Close Affinity Research Articles

The neuroanatomy and pneumaticity of Hamadasuchus (Crocodylomorpha, Peirosauridae) from the Cretaceous of Morocco and its paleoecological significance for altirostral forms.

We describe the endocranial structures of Hamadasuchus, a peirosaurid crocodylomorph from the late Albian-Cenomanian Kem Kem group of Morocco. The cranial endocast, associated nerves and arteries, endosseous labyrinths, and cranial pneumatization, as well as the bones of the braincase of a new specimen, are reconstructed and compared with extant and fossil crocodylomorphs, which represent different lifestyles. Cranial bones of this specimen are identified as belonging to Hamadasuchus, with close affinities with Rukwasuchus yajabalijekundu, another peirosaurid from the 'middle' Cretaceous of Tanzania. The endocranial structures are comparable to those of R. yajabalijekundu but also to baurusuchids and sebecids (sebecosuchians). Paleobiological traits of Hamadasuchus, such as alert head posture, ecology, and behavior are explored for the first time, using quantitative metrics. The expanded but narrow semi-circular canals and enlarged pneumatization of the skull of Hamadasuchus are linked to a terrestrial lifestyle. Continuing work on the neuroanatomy of supposedly terrestrial crocodylomorphs needs to be broadened to other groups and will allow to characterize whether some internal structures are affected by the lifestyle of these organisms.

Inferring the population history of Kyrgyz in Xinjiang, Northwest China from genome-wide array genotyping.

Xinjiang plays a vital role in the trans-Eurasian population migration, language diffusion, and culture and technology exchange. However, the underrepresentation of Xinjiang's genomes has hindered a more comprehensive understanding of Xinjiang's genetic structure and population history. We collected and genotyped 70 southern Xinjiang's Kyrgyz (SXJK) individuals and combined the data with modern and ancient Eurasians published. We used allele-frequency methods, including PCA, ADMIXTURE, f-statistics, qpWave/qpAdm, ALDER, Treemix, and haplotype-shared methods including shared-IBD segments, fineSTRUCTURE, and GLOBETROTTER to unveil the fine-scale population structure and reconstruct admixture history. We identified genetic substructure within the SXJK population with subgroups showing different genetic affinities to West and East Eurasians. All SXJK subgroups were suggested to have close genetic relationships with surrounding Turkic-speaking groups that is, Uyghur, Kyrgyz from north Xinjiang and Tajikistan, and Chinese Kazakh, suggesting a shared ancestry among those populations. Outgroup-f3 and symmetrical f4 statistics showed a high genetic affinity of SXJK to present-day Tungusic, Mongolic-speaking populations and Ancient Northeast Asian (ANA) related groups. Allele sharing and haplotype sharing profiles revealed the east-west admixture pattern of SXJK. The qpAdm-based admixture models showed that SXJK derived ancestry from East Eurasian (ANA and East Asian, 42.7%-83.3%) and West Eurasian (Western Steppe herders and Central Asian, 16.7%-57.3%), the recent east-west admixture event could be traced to 1000 years ago based on ALDER and GLOBETROTTER analysis. The high genetic affinity of SXJK to present-day Tungusic and Mongolic-speaking populations and short-shared IBD segments indicated their shared common ancestry. SXJK harbored a close genetic affinity to ANA-related populations, indicating the Northeast Asian origin of SXJK. The West and East Eurasian admixture models observed in SXJK further provided evidence of the dynamic admixture history in Xinjiang. The east-west admixture pattern and the identified ancestral makeup of SXJK suggested a genetic continuity from some Iron Age Xinjiang populations to present-day SXJK.

Detection and description of Ditylenchus israelensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Anguinidae) from bulbs of the Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus L.)

Summary The present study describes a new Ditylenchus species, isolated from the bulbs of the Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus L.) imported from Israel at the Ningbo plant quarantine lab, Ningbo, P.R. China. Ditylenchus israelensis n. sp. is an amphimictic species; females have six incisures in the lateral field, a long and slim body, a delicate, short stylet (7-8 μm) with small and rounded knobs, excretory pore in the anterior region of the basal pharyngeal bulb, posteriorly located vulva (V = 78.6-83.1), a short PUS (15.0-24.0 μm), and a long conical tail with a pointed terminus. Males are similar to females in general morphology and have 14.0-18.0 μm long spicules. The new species was also characterised molecularly using 18S, ITS and D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rDNA genes. Our phylogenetic analyses showed its independent position among available Ditylenchus species and a close phylogenetic affinity with D. valveus. Several Ditylenchus species are regulated pests; their detection in a given sample can implement quarantine measures. However, to our knowledge D. israelensis n. sp. did not cause any damage to the R. asiaticus bulbs. In addition, future studies regarding fecundity and host association may shed some light on the pathogenic potential of D. israelensis n. sp.

Notorhinus floresi sp. nov. gen. nov.: The first records of Siphonophorida in Chile and Siphonorhinidae in South America (Colobognatha)

The millipede family Siphonorhinidae (order Siphonophorida) shows a scattered distribution in South Africa, Madagascar, India, Southeast Asia, and North America. So far, the family is unknown from South America, while species of Siphonophoridae, the second family of the order, are relatively abundant on the continent. However, not a single Siphonophorida is known from Chile. Here we describe the monotypic genus Notorhinusgen. nov. with N. floresisp. nov. and record a second Notorhinus (undescribed) species, as first records of the order Siphonophorida in Chile and of the family Siphonorhinidae in South America. Notorhinusgen. nov. is distinct from the remaining Siphonorhinidae by the arrangement of the sensilla basiconica on the antennae and other somatic and sexual characters. However, it shows close morphological affinities to the North American genus IllacmeCook and Loomis 1928. In the Americas Siphonorhinidae were previously only known from California (USA), where they inhabit subterranean micro-habitats. The Chilean species was found under a piece of decaying wood in a small patch of fragmented native forest. Thus, the group shows a disjunct antitropical distribution in America at ca. 37° North and 38° South. They might be the relict of a once greater distribution, which persisted in these areas due to similar climatic conditions.

Pleurothallis pugio (Orchidaceae), a new Pleurothallidinae from Costa Rica

A new species of Pleurothallis is described from Ciudad Quesada in Costa Rica. The novelty belongs to Pleurothallis series Acroniae Luer, having a close floral affinity with P. dentipetala and P. rowleei, from which it can be easily distinguished by the two-flowered inflorescence branches, bearing tiny yellow flowers with ovate-lanceolate, undulate dorsal sepal, decurved, oblong-lanceolate, dagger-like petals, and an ovate lip. Pleurothallis pugio is reminiscent of P. imitor, a species which also has two-flowered branches bearing yellow flowers. However, the latter is only known to occur in Monteverde Reserve at higher elevations, and differs in the petals that are only slightly decurved, with an entire margin, the sepals that are elliptic, and the lip that is triangular-sagittate.

Pathogenic characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to carbapenems and polymyxin

Objective: Analysis and investigation of pathogenic characteristics of polymyxin-and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (PR-CRKP). Methods: A total of 23 PR-CRKP strains isolated from clinical specimens from the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command from March 2019 to July 2021 were retrospectively collected, Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 23 PR-CRKP strains, resistance genes were identified by comparison of the CARD and the ResFinder database, high-resolution typing of PR-CRKP strains was analyzed by core genomic multilocus sequencing (cgMLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP); polymyxin resistance genes were determined by PCR and sequencing. Results: All PR-CRKP strains were KPC-2 producing ST11 types. cgMLST results showed that the evolutionary distance between the PR-CRKP strains and Klebsiella pneumoniae in mainland China was 66.44 on average, which is more closely related than foreign strains; the 23 PR-CRKP strains were divided into 3 main subclusters based on SNP phylogenetic trees, with some aggregation among Clade 2-1 in the isolation department and date. The two-component negative regulatory gene mgrB has seven mutation types including point mutations, different insertion fragments and different insertion positions. Conclusion: The close affinity of PR-CRKP strains indicate the possibility of nosocomial clonal transmission and the need to strengthen surveillance of PR-CRKP strains to prevent epidemic transmission of PR-CRKP.

Molecular characterization of TNF-β and IFN-γ in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus, Hottuyn, 1782) and their immune responses to density stress during transport

The inflammatory cytokines TNF-β and IFN-γ are important mediators of the vertebrate inflammatory response and coordinators of the immune system in regard to NF-κB signalling pathways. In this study, the TNF-β and IFN-γ genes of yellowfin seabream, Acanthopagrus latus were identified, and the multiple sequence alignments, evolutionary relationships and gene expressions of the two genes were also determined. AlTNF-β contained a 762 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 253 amino acids, while AlIFN-γ contained a 582 bp ORF encoding 193 amino acids. An amino-acid sequence alignment analysis showed that these proteins have highly conserved transmembrane structural domains among teleosts. Moreover, AlTNF-β has a close affinity with TNF-β of yellowfin seabream while AlIFN-γ has a high evolutionary correlation with A. regius and Sparus aurata. In addition, the mRNAs of AlTNF-β and AlIFN-γ are widely expressed in various tissues. AlTNF-β is highly expressed in gill and intestinal tissues, and the mRNA levels of AlIFN-γ are higher in spleen, skin, and gill tissues than in other tissues. Under transportation density stress, the mRNA level of AlTNF-β was significantly elevated in the intestine of the high-density group, while AlTNF-β transcription in the gills did not vary significantly among the density groups. Furthermore, AlIFN-γ expression was increased in liver, intestinal, and gill tissues under high transportation density. The results of this study show that TNF-β and IFN-γ expression in yellowfin seabream is greatly affected by density stress. The density of 125 per bag for 4–5 cm fry or 1200 per bag for 1–2 cm fry is most suitable for the transportation of live fish. These results might provide a reference for further studies on the immunomodulatory response process and auxiliary function of immune stress of TNF and IFN genes in fish under density stress.

Metaphorical Engagements in Feminist Philosophy: Two Close Readings

Metaphors have been inserted by philosophers in philosophical discourses to simplify abstract and intricate concepts. The practice of using metaphor denotes its rhetorical, aesthetic, linguistic and cognitive function. In basic formulation, metaphor has also been used by philosophers as a device, strategy, method, stylist ornament and a medium of expression. In this background, the following paper intends to vindicate the intimate interaction between philosophy and metaphor, with marked emphasis on the domain of feminist philosophy. Categorically, by considering the context of feminist philosophical discourses, in this work, I explore the contributions of two influential feminist thinkers, namely, Young and Irigaray to elucidate the proposed metaphorical narrative. I suggest that these feminist philosophers ‘talk metaphorically’ beyond its ornamental or aesthetic value; beyond objectivism. To the contrary, I propose and argue that their employment of metaphor appeals to an epistemological thematic. Furthermore, I shall exhibit the close affinity between the metaphors they insert in their respective pursuits. Questions that shall be considered here are: Why metaphor matters in philosophical contexts? What does it mean to talk metaphorically in feminist philosophical scholarship? What and how do these feminist thinkers contribute to this endeavor? What is the implication of their respective contributions? Thus, I aim at uncovering and deepening the appearance, connotation and influence of metaphor in feminist scholarship.

Genetic analysis based on 15 autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) in the Chaouia population, western center Morocco, and genetic relationships with worldwide populations.

The complex demographic history of human populations in North Africa has resulted in a high degree of genetic heterogeneity across the region. However, little is known about the pattern of these genetic variations in its current populations. The present study provides new data on the genetic background of Chaouia, an Arabic-speaking North African population in the western center of Morocco. A random sample of 150 unrelated healthy individuals from Chaouia was assessed using the AmpFLSTR Identifiler kit. The most polymorphic markers were D21S11 and D18S51, with 23 and 22 alleles, respectively. After Bonferroni's correction, two loci (TH01 and D18S51) deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The phylogeny analysis separated North African populations into northeastern and northwestern groups. The Chaouia population was clustered with northwestern Africans. It was the closest to the Berbers of Azrou. The Chaouia shared close genetic affinities with populations from North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, particularly Iberians, and to a lesser extent with sub-Saharan populations. The pattern of genetic admixture varied across North African populations without a clear correlation between their geographic (northeastern or northwestern) or linguistic identities (Arab or Berber), however, genetic heterogeneity among Berbers was observed. These findings suggest that the diversity observed in North African populations extends geographical and linguistic boundaries. It is further linked to each population's unique and complex demographic history. Human North African population genetics seems to present an intriguing landscape for future studies in the region and its surrounding populations to trace the origins of the genetic heterogeneity observed in these populations.

Paleobiogeographic affinities and paleoecological significance of paleogene ostracods from Eastern Benin Basin, Southwestern Nigeria

Ditch cutting samples from the studied section of the RC-4 Hole, eastern Benin (Dahomey) Basin were studied for their ostracod content. 3671 ostracod fauna belonging to 22 species were recovered and analysed with a view to determining ostracod paleobiogeographic affinities and paleoecological conditions within this part of the basin during the Paleogene. Ostracod assemblages of the studied section bear close affinities to those of some North and West African basins. Species such as Bairdia ilaroensis, Leguminocythereis spp., Bairdia malzi, Paracosta kefensis, Xestoleberis tunisiensis, Buntonia jordanica, Aegyptiana duwiensis and Leguminocythereis lokossaensis identified from the RC-4 hole suggest shallow neritic conditions. Paracosta kefensis and Paracosta parakefensis occur in high abundance indicating marine upwelling conditions. Many of the species recovered in this study have also been identified from Iullemeden and southern Tethys basins (e.g. Sirte Basin) suggesting ostracod migration from Benin Basin (Gulf of Guinea) to southern Tethys basins through the Paleogene shallow Trans – Saharan Seaway. A distinct ostracod turnover at the top of the limestone unit (Ewekoro Formation) is related to the Paleoceneo Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) – a climatic phenomenon characterised by 5 – 8 C global temperature rise at the end of the Paleocene.

Reduction of Membrane Lipid Metabolism in Postharvest Hami Melon Fruits by n-Butanol to Mitigate Chilling Injury and the Cloning of Phospholipase D-β Gene.

To investigate the effect of n-butanol on postharvest membrane lipid metabolism of Hami melon (Cucumis melo 'Hami'), the fruits were soaked in a 1.0% solution of n-butanol for 30 min with water as the control. Symptoms of chilling injury were observed regularly, and the indices related to permeability and membrane lipid metabolism of pericarp cells were measured. The results showed that treatment with n-butanol inhibited the increase in chilling injury index, membrane permeability, and malondialdehyde content of Hami melon fruits, promoted an increase in the contents of phosphatidyl alcohol and unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid (except 14 d), and erucic acid (28-42 d), and decreased the content of saturated fatty acids, stearic acid (0-28 d), phosphatidic acid (except for 21 d), and the key enzymes of membrane lipid metabolism compared with the control. The activities of phospholipase D (PLD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) and the downregulation of the levels of expression CmPLD-β and CmLOX (42 d only) genes reduced the chilling injury index of Hami melon and alleviated the further expansion of chilling injury symptoms in the fruits. We also cloned the key gene of membrane lipid metabolism CmPLD-β, which was obtained by pre-transcriptome screening of the pericarp. We found that CmPLD-β of Hami melon had the closest affinity with cucumber (CsXP5), indicating that the CmPLD-β gene of Hami melon was functionally similar to that of cucumber. In addition, a two-fold alignment analysis of CmPLD-β and CmXP5 base sequences indicated that the base sequences of the two promoter regions differed from each other.

Mechanism and age of gold remobilization in orogenic gold deposit from primary laminated ore to the high-grade ore: A case study from Cenozoic Bangbu gold deposit, Tethyan Himalaya

The formation of high-grade gold ore has always been attractive, mostly located in Precambrian gold deposits with various mechanisms. Yet, in the orogenic Bangbu gold deposit, Tibet, we discovered that the coupled dissolution-reprecipitation (CDR) process and low melting point chalcophile elements (LMCE) -related melting are responsible for the formation of high-grade ore at ca. 38 Ma constrained by in-situ U-Th-Pb dating of hydrothermal monazite. Three generations of pyrite have been recognized, metamorphic barren pyrite (Py I) in the host schist, hydrothermal pyrite (Py II) in the preceding primary laminated ore with an Au grade of ∼8 g/t, and the hydrothermal coarse pyrite (Py III) in later massive ore with a grade of up to 29 g/t. In the primary laminated ore, the Py II in the sulfide ribbons is intergrown with native gold and colloform quartz and carries abundant trace element contents, such as Au, As, Cu, Pb, Zn, Te, Se, and Bi. These suggest that the rapid precipitation and local supersaturation occurred during the episodic crack-seal process. In the later high-grade massive ore, Py III exhibits distinct zonation, ranging from Py III-1 in the core to Py III-3 in the rim. The Py III-1, porous and rich in inclusions, has sharp boundaries and successive lattice orientation with the mantle Py III-2 suggesting a CDR process. Higher Au and As in Py III-2 than the Py III-1, and the close affinity between visible gold and LMCE melt inclusions at the boundary suggest that gold was remobilized and facilitated by the LMCE during the CDR process. The electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping result shows little crystallographic misorientations of Py III, excluding the deformation process that has significantly contributed to the remobilization of gold. The decrease of the δ34S ratio of pyrite between Py II (δ34S = 2.0‰ to 4.3‰, mean 3.4‰) and Py III (δ34S = −2.5‰ to 3.8‰, mean −0.2‰) most likely reveals a more oxidized condition in the open space which may trigger the CDR process and gold remobilization of the pyrite in the primary ore. Within the zonation of Py III, an increasing trend of the δ34S ratio represent the evolution of the redox state of fluids towards relatively reducing conditions during the healing of quartz veins. The newly obtained ca. 38 Ma age is comparable to regional amphibolite- to granulite-facies metamorphism during the continental subduction, which was considered to trigger the modification of primary gold orebody to form high-grade ore.

Elucidating taxonomic status of Goodyera medogensis (Orchidaceae) based on morpho-molecular data

Goodyera medogensis H.Z. Tian, Y.H. Tong & B.M. Wang, a recently described species of ‘Jewel orchid’ from China is reduced as a variety under Goodyera alveolata Pradhan. The morphological differences between G. medogensis and G. alveolata are not enough to treat G. medogensis as a distinct species, but as a variety. Molecular phylogenetic results based on one nuclear (ITS) and two plastid markers (matK and trnL-F) also showed close affinity between these two taxa.

Lower Ordovician Trilobites from SE Sardinia (Italy): A new record of the “Taihungshania bioprovince”

A systematic description of the so far unique trilobite fauna and the associated biota from the Arenarie di San Vito Formation, in the outcrops close to the abandoned Tacconis mine (allochthonous nappe zone, Sarrabus, SE Sardinia, Italy), proves the occurrence of Taihungshania shui landayranensis, Ampyx priscus, Asaphellus sp., Merlinia sp., Niobe fourneti?, Geragnostus sp. and Symphysurus sp., accompanied by several taxa of graptolites, ichnofossils and less common bivalves, gastropods, cephalopods and hyolithids. The taphonomical signature, sedimentary structures and “Raphiophorid biofacies” clearly argue for an early Floian age and a median platform (i.e., offshore to shoreface) depositional environment. The occurrence of T. shui landayranensis in Sardinia allows us to determine the age of the Arenarie di San Vito Formation (just below the Sarrabese unconformity) and to discuss the palaeobiogeographical affinities highlighting the value of the “Taihungshania bioprovince”. The Tacconis trilobite fauna displays close affinities with Montagne Noire in France, Taurides in Turkey, Alborz in Iran, and south China, placing the SE Sardinia allochthonous area in a global Ordovician palaeogeographic sketch. A brief discussion on relationships and palaeobiogeographical affinities between the Sardinian nappe zone and the autochthonous “foreland” Sulcis-Iglesiente, which are adjacent today, strongly suggests a separation during the Ordovician, although both areas pertain to the Gondwana margin.

Genocide in Kashmir: Right of Self-Determination, UNSC Resolutions and Holding India To Account Under International Humanitarian Law

Kashmir has been a flashpoint of conflict since independence from British rule in 1947 and the partition of India into two states. These two countries, India, and Pakistan, have both claimed the land on the northern most sector of the Subcontinent the focal point of which is the Valley of Kashmir. The conflict is not a domestic dispute or a regional issue between the two protagonists but engages international law because of the human rights violations and the atrocities committed that has engaged international humanitarian law. The occupation by India of Kashmir was controversial from the start as it went against the aspirations of the population who had close affinity and kinship with Pakistan. The United Nations Security Council mandated a referendum to decide the future of the territory divided by a Line of Control, a military boundary, but India has refused to implement the resolutions. The Indian army has cracked down on the population under the Special Powers Act 1958 and various other opaque ordinances that oppress the population. The final act in this de facto occupation was transformed into de jure control by the Indian Parliament when it revoked Article 370 and Article 35 of the Constitution and annexed Kashmir. The Valley has been placed under lockdown and the population disfranchised with all political activity banned and demographic changes underway by a government appointed by India. The pogroms committed by the Security forces and the gross abuses of human rights have been catalogued in two UN Human Rights Council reports that implicate the Indian forces. The argument of this paper is that there should be rigorous application of international law and war crimes tribunals should be invested to prosecute the Indian officials for breaches of human rights established in the conduct of non-international conflicts (NIC).

Valeriella persica sp. nov. (Chlorococcaceae, Chlorophyceae): A potential biodiesel feedstock from the hyperarid desert soil in Yazd (Iran) revealing new diagnostic criteria for green coccoids

Clear–cut delineation of the species identity of the drylands–inhabiting coccoid green algae is a challenging taxonomic work that requires an in–depth polyphasic investigation. Here, we employed an integrative polyphasic approach to characterize an interesting terrestrial green coccoid belonging to the recently proposed genus Valeriella from Iran. Despite morphological resemblances to some established taxa, this strain is distinguished by a combination of taxonomic features. Similarities and differences with morphologically allied taxa were discussed in detail, and some new diagnostic criteria for green coccoids were revealed. Our new findings threw light on the age-old problem in the taxonomy of green coccoids. The 18S rDNA phylogenetic assignment placed our strain in a well–supported lineage within the Valeriella clade (Chlorococcaceae, Chlorophyceae) with close affinity to V. minor. Therefore, here we propose Valeriella persica sp. nov. as a new species based on its phylogenetic position and key taxonomic features including cell-wall ultrastructure, life–cycle stages, reproduction strategies and ecology. We also assessed lipid content and fatty-acid profiles to evaluate suitability as potential feedstock for biofuel production. The lipid content and productivity were about 27 % and 130.5 mg L−1 day−1, respectively, at the late exponential phase. Gas chromatography (GC) coupled with flame−ionization detection (GC–FID) unraveled twenty−six species of FAs with highly significant levels of palmitic (C16:0; 24.74 %), oleic (C18:1c, ω–9; 19.02 %), linoleic (C18:2c, ω–6; 18.15 %), and α-linolenic (C18:3, ω–3; 16.28 %) acids. The biodiesel properties of V. persica are consistent with the international standards, making it a good candidate for biodiesel production on the large–scale. Overall, these ecophysiologically important compounds are well known to have major dynamic roles in regulating the fluidity and functioning of the cell and thylakoid membranes, and they, therefore, provide ecophysiological–adaptive traits to the extremely dry, desert habitat of this novel green coccoid.

Chopin and George Sand: Visions of reconciliation and otherness

To read Sand’s fiction, or at least what she wrote while she and Chopin shared an intimate relationship, for insights into their creative affinities, is unproductive. However, some of her later writing, both fictional and non-fictional, gives us telling and fascinating insight into her ideas about music and its place in society, ideas which show close affinity with what we can know or can intuit of Chopin’s. Both were drawn to folk traditions, but how this informed their work is complex.

First description of the mitochondrial genomes of the Central American brocket deer Mazama temama (Kerr, 1792) and the Yucatán Peninsula brocket deer Odocoileus pandora Merriam, 1901

The Central American (Mazama temama) and the Yucatán Peninsula brocket deer (Odocoileus pandora) are deer species with cryptic habits, and little is known about their biology. Odocoileus pandora is listed as Vulnerable on the 2015 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, while M. temama is considered Data Deficient; however, it currently faces a decreasing population trend. We assembled the complete mitochondrial genome for two M. temama specimens and one complete and one partial for O. pandora from Illumina 150bp paired-end reads. The mitogenomes of M. temama and O. pandora have a length of 16,479-16,480 and 16,419bp, respectively, AT-biased; they consist of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and one non-coding control region, most of them follow a transcription direction in the heavy strand of the molecule. The mitochondrial genome of O. pandora shows some particularities compared to other deer species, like a shorter control region of 987-990bp and a cytochrome b gene with a length of 1,143bp. Our phylogenetic analyses confirm the close affinity of M. temama to South American M. americana and the nested position of the genus Odocoileus, including O. pandora, into the genus Mazama. Here, we described for the first time the complete mitochondrial genome for these two species. While our study provides additional information about the taxonomic status of the northern neotropical brocket deer, further research is needed to solve the complicated taxonomy of neotropical deer.

Investigation of antiviral substances in Covid 19 by Molecular Docking: In Silico Study.

This paper aimed to investigate the antiviral drugs against Sars-Cov-2 main protease (MPro) using in silico methods. A search was made for antiviral drugs in the PubChem database and antiviral drugs such as Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Entecavir, Lamivudine, Tenofovir, Favipiravir, Hydroxychloroquine, Lopinavir, Oseltamavir, Remdevisir, Ribavirin, Ritonavir were included in our study. The protein structure of Sars-Cov-2 Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7) was taken from the Protein Data Bank (www.rcsb. Org) system and included in our study. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock/Vina, a computational docking program. Protein-ligand interactions were performed with the AutoDock Vina program. 3D visualizations were made with the Discovery Studio 2020 program. N3 inhibitor method was used for our validation. In the present study, bictegravir, remdevisir and lopinavir compounds in the Sars-Cov-2 Mpro structure showed higher binding affinity compared to the antiviral compounds N3 inhibitor, according to our molecular insertion results. However, the favipiravir, emtricitabine and lamuvidune compounds were detected very low binding affinity. Other antiviral compounds were found close binding affinity with the N3 inhibitor. Bictegravir, remdevisir and lopinavir drugs showed very good results compared to the N3 inhibitor. Therefore, they could be inhibitory in the Sars Cov-2 Mpro target.

Phylomitogenomic Analyses Provided Further Evidence for the Resurrection of the Family Pseudoacanthocephalidae (Acanthocephala: Echinorhynchida).

The phylum Acanthocephala is an important monophyletic group of parasites, with adults parasitic in the digestive tracts of all major vertebrate groups. Acanthocephalans are of veterinary, medical, and economic importance due to their ability to cause disease in domestic animals, wildlife, and humans. However, the current genetic data for acanthocephalans are sparse, both in terms of the proportion of taxa surveyed and the number of genes sequenced. Consequently, the basic molecular phylogenetic framework for the phylum is still incomplete. In the present study, we reported the first complete mitochondrial genome from a representative of the family Pseudoacanthocephalidae Petrochenko, 1956. The mitogenome of Pseudoacanthocephalus bufonis (Shipley, 1903) is 14,056 bp in length, contains 36 genes (12 protein-coding genes (PCGs) (lacking atp8), 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes (rrnL and rrnS)) and two non-coding regions (NCR1 and NCR2), and displayed the highest GC-skew in the order Echinorhynchida. Phylogenetic results of maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) using the amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes in different models provided further evidence for the resurrection of the family Pseudoacanthocephalidae and also supported that the order Echinorhynchida is paraphyletic. A monophyletic clade comprising P. bufonis and Cavisoma magnum suggests a close affinity between Pseudoacanthocephalidae and Cavisomatidae. Our phylogenetic analyses also showed that Polymorphidae has a closer relationship with Centrorhynchidae than Plagiorhynchidae in the monophyletic order Polymorphida.