Bayesian Inference Analyses Research Articles

A new dinoflagellate Gonyaulax pospelovana with resting cysts resembling Spiniferites delicatus and its biogeography and ecology revealed by DNA metabarcoding

ABSTRACT Extant species of the dinoflagellate genus Gonyaulax are capable of producing resting cysts morphologically similar to different cyst-based genera, and their cyst-theca relationships are far from resolved. Here we have carried out germination experiments on several living cysts that resemble Spiniferites delicatus from the subtropical regions of China and Mexico. Both cyst and theca morphology were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. A new species, Gonyaulax pospelovana, is described, characterized by a cingulum displacement and an overhang of twice its width, and two short antapical spines. The cysts of G. pospelovana had a granular surface and gonal processes with petaloid tips. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses based on LSU and SSU rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains identified as G. pospelovana were monophyletic, forming a sister clade to Gonyaulax ellegaardiae and several presumable strains of Gonyaulax spinifera. One Chinese strain and two Mexican strains of G. pospelovana were examined for yessotoxin production using LC-MS/MS, but were not found to produce a detectable amount of toxins. Metabarcoding targeting the 18S V4 rRNA gene was performed on monthly collected samples in Xiamen Bay, China. A ZOTU (zero-radius operational taxonomic units) was detected that was consistent with G. pospelovana. Its maximum abundance was recorded in summer. Additionally, an OTU was identified as G. pospelovana from the Tara Oceans metabarcoding data, which occurred in the Indian and Pacific oceans at temperatures ranging from 28°C to 31°C, suggesting that it is a warm water species.

The Phylogenetic Relationship of Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Using Mitochondrial Genomes.

Lamiinae is the largest subfamily of the Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles), with approximately 21,863 described species. Previous phylogenetic studies of Lamiinae showed that this subfamily was monophyletic, but the relationship between the tribes of Lamiinae is still controversial. Partial molecular data and species morphological characteristics are not sufficient to resolve species phylogenetic studies perfectly. At the same time, the full mitochondrial genome contains more comprehensive genetic data. Benefiting from the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS), mitochondrial genomes can be easily acquired and used as reliable molecular markers to investigate phylogenetic relationships within Cerambycidae. Using NGS technology, we obtained 11 mitochondrial genome sequences of Lamiinae species. Based on this newly generated mitochondrial genome dataset matrix, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Lamiinae. The Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses strongly support the monophyly of four tribes (Lamiini, Batocerini, Mesosini, and Saperdini), whereas the tribe Acanthocinini was identified as paraphyletic. Other mitochondrial structural features were also observed: the start codon in the nad1 gene of all 11 mitochondrial genomes is TTG; 17-22 bp intergenic spacers (IGS) with a 'TACTA' motif were found between trnS2 and nad1. Moreover, two long IGS were found in Mesosa myops and Batocera sp. Tandem repeats were found in the IGS of Batocera sp.

Characterization of novel aurantiactinomyxon types (Cnidaria, Myxosporea) from the oligochaete Ilyodrilus templetoni (Southern, 1909), with a comprehensive phylogeny of the collective group

Three new aurantiactinomyxon types are described from the oligochaete Ilyodrilus templetoni (Southern, 1909) (Naididae) collected from a northern Portuguese estuary, based on light microscopy and sequencing of the 18S rDNA. The addition of I. templetoni to the group of freshwater annelids known to be permissive for aurantiactinomyxon development reinforces the crucial role of naidids in the evolution and settlement of myxozoans in estuarine environments. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of a comprehensive 18S rDNA dataset placed the novel types within the Paramyxidium clade. This positioning suggests them as probable life cycle counterparts to Paramyxidium spp. that most likely infect the European eel Anguilla anguilla, as the sole representative of Elopomorpha in Portuguese rivers. Although distance estimation revealed a genetic difference of only 0.4 % between Aurantiactinomyxon types 1 and 3, this value was determined to be representative of interspecific variability based on the consistent matching of both genotypes with distinct actinospore morphologies, and potential richness of closely related species of Paramyxidium infecting the European eel in Portuguese waters. The clustering of aurantiactinomyxon types within distinct myxosporean lineages, representative of the suborders Variisporina and Platysporina, demonstrates that the aurantiactinomyxon morphotype is highly functional in promoting myxozoan infections in estuarine environments.

Türkiye'nin endemik balıklarından Capoeta aydinensis' ten Paradiplozoon bliccae (Reichenbach-Klinke, 1961) (Monogenea: Diplozoidae)'nin ekolojik, moleküler ve konak ilişkili faktör yaklaşımıyla araştırmalar

The present study investigated diplozoid parasites in an endemic species, Capoeta aydinensis Turan, Küçük, Kaya, Güçlü & Bektaş, 2017 in Köyceğiz Lake, near Muğla province (Türkiye). The aim of this research is to improve a record of diplozoid species occurrence in C. aydinensis, an endemic fish species by collecting data from a previously unexplored locality situated in a different geographical region of Türkiye. A total of 187 individuals of C. aydinensis were collected by using fishing nets from October 2019 to July 2020 and examined for the presence of diplozoid species. Only one species of diplozoid has been recorded, known as Paradiplozoon bliccae (Reichenbach-Klinke, 1961), which has been identified morphologically and confirmed through molecular analysis. The nucleotide sequences of the parasite's nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) gene marker were determined as well as phylogenetic analyses by using Bayesian inference (BI) analyses. On the basis of the molecular findings, the morphological identification of the diplozoid parasite species was confirmed. Of 187 fish sampled, 27 were infected with 117 P. bliccae, representing an abundance of 0.6, a mean intensity of 4.3 and a prevalence of 14.4%. The prevalence and mean intensity of infection were based on the season and sex of the host. The highest values of infection for prevalence, mean intensity and abundance were found in summer. Meanwhile, mean intensity and abundance of P. bliccae were higher in males, the prevalence was higher in females. To our knowledge, the present study is the first ichthyoparasitological study of C. aydinensis in Köyceğiz lake, near the province of Muğla in Türkiye. Furthermore, sequence data of P. bliccae from fish hosts in this locality were reported to GenBank for the first time as part of this study. Therefore, this study widens the host range of this parasite species in Türkiye.

A phylogenetic assessment of a fungicolous lineage in Coniocybomycetes: Chaenotricha, a new genus of Trichaptum-inhabiting species.

The globally distributed genus Trichaptum is one of the most species-rich among polypores in terms of hosting other fungi. Among Trichaptum-associates, there is a group of mazaediate lichenized fungi (Coniocybomycetes, Ascomycota) that previously had an uncertain phylogenetic position. DNA sequences - mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU), nuclear large subunit rDNA (nuLSU), and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) - were obtained from 29 specimens collected from Europe and North America. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of these three gene loci were used to infer phylogenetic position and relationships among lineages. Statistical tests were used to find which phenotypical characteristics distinguish species. The molecular sequence data provide evidence that the fungicolous specimens form a distinct lineage within Coniocybomycetes sister to the combined clade of Chaenotheca s. lat. and Sclerophora. Considering its phylogenetic placement and strict specialization, we describe a new genus - Chaenotricha. This fungicolous lineage contains three species based on molecular characteristics. Morphological characters mostly overlap except for spore size and stalk length of apothecia. We provide a new combination, Chaenotricha obscura, for the only previously described species for which we designate an epitype, and introduce a new species - Chaenotricha cilians. The third lineage remains undescribed because of a small sample size, which did not allow us to clearly delineate species boundaries. Citation: Suija A, McMullin RT, Lõhmus P (2023). A phylogenetic assessment of a fungicolous lineage in Coniocybomycetes: Chaenotricha, a new genus of Trichaptum-inhabiting species. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 12: 255-269. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2023.12.13.

A combined phylogenetic strategy illuminates the evolution of Goniodorididae nudibranchs (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia)

Goniodorididae is a family of small dorid nudibranchs distributed worldwide that feed on entoprocts, ascidians, and bryozoans. The evolutionary relationships between its taxa have been uncertain due to the limited taxa available for phylogenetic analyses; some genera being paraphyletic. The family includes a remarkable number of synonymized genera in which the species richness is unequally distributed, while some genera have dozens of species others are monospecific. Some clades are very uniform morphologically while others are considered highly variable. To increase backbone phylogenetic resolution a target enrichment approach of ultra-conserved elements was aimed at representative Goniodorididae species for the first time. Additionally, we increase species representation by including mitochondrial markers cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and ribosomal RNA 16S as well as nuclear Histone 3 and ribosomal RNA 18S from 109 Goniodorididae species, out of approximately 160 currently valid species. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses were performed to infer the phylogeny of the family. As a result, two subfamilies and eleven genera were elucidated. The synonymized genera Bermudella, Cargoa, and Ceratodoris are here resurrected and a new genus, Naisdoris gen. nov., is described. The clades included taxa with shared prey preference, showing that trophic behavior could have driven species evolution and morphological uniqueness within the family Goniodorididae.

Circumscription of the East Asia clade (Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae) and the taxonomic placements of several problematic genera

The East Asia (or Physospermopsis) clade was recognized in previous molecular phylogenetic investigations into the higher-level relationships of Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae. The composition of this clade, the phylogenetic relationships among its constituent taxa, and the placement of species previously determined to be problematic have yet to be resolved. Herein, nrDNA ITS sequences were obtained for 150 accessions of Apioideae, representing species whose distributions are in East Asia or genera having one or more species included within the East Asia clade. These data, along with published ITS sequences from other Apioideae (for 3678 accessions altogether), were subjected to maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. The results show that the East Asia clade contains representatives of 11 currently recognized genera: Hansenia, Hymenolaena, Keraymonia, Sinolimprichtia, Acronema, Hymenidium, Physospermopsis, Pimpinella, Sinocarum, Tongoloa, and Trachydium. However, the latter seven genera have members falling outside of the East Asia clade, including the generic types of all except Tongoloa. Within the clade, the species comprising these seven genera are widely intermingled, greatly increasing confusion among relationships than previously realized. The problematic species Physospermopsis cuneata is confirmed as falling within the East Asia clade, whereas P. rubrinervis allies with the generic type in tribe Pleurospermeae. Physospermopsis kingdon-wardii is confirmed as a member of the genus Physospermopsis, whereas the generic attributions of P. cuneata and Tongoloa stewardii remain unclear. Two species of Sinocarum (S. filicinum and S. wolffianum) are transferred into the genus Meeboldia. This is the most comprehensive molecular phylogenetic investigation of the East Asia clade to date, and while the results increase systematic understanding of the clade, they also highlight the need for further studies of one of the most taxonomically intractable groups in Apioideae.

Unveiling the holomorph and novel host records of Shearia formosa (Longiostiolaceae, Pleosporales) in China

ABSTRACT Shearia belongs to the Longiostiolaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) and is typified by S. formosa. Previously, Shearia species were reported by their asexual morph, and here we introduce the first sexual morph for Shearia. We also provide the sexual-asexual linkage of S. formosa with two new host records from Magnolia sprengeri and Michelia alba from China based on morpho-molecular analyses. The sexual morph of S. formosa is characterised by having perithecial ascomata with an erumpent ostiole, cellular pseudoparaphyses and asci embedded in a gelatinous matrix, short pedicellate asci with an ocular chamber, and transversely and vertically septate spores surrounded by a thick mucilaginous sheath. Our S. formosa isolates clustered with other authentic strains of S. formosa based on maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference analyses of the combined sequence data of 28S ribosomal RNA (LSU), 18S small subunit rDNA (SSU), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef).

Molecular phylogenetics of Oxalis subg. Thamnoxys (Oxalidaceae) reveals artificial arrangements of traditional sections

Abstract Oxalis subg. Thamnoxys is a mostly South American group of Oxalis encompassing almost 80 species from tropical habitats that are currently separated into nine sections based on morphology and geographic distributions. In this study, we investigated whether Oxalis subg. Thamnoxys and its sections are monophyletic. DNA sequences of the nrITS, trnL-trnL-trnF, and petA-psbJ from 92 specimens of Oxalis (55 from O. subg. Thamnoxys, 37 from O. subg. Oxalis, and five outgroup taxa) were used to investigate phylogenetic relationships among its nine sections. Nuclear and plastid molecular markers were subjected to maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses individually and in a combined data matrix. Our phylogenetic trees recovered O. subg. Thamnoxys as monophyletic only if O. praetexta, previously included in O. sect. Robustae, is transferred to O. subg. Oxalis. The remaining samples of the subgenus emerged in a clade with full bootstrap and posterior probability support. Within it, O. sect. Holophyllum was the only section that was recovered as monophyletic, whereas the remaining sections were not, either because of sampling a single species of each (O. sect. Foliosae, Hedysaroideae, and Phyllodoxys), to the unexpected placement of O. goyazensis (O. sect. Robustae) in O. sect. Psoraleoideae, or to the sister relationship between O. densifolia (O. sect. Foliosae) with O. pyrenea var. macrochaeta (O. sect. Thamnoxys), suggesting the need of revaluating some specific affinities and updating sectional circumscriptions. This phylogenetic study with an improved sampling of O. subg. Thamnoxys is the first step towards an updated classification of the subgenus and for interpreting both its morphological diversification and biogeographic history in South America.

Trolliella Herzog, a new synonym of Pylaisia Schimp. (Pylaisiaceae, Bryophyta) and Pylaisia euendostoma (Herzog) Frank Müll., Jan Kučera & S.He, comb. nov.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Trolliella euendostoma Herzog is the single species of a monospecific genus and we know of no molecular study since its description and we know of only one report since its discovery. Therefore, we decided to compare a recently collected Myanmar specimen with the type material deposited in JE and obtain molecular data from the new material with which to explore the phylogenetic affinities of this species. Methods: In addition to a morphological examination, an analysis of ITS and trnF–trnS sequence data from the newly collected Myanmar specimen of Trolliella euendostoma was carried out. Phylogenetic affinities were assessed using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses. Results and discussion: Molecular affinities and morphological features of Trolliella euendostoma suggest that the species should be excluded from the Sematophyllaceae and transferred to Pylaisia Schimp. in the Pylaisiaceae. Consequently, we propose the new combination Pylaisia euendostoma (Herzog) Frank Müll., Jan Kučera & S.He, select the lectotype for T. euendostoma, and additionally synonymise Pylaisia kunisawae (Ando) Ochyra (≡ Pylaisiella kunisawae Ando) with P. euendostoma.

The contingency impact of culture on health security capacities for pandemic preparedness: A moderated Bayesian inference analysis

The contingency impact of culture on health security capacities for pandemic preparedness: A moderated Bayesian inference analysis

Mitochondrial genome of Euchirus longimanus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and phylogenetic relationship of Euchirini

The long-armed scarab beetles, a charismatic group within the small tribe Euchirini, are characterized by their large body sizes and distinctly elongated forelegs in males. While mitochondrial genomes have been sequenced for two of the included genera, Cheirotonus and Propomacrus, the type genus of the tribe, Euchirus, remains unexplored. It will provide valuable insights into the phylogenetic position and internal relationships of the Euchirini to investigate the mitochondrial genome of Euchirus and conduct phylogenetic analyses. In this study, it presents the first mitochondrial genome of Euchirus longimanus. The length of the mitochondrial genome of Euchirus longimanus is 16,591 bp. We analyzed its genes arrangement, base composition, codon usage frequency, and constructed phylogenetic trees based on the nucleic acid sequences of 13 protein-coding genes. The phylogenetic results are consistent with previous studies, confirming the phylogenetic position of Euchirini within the paraphyletic Melolonthinae. Notably, we firstly elucidate the phylogenetic relationship among all three genera: Propomacrus + (Cheirotonus + Euchirus), supported by robust values in Bayesian inference (BI) analysis. However, the maximum likelihood (ML) tree shows weaker support for the internal node of Euchirini and exhibits distinct topological variations compared to the BI tree, suggesting the potential paraphyly of Cheirotonus with the inclusion of Euchirus longimanus. These findings highlight the importance of including additional species of Euchirus and Cheirotonus in the future phylogenetic investigations to achieve a comprehensive understanding of their evolutionary relationships.

New data on mitogenomes of Thienemanniella Kieffer, 1911 (Diptera: Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae).

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has been widely used as a powerful marker in phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of various Dipteran groups. However, only a few mitogenomes from the Thienemanniella genus have been reported till now. Furthermore, there is still indeterminacy in the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Thienemanniella. In this study, mitogenomes of five Thienemanniella species were sequenced and analyzed newly. Combined with the published mitogenome of Thienemanniella nipponica, the obtained results showed that mitogenomes of Thienemanniella were conserved in structure, and all genes were observed to be arranged in the same gene order as the ancestral mitogenome. Nucleotide composition varied significantly among different genes, and the control region displayed the highest A + T content. All protein coding genes are subjected to purification selection, and the fastest evolving gene is ATP8. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses showed the phylogeny of Thienemanniella which was supported in five topologies. Our present study provides valuable insight into the phylogenetic relationships of Thienemanniella species.

Plastid phylogenomics of the Eriostemon group (Rutaceae; Zanthoxyloideae): support for major clades and investigation of a backbone polytomy

Most of Australia’s sclerophyllous Rutaceae belong to a clade informally known as the ‘Eriostemon group’ (including 16 genera, ~209 species). We investigated generic relationships in this group using analyses of complete plastome sequence data for 60 species and analyses of a supermatrix including sequences of four plastome spacer regions for 22 additional species. Maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference, and shortcut coalescent phylogenetic analyses produced congruent phylogenies that were highly supported, except for a series of short unsupported branches in the backbone of the Eriostemon group. We found high support for four major clades branching from this polytomy and discuss evolutionary inferences of generic relationships in each lineage. In an effort to resolve the polytomy, we analysed gene tree topologies in tree space, phylogenetic informativeness with likelihood mapping, and conducted topology tests to assess support for all possible topological resolutions of the polytomy. These approaches did not clarify the polytomy, which may be caused by insufficient data, features of plastome evolution, or rapid radiation. Results from analyses of the combined supermatrix dataset suggest that Philotheca section Philotheca is paraphyletic with regards to Drummondita and Geleznowia. In all phylogenies, Philotheca sections Corynonema and Cyanochlamys were not placed with other members of Philotheca.

A new classification of the family Ariidae (Osteichthyes: Ostariophysi: Siluriformes) based on combined analyses of morphological and molecular data

AbstractWe present a new classification of the catfish family Ariidae based on a total-evidence hypothesis, which incorporates data from the examination of 249 morphological and 5603 molecular characters from 131 species. The named taxa in the proposed classification represent groups of species found in the Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood, and Bayesian Inference analyses or, in some cases, two of the three methods. Each named taxon is provided with a diagnosis derived from a comprehensive summary of the morphological characters and their character-state transformations, as interpreted from the most parsimonious version of the total-evidence tree. Taxa newly named herein are: Cathoropsini, new tribe; Genidentini, new tribe; Sciadeini, new tribe; Aceroichthys, new genus (type species Arius dioctes Kailola, 2000); Bleekeriella, new genus (type species Arius leptaspis Bleeker, 1862); Betancurichthys, new genus (type species Arius madagascariensis Vaillant, 1894); Jayaramichthys, new genus (type species Arius leptonotacanthus Bleeker, 1849); Kyataphisa, new genus (type species Pimelodus nenga Hamilton, 1822); Megalosciades, new genus (type species Arius augustus Roberts, 1978); Paracinetodus, new genus (type species Arius carinatus Weber, 1913); Papuarius, new genus (type species Arius latirostris Macleay, 1883); and Pseudosciades, new genus (type species Arius sona Hamilton, 1822). A key to the genera of Ariidae is presented.

First Report of Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum siamense on Hydrangea macrophylla in China.

Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser. (Hydrangeaceae), a shrubby perennial plant, is widely used as an ornamental flowering plant because of its showy inflorescences and colorful sepals. In October 2022, leaf spot symptom was observed on H. macrophylla in Meiling Scenic Spot, which covers an area of about 143.58 km2 in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China (28.78°N, 115.83°E). An investigation was carried out in a 500 m2 mountain area with 60 H. macrophylla plants in a residential garden, the incidence of disease observed was 28~35%. The symptoms were visible as nearly round dark brown spots on the leaves in the early stages of infection. At later stages, the spots gradually developed grayish white center with dark brown margins. To isolate the pathogen, seven leaves randomly selected from 30 infected leaves were cut into 4-mm2 pieces, surface disinfected with 75% ethanol for 30s followed by 5% NaClO for 1 min, rinsed in sterile water three times, placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and cultured at 25 °C in the dark for 7 days, and four strains with similar morphological characteristics were obtained from 7 diseased samples. Conidia were aseptate, cylindrical, hyaline, obtuse at both ends, and measured 13.31 to 17.53 × 4.43 to 7.45 µm (15.47 ± 0.83 × 5.91 ± 0.62 µm, n = 60). Morphological characteristics matched Colletotrichum siamense (Weir et al. 2012; Sharma et al. 2013). For molecular identification, two representative isolates (HJAUP CH003 and HJAUP CH004) were used for genomic DNA extraction, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), partial sequences of actin (ACT), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), β-tubulin (TUB2) and partial calmodulin (CAL) were amplified, using primer pairs ITS4/ITS5 (White et al. 1990), ACT-512F/ACT-783R, GDF1/GDR1, Bt2a/Bt2b and CL1C/CL2C (Weir et al. 2012), respectively. The sequences were deposited in GenBank (accessions nos. ITS: OQ449415, OQ449416; ACT: OQ455197, OQ455198; GAPDH: OQ455203, OQ455204; TUB2: OQ455199, OQ455200; CAL: OQ455201, OQ455202). Concatenated sequences of the five genes were used to conduct phylogenetic analyses using the maximum-likelihood method in MEGA7.0 (Sudhir et al. 2016) and Bayesian inference analysis in MrBayes 3.2 (Ronquist et al. 2012). Our two isolates cluster together with four strains of C. siamense with 93%ML/1.00BI bootstrap support. The isolates were identified as C. siamense based on the morpho-molecular approach. Pathogenicity of HJAUP CH003 was tested indoors by inoculating detached wounded leaves of six healthy H. macrophylla plants. Three healthy plants with three leaves were punctured with flamed needles and sprayed with a 1 × 106 spores/ml spores suspension, and another three healthy plants were wounded inoculated with mycelial plugs (5 × 5 mm3). Mock inoculations were used as controls with sterile water and PDA plugs on three leaves each. Treated plant tissue were incubated in an artificial climate box at 25°C, 90% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 12 h. After 4 days, symptoms similar to those of natural infection were observed on all wounded inoculated leaves, while no symptoms appeared on mock-inoculated leaves. The fungus isolated from inoculated leaves was identical to the original pathogen based on morphological and molecular data, confirming Koch's hypothesis. It has been reported that C. siamense can cause anthracnose on numerous plants (Rong et al. 2021; Tang et al. 2021; Farr and Rossman 2023). This is the first report of C. siamense causing anthracnose on H. macrophylla in China. The disease is of major concern to the horticultural community as it seriously affects the aesthetic value of ornamentals.

Isolation and characterization of novel Dothideomycetes species from forest soils in Chiang Rai and Krabi (Thailand): additions to the diversity of Curvularia and Verruconis

Fungi are adapted to diverse environments, where the forest soils have complex fungal communities with a wide range of lifestyles. This study aims to explore and isolate Dothideomycetes from the forest soils in Thailand. Sampling sites were located in Chiang Rai and Krabi provinces. Cultures were obtained through soil dilution series, and the strains were subjected to morphological observations and multigene phylogenetic analyses for identification. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses were conducted to clarify their phylogenetic affinities using partial nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS, LSU, and SSU) and the protein-coding genes (tef1-α and GADPH). Herein, two new species (Curvularia chiangraiensis sp. nov. and Verruconis soli sp. nov.) and two new records (C. chiangmaiensis and V. thailandica) are described based on the morphological and phylogenetic evidence. Curvularia chiangraiensis sp. nov. is distinguished by its relatively smaller conidia and the presence of sympodial proliferation of conidiogenesis and Verruconis soli sp. nov. exhibits micronematous conidiophores and obovoid conidia that transform into sub-cylindrical or ellipsoidal shapes, and becoming 1-septate when mature. These unique characteristics set them apart from closely related taxa. The newly described taxa have been subjected to a thorough comparison with closely related species, enabling a comprehensive analysis. The study offers detailed descriptions and includes high-quality micrographs, with the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of these newly identified taxa

An evaluation of the Gilbert-McKern pubic symphyseal age estimation method using Bayesian statistics and principal component analysis: A computed tomographic exploration in an Indian population.

Age of an individual constitutes a primary facet of human identification. In cases where skeletal remains present for examination, bony markers distributed throughout the skeletal framework are employed for age estimation. Amongst these markers, the pubic symphysis constitutes one of the more commonly utilized structures. Gilbert-McKern's pubic symphyseal age estimation method was derived to complement the original three component method, and permit accurate age estimation in females. However, subsequent investigations with the Gilbert-McKern method are limited, and completely lacking for an Indian population. In the present study, CT scans of 380 consenting individuals (190 males and 190 females) undergoing CT examinations for therapeutic purposes, aged 10 years and above, were scored according to Gilbert-McKern's three component method. A significant sexual dimorphism was observed with the scoring of the ventral rampart and symphyseal rim. An overall accuracy of 29.50% was obtained in females, indicating that the method lacks forensic utility in its primal form. Highest posterior density and highest posterior density region values were computed for each component using Bayesian analysis in both sexes, to enable age estimation from individual components, whilst overcoming issues of age mimicry. Amongst the three components, symphyseal rim furnished the most accurate and precise estimates of age, whereas the ventral rampart garnered highest error computations, in both sexes. Principal component analysis was utilized for multivariate age estimation by taking into consideration this differential contribution of individual components. Weighted summary age models, derived using principal component analysis, furnished inaccuracy values of 12.19 years and 12.30 years in females and males, respectively. Bayesian error computations obtained with the symphyseal rim in both sexes were even lower than those obtained with weighted summary age models, demonstrating its suitability as an independent age marker. Despite the use of statistical modalities of Bayesian inference and principal component analysis for age estimation, the method did not yield significantly reduced error rates in females, demonstrating its limited forensic applicability. While, statistically significant sex differences were observed with the scoring of Gilbert-McKern's components, concordant correlations, comparable accuracy and absolute error values were obtained for both sexes, indicating that the Gilbert-McKern method can be utilized to age either sex. However, inaccuracy and bias values obtained with different statistical modalities, as well as broad age intervals furnished with Bayesian analysis demonstrate the overall limited applicability of the Gilbert-McKern method in aging males and females of an Indian population.

Molecular analysis of Indo-Pacific Syllinae annelids with the description of five new species from the Philippine Islands

Syllinae is the largest and the most diverse subfamily in Syllidae and usually a dominant group in many marine habitats, both in terms of numbers of species and individuals. However, the lack of morphological synapomorphies for many genera and the non-monophyly of most of these suggested by molecular studies, have stressed taxonomic and systematic problems within this subfamily. Although several studies have revised some genera in the Indo-Pacific area, important gaps of knowledge remain for this biogeographic region. Thus, in this study we undertook detailed morphological examination of Syllis and Megasyllis specimens from the Philippine Islands and provide a phylogenetic analysis of Indo-Pacific Syllinae in order to evaluate the position of newly described species. We provide line drawings, light microscopy observations and electron microscopy micrographs for eight species, including five new to science. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of four molecular markers (28S rRNA, 18S rRNA, 16S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) from 85 specimens are presented, showing the non-monophyletic status of Syllis and Megasyllis. Overall, our study increases the biodiversity of syllids in this poorly known Indo-Pacific area, highlighting the importance of examining both morphological and molecular data to expand our knowledge of the subfamily Syllinae and to further resolve the taxonomic issues that remain in this group. The following new taxa are described: Megasyllis kurui sp. nov. Moreno-Martínez, San Martín & Álvarez-Campos, Syllis ireneae sp. nov. Moreno-Martínez, San Martín & Álvarez-Campos, Syllis santii sp. nov. Moreno-Martínez, San Martín & Álvarez-Campos, Syllis tini sp. nov. Moreno-Martínez, Syllis walong sp. nov. Moreno-Martínez, San Martín & Álvarez-Campos. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E35C528D-E02D-4735-B62C-2EF5C64BBCAF

Morphology and genetic characterization of Physaloptera sibirica Petrow & Gorbunov, 1931 (Spirurida: Physalopteridae), from the hog-badger Arctonyx collaris Cuvier (Carnivora: Mustelidae), with molecular phylogeny of Physalopteridae

BackgroundNematodes of the family Physalopteridae (Spirurida: Physalopteroidea) commonly parasitize the alimentary canal of all major vertebrate groups. However, many physalopterid species are not adequately described, especially regarding the detailed morphology of the cephalic end. The current genetic database for Physaloptera species is still very limited, which seriously hampers molecular-based species identification. Additionally, the systematic status of some genera and the evolutionary relationships of the subfamilies in the Physalopteridae remain under debate.MethodsNew morphological data for Physaloptera sibirica was gathered using light and scanning electron microscopy based on newly collected specimens from the hog badger Arctonyx collaris Cuvier (Carnivora: Mustelidae) in China. Six different genetic markers, including nuclear small ribosomal DNA (18S), large ribosomal DNA (28S) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS), mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and subunit 2 (cox2), and the 12S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of P. sibirica were sequenced and analyzed for the first time to our knowledge. Additionally, to construct a basic molecular phylogenetic framework for the Physalopteridae, phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the cox1 and 18S + cox1 genes using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods.ResultsScanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation displayed the details of the cephalic structures, deirids, excretory pore, caudal papillae, vulva, phasmids and egg of P. sibirica for the first time to our knowledge. Pairwise comparison of the sequences obtained for P. sibirica did not reveal intraspecific divergence regarding the 18S, 28S, cox1 and 12S genetic markers and a low level of divergence in the ITS (0.16%) and cox2 (2.39%) regions. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses showed that the representatives of Physalopteridae formed two major clades (species of Physalopterinae + Thubunaeinae parasitic in terrestrial vertebrates and Proleptinae only occurring in marine or freshwater fishes). Turgida turgida was found nested among representatives of Physaloptera. Physaloptera sibirica clustered together with P. rara. Physalopteroides sp. (Thubunaeinae) formed a sister relationship to the physalopterine Abbreviata caucasica.ConclusionsPhysaloptera sibirica was redescribed, which is the fourth nematode parasite reported from the hog badger A. collaris, and A. collaris represents a new host for P. sibirica. The phylogenetic results challenged the validity of the subfamily Thubunaeinae and of the genus Turgida and supported dividing the family Physalopteridae into two subfamilies, Physalopterinae and Proleptinae. However, we do not make any immediate systematic changes in the Physalopteridae, because a more rigorous study with broader representation of the Physalopteridae is required. These present findings contribute to morphologically identifying P. sibirica more accurately and provide new insights into the systematics of the Physalopteridae.Graphical