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Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) develops in 1.5-2.0% of patients experiencing pulmonary embolism (PE) and is characterized by stable pulmonary artery obstruction, heart failure, and poor prognosis. Little is known about involvement of autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the mechanisms of CTEPH. This study was aimed at evaluation of the effect of vagal and sympathetic denervation, as well as stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, on the outcomes of CTEPH in rats. CTEPH was induced by multiple intravenous injections of alginate microspheres. Sympathetic and vagal denervation was performed using unilateral surgical ablation of the stellate ganglion and vagotomy, respectively. Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system was carried out by administering pyridostigmine. The effect of neuromodulatory effects was assessed in terms of hemodynamics, histology, and gene expression. The results demonstrated the key role of ANS in the development of CTEPH. Sympathetic denervation as well as parasympathetic stimulation resulted in attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling. These salutary changes were associated with altered MMP2 and TIMP1 expression in the lung and decreased FGFb level in the blood. Unilateral vagotomy had no effect on physiological and morphological outcomes of the study. The data obtained contribute to the identification of new therapeutic targets for CTEPH treatment., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most prevalent cardiovascular disease. It is associated with high in-hospital mortality and the development of acute and chronic complications. New approaches aimed at improving the prognosis of patients with PE are largely dependent on reliable animal models. Mice, rats, hamsters, and rabbits, are currently most commonly used for PE modeling because of their ethical acceptability and economic feasibility. This article provides an overview of the main approaches to PE modeling, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Special attention is paid to experimental endpoints, including morphological, functional, and molecular endpoints. All approaches to PE modeling can be broadly divided into three main groups: 1) induction of thromboembolism, either by thrombus formation in vivo or by injection of in vitro prepared blood clots; 2) introduction of particles of non-thrombotic origin; and 3) surgical procedures. The choice of a specific model and animal species is determined based on the objectives of the study. Rodent models of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), which is the most devastating complication of PE, are also described. CTEPH models are especially challenging because of insufficient knowledge about the pathogenesis and high fibrinolytic activity of rodent plasma. The CTEPH model should demonstrate a persistent increase in pulmonary artery pressure and stable reduction of the vascular bed due to recurrent embolism. Based on the analysis of available evidence, one might conclude that currently, there is no single optimal method for modeling PE and CTEPH., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare and life-threatening complication of pulmonary embolism. As existing animal models of CTEPH do not fully recapitulate complex disease pathophysiology, we report a new rat model for CTEPH evoked by repetitive embolization of the distal pulmonary artery branches with partially biodegradable alginate microspheres (MSs). MSs (180 ± 28 μm) were intravenously administered eight times at 4-day intervals; control animals received saline. The validity of the model was confirmed using transthoracic echocardiography, exercise testing, catheterization of the right ventricle, and histological examination of the lung and heart. The animals in the CTEPH group demonstrated a stable increase in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and decreased exercise tolerance. Histopathological examination revealed advanced medial hypertrophy in the small pulmonary arteries associated with fibrosis. The diameter of the main pulmonary artery was significantly larger in the CTEPH group than in the control group. Marinobufagenin and endothelin-1 serum levels were significantly elevated in rats with CTEPH. In conclusion, repetitive administration of alginate MSs in rats resulted in CTEPH development characterized by specific lung vasculature remodeling, reduced exercise tolerance, and a persistent rise in RVSP. The developed model can be used for pre-clinical testing of promising drug candidates.

Special diets are used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the digestive system, taking into account individual food intolerance and possible allergic reactions. The monotony of the diet due to the limited range of recommended foods and dishes negatively affects both the effectiveness of the treatment of gluten intolerance, and the provision of the body with essential and replaceable nutrients. The aim of this study was to determine the selenium content in the flour of gluten-free crops (rice, corn, buckwheat and amaranth), their mixtures, as well as in dishes (pancakes) from a mixture of amaranth and buckwheat flours. Material and methods . The following raw materials were used in the study: amaranth flour, unboiled buckwheat groats, whole grain rice flour and corn flour. By mixing the components in a laboratory mixer, dry gluten-free compositions were obtained: a mixture of amaranth flour and flour from native buckwheat; a mixture of amaranth and rice flour and a mixture of amaranth and corn flour in the ratio of 1:2 and 1:1; and a mixture of amaranth, buckwheat and corn flour in equal proportions. In laboratory baking of pancakes, mixtures of amaranth flour and flour from native buckwheat were used. The selenium content was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy with electrothermal atomization after wet mineralization of the samples. Results . The results of the study showed that amaranth, buckwheat and corn are rich sources of selenium. The most valuable source of selenium was amaranth flour (515 μg/kg). Selenium content in native buckwheat flour and corn flour was 405 and 458 μg/kg, respectively. The lowest selenium content among the studied crops was found in rice flour (135 μg/kg). Selenium content in flour mixtures of the studied cultures ranged from 258 to 522 μg/kg. The highest values of selenium content were observed in mixtures of amaranth with corn flour (516-522 μg/kg). The lowest content of this trace element was found in mixtures containing rice flour (from 258 to 325 μg/kg). Selenium content in pancakes made from mixtures of amaranth flour and native buckwheat flour varied from 290 to 326 μg/kg. The calculation showed that the consumption of a portion of pancakes (50 g) by school-age children will satisfy their daily requirement for selenium by 7.3-8.1%. Conclusion . Regular inclusion of amaranth-based foods in the diet of children with gluten intolerance can positively affect the elimination of selenium deficiency., Competing Interests: The authors declare no overt and potential conflict of interest related to the publication of this article., (Copyright© GEOTAR-Media Publishing Group.)

Change of state of endothelial cells occurs under the action of viral infection and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that leads to cell dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of LPS from Escherichia coli and influenza A virus on proliferative activity of human endothelial cells (ECV-304) and gene expression of several cytokines and cellular factors: TNFá, TGFâ, IFN-ã, MMP-9, NF-êB, Rho A, eNOS and iNOS. It was found that ECV-304 cells once infected with very low infectious doses of influenza virus acquire the ability to long-term active proliferation (over 8 passages). Addition of LPS E. coli reduced the virus-stimulated cell proliferation. It was shown that influenza virus and LPS can affect on gene expression of cytokine and other cellular factors. When endothelial cells had been infected with influenza A virus in the presence of LPS, there was a significant increase in the expression of several genes and replacement of some genes expression on the expression of other genes. Expression of MMP-9 gene was inhibited in the case of separate exposure to the virus and LPS, but it was significantly increased during the first day under the adding of the virus and LPS together, as well as the activity of the IFN-ã gene; gene of TNFá was active for only 1—3 days whereas genes expression of other factors (TGFâ, eNOS, iNOS, NF-êB and Rho A) increased significantly at the 5th day as in the case of adding only LPS. Thus, the change of physiological state of endothelial cells occurs in the presence of influenza A virus and LPS and it can be caused during different time periods (as well as by varying degrees of virus infection of cells) by different cellular factors and possibly with involvement of different signaling pathways.

Here we developed a model of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) using repeated intravenous administration of microencapsulated thrombi with a controlled rate of biodegradation. Autologous thrombi encapsulated in alginate microspheres with a diameter of 190±48 μm were intravenously injected to rats 8 times every 4 days. In the comparison group, nonmodified thrombi were injected. After 6 weeks, a significant increase in systolic pressure in the right ventricle, a decrease in exercise tolerance, and an increase in the index of vascular wall hypertrophy were revealed in the group receiving injections of microencapsulated thrombi in comparison with the group receiving nonmodified thrombi and healthy animals. Thus, the developed representative CTEPH model can be used to test promising pharmacological substances., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Venous thromboembolism presenting as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (PE) remains to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite its significance and incidence, compared to many other cardiovascular conditions there are significant gaps in knowledge in many aspects of it, including its pathophysiology. A rare sequela of PE is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This complication has a poor outcome and data is scarce in this field. Many therapeutic approaches are based solely on clinical expertise, which can be explained by the complex and not fully understood pathobiology of this disease. Over the years, many theories have been proposed regarding its genesis. Although generally acute PE is accepted as a trigger for CTEPH, this condition is multifactorial and cannot be explained by recurring PEs only. By reviewing the current evidence, we have demonstrated that thrombus non-resolution in CTEPH is due to multiple mechanisms and predisposing factors including: inflammation, small-vessel disease, impaired angiogenesis, platelet dysfunction, coagulopathies, malignancy, impaired fibrinolysis, genetics and many other components. Based on the current evidence, we aimed to explain the pathophysiology CTEPH, PE and the connection between these two important diseases. Furthermore, we highlight the negative hemodynamic effects of CTEPH and PE on the right ventricle and its role in further exacerbation of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electroimpedance indicators' dilution (EIID) technique was used to study the possibility of a simultaneous separate assessment of the biological heart and LVAD performance in the position of LVB. The experimental part of the research was performed on 5 dogs; an artificial ventricle of the pulsing type (USA) with cusps was used as a pump. The clinical part of the work was conducted on 5 patients after open-heart surgery who had the clinical picture of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock; a centrifugal pump "Biopump" (Medtronic, USA) was used. The authors have shown a principally important possibility of applying the EIID, technique for studying the performance curves which are the integral derivatives of the work of a specific hybrid system--"the biological heart-assist device". From the practical viewpoint the EIID technique permits in the read time mode to control continuously the part of the pumping function which is assumed by the patient's own heart. This information can serve as the basis for making the prognosis and determining the further tactics of treatment; the restoration of the heart performance or its replacement by transplantation.

Molecular analyses based on the comparison of Chirocephalus species mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences obtained from Algeria, Morocco and France with other available sequences were performed. The analysis clarified the status of the genus Chirocephalus Prévost, 1803 in Algeria and its phylogenetic links with other populations. Three lineages occur in Algeria representing three different species: Chirocephalus salinus Daday, 1910, C. sanhadjaensis Boumendjel, Rabet and Amarouayache, 2018 and a new species sampled in Reghaïa (Alger, Algeria) near Algiers. All these species, belonging to the "diaphanus" group, seem to be endemic to Algeria except C. salinus also present in France (Corsica). The new species C. algeriensis sp. n. is described and its affinities with other species of the genus are presented. This species is until now restricted to Algiers region and shares several characters with C. diaphanus Prévost, 1803. It is separated from all other species by the shape and size of the second antennal appendages of the male and the female. The resting eggs of C. algeriensis sp. n. are morphologically similar to those of many Chirocephalus but a variation of size of eggs can be used at a specific level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary information about LSD virus isolated from the first outbreaks in Vietnam has been reported by our laboratory. In the current study, LSDV strain, LSDV/Vietnam/Langson/HL01(HL01) was further analyzed to provide a better understanding of this viral pathogen. HL01 LSDV strain was propagated at MOI 0.01 in MDBK cells and then given to cattle at dose of 106.5 TCID50/ml (2ml/animal). The production of proinflammatory (IFN-γ, IL-1α, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-ß1) cytokines were measured by real-time PCR, both In vitro and In vivo. The results demonstrated that HL01 strain caused the typical signs of LSD and LSDV In vitro and In vivo, respectively suggesting a virulent field LSDV strain. Additionally, different cytokine profiles were observed in these In vitro and In vivo studies. In MDBK cells, different cytokines profiles were observed in two phases: in the early phase, the expression levels of all examined cytokines were significantly increased at 6 h (p < 0.05). In the later phase, the peak levels of the cytokine secretion were recognized from 72 to 96 h, with the exception of IL-1α when compared to controls. In cattle, the expression levels of all six cytokines were significantly higher at day 7 following LSDV challenge (p < 0.05) when compared to controls, especially expression levels of TGF-β1 and IL-10. These findings suggest the important roles of these cytokines in protection against LSDV infections. Additionally, the data from diverse cytokine profiles followed by this LSDV strain challenge provides key understanding of the underlying cellular immune mechanisms in the host against LSDV infection In vitro and In vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma is one of the rapidly spreading cancers, with its potent malignancy often linked to pronounced angiogenesis within tumors. To mitigate this vascularization profile, bevacizumab (Avastin®), a monoclonal antibody, has been utilized for its antiangiogenic activity. However, its effectiveness is hindered by challenges in crossing the blood-brain barrier and the risk of off-target organ toxicity. Delivering drugs directly from the nose to the brain through the olfactory or trigeminal nerves bypassing the blood-brain barrier offers enhanced bioavailability and a more precise targeting strategy. To overcome these challenges, we aimed to develop bevacizumab in situ gel loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles for intranasal delivery and further examine their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. The intranasal gel of mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with bevacizumab was optimized and formulated using a factorial and quality by design approach. In the case of bevacizumab mesoporous silica nanoparticles, lower particle size and most negative zeta potential were selected as quality target product profiles which is important for drug loading on the mesoporous silica nanoparticles and also transport of these nanoparticles across the nasal mucosa to the brain. A design space with a multidimensional combination of input variables and process parameters has been demonstrated to assure quality. To optimize the design space and achieve the desired quality standards, the base catalyst and surfactant concentration were chosen as the critical process parameters, while particle size and zeta potential were identified as the critical quality attributes. The novel formulation was assessed for physicochemical parameters such as particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, appearance, color, consistency, and pH. Additionally, studies on in vitro release, ex vivo permeation, stability, nasal toxicity, organ safety, and bioavailability were conducted. The efficacy study was conducted in an orthotopic murine glioblastoma rat model in which C6 Luc cells were instilled in the striatum of the rat's brain. In vivo, bioluminescence imaging of brain tumors was carried out to observe the tumor regression after treatment with the intranasal and intravenous bevacizumab formulation. Biochemical parameters and histopathology were performed for organ safety studies. The optimized intranasal formulation exhibited an average particle size of 318.8 nm and a zeta potential of - 14.7 mV for the mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The formulation also demonstrated an entrapment efficiency of 91.34% and a loading capacity of 45.67%. Further pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the optimized intranasal bevacizumab formulation achieved a significantly higher brain concentration Cmax = 147.9 ng/ml, indicating improved bioavailability compared to rats administered with intravenous bevacizumab formulation (BEVATAS®), which had a Cmax of 127.2 ng/ml. Moreover, this nanoparticle formulation entirely mitigated systemic exposure to bevacizumab. Organ safety evaluation of different biochemical parameters and histopathological analyses revealed that the intranasal bevacizumab-treated group was showing less off-target organ toxicity compared to the group treated with intravenous bevacizumab formulation. Subsequently, the efficacy of this nanosystem was evaluated in an orthotopic glioblastoma rat model, monitoring tumor growth over time through in vivo bioluminescence imaging and assessing anti-angiogenic effects. Twenty-one days post-induction, mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with bevacizumab in situ gel exhibited a marked reduction in average bioluminescence radiance (4.39 × 10 3 ) from day 7 (1.35 × 10 7 ) emphasizing an enhanced anti-angiogenic effect compared to the group treated with intravenous bevacizumab formulation which showed a gradual decrease in average bioluminescence radiance (4.82 × 10 4 ) from day 7 (1.42 × 10 7 ). These results suggest that the proposed novel formulation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded bevacizumab in situ gel could serve as a promising avenue to enhance glioblastoma treatment efficacy, thereby potentially improving patient quality of life and survival rates significantly. Furthermore, the success of this delivery method could open new avenues for treating other neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. By providing effective brain-targeted therapies, this approach has the potential to revolutionize treatment options and improve outcomes for a broad spectrum of neurological conditions., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Two new species, Cerviniella bisegmenta sp. nov. and C. permixta sp. nov., are described in detail with illustrations based on females from the Korean Yellow Sea. These species lacking the fourth leg endopod belong to the mirabilipes group, one of two species groups within the genus Cerviniella Smirnov, 1946. Both species can be distinguished from each other by the surface ornamentation of the cephalothorax, shape of the rostrum tip, antennule segments, armature formula of thoracic legs 1-4, and length ratio of the caudal rami. Cerviniella bisegmenta sp. nov. is characterized by a short caudal ramus and a two-segmented antennary exopod, which are unique within the genus. Cerviniella permixta sp. nov. differs from other congeners of the mirabilipes group by the seven-segmented antennule, the armature formulae of the exopod of the antenna and thoracic legs 1-4, and the modified apical inner element of the second endopodal segment of the second leg. The present study is the first to identify the genus Cerviniella in Korean waters, resulting in extension of its distribution area to East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fairy shrimp genus Parartemiopsis Rogers, 2005 currently contains a single species reported from Russia and Mongolia. In 2013, an unidentified Parartemiopsis population was reported from the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau in China's Yunnan Province, from Patatson National Park in Shangri-La County. Here, we describe the Chinese populations as a new species, Parartemiopsis shangrilaensis sp. nov. This new species is distinguished from its congener, P. longicornis (Smirnov, 1930), by the form of the male second antennae and the gonopod. The discovery of P. shangrilaensis sp. nov. extends the known distribution of the genus, and more Parartemiopsis species may be found in the future. We present a key to the genera and species of Chirocephalidae in China as an aid to future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most prevalent diseases amid hospitalized patients taking many people's lives annually. This phenomenon, however, has not been investigated via numerical simulations. Methods: In this study, an image-based model of pulmonary arteries has been constructed from a 44-year-old man's computed tomography images. The fluid-structure interaction method was used to simulate the motion of the blood clot. In this regard, Navier–Stokes equations, as the governing equations, have been solved in an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) formulation. Results: According to our results, the velocity of visco-hyperelastic model of the emboli was relatively higher than the emboli with hyperelastic model, despite their similar behavioral pattern. The stresses on the clot were also investigated and showed that the blood clot continuously sustained stresses greater than 165 Pa over an about 0.01 s period, which can cause platelets to leak and make the clot grow or tear apart. Conclusions: It could be concluded that in silico analysis of the cardiovascular diseases initiated from clot motion in blood flow is a valuable tool for a better understanding of these phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fahlores from the epithermal Mangazeyskoye Ag-Pb–Zn ore deposit (Sakha, Russia) typically occur in rhythmically zoned crystals. In contrast to typical (Ag,Cu)10(Fe,Zn)2Sb4S13 fahlores, up to about 2.6 of the 13 sulfur atoms in the formula unit may be vacant and many of them have Ag/(Ag + Cu) ratios substantially above those established for (Ag,Cu)10(Fe,Zn)2Sb4S13 fahlores coexisting with miargyrite, pyrargyrite, and sphalerite by experimental, field, and theoretical investigations. The charge balance inequalities consequent on the removal of sulfur are compensated by metallization of the nominally Ag+ and Cu+ ions in the octahedral metal clusters that are formed by the removal of S2− from the octahedral site at the center and corners of the unit cell of fahlore (space group I 4 ¯ 3 m, Z = 2). The development of these vacancies leads to an effective ionic charge of [ (Ag , Cu) 6 6 - 2 ∗ vac + ] for these octahedral clusters, resulting in an intrinsic limit on sulfur vacancies of 3 per formula unit (pfu). The increases in the Ag/(Ag + Cu) ratio of some of the Mangazeyskoye fahlores relative to those defined for (Ag,Cu)10(Fe,Zn)2Sb4S13 fahlores are readily attributed to the lowering of the activities of Ag10Zn2Sb4S13 and Ag10Fe2Sb4S13 components in fahlore by sulfur vacancies. This results in expansion of the field of fahlore stability relative to that given by the fahlore breakdown reaction Ag10Zn2Sb4S13 (fahlore) = AgSbS2 (miargyrite) + 3 Ag3SbS3 (pyrargyrite) + 2 ZnS (sphalerite) for (Ag,Cu)10(Fe,Zn)2Sb4S13 fahlores. A preliminary analysis demonstrates that the increased Ag/(Ag + Cu) ratios observed in the Mangazeyskoye fahlores relative to those defined for (Ag,Cu)10(Fe,Zn)2Sb4S13 fahlores are due to sulfur vacancies being almost exclusively in the octahedral sulfur site where the vacancy for sulfur substitution appears to be approximately ideal. However, it appears that a maximum in Ag/(Ag + Cu) ratios is reached around one pfu, and, to a first approximation, does not appear to increase with further increase in contents. This latter inference suggests that the for S (◻(S)-1) substitution on tetrahedral sulfur sites may be highly nonideal. When properly calibrated for sulfur fugacity based on experimental, spectroscopic, and theoretical studies, reactions such as Ag 10 Zn 2 Sb 4 S 13 = Ag 10 Zn 2 Sb 4 S 12 □ OCT + 1 / 2 S 2 and Ag 10 Zn 2 Sb 4 S 11 , □ TET S = Ag 10 Zn 2 Sb 4 S 12 □ OCT will afford fahlore to serve as a petrogenetic indicator of sulfur fugacity in low-sulfidation environments. Until such calibrations are developed, the fahlore Ag/(Ag + Cu) ratios may nonetheless be used to define relative sulfur fugacities in rhythmically zoned fahlores from ore deposits such as Mangazeyskoye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large branchiopod crustacean fauna (fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp and clam shrimp) of the Neotropical Bioregion are incompletely known, with scattered records for many taxa, and many new taxa discovered and described regularly. As an aid to furthering our knowledge of the group in this region, we present an assortment of notes and records on various Neotropical taxa. We present our information in the form of a checklist, listing all reported species, with a review of their known distribution, with 56 new distributional records for 29 taxa. We also include a revised description of Spiralifrons mira based on new material from Brazil, and provide important comments on the Leptestheriidae, reducing Strakrabiidae, Straskrabia, and Brtekia to synonymy. The information presented here will assist in additional studies, surveys, and conservation, as well as help develop a biogeographical understanding of this vast region. Thus, we have compiled these records so that it will be available to other researchers. Future survey efforts will undoubtedly reveal additional records and taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodiversity of freshwater fauna of the Arctic Islands of the Russian Federation is currently poorly studied and to date there are insufficient molecular genetic data concerning most of the taxa. This study presents the new data on species composition and distribution of freshwater benthic invertebrates in lakes of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago and Vaigach Island based on both the published and the original records. A total of 29 species of invertebrates in 4 classes and 14 orders were found. Considering the published data, the list of species expands to 136 species. The copepod Mesocyclops leuckarti, the pontoporeid amphipod Monoporeia affinis, the ostracod Leucocythere mirabilis, and the mollusk Euglesa globularis were recorded for the first time from the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago. The oligochaete Rhyacodrilus coccineus, the stonefly Nemoura sahlbergi, the caddisflies Agrypnia obsoleta, Micrasema gelidum and Philarctus bergrothi were registered for the first time from Vaigach Island; P. bergrothi was also recorded for the first time from Europe. The crane fly larvae of Tipula (Arctotipula) were recorded as inhabitants of the bottom layer of Arctic lakes for the first time. The obtained molecular data are in accordance with the tabula rasa hypothesis that the invertebrate fauna of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago and Vaigach Island are the result of recent species immigration after the Last Glacial Maximum. Our data can be used in further ecological studies and conservation management. The molecular data are of considerable interest for the taxonomy and biogeography of the fauna of the Arctic islands during the Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copepods are well studied in South Korea, with the exception of marine non-parasitic cyclopoids, and especially cyclopinids; only three species were found so far here, and only one of them is endemic. A survey of intertidal interstitial faunas from sandy beaches revealed four endemic members of the genus Cyclopina Claus, 1863, which represents the first record of the largest cyclopinid genus in South Korea. A detailed study of their morphology revealed numerous differences, including in rarely studied cuticular organs. Some of these micro-characters could easily be homologised and showed little intraspecific variability, which might prove invaluable for matching sexes and reconstructing phylogenetic relationships. Cyclopina busanensis sp. nov. is described from both sexes collected near Busan (South Coast of South Korea), and is most similar to the only congener from Japan: C. kiraensis Horomi, 1984. Cyclopina koreana sp. nov. is described from both sexes collected near Gangneung (East Coast), and has no close relatives among currently known species. Cyclopina curtijeju sp. nov. is described from two females from Jeju (off South Coast); it is possibly closely related to C. smirnovi Herbst, 1982, but the latter is known from a single male from the Russian Far East. Cyclopina wido sp. nov. is described from both sexes from Wido (West Coast), and shows numerous reductions in segmentation and armature of appendages, most of them probably a consequence of its diminutive size. A table of 26 discrete and continuous characters commonly used in the taxonomy of this group is provided for 48 valid species and subspecies of Cyclopina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As in many Arctic regions, the fauna and biodiversity of Polar Ural lakes are not widely known. However, the fauna of these northern, relatively pristine lakes has recently become threatened due to industrial development in the Arctic. In this study, the zoobenthos of 13 relatively large lakes and 9 small ponds was studied during the summer (July and August) from 2003 to 2013. The aim was to conduct a taxonomic inventory of benthic communities in the Polar Ural lakes by combining available literature data with new information about the species composition of the zoobenthos. The lowest diversity and abundance values were found in cold deep lakes with large boulders and little algal growth, whilst the highest values were found in lakes with well-developed aquatic and riparian vegetation. In the littoral zone, Crustacea (Harpacticoida, Cyclopoida, and Cladocera) were the most abundant group, followed by Chironomidae, Nematoda, and Oligochaeta. Insects such as Plecoptera, Trichoptera, and Coleoptera accounted for only 4% of the total abundance. In the profundal zone, Chironomidae larvae and Crustacea were numerically dominant, and the share of Ostracoda was much higher than that in the littoral zone. Overall, a total of 208 invertebrate taxa (including 160 species) were recorded. The most diverse groups were Oligochaeta (43 taxa), Crustacea (36), Trichoptera (25), Mollusca (28), and Chironomidae (22). In the future, the faunas of these Arctic lakes can be used as indicators of regional and global climatic changes and in investigations of the adaptation of aquatic invertebrates to extreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calanoid copepod, Acartia tonsa Dana, 1849 is one of the most abundant and well-studied estuarian species with a worldwide distribution. In this research, we use the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene to study the phylogeography of A. tonsa by analyzing sequences from specimens collected in the western Gulf of Mexico (GOM) along with all sequences from previous research. We reconstruct the phylogeny for the genus Acartia Dana, 1846 and highlight numerous potential misidentifications of Acartia species deposited in GenBank. The incorrect taxonomy assigned to some of these sequences results in apparently paraphyletic relationships. This study demonstrates that A. tonsa is a species complex with multiple, deeply diverging, lineages of varying geographic affinities. Multiple new lineages are found in the Texas GOM that is basal to northwestern Atlantic lineages with phylogenetic connectivity also observed between Brazil and the Texas GOM. Results show two major phylogeographic breaks in the North American continent, one at the border between the Gulf of Mexico and the Northwest Atlantic, and the other at about 35° N. One of the major clades in the A. tonsa species complex shows a clear pattern of divergence that follows the prevailing currents. Within this clade, older lineages are found in the western GOM while newer lineages are found in the eastern GOM and the southern coast of the northwest Atlantic, with the youngest lineages diversifying in the north. The results show that A. tonsa can be used as a model species for observing phylogeographical structuring of coastal plankton along the American continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new copepod species of the Ceratonotus group in the subfamily Ancorabolinae (Ancorabolidae) are described from the Korean peninsula. Dendropsyllus kimi sp. nov. differs from its congeners by the one-segmented ♀ P3 endopod, the inner spine on ♀ P5 exopod and the absence of sensillate tubercles on abdominal somites 1 and 2. Dimorphipodia gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate Dimorphipodia changi sp. nov. and can be differentiated from its sister taxon, Arthuricornua , by the sexual dimorphism in P2–P4 exp-3, the absence of paired laterodorsal processes near the posterior margin of the cephalothorax and the presence of pleural setular tufts on somites bearing P2–P4. Ancorabolina , previously placed in the Ancorabolinae, is transferred to the Laophontodinae, whereas Patagoniaella is provisionally reassigned to the family Cletodidae. Within Laophontodes , the inadequately described Laophontodes brevis , Laophontodes ornatus and Laophontodes propinquus are relegated to species inquirendae. Laophontodes georgei sp. nov. is proposed for the unavailable name Laophontodes norvegicus , Laophontodes multispinatus is reassigned to Lobopleura , and Laophontodes gracilipes is fixed as the type of Rostrophontodes gen. nov. , the potential sister group of Ancorabolina. The authenticity of Laophontodes bicornis and other dubious ancorabolid records from the Korean peninsula is discussed. Updated keys to genera of both Ancorabolinae and Laophontodinae and to species of Laophontodes are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great diversity of the basal harpacticoid family Aegisthidae Giesbrecht, 1893 is found in the deep-sea benthic and hyperbenthic environments. Some members of this family have developed adaptations to dig into the sediment, while others have colonized hyperbenthic waters; however, no aegisthid associated with a vertebrate or an invertebrate host has yet been reported. During a sampling campaign aimed at evaluating the abyssal copepod fauna of the polymetallic province in the North East Pacific, we discovered a striking new genus of Aegisthidae which exhibits convergent evolution of mouthpart morphology with that of siphonostomatoid copepods. Siphonis gen. nov. has a labrum modified into a long oral cone similar to that found in ectoparasitic species of the primitive siphonostomatoid family, Asterocheridae Giesbrecht, 1899. The mandible, maxillule and maxilla of Siphonis gen. nov. are also modified into siphonostomatoid-like structures; however, some ground pattern characters of the family Aegisthidae are retained. The new genus is discussed and compared with members of the derived taxon Palinarthra, Seifried, 2003 which comprises all those harpacticoid families with an incipient oral cone and a slightly elongated mandibular gnathobase. Two species of the new genus are described herein and were verified by molecular evidence. Siphonis gen. nov. is placed within the subfamily Cerviniopseinae Brotskaya, 1963 and represents a third major shift in the lifestyle of aegisthid copepods, from benthic and hyperbenthic to associated forms (probably with sponges or cnidarians). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brackish-water calanoid copepod known as Pseudodiaptomus inopinus in the mainland of Japan consists of two genetically separate species. One is P. japonicus, which was once synonymized with P. inopinus but was recently revived. This paper describes the other species as Pseudodiaptomus yamato n. sp., which is confirmed to have morphological differences from P. inopinus s.s. based on specimens from the type locality (Lake Taihu, China) of the latter. We also redescribe P. japonicus and P. inopinus s.s. for comparative purposes. The three species are distinguishable by the combination of the following morphologies: 1) weak or prominent posterior round projections of the female last pediger; 2) relative length of posterior processes of the female genital operculum; 3) presence or absence of medial spinules on the first exopodal segment of the female leg 5; and 4) the size of spinules at the center of the ventral surface of the male second urosomite. Significant inter-population variation is observed in some spinules of P. japonicus. The past and present records indicate that Pseudodiaptomus yamato n. sp. is endemic to Japan and confined to the coasts affected by the warm Kuroshio Current from western Kyushu to the middle of Honshu, while P. japonicus is widespread in northern East Asia without overlapping the range of P. yamato n. sp. The range of Pseudodiaptomus inopinus s.s. most certainly does not extend to those of P. yamato n. sp. and P. japonicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A handful of benthic harpacticoid species are known from the Gulf of California. Here I describe Argestes analongises sp. n. (Argestidae), and Argestigens celibis sp. n. (Ameiridae) from the deep sea of the Tropical Eastern Pacific and Gulf of California. Argestes analongises sp. n. fits in the subfamily Argestinae (Argestidae) and was attributed to the genus Argestes by the presence of small spinules covering the body surface of, at least, the urosome, and by the presence of an extremely elongated distal seta on the sixth segment of the female antennule. This new species seems to be allied to A. angolaensis by the situation of all the caudal setae, and by the ventral position of caudal seta III. They differ in the relative length of the female caudal rami, size, shape and relative position of the sensilla-bearing tubercles associated to the anal somite, armature of the mandibular basis, shape of the exopodal and endopodal segments of swimming legs, and relative length of the setae on the female P5 endopodal lobe and position of the innermost seta of the exopod of the female fifth leg. Argestigens celibis sp. n. was attributed to the family Ameiridae based on the non-argestid maxilla, on the presence of a more or less well-developed endopodal lobe of the male fifth leg and three inner setae on the third endopodal segment of the third leg, and on the presence of the typically modified ameirid-like inner spine on the basis of the male first leg. The new species was attributed to Argestigens based on the non-prehensile endopod of first leg and presence of long inner spinules on the basis of second to fourth legs. Additionally, a new genus, Georgus gen. n., is proposed for Bodinia peterrumi, and some comments are given on the monophyly of that genus. www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:4BD580B0-E856-4FBC-ABA6-B031A9B6E1F9 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations on the effects of the oxygen minimum zone on the distribution, abundance, and diversity of deep-sea benthic and pelagic fauna of the Gulf of California and Eastern Tropical Pacific has received attention recently. However, very little is known about the diversity of deep-sea benthic harpacticoids from this region, and only three species, Ancorabolus hendrickxi Gómez & Conroy-Dalton, 2002, Ceratonotus elongatus Gómez & Díaz, 2017 and Dendropsyllus californiensis Gómez & Díaz, 2017, have been described so far. The genus Mesocletodes Sars, 1909 is one of the most common and abundant genera of deep-sea harpacticoids. This genus has been traditionally subdivided into two species groups, the abyssicola and the inermis groups, based on the presence/absence of a dorsal cuticular process on the cephalothorax and anal somite, but some species have been reported to deviate from this scheme. As a result of their investigations, other researchers proposed the monophyly of the abyssicola group, and suggested the probable monophyly of two other species-groups. In this paper, the descriptions of three new species of the genus Mesocletodes from the deep sea of the Gulf of California are presented with some notes on their relationships with other species. Some comments on the monophyly of the genus are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invertebrate fauna of the Laptev Sea is one of the least investigated in the Arctic. In particular, little is known about the Harpacticoida (Copepoda, Crustacea)—one of the main components of marine meiofauna. Major objectives of our study were (1) to describe harpacticoid composition obtained from three sublittoral stations, (2) to compile the check-list of the Laptev Sea harpacticoids, and (3) to perform a comparative analysis of the Laptev Sea harpacticoid fauna with faunas of other Arctic seas. Of 38 species found in our material, 25 are new for the sea, and four species are likely new to science. A total list for the Laptev Sea includes 76 species from 18 families. Interstitial and phytal forms are poorly represented, due to the rarity of suitable biotopes and/or undersampling. The majority of the provisional endemics were found in the bathyal and abyssal zones of the sea, while widely distributed species, except for the plankton, belong to the fauna of the soft sediments of the littoral zone. Comparative analysis of harpacticoids from the Arctic region (the Laptev, White, Barents, Kara, East Siberian and Beaufort Seas and the Greenland area) shows the considerable distinction between the Eastern (Siberian) and Western sub-regions. Further investigations are necessary to reveal a more detailed pattern in Harpacticoida distribution and to evaluate possible vectors of dispersal and biogeographic relationships in the high Arctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The harpacticoid fauna was studied at 16 stations in the Yenisei Gulf (the Kara Sea) and the adjacent shallow-water open-sea area. The total harpacticoid abundance was relatively low (an average of 64.4 individuals/10 cm2). Thirty-three species (including putative species) from 13 families were recorded; the Ameiridae, Miraciidae and Pseudotachidiidae were the most diverse families. Most of the species identified were new for the Kara Sea, several were found for the first time after their original description, and seven forms were presumably new to science. The updated list of the Kara Sea harpacticoids has twice as many species in common with the White and Barents Seas than with the eastern Arctic/northern Pacific seas, presumably indicating the asymmetry in the Trans-Arctic fauna exchange. Species diversity increased significantly with increasing distance from the freshwater section seawards. Four assemblages were distinguished based on their taxonomic composition, one in the riverine part and three seaward. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated the salinity, depth, type of sediments and chlorophyllacontent in the water column as the main factors affecting the community structure. By contrast with macrofauna, harpacticoid distribution in the Yenisei Gulf did not show a wide transition area with predominance of brackish-water forms. The harpacticoid fauna of the Kara Sea is most likely not impoverished compared with other Arctic seas, but it is greatly under-explored and remains a ‘blank spot’ in this respect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with taxonomy and phylogenetics of the genus Eurycletodes Sars, (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Argestidae). Samples, collected from the southeast Atlantic on board RV 'Meteor' during the cruises DIVA-1 (M48/1) and DIVA-2 (M63/2), contain specimens of Eurycletodes. Eurycletodes is characterized as a monophylum by A1 segments III + IV fused, basal seta of md palp lost, exp of md palp reduced to 1 seta or completely lost. Similarly, the subgenera Eurycletodes (Eurycletodes) and Eurycletodes (Oligocletodes) are characterized as monophyletic by the loss of the inner seta on P1 exp2 (apomorphic to E. (E.)) and the absence of the inner seta on P5 endopodal lobe (apomorphic to E. (O.)). Eurycletodes profundus is renamed as E. (O.) profundus. Eurycletodes ephippiger is the only species of the genus without subgeneric designation. Eurycletodes (O.) diva sp. nov. is described. The new species differs from described species of the genus by a larger body size, P5 endopodal lobe only slightly protruding, last segment of A1 with 2 outer setae, furcal rami elongated between setae VII and IV. The occurrence of 2 specimens of Eurycletodes (O.) diva sp. nov. at 2 sites separated by the Walvis Ridge supports the hypothesis that geographic obstacles do not prevent harpacticoid copepods from spreading in the deep sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence for mercury dispersal in an arid coastal region of central Baja California (Mexico) suggests that abandoned copper mining operations are a noticeable source of mercury in the environment. There is a generally elevated level of mercury in alluvium of arroyos throughout the mining district (0.14–0.18 mg kg−1). In the first several dozen meters surrounding two of the biggest mines, mercury levels range from 0.26 to 3.16 mg kg−1, forming a halo of anomalously high concentrations. The coastal marine sediments, particularly those close to the copper smelter in the town of Santa Rosalía, also display some mercury enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed circumpolar samples from 68 lakes within the 10°C-July isotherm from Arctic Canada, Nunavut, Greenland, Svalbard, Eastern Siberia, the Beringia region, and Alaska. In total, we found 3 species of Anostraca, 17 of Diplostraca, 1 species of cyclopoid and 14 species of calanoid copepods. Our study identifies a wider distribution for some copepods—e.g. Eurytemora pacifica, Leptodiaptomus sicilis, Arctodiaptomus novosibiricus, Cyclops abyssorum—than previously known. Moreover, one anostracan species, Artemiopsis bungei, was recorded in North America for the first time; and one chydoriid, Chydorus gibbus, is a new species for Greenland. We observed that species richness of crustaceans is lower in lakes that were glaciated during the Quaternary period, compared to those not glaciated (e.g. Chukotski Peninsula, Siberia; Point Barrow, Alaska; and Disko Island, Greenland). This confirms the findings of classic studies: glaciation has strongly affected the biogeography of freshwater crustaceans in circumpolar areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to a revision of the genus Halectinosoma. Four new species are described, based on examination of ectinosomatid material from localities in western Europe, eastern Canada and the Arctic. Halectinosoma mandibularis sp. nov. is distinguishable from other species by the reduced setation of the mouthparts and enlarged mandibular gnathobase. Halectinosoma latisetifera sp. nov. bears an affinity with H. cooperatum but is easily distinguished by the shape of the setae on the female fifth leg. A species previously erroneously ascribed to H. finmarchicum (Scott) by several authors is described here as Halectinosoma kliei sp. nov. Halectinosoma gothiceps (Giesbrecht) is redescribed and the closely related Halectinosoma paragothiceps sp. nov. is described and distinguished from H. gothiceps. It is considered likely that some previous records of H. gothiceps are in error. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 149, 453–475. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galaziella baikalensis gen. et sp. nov. is described from Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal, Russia. The genus is assigned to the family Chirocephalidae Daday, 1910, on the basis of the following features: the male has two-segmented antenna, its basal segment bearing two leaf-shaped antennal appendages, all thoracopods with two distinctly divided pre-epipodites, and genital segments containing two clearly defined seminal vesicles. Galaziella is well distinguished from other genera of the family by the apical part of the penes, armed with "two spiniform processes" at each apex, instead of a single spine or toothed plate. Such male genital processes have not yet been found in Chirocephalidae, so that the diagnosis of the family is revised and two sub-families are proposed herein. Up to the present, 10 species belonging to 7 genera, including Galaziella baikalensis, and 5 families of Anostraca – Artemiidae, Branchinectidae, Branchipodidae, Chirocephalidae, and Thamnocephalidae – have been found in East Asia and its adjacent areas, including the Russian Far East, Mongolia, China, Korea, and Japan. The list includes all synonymic taxa. A distribution map and a key to the East Asian species of the family Chirocephalidae are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]