human activities, which seem to have resulted in its local disappearance as recent intensive collecting efforts in the latter affluent have remained unsuccessful. The species should thus be considered Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria B1ab(ii,iv)c(i,iii). Therefore, it is hoped that the present description draws renewed attention to the importance of aquatic protection in the region by highlighting the need for the effective establishment of the Malagarazi Nature Reserve and concern for its optimal delimitation to efficiently protect the entire ichthyofauna of the upper Malagarazi, without excluding the fish species confined to its affluent rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the results of studying the molecular characteristics of parasitic tapeworms Echinococcus canadensis. The helminths were discovered during the autopsy of a wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) killed by hunters in the Kirov oblast in 2021. A molecular phylogenetic study was performed by analyzing the sequence of a fragment of the first subunit of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene (CoxI). It was found that the detected echinococci belong to the G10 genotype of E. canadensis, which is common in wolves in the northern territories of the Holarctic. We discovered four positions at which the substitutions characteristic only of this genotype are revealed. A substitution at one of the positions that is characteristic exclusively for the representatives of the G10 genotype found in Russia and Finland was also discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two genera, Chaenotetrastichus Graham and Styotrichia LaSalle (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), are newly recorded from the Oriental region, based on material reared from the pupae of Auplopus carbonarius (Scopoli) (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) and a Pisoxylon species (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae), respectively, collected using trap-nests. Styotrichia pisoxylona Cao & Zhu sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a gregarious endo-parasitoid of Pisoxylon sp. The generic diagnosis, biology, and distribution of Chaenotetrastichus and Styotrichia are updated. All described species of the two genera are reviewed and a key to them is provided. Based on morphology and available sequences of the D2 expansion region of 28S ribosomal DNA (28S D2), the relationships between the two genera and other members of the subfamily Tetrastichinae are tentatively discussed. The phylogenetic analysis of 28S D2 confirms that the two genera with enlarged mandibles, which are associated with aculeate Hymenoptera, are not closely related. DNA barcodes (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I, COI) of the newly described species and C. semiflavus (Girault) are provided and analyzed alongside publicly available COI sequences of related taxa. The result suggests that the genetic or species diversity of Chaenotetrastichus is underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the first molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Clinocerinae, challenging the traditionally accepted monophyly of this subfamily. DNA was extracted from fresh and museum specimens representing all biogeographical regions. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic analyses were performed based on sequences from two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome β, and three nuclear genes, carbomoylphosphate synthase domain of rudimentary, elongation factor‐1α and isocitrate dehydrogenase. Through molecular data and morphological examination, our results reveal a division within Clinocerinae, distinguishing 'typical' or Clinocerinae (s.s.) from several genera, specifically Afroclinocera Sinclair, Asymphyloptera Collin and Proagomyia Collin, possibly lending support for a reclassification of these genera outside Clinocerinae. Bergenstammia Mik is proposed as a junior synonym of Phaeobalia Mik, syn. n., and the following new combinations are recognized: Phaeobalia albanica (Wagner) comb. n., Phaeobalia aurinae (Pusch & Wagner) comb. n., Phaeobalia carniolica (Horvat) comb. n., Phaeobalia frigida (Vaillant) comb. n., Phaeobalia glacialis (Palaczyk & Słowińska) comb. n., Phaeobalia multiseta (Strobl) comb. n., Phaeobalia nudimana (Vaillant) comb. n., Phaeobalia nudipes (Loew) comb. n., Phaeobalia pulla (Vaillant & Wagner) comb. n., Phaeobalia pyrenaica (Vaillant & Vinçon) comb. n., Phaeobalia slovaca (Wagner) comb. n. and Phaeobalia thomasi (Vaillant & Vinçon) comb. n. Re‐evaluation of the genus Roederiodes resulted in the following new combinations: Clinocerella macedonicus (Wagner & Horvat) comb. n. and Clinocerella montenegrinus (Wagner & Horvat) comb. n. The origins of Clinocerinae (s.s.) are traced back to the Holarctic region, Laurasian origin, with a likely complex history of dispersal events into the Southern Hemisphere. Based on current knowledge, the greatest generic and species richness is confined to the Palaearctic Region. These findings provide valuable insights into the evolutionary relationships and distribution patterns of Clinocerinae (s.s.), challenging existing taxonomic classifications and shedding light on their historical biogeography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous studies, cyanobacteria have been associated with embryonic toxicity, including teratogenic effects, though the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we explored differential responses to Microcystis aeruginosa by endangered Sinocyclocheilus grahami and introduced Pseudorasbora parva from Lake Dianchi, China. We conducted fish embryo test under Microcystis aeruginosa exudates (MaE) exposure, and developmental responses, cell structure and metabolism were measured. We observed increased malformation, mortality rate and decreased fertilization, hatching rate and heartbeats in both fish species when exposed to MaE. Transmission electron microscopy revealed damage to brain cells of both species. Transcriptomics revealed that mitochondria were a MaE target in both species, with impairment occurring to respiratory enzyme complexes and oxidative stress enzymes. Oxidative stress induced by MaE was mainly associated with hydrogen peroxide, though the underlying mechanism differed: In Sinocyclocheilus grahami, hydrogen peroxide increased owing to its decreased degradation, whereas in Pseudorasbora parva, it increased owing to increased synthesis. All results were consistent in that the Sinocyclocheilus grahami was more vulnerable than Pseudorasbora parva to MaE exposure. Our work highlights that MaE may harm fish in species-specific ways and contribute to replacement of native by invasive species in Lake Dianchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the potential ecological risks and harm to aquatic organisms posed by anionic surfactants such as α-olefin sulfonate (AOS), which are commonly found in industrial and consumer products, including detergents. This study assessed acute (96-h) and subchronic (14-day) responses using antioxidant activity, protein levels, and histopathological changes in Tubifex tubifex exposed to different AOS concentrations (10% of the LC50, 20% of the LC50, and a control). Molecular docking was used to investigate the potential interactions between the key stress biomarker enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and cytochrome c oxidase) of Tubifex tubifex. Acute AOS exposure showed a concentration-dependent decrease in survival, and the general unified threshold (GUTS) model revealed that survivorship is linked to individual response patterns rather than random (stochastic) fluctuations. The GUTS model also revealed dose-dependent toxicity patterns in Tubifex tubifex exposed to α-olefin sulfonate (AOS), with adaptive mechanisms at lower concentrations but significant increases in mortality beyond a certain threshold, emphasizing the role of the AOS concentration in shaping its toxicological impact. Exposure to AOS disrupted antioxidant activity, inducing oxidative stress, with GST and GPx showing positive associations with surfactant concentration and increased lipid peroxidation (elevated MDA levels); moreover, AOS exposure decreased protein concentration, signifying disturbances in vital cellular processes. Histopathological examinations revealed various tissue-level alterations, including cellular vacuolation, cytoplasmic swelling, inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated interactions between AOS and enzymes (-catalase, superoxide dismutase, and cytochrome c oxidase) in Tubifex tubifex, including hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions, with the potential to disrupt enzyme structures and activities, leading to cellular process disruptions, oxidative stress, and tissue damage. According to the species sensitivity distribution (SSD), the difference in toxicity between Tilapia melanopleura (higher sensitivity) and Daphnia magna (low sensitivity) to AOS suggests distinct toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic mechanisms attributable to more complex physiology in Tilapia and efficient detoxification in Daphnia due to its smaller size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The infection of animals and humans with Sarcocystis spp. causes public health problems and significant economic losses to the livestock industry. To date, more than 200 species in the genus Sarcocystis have been reported. Sarcocystis spp. can cause sarcocystosis, which leads to emaciation, abortion, and even death in sheep. However, to date, Sarcocystis spp. infection has not been reported in sheep (Ovis aries) in Shanxi Province. In the present study, 582 mutton samples collected from sheep in ten representative counties in this province were investigated for Sarcocystis spp. by PCR amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. The results showed that the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in sheep in Shanxi Province was 33.85% (197/582). Of them, 196 cox1 sequences showed a nucleotide similarity of 98.56–99.81% with those of S. tenella, and the remaining one cox1 sequence showed a nucleotide similarity of 99.71% with that of S. arieticanis. The present study reported the occurrence and prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. for the first time in sheep in Shanxi Province, China, which has important implications for the control and prevention of Sarcocystis infection in this province and elsewhere. Sarcocystis species are intracellular coccidian protozoans that can infect a range of animals and humans and cause public health problems and economically significant losses. Sarcocystosis in sheep (Ovis aries) can cause abortion, neurological symptoms, and even death and results in significant economic losses to the livestock industry. To date, however, it is yet unknown whether sheep in Shanxi Province, north China, are infected with Sarcocystis spp. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in sheep in Shanxi Province. Thus, 582 muscle samples of sheep were purchased from farmers' markets from ten representative counties in Shanxi Province, north China, and examined for the presence and prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. by PCR amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. Of the examined 582 mutton samples, 197 samples (33.85%) were Sarcocystis-positive and were sequenced. Of the obtained 197 cox1 sequences, 196 sequences showed nucleotide similarity of 98.56–99.81% with those of S. tenella, and the remaining one cox1 sequence showed nucleotide similarity of 99.71% with that of S. arieticanis. Two representative cox1 sequences of S. tenella (accession nos. PQ189447 and PQ189448) have 99.52% and 99.61% identity with S. tenalla (KC209725) and S. tenalla (MK419984), respectively. The sequence of S. arieticanis (accession no. PQ165949) obtained in this study has 99.71% identity with S. arieticanis (MK419975). This present study documents the occurrence and prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in sheep in Shanxi Province for the first time, which enriches the data on the distribution of Sarcocystis spp. in sheep in China and has implications for the control of sheep sarcocystosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to analyze the cladistics and population structure analysis of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks infesting buffaloes in Haryana, India, as well as the assessment of the anti-tick efficacy of the ethanolic extracts of Cassia fistula (bark, pod pulp, and flowers) against R. microplus larvae. The molecular characterization and population structure analysis were performed by targeting the amplification of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, whereas anti-tick efficacy was evaluated using a larval packet test. The sequences generated herein revealed a homology of 98.26–100% to the GenBank-archived R. microplus sequences. In population structure analysis, high haplotype (0.500 ± 0.265) and low nucleotide (0.002 ± 0.001) diversities were recorded for the sequences generated in this study. Significantly negative neutrality indices were recorded for the overall dataset. The extracts were found to significantly affect mortality rates in a dose-dependent manner, and the ethanolic extracts of the bark, pod pulp, and flowers of C. fistula exhibited median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 27.989, 40.457, and 49.43 mg/mL, respectively. The LC50 value recorded for the combination of the ethanolic extracts of the bark, flower, and pod pulp of C. fistula was 19.724 mg/mL, whereas the synthetic acaricide ivermectin had an LC50 value of 351.56 mg/mL. In conclusion, R. microplus populations infesting cattle and buffalo hosts in India exhibited negligible genetic differentiation and high gene flow between them. Additionally, the combination of all C. fistula extracts could serve as a potential substitute for the synthetic acaricide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]