Search

This study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity and the chemical composition of essential oils and organic extracts of Moroccan Tetraclinis articulata cones (Khemisset region). The GC–MS analysis of essential oils identified a total 23 volatile components. The major constituents of the oil were α-pinene (18.33%), cis-verbenone (10.02%), and L-pinocarveol (8. 32%). For phytosterols analysis of hexane extract, β-sitosterol constitutes the majority with a percentage of 77.74%. The amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents was high in the methanol extract (78.54±2.8 mg GAE / g and 41.11± 4.5 mg QE/g, respectively) and the Antioxidant capacity determined by DPPH method showed a strongest radical scavenging activity exhibition by the methanol extract (IC50=0.038±0.006 mg/mL). The results indicated that T. articulata contains bioactive compounds which are responsible for its antioxidant activity. Therefore, this plant could be potential candidates for the preparation of a natural antioxidant drug or an additive preparation.

The genus Palusphaera Lecal-Schlauder emend. R.E. Norris is a distinctive modern coccolithophore that accommodates monomorphic, monothecate coccospheres with one type of spine-bearing heterococcoliths. Having examined a set of scanning electron microscopy images from our collections, we were able to demonstrate that four distinct species of Palusphaera exist in the modern oceans, including the type species Palusphaera vandelii, an informally proposed form, Palusphaera sp. 1 (type robusta) that is herein taxonomically ratified as Palusphaera crosiae sp. nov., and a distinctive morphotype, which is formally described as Palusphaera bownii sp. nov. Biometric analyses and observations on the morphologies of numerous P. vandelii specimens revealed the existence of a further form, and its commonly distinguished coccolith morphotypes are therefore taxonomically separated from Palusphaera vandelii and established as a discrete species, Palusphaera probertii sp. nov.

Citropsis articulata, the African cherry orange, is considered to be threatened in Ugandan forests as a result of its purported aphrodisiac properties. This study, part of an ongoing effort to address restoration needs of Mabira Central Forest Reserve in Uganda, demonstrates the feasibility of restoring depleted C. articulata populations using seedlings transplanted from nursery-grown seeds. Phenology of 20 Mabira forest plants was monitored with the aim of collecting seeds. One hundred and fifty-six ripe fruits were collected, and 233 of the extracted seeds were planted in pots in a nursery during January–March 2019. During November-December 2019, seedlings were planted near the sites from which fruits were collected. Seed germination success rate was 89%, and fifteen months after transplanting, in situ survival was 100%. These results suggest that depleted C. articulata populations may be restored in situ using nursery-grown seeds.

Con el objetivo de realizar una caracterización tecnológica del sistema productivo con bovinos criollos de Nunkiní en Campeche, México, se evaluaron diez unidades de producción (UP). Su nivel tecnológico (NT) se determinó con base en sus variables técnico-productivas y se clasificó como bajo (50%), medio (30%) o alto (20%). La edad, escolaridad y experiencia (años) promedio de los productores fue 62.3±3.2, 7.3±0.9 y 25.2±5.4, respectivamente (p < 0.05). El promedio de edad y peso al primer estro de las hembras bovinas fue 30.9±4.9 meses y 276.5 kg±17.3 kg, respectivamente (p < 0.05). El promedio de edad y peso al primer servicio fue 36.9±5.7 meses y 306.0 kg±28.8 kg, respectivamente (p < 0.05). El promedio de días abiertos y periodo interparto fue 205.0±38.1 días y 15.9±1.3 meses, respectivamente (p < 0.05). Los parámetros productivos variaron según el NT de la UP. Se observa rusticidad y precocidad en la raza. El núcleo criollo de Nunkiní se encuentra en peligro de extinción.

Background Pholidota articulata Lindl has been used as a traditional medicine and Yi-nationality herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Phenanthrenes and bibenzyls commonly found in the genus Pholidota are one of their most important natural ingredients, due to their various biological activities. Objective This study aimed to establish an HPLC method for determination of the levels of three phenenthrenes (flavidin, lusianthridin, coelonin) and two bibenzyls (batatasin III, cirrhopetalidin) in rhizomes of P. articulata Lindl. Method The separated and elucidated compounds from chloroform fractions of P. articulata Lindl were used as standards and analyzed by gradient elution HPLC with a variable wavelength detector at 274 nm. Results The calibration curves exhibited good linearity (R2 = 0.9999), ranging from 20 to 960 ng/mL, the average recoveries were between 91.5 and 102.9%, and the RSD values of precision, stability, and repeatability were Conclusions The present study provides an alternative method for the rapid separation of phenanthrenes and bibenzyls from natural products and lays a foundation for the study of biological activity. Highlights When using developed method in this study for separation of phenanthrenes and bibenzyls in genus Pholidota, chemicalin formation was more abundant from chloroform fractions.

Two new bopyrids, Bopyrinina articulata n. sp. and Bopyrinella asymmetrica n. sp. are described from French Polynesia, the Red Sea, and the Philippines. Bopyrinina articulata n.sp. infests Salmoneus cf. gracilipes Miya, and is distinguishable from other species of this genus by the structure of the maxilliped, pleopods and oostegite 1. Bopyrinella asymmetrica n. sp. is most similar to Bopyrinella albida Shiino, 1958, but females differ from that species because all pereomeres on the short side have round dorsolateral bosses and its pleotelson is greatly distorted. Bopyrina ocellata (Czerniavsky, 1868) is newly recorded from the Western Atlantic, from Florida, USA. Review of the species of Bopyrina revealed that B. choprai Nierstrasz & Brender a Brandis, 1929 and B. sewelli Chopra, 1930 are intermediate in morphology between Bopyrina and Schizobopyrina, the taxonomic assignment of these two species needs further evaluation. Keys to Bopyrinella Nierstrasz & Brender a Brandis, 1925 and Bopyrina Kossmann, 1881 are presented. Hosts and distributions of the seven species of Bopyrinella are summarized.

Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters is a coniferous tree, endemic to North Africa and considered as an endangered species in Algeria despite having ecological, socio-economic and environmental interests. Ecologists and foresters today insist on the eminent place that this forest essence plays in the structuring of the vegetal landscapes of the Maghreb, but also on its forest and economic value (Terras et al., 2008). The objective of this work is mainly to define the main saline and water concentrations promoting the multiplication and the regeneration of this essence since the process of its degradation is gradually accentuated. The effect of incubation temperature and the impact of saline and water stresses on seed germination were studied. The salinity treatments used were 0, 25, 50,100, 150 mm/L of NaCl, while water deficits of 0, -0.5, -1, -1.5, -2 and -3 Bars were induced using PEG-6000. The maximum germination percentage (85%) was obtained under control condi-tions. A negative correlation was obtained between NaCl concentration and seed germination, while at the concentration of 150 mm/L germination was 5%, suggesting that T. articulata is moderately salt tolerant at the germina-tion stage. The results of water stress impact test indicate that T. articulata seeds are quite tolerant to water stress, with a germination capacity of 40% when the seeds are exposed to a PEG solution of -2 Bars, this is a rather remarkable low value compared to other Mediterranean tree species from arid and semi-arid areas.

Phytoremediation and bioremediation are eco-friendly methods of wastewater treatment that are widely used throughout the world to reduce anthropogenic water contamination. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of symbiotic bacteria in phytoremediation using two aquatic plants, Echinodorus cordifolius and Lepironia articulata, that were tested in sterilized and unsterilized groups. The results showed that unsterilized plants removed more phosphate, ammonium, nitrate and nitrite than the sterilized plants. In untreated and unsterilized E. cordifolius groups, the dominant bacterium was Calothrix (46.90 and 49.69%, respectively), which was higher than in the sterilized E. cordifolius group (38.88%). In untreated and unsterilized groups of L. articulata, Clostridium was a dominant bacterium. The proportion of Clostridium was much lower in the sterilized L. articulata group (1.31%) than in the untreated (13.71%) and unsterilized (49.02%) groups. Our results suggested that root-associated bacteria in E. cordifolius and L. articulata were effective in the removal of phosphorus and nitrogen from domestic wastewater.

The genus Bulaceros (Polycladida: Pseudocerotidae) erected by Newman & Cannon (1996) is a rare genus found only in the Pacific Ocean and is known by only one species, Bulaceros porcellanus Newman &...

Owing to extremely high salinity and harsh environmental conditions, T. articulata is one of the most abundant wild plants growing in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Such plants may contain novel compounds to display promising biological activities. Here, in this study, we evaluate the biological activities of methanolic extracts of fresh leaves, dry leaves, stem, and roots of T. articulata. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using standard colorimetric methods. Whereas antimicrobial and ant-proliferative activities were determined by standard well-diffusion and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) methods, respectively. Our results demonstrate that all methanolic extracts of T. articulata showed antioxidant activity, however, the methanolic extract of dry leaves exhibits promising antioxidant effect with IC₅₀ value 49.08 ± 1.98, which was strongly supported by total phenolic (409.92 ± 6.03 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (177.71 mg QE/g DW) content. Although, antimicrobial activity was also exhibited by all the methanolic extracts, however, methanolic extract of dry leaves exhibits promising antimicrobial activity in Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus epidemidis. Furthermore, MTT assay revealed that all methanolic extracts exhibit antiproliferative activity in MCF-7 (breast cancer) and RKO (colorectal cancer) cells with IC₅₀ values ranges from 219 ± 5.112 µg/ml to 253 ± 5.231 µg/ml and 220 ± 4.330 µg/ml to 325 ± 6.213 µg/ml, respectively. However, the most promising antiproliferative effect was displayed by methanolic extract of dry leaves with IC₅₀ values 219 ± 5.112 µg/ml and 220 ± 4.330 µg/ml, respectively. In summary, these findings provide evidence that T. articulata has promising biological activities and can be used for many pharmaceutical activities in the future.

Recent botanical explorations in the province of Palawan, Philippines, have resulted in the discovery of two new ginger species, namely Boesenbergia eburnea Docot and Boesenbergia leonardocoi Funak. & Docot, which are described and illustrated here, including information on their distribution, habitat, phenology, ecology and conservation status. Additionally, a key to Boesenbergia species in the Philippines is provided.

Cladistic analysis of traditional (i.e. morphological, developmental, ultrastructural) and molecular (18S rDNA) data sets (276+501 informative characters) provides a hypothesis about relationships of all meta-zoan higher taxa. Monophyly of Metazoa, Epith-eliozoa (= -03non-Porifera), Triploblastica, Mesozoa, Eutriploblastica (=Rhabditophora+Catenulida+"higher triploblasts"=Neotriploblastica, including Xeno- turbellida and Gnathostomulida), Rhabditophora, Syndermata (="Rotifera"+Acanthocephala), Neotrichozoa (=Gastrotricha+Gnathostomulida), Nematozoa (=Nematoda+Nematomorpha), Panarthropoda (=Onychophora+Tardigrada+ Arthropoda), Cephalorhyncha, Deuterostomia, Ambulacralia (=Hemichordata+Echinodermata), Chordata, Phoronozoa (=Phoronida+"Brachiopoda"), Bryozoa, Trochozoa (=Eutrochozoa+Entoprocta+ Cycliophora), Eutrochozoa, and Chaetifera (=Annelida+ Pogonophora+Echiura) is strongly supported. Cnidaria (including Myxozoa), Ecdysozoa (=Cepha- lorhyncha + Nematozoa + Chaetognatha + Panarthropoda), Eucoelomata (=Bryozoa+Phoronozoa+Deuterostomia+Trochozoa, possibly including also Xenoturbellida), and Deuterostomia+Phoronozoa probably are monophyletic. Most traditional "phyla" are monophyletic, except for Porifera, Cnidaria (excluding Myxozoa), Platyhelminthes, Brachiopoda, and Rotifera. Three "hot" regions of the tree remain quite unresolved: basal Epitheliozoa, basal Triploblastica, and basal Neotriploblastica. A new phylogenetic classification of the Metazoa including 35 formally recognized phyla (Silicispongea, Calcispongea, Placozoa, Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Acoela, Nemertodermatida, Orthonecta, Rhombozoa, Rhabditophora, Catenulida, Syndermata, Gnathostomulida, Gastrotricha, Cephalorhyncha, Chaetognatha, Nematoda, Nematomorpha, Onychophora, Tardigrada, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, Hemichordata, Chordata, Phoronozoa, Bryozoa s. str., Xenoturbellida, Entoprocta, Cycliophora, Nemertea, Mollusca, Sipuncula, Echiura, Pogonophora, and Annelida) and few i ncertae sedis g roups (e.g. Myzostomida and Lobatocerebromorpha) is proposed.

Year-round reports of phytoplankton dynamics in the West Antarctic Peninsula are rare and mainly limited to microscopy and/or pigment-based studies. We analyzed the phytoplankton community from coastal waters of Fildes Bay in the West Antarctic Peninsula between January 2014 and 2015 using metabarcoding of the nuclear and plastidial 18/16S rRNA gene from both size-fractionated and flow cytometry sorted samples. Overall 14 classes of photosynthetic eukaryotes were present in our samples with the following dominating: Bacillariophyta (diatoms), Pelagophyceae and Dictyochophyceae for division Ochrophyta, Mamiellophyceae and Pyramimonadophyceae for division Chlorophyta, Haptophyta and Cryptophyta. Each metabarcoding approach yielded a different image of the phytoplankton community with for example Prymnesiophyceae more prevalent in plastidial metabarcodes and Mamiellophyceae in nuclear ones. Diatoms were dominant in the larger size fractions and during summer, while Prymnesiophyceae and Cryptophyceae were dominant in colder seasons. Pelagophyceae were particularly abundant towards the end of autumn (May). In addition of Micromonas polaris and Micromonas sp. clade B3, both previously reported in Arctic waters, we detected a new Micromonas 18S rRNA sequence signature, close to, but clearly distinct from M. polaris, which potentially represents a new clade specific of the Antarctic. These results highlight the need for complementary strategies as well as the importance of year-round monitoring for a comprehensive description of phytoplankton communities in Antarctic coastal waters. Ministry of Education (MOE) Published version This work was funded by INACH RG_31-15, INACH RT_34-17 and FONDECYT No. 1190879 grants. Collaboration between Chile and France was funded through ECOS-CONICYT No. C16B02 and CNRS International Research Network “Diversity, Evolution and Biotechnology of Marine Algae” (GDRI No. 0803). Catherine Géri-kas Ribeiro was supported by the FONDECYT Project No. 3190827. The authors thank Dr. Ernesto Molina for sampling during autumn and spring, as well the logistic support at the scientific station Professor Julio Escudero, INACH. Adriana Lopes dos Santos was supported by the Singapore Ministry of Education, Academic Research Fund Tier 1 (RG26/19). We thank the Roscoff ABIMS platform of the FR2424 (CNRS, Sorbonne Université) for bioinformatics resources.

Rapidly accumulating genetic data from environmental sequencing approaches have revealed an extraordinary level of unsuspected diversity within marine phytoplankton, which is responsible for around 50% of global net primary production.However, the phenotypic identity of many of the organisms distinguished by environmental DNA sequences remains unclear. The rappemonads represent a plastid-bearing protistan lineage that to date has only been identified by environmental plastid 16S rRNA sequences.The phenotypic identity of this group, which does not confidently cluster in any known algal clades in 16S rRNA phylogenetic reconstructions, has remained unknown since the first report of environmental sequences over two decades ago. We show that rappemonads are closely related to a haptophyte microalga, Pavlomulina ranunculiformis gen. nov. et sp. nov., and belong to a new haptophyte class, the Rappephyceae. Organellar phylogenomic analyses provide strong evidence for the inclusion of this lineage within the Haptophyta as a sister group to the Prymnesiophyceae. Members of this new class have a cosmopolitan distribution in coastal and oceanic regions. The relative read abundance of Rappephyceae in a large environmental barcoding dataset was comparable to, or greater than, those of major haptophyte species, such as the bloom-forming Gephyrocapsa huxleyi and Prymnesium parvum, and this result indicates that they likely have a significant impact as primary producers. Detailed characterization of Pavlomulina allowed for reconstruction of the ancient evolutionary history of the Haptophyta, a group that is one of the most important components of extant marine phytoplankton communities., 20年以上謎だった生物の正体が判明 --光合成生物進化解明のカギに--. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2021-03-29.

A comprehensive morphological and taxonomic account of the members of the genus Cheliplana de Beauchamp, 1927 is presented. Six new species are described: Cheliplana asinaraensis n. sp., C. cubana n. sp., C. curacaoensis n. sp., C. hawaiiensis n. sp., C. longissima n. sp. and C. mauii n. sp. The new species are mainly distinguished from each other and from other representatives of Cheliplana by the organisation of the reproductive system and the structure of the cirrus. Furthermore, C. triductibus Van Steenkiste, Volonterio, Schockaert & Artois, 2008 is considered a junior synonym of Cheliplana deverticula Ax, 2008. The two subspecies of Cheliplana asica Marcus, 1952, C. asica asica and C. asica terminalis Brunet, 1968, are considered separate species. The systematic position of the genus Dactyloplana Armonies, 2018 is discussed, and its synonymy with Cheliplana is retained. As such, this brings the total number of species of Cheliplana to 49. Finally, we provide an identification key to the members of the genus, based on characters that enable identification to species level in the field.

Since the first complete set of Platyhelminth nuclear receptors (NRs) from Schistosoma mansoni were identified a decade ago, more flatworm genome data is available to identify their NR complement and to analyze the evolutionary relationship of Platyhelminth NRs. NRs are important transcriptional modulators that regulate development, differentiation and reproduction of animals. In this study, NRs are identified in genome databases of thirty-three species including in all Platyhelminth classes (Rhabditophora, Monogenea, Cestoda and Trematoda). Phylogenetic analysis shows that NRs in Platyhelminths follow two different evolutionary lineages: 1) NRs in a free-living freshwater flatworm (Schmidtea mediterranea) and all parasitic flatworms share the same evolutionary lineage with extensive gene loss. 2) NRs in a free-living intertidal zone flatworm (Macrostomum lignano) follow a different evolutionary lineage with a feature of multiple gene duplication and gene divergence. The DNA binding domain (DBD) is the most conserved region in NRs which contains two C4-type zinc finger motifs. A novel zinc finger motif is identified in parasitic flatworm NRs: the second zinc finger of parasitic Platyhelminth HR96b possesses a CHC2 motif which is not found in NRs of all other animals. In this study, novel NRs (members of NR subfamily 3 and 6) are identified in flatworms, this result demonstrates that members of all six classical NR subfamilies are present in the Platyhelminth phylum. NR gene duplication, loss and divergence in Platyhelminths are analyzed along with the evolutionary relationship of Platyhelminth NRs.

Coccolithophores are cosmopolitan, major calcifying protists that have significant roles in marine carbon cycling. Although the influence of temperature and irradiance fluctuation on coccolithophor...

The close relationship between a polyclad (Platyhelminthes, Rhabditophora, Polycladida) and the mesophotic Atlantic–Mediterranean black coral Antipathella subpinnata (Ellis & Solander, 1786) (Cnidaria, Hexacorallia, Antipatharia) is herein described for the first time. Worms, up to 50 mm long, are elongated with sparse dorsal papillae, an anterior, ruffled pharynx and caudal, well-separated gonopores. The bulbous vagina is connected to a very elongated Lang’s vesicle, while the male apparatus, hosting a cuticular penis papilla, consists in a muscular interpolated prostatic vesicle, formed by few chambers surrounding the ejaculatory duct, a major seminal vesicle and numerous spermiducal bulbs. These features, as well as the uniqueness of the symbiotic relationship and relative reproductive adaptations, support the description of a new taxon, Anthoplana antipathellae gen. et sp. nov. (Acotylea, Notoplanidae). The observed symbiosis is ascribable to exclusive inquilinism with some parasitic traits. The individuals, living in large numbers on the colonies, are highly cryptic thanks to a characteristic pigmentation and a wrapped habitus. They lay numerous annular yellow cocoons (rigid, nest-like structures containing the fertilised eggs), in single or multiple rows on the distal branches of the coral, temporarily denudated of coenenchyme. The occurrence of the polyclad is consistent with the Atlantic–Mediterranean geographical and bathymetrical distribution of the A. subpinnata forests as demonstrated by the analysed photo archive, and a summer reproductive peak can be hypothesised based on the temporal observations carried out in the study areas.

The objective of this study was to identify new bioactive substances through the phytochemical study and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl). Harvested in April 2016, in the region of Khenifra (Middle Atlas-Morocco).   Separate of hydrodistillation extracts of the three organs (branches, leaves and fruits) of Tetraclinis articulate were performed. The yields of essential oils are 0.92% for fruits; 0.41% for branches and 0.61% for leaves.   The GC/MS analysis allowed the identification of 33 compounds in essential oil leaves, 20 compounds in excess fruits and 58 compounds in branches. The main compounds are bornyl acetate (38.54%) and α-pinene (6.71%) for leaves. α-pinene (22.12%); 13-epi-mannol (3.58%) and retinol (3.44%) for branches. Bornyl acetate (19.96%); α-pinene (12.47%) and retinol (11.98%) for fruits.   The antibacterial properties of the essential oil of leaves of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) were tested in clinical bacterial strain. The essential oils inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae at 1.2 µl/ml; 2.4 µl/ml and 9.7 µl/ml respectively.   Indeed, the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is known for its adverse effects on human

The quality and the variability of the chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of essentials oils isolated from Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) leaves, which were studied from two different regions that are ecologically various. The average yield of essential oil is 0,56 % for the Ras Elma Tazekka region (mountain) and 0,36% for the Debdou region (plain). An analysis made by GC and GC/ MS identified 22 components in Tetraclinis articulata leaves essential oil in the mountain area and 29 components in the plain area. These major components represent the variability of quantity. The percentages following respectively by the two areas are: Bornyl acetate (34,84%; 32,55%), α-Pinene (11,41%; 18,83%), Camphor (11,24 %; 11,31%), Limonene (11,94 %; 8%) and Borneol (8,35%; 7,79%). The antimicrobial activity of T. articulata essential oil was tested against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli which has been inhibited from the 50μg / mL concentration for the Debdou region (Plain) and 25μg / mL for that of the Ras Elma Tazekka region (Mountain).

One new Sabatieria Rouville, 1903 and one new Hopperia Vitiello, 1969 species are described from Conway Trough off the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island based on light and scanning electron microscope observations and SSU and D2-D3 of LSU molecular sequences. Additional morphological observations and molecular sequence data are also provided for Vasostoma hexodontium Rosli, Leduc & Probert, 2014. Sabatieria articulata sp. nov. belongs to the Praedatrix group and differs from all other species of the genus in having jointed spicules. Hopperia novazelandica sp. nov. is characterized by a relatively stout body, cephalic setae 0.2–0.3 corresponding body diameter long, amphideal fovea with 3.0 turns in males and 2.2–2.5 turns in females, buccal cavity with three teeth, spicules 2.3–2.5 cloacal body diameters long, presence of 19 precloacal supplements, and conico-cylindrical tail with swollen tip and terminal setae. Scanning electron microscopy observations show that the outer cuticle surface of V. hexodontium is smooth and that the inner labial papillae are slightly larger than the outer labial papillae. The SSU consensus tree could not resolve relationships among most Comesomatidae Filipjev, 1918 species and genera included in our analysis. Analyses based on D2-D3 of LSU sequences suggest that Sabatieria, Hopperia, and Dorylaimopsis are not monophyletic; instead, species/genera from the same region tended to cluster together, suggesting that features that characterize the genera Hopperia and Dorylaimopsis, such as a buccal cavity with teeth and an expanded posterior portion, have evolved multiple times independently, possibly from a Sabatieria-like ancestor. This hypothesis, however, will have to be tested using more comprehensive molecular datasets.

This communication includes the description of sixteen species of cheilostome Bryozoa from the lower Miocene (Burdigalian) of Quilon beds of Padappakara, Kerala, India. Four out of these species are newly indexed. They are Skylonia malabarica, Vincularia taylori, Adeonellopsis keralaensis and Stylopoma warkhalensis. The species in these rocks are reported for the first time. These species are Nellia tenella, Tretosina sp.1, Tretosina sp. 2., Steginoporella cf. vicksburgia, Cosciniopsis sp., Adeona articulata, Adeona sp., Adeonellopsis sp., ?Emballotheca sp., Stylopoma aff. magniovicellata, ?Petraliella sp. and Anoteropora magnicapitata. Majority of them are tropical to subtropical, warm water species. Affinities with Indo-Pacific and Atlantic bryozoan faunas are discussed. Palaeoecological analysis of zoarial growth forms indicate moderate to high sedimentation rate and deposition in the inner shelf environment.

Using 28S ribosomal DNA sequences, we inferred the internal relationships of the order Polycladida. We identified morphological characters for clade support when possible. Monophyletic Acotylea and Cotylea were consistently recovered. In Acotylea, the superfamilies Stylochoidea, Cryptoceloidea and Leptoplanoidea were supported, with Stylochoidea representing the most basal acotylean lineage. In Leptoplanoidea, we united genera lacking a penis armature into the new family Notocomplanidae. Gnesiocerotidae was recovered as the most basal leptoplanoid lineage, and Stylochoplanidae and Notoplanidae were paraphyletic. Among cotyleans, Cestoplanidae, Diposthus popeae + Pericelis spp., Boniniidae, Pseudocerotidae and Prosthiostomidae formed clades. Genera in Euryleptidae were monophyletic, but the family itself was recovered with low support only. The established superfamilies Pseudocerotoidea, Euryleptoidea, Periceloidea and Chromoplanoidea are not supported. Pericelis has been moved to Diposthidae and Pericelidae has been abolished. A clade of Boniniidae + Theama spp. + Chromyella sp. was supported. In Pseudocerotidae, the number of male reproductive structures unites Pseudobiceros and Thysanozoon. Tytthosoceros has been abolished, with all currently described species now placed in Phrikoceros. Our results support several additional synonymies and taxonomic corrections. This new phylogeny provides an increased understanding of relationships in the order and offers a framework for future testing of hypotheses of character evolution and life-history strategies.

The haptophyte symbiont Chrysochromulina andersonii sp. nov. isolated from the polycystine radiolarian Dictyocoryne truncatum was examined using both natural and cultured materials by light, scanni...

Tetraclinis articulata (Thuya of Barbary), endemic to North Africa, is used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases [1]. We investigated the antidiarrhoel properties of the butanol extract of Tetraclinis articulata (BETA) in male and female Swiss albino mice to support its traditional use. The antidiarrhoeal activity of the plant extract was evaluated in a model of castor oil-induced diarrhoea model in mice and compared to loperamide (a reference inhibitor of diarrhoea). The effect of (BETA) on gastrointestinal motility was determined by the oral administration of charcoal and Castrol oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling).The (BETA) showed remarkable antidiarrhoeal activity significantly inhibited gastrointestinal motility and castor oil induced enteropolysis (68,18%), more than to the inhibition achieved in loperamide treated mice (60,16%). The second aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-ulcerative activity of The (BETA), it produced percent protection of control colitis by 77, 40%, while the standard drug (aspirin) produced 81,39% protection. We conclude that Tetraclinis articulata extracts are potential sources of new anti-ulcer agents and antidiarrhoeal drugs.

Actinobacteria is a phylum and class of Gram-positive bacteria. The phylum Actinobacteria are classified into six classes namely Acidimicrobiia, Actinobacteria, Coriobacteriia, Nitriliruptoria, Rubrobacteria and Thermoleophilia. Members of phylum Actinobacteria are ubiquitous in nature. Actinobacteria can be utilized as biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture as they can enhance plant growth and soil health though different plant growth promoting attributes such as solubilization of phosphorus, potassium and zinc, production of Fe-chelating compounds, phytohormones hormones such indole acetic acids, cytokinin, and gibberellins as well as by biological nitrogen fixation. The Actinobacteria also plays an important role in mitigation of different abiotic stress conditions in plants. The members of phylum Actinobacteria such as Actinomyces, Arthrobacter, Bifidobacterium, Cellulomonas, Clavibacter, Corynebacterium, Frankia, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, Propionibacterium, Pseudonocardia, Rhodococcus, Sanguibacter and Streptomyces exhibited the multifarious plant growth promoting attributes and could be used as biofertilizers for crops growing under natural as well as under the abiotic stress conditions for plant growth and soil health for sustainable agriculture.

Diet selection and performance of Criollo Chaqueno and Brahman × Criollo Chaqueno were studied in three seasons in the dry forests of the Bolivian Chaco using direct observations. During the dry season (DS) and the rainy season (RS), the Criollo cattle diet consisted of a higher proportion (P 0.05) for the crossbreds. Other than for the Criollos, the body weight of the crossbreds decreased (P < 0.05) from the DS to the transition period. Especially during the DS, Criollos made more use of forage resources from shrubs and trees and thus, seem to be better adapted to year-round forest grazing compared with the crossbreds.

Anabasis articulata, traditionally used to treat diabetes, is rich in saponin content. This study was performed to investigate the agonistic effect of its saponins on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells to explore the possibility of the involvement of these nuclear receptors in the mechanism of the antidiabetic effect of the plant. Chemical investigation of the n-butanol fraction resulted in the isolation of three new and one known 30-noroleanane triterpenoid saponins. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 3β-hydroxy,23-aldehyde-30-norolean-12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid-28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 3β-O-D-galactopyranosyl-23-aldehyde-30-norolean-12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid-28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), and 3β-O-D-xylopyranosyl-30-norolean-12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (3), while the known 30-nortriterpenoidal saponin was identified as boussingoside E (4). Although, the isolated saponins (1 – 4) did not show > 1.5-fold activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, but two of them (1 and 3) activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α to the higher extents of 2.25- and 1.86-fold, respectively. These results suggest that the reported antidiabetic action of the isolated saponins may not solely involve the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. However, the agonistic activity of the n-butanol fraction of A. articulata (1.71-fold induction) and two of its saponins (1 and 3) towards peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α may be beneficial in the cardiovascular condition that is closely associated with diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Holocrinid crinoids (Holocrinus) are among the oldest, if not the oldest, post-Paleozoic crinoids, which are widely considered the stem-group isocrinids for the post-Paleozoic monophyletic subclass Articulata. Owing to their phylogenetic and stratigraphic position, the morphology and paleobiology of these crinoids have received considerable attention. Although the holocrinid stalk is similar to that of fossil and living isocrinids, it lacks flat and rigid synostosial articulations, which are sites specialized for autotomy. Holocrinids were thus long considered sessile, without the ability to re-attach. However, taphonomic data, such as specific pattern of preferred disarticulation at the distal facet of nodals, indicated that Holocrinus was likely capable of stalk autotomy and relocation. This trait, that is considered an anti-predatory adaptation against benthic predation, has recently served as example of fundamental change in benthic marine communities, such as the Mesozoic marine revolution (MMR). Here I describe stereom microstructure of the stalk of Early-Middle Triassic Holocrinus. The holocrinid stalk is mainly constructed of straight stereom passageways passing through the columnals, that are diagnostic of long through-going ligaments. At the distal symplexial nodal facet, however, fine and dense stereom, in which pores are irregular in outline and show no alignment, is observed. The latter stereom type strongly resembles synostosial stereom in living isocrinids, that is associated with short ligaments, specifically designed for autotomy. These findings thus strongly support stalk shedding abilities in holocrinids. These results emphasize that microstructural observations, coupled with taphonomic data, may provide more insights into functional inferences than macromorphological data alone.

Growth of multichambered foraminifera can be studied by investigation of chamber volumes. This approach is applicable to the vast majority of living and fossil species. Cell growth is represented by the test volume, whereby chamber volumes exhibit the increase in cell volume by growth stages. Two models fit foraminiferal growth, the unlimited linear and the limited sigmoidal function. The growth stage, in which reproduction begins, is represented in sigmoidal growth by the point of inflection; this stage cannot be determined in the unlimited linear growth model. The timing of chamber building is apparently correlated with cell growth, thus the “chamber building rate” remains constant in linearly growing cells whereas it decreases and ultimately approximates zero in limited growth. Longevity can be estimated for living individuals with sigmoidal growth by the inverse of the chamber building function at the inflection point of the cell growth function. Calculating the mean chamber building function for a species inhabiting a distinct geographical region, its inverse can be used in this region to estimate the individual lifetime based on the final growth state (= chamber number). Deviations of observed chamber volumes from theoretical values determined by the chamber building function can be irregular or oscillating. Periods of oscillating functions in larger foraminifera may point to tidal, lunar and seasonal cycles. Based on the determination of seasonal oscillations in the test by stable isotopes, lifetime ≥1 year can also be estimated for fossil species. The development in foraminifera is expressed in a huge variability of test forms with different wall textures depending on functional and constructional aspects. The historical-phylogenetic approach enables a differentiation into three groups, the Tubothalamea, Globothalamea and the Nodosariids. Within the Tubothalamea and Globothalamea, several subgroups feature symbiont-bearing foraminifera with large tests designed to optimize the surface/volume ratio allowing the symbiotic microalgae to occupy an optimal position near the test surface.

The systematics and distribution of the order Polycladida within the Macaronesian archipelagos are analysed. New species (Marcusia alba sp. nov., Prostheceraeus crisostomum sp. nov., Parviplana sodade sp. nov., Euplana claridade sp. nov., Stylochus salis sp. nov. and Distylochus fundae sp. nov.), new variety (Pseudoceros rawlinsonae var. galaxy), new records and records of shared species among different archipelagos are studied to compare the marine flatworm biodiversity of each island. The complex of archipelagos known as Macaronesia (including Madeira, Selvagens Islands, Canary Islands, Azores and Cape Verde) share a volcanic origin and European political influence. The five archipelagos are located along the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean and are subject to similar trade winds, streams (like the Gulf Stream) and cold currents. The term Macaronesia has suffered several changes throughout the years and it still is a topic of discussion in present times. The new delimitation of Macaronesia is mainly based on systematic studies on the invertebrate fauna of the islands. The resulting analyses shed new light on the differences and similarities among these archipelagos. In addition, molecular analyses employing 28S nuclear gene sequences are compared to verify relationships among anatomically similar species of marine polyclads., We would like to thank the MIMAR project (Monitoring, control and mitigation of proliferation of marine organisms associated with human disturbances and climate change in the Macaronesian Region), cofinanced by FEDER funds through the INTERREG V-A MAC program 2014–2020.

Opercularia articulata has been recorded as both free-living as a symbiont. The aim of this contribution is to present some geographical distribution, cytological, ecological, and symbiotic data from this ciliate, as a symbiont of crayfish. Procambarus (Austrocambarus) sp. were collected from Lagos de Montebello, Chiapas during two climatic seasons through a year. Some physico chemical data were obtained in order to infer if any relationship of the ciliates presence with the properties of the water is present. We found 150 zooids (cells) as epibionts on 95% of the crayfish, finding a seasonal variation regarding the ciliate density. Ciliates belong to genus Opercularia that are characterized by inhabiting low-quality water environments, considering them as biological indicators. As for geographical distribution, the European continent showed the highest number of records, while for Australia and Africa there are no records.

Thalamus is an important relay station between the brainstem and the cerebral cortex. The Fig. 10.1 demonstrates a simplified nuclear arrangement in the cross section of the thalamus. Two thalamic nuclei, intralaminar and ventrolateral, are involved in controlling the eye movements. The intralaminar nuclei, located in the upper wing of the internal medullar lamina, receives input from the frontal, supplementary and parietal eye fields, paramedian pontine reticular formation, superior colliculus, basal ganglia, pretectum, vestibular nuclei, perihypoglossal nuclei and paramedian reticular formation. The projections of the intralaminar nuclei reach the striatum, frontal, supplementary, parietal and cingulate eye fields. The ventrolateral thalamic nuclei receive inputs from the cerebellum and project to the cerebral cortex. Posterolateral thalamus receives input from the vestibular nuclei and deep cerebellar nuclei. Such projections with putatively important role in perception are relayed to the parieto-temporal cortex. Thalamus is one of the common sites for intracranial hemorrhage due to uncontrolled hypertension. Bleeding or structural deficits affecting various structures of the thalamus correlate with specific eye movement and vestibular deficits (Table 10.1).

There is current interest in the revalorization of legume crops such as one-flowered vetch (Vicia articulata) that was widely cultivated in the past, but is today underutilized. Characterization of responses of existing germplasm to major biotic constraints is crucial for cultivar development. Our studies confirm that V. articulata germplasm can be severely infected by rusts, particularly by the rusts of pea (Uromyces pisi) and lentil (U. viciae-fabae ex. L. culinaris). Only moderate levels of quantitative resistance were identified to these rusts, with no hypersensitive resistance at all. On the contrary all accessions studied were very resistant to the rusts of common vetch (U. viciae-fabae ex V. sativa), faba bean (U. viciae-fabae ex V. faba) and chickpea (U. ciceris-arietini), resistance being frequently associated with hypersensitivity. Crenate broomrape (Orobanche crenata) is known to infect Vicia species. Our field, pot and in vitro experiments showed that V. articulata can be infected by O. crenata, but levels of infection remained low compared to faba bean and pea checks., This research was funded by the Spanish Agencia Estatal Investigacion (AEI) Grant PCI2020-111974 (PRIMA-DiVicia) to finalize the data analysis.

Citropsis articulata is a medicinal plant that is increasingly threatened by unsustainable methods of harvesting and habitat degradation. Owing to the fact that this plant species is highly utilized for herbal medicine and is currently restricted to a few forest reserves in Uganda, this has significant implications for ex situ conservation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess how physiographical factors influence the occurrence and distribution of C. articulata in the three forest reserves in Uganda, namely, Budongo, Mabira, and Kibale National Park. The study was carried out in 15 compartmental sites in each of the three forests. In each compartmental site, 4 plots of 60 m × 60 m were systematically established, and within each plot, 4 subplots each of size 20 m × 20 m were randomly setup. A total of 240 subplots were assessed for occurrence of Citropsis articulata in each forest. The results indicated a significant (p<0.05) variation in the density of C. articulata with the highest recorded in Kibale National Park. Citropsis articulata generally occurred at moderate altitudinal landscapes (overall elevation = 1200.0 ± 20.73 m) with soils that are moderately acidic (overall pH = 5.7 ± 0.10), low in salinity (overall salinity = 84.0 ± 3.84 mg/l), and moderate levels of macro- and micronutrients. Citropsis articulata was generally associated with plant communities dominated by canopy tree species of genera such as Chryosphyllum, Celtis, Markhamia, Cynometra, Lasiodiscus, Trilepisium, Funtumia, and Diospyros, thus suggesting that C. articulata is a shade-tolerant species. Establishing the ecological requirements of this plant species among other things informs the potential for ex situ production of this plant. This will not only provide alternative sources of plant harvest but also go a long way in relieving the current harvest pressures exerted on the conserved wild populations of this plant species.

Some tree species have distributions on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Strait of Sicily. It is a challenge to determine whether such distributions result from the Tertiary or Pleistocene or from more recent dispersal related to human activities. Tetraclinis articulata (Cupressaceae) is a gymnosperm that offers an ideal model to deal with this problem because it has a limited area of distribution and has been used only moderately by humans. Three hundred and twenty-three individuals from 30 populations covering the entire distribution of the species were analysed. A multiple approach was developed: (1) by assessing the genetic structure through two molecular techniques, AFLP and nSSR markers, which were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of these populations and the relationships among them and (2) by estimating past distributions. Four lineages of populations that are geographically intermixed to a certain extent are documented here. Results obtained are discussed in the context of palaeontological records and climatic models. There is evidence of an ancient widespread distribution, including Europe, and the subsequent appearance of four isolated lineages that, nowadays, are partially intermixed. Nevertheless, the origin of the current populations could not be fully ascertained through this work, although logical deductions are discussed that consider human activities or, much less probably, wind dispersal of seeds out of refugia in northern Africa-southern Europe during the Quaternary, including shore connections.

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Anneissia pinguis was examined by next-generation sequencing analysis. The complete mitogenome of A. pinguis has 15,912 bp in length and 37 genomes consist of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and 1 control region (D-loop). Both gene orders and characteristics were in accordance with other species belonging to the phylum Echinodermata. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the establishment of molecular taxonomic relationship in class Crinoidea based on complete mitogenome.

The morphology and phylogeny of two metopid ciliates, collected from anaerobic habitats in China, were investigated using live observation, protargol staining method, and SSU rDNA sequencing. The new species Metopus paravestitus nov. spec. can be distinguished by a combination of the following features: oblong cell with densely arranged ectobiotic prokaryotes perpendicular to cell surface, filiform intracytoplasmic structures packed in the anterior portion of the cell. Our work also demonstrates the wide geographical distribution of Metopus es (Müller, 1776) Lauterborn, 1916. The order Metopida is consistently depicted as a paraphylum in SSU rDNA phylogeny. Metopus paravestitus nov. spec. is closely related to its marine congeners than to freshwater forms. The present study confirms once again the non-monophyly of the genus Metopus and genus Metopidae.

Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) masters is an endemic plant from the south-western Mediterranean. This species was widely used in Algeria for its medicinal virtues. In this work, dried leaves of T. articulata have been analyzed for their polyphenol and flavonoid composition, and antioxidant activity. The influence of extraction time (30–240 min) and concentration of ethanol (40, 60 and 80%) on the extraction yield of phenolic and flavonoid compounds of extracts were investigated. The extraction yield of T. articulata ranged from 10.03 to 40.45% and the maximum extraction yield was obtained at 240 min with 60% of ethanol. The evaluation of total phenolic compounds was realized by the method of the Folin–Ciocalteu and the estimation of total flavonoid compounds was determined using a method of aluminum chloride. In addition, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity method. The highest extraction yield of total phenolic (95.28 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (36.70 mg QE/g) compounds was obtained with 60% ethanol concentration for an extraction time of 210 min and 120 min, respectively. The best antioxidant activity was obtained from the T. articulata leaves extracted for an extraction time of 120 min with 60% ethanol concentration. The results demonstrated that an ethanol concentration of 60% was better to obtain extracts of T. articulata with greater amount of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.

The growing problem of antibiotic resistance has led to the exploration of uncultured bacteria as potential sources of new antimicrobials. PCR amplicon analyses and short-read sequencing studies of samples from different environments have reported evidence of high biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) diversity in metagenomes. However, few complete BGCs from uncultivated bacteria have been recovered, making assessment of BGC diversity difficult. Here, long-read sequencing and genome mining were used to recover >1400 mostly complete BGCs that demonstrate the rich diversity of BGCs from uncultivated lineages present in soil from Mars Oasis, Antarctica. The phyla Acidobacteriota, Verrucomicrobiota and Gemmatimonadota, but also the actinobacterial classes Acidimicrobiia, Thermoleophilia, and the gammaproteobacterial order UBA7966, were found to encode a large number of highly divergent BGCs. Our findings underline the biosynthetic potential of underexplored phyla as well as unexplored lineages within seemingly well-studied producer phyla. They also showcase long-read metagenomic sequencing as a promising way to access the untapped reservoir of specialised metabolites of the uncultured majority of microbes.

Testing environmentaly-friendly plant essential oils for their ability to protect non-durable wood against wood decay fungi is a research topic of current interest. In this study, wood preservative potential of extracts from the wood of the durable species, Tetraclinis articulata and Cedrus atlantica were assessed on non-durable maritime pine sapwood, Pinus pinaster var atlantica, after exposure to three wood decay fungi, according to the EN 113 Standard. Significant differences were observed between treatment effects of these extracts, between fungal decay levels and between oils concentrations. Overall, mean mass losses of treated wood specimens were above 8%. T. articulata root burl extract gave the best protection level for this type of wood against Gleophyllum trabeum and Rhodonia placenta but only at test concentrations above 0.1%v/v. However, efficacy levels of both extracts’ treatments, applied at the tested concentrations, were judged insufficient on the basis of the NF EN 113 standard used.

Raramuri Criollo (RC) are one of 33 known biotypes of heritage Criollo cattle that exist throughout the Americas today. They have been raised by the Tarahumara peoples of the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, Mexico, for over 400 years and exhibit remarkable rusticity and adaptation to harsh grazing environments. To date, no quantitative phenotypic description of this biotype exists. Our objective was to characterize RC cattle via 26 phenotype traits to provide a preliminary biotype standard. Twenty-eight multiparous RC cows, 4 primiparous heifers, and 4 bulls were selected from a purebred herd of approximately 200 animals at the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range. These 36 animals were selected by a Criollo cattle expert based on body conformation correctness. SAS 9.4 was used to determine means, SEs or frequency of measured traits. Multiparous pregnant and cycling cows averaged 366.8 ± 9.8 kg live body weight, 121.8 ± 0.9 cm withers height, horn widths of 60.3 ± 1.6 cm, horn diameters of 5.7 ± 0.1 cm, chest girths of 183.6 ± 12.0 cm, hip widths of 44.5 ± 0.5 cm, flank girths of 52.2 ± 0.9 cm, body length of 90.0 ± 1.7 cm, neck lengths of 52.0 ± 0.9 cm, and tail lengths of 83.3 ± 1.4 cm. Bulls consistently averaged higher values for all traits and weighed 618.2 ± 9.8 kg with scrotal circumferences of 36.8 ± 0.7 cm. RC cattle exhibited mostly convex nose bridges (89%), open-back horns (49%), black muzzles, hooves, and eyes (62, 69, and 81%, respectively), small ears (78%), oblique eyes (70%), high-set tail heads (86%), short hooves (95%), and short hair (78%). Our preliminary characterization of RC phenotypes will be useful in selecting RC individuals for genotypic evaluation to eventually maintain a distinct purebred registry of this Criollo biotype.

The Chihuahuan Desert averages 247 mm of precipitation annually, 53% of which occurs between July and September. Our objective was to examine movement, activity, pasture use, and watering patterns of Angus x Hereford (AH) and Raramuri Criollo (RC) cows on days with precipitation events (PE, ≥ 1.3 mm rain recorded) vs. days with no precipitation (NP) at the Jornada Experimental Range in southern New Mexico during the summers of 2015, 2016, and 2017. Breeds grazed two adjacent pastures (12A = 1190 ha; 12C = 1165 ha) separately in a crossover design for 4 weeks each year. Seven to nine randomly selected cows per breed were collared with Lotek 3300-LR GPS set to log position every 10 min. An average of 7.6 PE occurred during the 4-week trials each year. On PE days, cows traveled farther (PE = 6.95 vs. NP = 6.43 km, P < 0.01), spent more time grazing (PE = 9.07 vs. NP = 8.76 h/day, P = 0.07) and less time resting (PE = 13.90 vs. NP = 14.38 h/day, P = 0.01), and traveled similar distances from watering points (PE = 0.84 vs. NP = 0.80 km, P = 0.41) compared to NP days. On PE days, cows spent less time within 200 m (PE = 1.32 vs. NP = 2.95 h, P < 0.01) and 100 m (PE = 0.79 vs. NP = 1.90 h, P < 0.01) of drinkers regardless of breed. We detected no rainfall x breed interaction (P > 0.05). Overall, RC cows traveled farther, at higher velocities, spent more time grazing, less time resting, and explored areas with greater radius than AH counterparts (P < 0.05). Precipitation appeared to relax environmental constraints on activity of both breeds, likely due to availability of ephemeral watering sources and a transient drop in temperature.

Nereis articulata Ehlers, 1887 is senior primary homonym to Nereis articulata Hsueh, 2020 from Taiwan. The older Nereis articulata name has been transferred to the genus Ceratonereis Kinberg, 1865 in the subgenus Composetia Hartmann-Schröder, 1985 by Hartmann-Schröder (1985), although this placement may be unreliable (Bakken & Wilson, 2005). Nevertheless its original name is an available name and its recombination is in use. Hsueh (2020) mistakenly treated N. articulata Ehlers, 1887 as an unavailable name and described a new Nereis, which possesses articulated tentacular cirri, as Nereis articulata Hsueh, 2020. Nereis articulata Ehlers, 1887 has precedence based on Article 23.4 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (1999). Thus, Nereis taichungensis nom. nov. is named herein as a replacement name for Nereis articulata Hsueh, 2020, a junior primary homonym to N. articulata Ehlers, 1887, and thus permanently invalid (Article 57.2).

The endozoic ciliates of the family Clevelandellidae Kidder, 1938 typically inhabit the hindgut of wood-feeding panesthiine cockroaches. To assess the consistency of species delimitation in clevelandellids, we tested the utility of three sources of taxonomic data: morphometric measurements, cell geometrical information, and 18S rRNA gene sequences. The morphometric and geometrical data delimited the clevelandellid morphospecies consistently and unambiguously. However, only Paraclevelandia brevis Kidder, 1937 represented a homogenous taxon in both morphological and molecular analyses; the morphospecies Clevelandella constricta (Kidder, 1937) and C. hastula (Kidder, 1937) contained two or three distinct, more or less closely related genotypes each; and the genetic homogeneity of the morphospecies C. panesthiae (Kidder, 1937) and C. parapanesthiae (Kidder, 1937) was not corroborated by the 18S rRNA gene sequences at all. Moreover, the 18S rRNA gene phylogenies suggested the C. panesthiae-like morphotype to be the ancestral phenotype from which all other clevelandellid morphotypes arose. The only exception was the C. constricta-like morphotype, which very likely branched off before the diversification of the C. panesthiae-like progenitor. The present molecular analyses also suggested that a huge proportion of the clevelandellid diversity still waits to be discovered, since examination of only four panesthiine populations revealed 10 distinct clevelandellid genotypes/molecular species.

To improve our knowledge of the factors regulating Phaeocystis globosa colony formation, the effects of the diatom Ditylum brightwellii on P. globosa colony development were investigated using co-culture and cell-free filtrate approaches. The co-culture experiments showed the moderate abundance of D. brightwellii significantly increased the number and size of colonies, whereas a dramatically decreased effect from high abundance of D. brightwellii. The low abundance of D. brightwellii promoted early formation of P. globosa colony. The cell-free filtrate experiments indicated that culture-filtrates from the exponential phase of D. brightwellii were stimulatory for P. globosa colony formation with more and bigger colonies formed, whereas an inhibitory effect from its senescence phase filtrates. D. brightwellii may influence P. globosa colony formation by regulating the growth of P. globosa solitary cells. Our results suggest that D. brightwellii influences P. globosa colony development, but its effects vary according to its concentrations and growth phases.

Members of Nereis species are characterised by having conical paragnaths on both maxillary and oral rings of the pharynx, and notopodial homogomph falcigers on posterior chaetigers. The present faunistic study includes Nereis species collected from various ecological surveys on coastal and offshore bathyal benthic habitats of Taiwan. The main results are that eight new species are described: N. articulata n. sp., N. longdongensis n. sp., N. nuwalianensis n. sp., N. paporae n. sp., N. shitipingensis n. sp., N. taitungensis n. sp., N. taiwanensis n. sp. and N. wuchiensis n. sp. In addition, two Nereis species are informally named as sp. A and sp. B because there was only a slightly poorly preserved specimen for each, although each species possess a unique combination of morphological characters that are not known from congeners reported from East Asia. A Table of key characters for all described species in the present study and a key to Nereis species from East Asia are provided.