Cytb Gene Research Articles

An integrative approach to the taxonomy of Oxymycterus paramensis (Rodentia, Cricetidae) and related nominal forms

Abstract Oxymycterus includes 17 species of small- to medium-sized sigmodontine rodents. The taxonomy of this genus has been widely studied, but several unresolved issues persist. One example of this is the Paramo Hocicudo, Oxymycterus paramensis, which over its extended latitudinal range has been associated with several nominal forms that have not been evaluated with an integrative approach. Based on phylogenetic analyses of the Cytb gene, qualitative and quantitative morphological characters, and environmental niche modeling, we reexamined the taxonomic status of the nominal forms akodontius, jacentior, and paramensis while considering the recently recognized species O. willkaurco. The phylogenetic reconstruction guided subsequent analysis of morphological variation and the development of the niche models. Considering the results in an integrative framework, we observed congruence among phylogenetic, species distribution models, and environmental niche models (a proxy indicating different environmental preferences), which support the recognition of 2 species within the concept of O. paramensis s.l. At the same time, we did not observe congruent support for this taxonomic hypothesis from morphological evidence, with the absence of diagnostic qualitative or quantitative characters differentiating the 2 taxa. Considering that some lines of evidence suggest the interruption of gene flow, we see more support for recognizing existing names for 2 taxa at the species level: O. paramensis, endemic to Bolivia; and O. akodontius (which has priority over jacentior), distributed from southern Bolivia to northwestern Argentina. However, we recommend more detailed studies to test the taxonomic scenario advanced here.

Insights into trypanosomiasis transmission: Age, infection rates, and bloodmeal analysis of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes in N.W. Uganda.

Tsetse flies (Glossina) transmit species of Trypanosoma which cause human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT). Understanding the epidemiology of this disease and controlling the vector rationally requires analysis of the abundance, age structure, infection rates and feeding patterns of tsetse populations. We analysed a population of G. fuscipes fuscipes in the Koboko district of Uganda. Seasonal variation in the abundance of tsetse was assessed from the numbers of tsetse caught in pyramidal traps. The age structure of the population was assessed by dissecting female tsetse to estimate their ovarian categories. Classical and PCR-based methods were utilised to determine the presence of the three major pathogenic species of salivarian trypanosomes: T. vivax, T. congolense and T. brucei in a subset (n = 2369) of flies. Further, bloodmeal analysis was carried using PCR to amplify and sequence a portion of the vertebrate cytb gene. The abundance and age structure of tsetse populations were relatively stable and a slight seasonal four-fold variation in abundance appeared to be correlated with rainfall. Analyses of age structure suggests a low natural daily mortality of 1.75% (1.62-1.88). Infection rates estimated were significantly greater (1.9-9.3 times) using the PCR-based method compared to the classical dissection-based method. Positive rates for T. brucei sl, T. congolense and T. vivax were 1.6% (1.32-2.24), 2.4% (1.83-3.11and 2.0% (1.46-2.63), respectively by PCR. The majority of bloodmeals were identified as cattle (39%, 30.5-47.8) and human (37% of meals, 28.4-45.6). The seasonally stable abundance, low mortality rate and high proportion of bloodmeals from humans may explain, in part, why this district has historically been a focus of sleeping sickness. Additionally, the high rates of cattle feeding indicate insecticide treated cattle may prove to be a useful vector control strategy in the area.

Aedes aegypti feeding behavior during dengue outbreaks in two rural areas of Peru during the Yaku cyclone and El Niño phenomenon of 2023.

Motivation for the study. Dengue epidemics caused by A. aegypti occur during climatic events in tropical countries such as Peru; however, the feeding behavior of the mosquito usually goes unnoticed. Main findings. A. aegypti populations in Marcavelica and Querecotillo showed anthropophilic feeding behavior during cyclone Yaku and in the 2023 El Niño. However, populations with different feeding patterns are not ruled out. Implications. The PCR-RFLP technique of the blood cell cytochrome B gene could be implemented in vector control policies through an entomo-virological surveillance plan. To determine the feeding behavior of Aedes aegypti in dengue outbreaks in two rural areas of Peru during the Yaku cyclone and El Niño phenomenon of 2023. Eight blood samples (8 pools) were obtained from the abdomen of 80 Aedes aegypti specimens captured in the rural districts of Querecotillo and Marcavelica during the Yaku cyclone and El Niño dengue outbreaks. DNA was extracted from the analyzed samples, then a PCR was directed at the CytB gene as a genetic marker and the PCR products were enzymatically digested with the restrictases Hae III and Mwo I. The PCR-RFLP products were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis at 4%. DNA was obtained from all samples and a 358 bp amplicon was obtained as a PCR product. Likewise, the only RFLP found in Hae III was from Homo sapiens sapiens (233 and 125 bp). RFLP was not found in Hae III of Gallus gallus and RFLP in Mwo I of Canis familiaris and Mus musculus. Aedes aegypti showed conserved anthropophilic feeding behavior in dengue outbreaks in rural areas during the Yaku cyclone and El Niño.

The ornate rubbernose pleco (Siluriformes, Loricariidae, Chaetostoma), a new species from the Ucayali River Basin, Peru

A new species in the rubbernose catfish genus Chaetostoma is described from the Aguaytia, Pisqui and Palcazu Rivers, which drain the Pampa de Sacramento Region in the Ucayali River drainage of central Peru. The new species is distinguished from congeners, except C. anomalum, C. branickii, C. dorsale, C. leucomelas, C. microps, C. nudirostre, C. palmeri and C. thomsoni by having distinct, white, variably-shaped spots or vermiculations ½–2× nostril diameter on dark grey to black background on the head (vs. spots absent or black on light-coloured background). The new species is distinguished from C. anomalum, C. branickii, C. dorsale, C. microps, C. nudirostre and C. thomsoni by having highly variable, distinct white spots, vermiculations or bands ½–10× nostril diameter on the body, from C. leucomelas by having dorsal and caudal fin indistinctly and variably-patterned with zero to four bands (vs. dorsal and caudal fin consistently having five or more uniform bands) and from C. palmeri by having two predorsal plates (vs. three), supraoccipital excrescence present (vs. absent) and pelvic-fin insertion slightly posterior to dorsal-fin insertion (vs. pelvic-fin insertion at middle of dorsal-fin base). Species delimitation analyses of the COI and Cytb genes further support the recognition of this new species.

Comparative selective pressure analysis on mitochondrial protein-coding genes in flying squirrels (Pteromyini) and tree squirrels (Sciurini)

Different animal groups with varying locomotion modes may have unique energy requirements. Mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reactive oxygen species via oxidative phosphorylation to support organisms energy requirements. The tribes Pteromyini (flying squirrels) and Sciurini (tree squirrels), two closely related taxa within the family Sciuridae, exhibit distinct locomotion modes, energy requirements, and likely face different selective pressures on mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs). We analysed 13 mitochondrial genome sequences from species belonging to the tribe Pteromyini and 117 from species belonging to the tribe Sciurini. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Pteromyini and Sciurini formed a sister relationship within the family Sciuridae. Among the 13 PCGs, ATP8 exhibited the highest dN/dS values, while COX1 showed the lowest. The background selection ratio (ω2) values for six genes (ND1, ND2, ND4, ATP6, ND5, and COX3) in Pteromyini were lower than the foreground selection ratio (ω0) values observed in Sciurini. A RELAX analysis revealed that CYTB, ND4, ATP6, and COX3 genes experienced intensified in selection strength. BUSTED analysis identified stronger signatures of diversifying selection in CYTB and ATP6, highlighting amino acid changes. MEME identified episodic diversifying selection at specific sites among eight PCGs. These findings revealed distinct selective pressures on PCGs in flying and tree squirrels.

Dear Malaria: Deer Have Malaria! Prevalence ofPlasmodium odocoilei Infection in White-tailed deer in Pennsylvania

Abstract Background To combat antimalarial treatment resistance, better understanding of malaria pathogenesis is needed, but existing animal model have various limitations. Notably, prevailing murine models require laboratory infection of non-natural host species. In 2016, the parasite Plasmodium odocoilei was identified in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). This was the first non-human mammalian malaria parasite identified in North America, representing a novel naturally occurring model system that allows for integrated examination of host, vector, and systems parasite biology. In addition, sickle hemoglobinopathy is exceptionally common among white-tailed deer, occurring in up to 60% of apparently healthy animals. In humans, the prevalence of sickle hemoglobinopathy in individuals with ancestry from malaria-endemic regions is due to the protective effects of sickle trait against severe malaria. Thus, the white-tailed deer-P. odocoilei system represents the only known naturally occurring model of the association between malaria parasite biology and sickle cell disease. Pennsylvania white-tailed deer have not previously been surveyed for infection. In this study, we determined P. odocoilei prevalence in a sample of 170 Pennsylvania white-tailed deer. Methods We amplified the CytB gene of P. odocoilei by nested PCR from DNA extracted from homogenized white-tailed deer tongue tissue obtained from the PennVet Wildlife Futures Program. We confirmed samples screening positive on gel electrophoresis via unprimed sequencing (Plasmidsaurus, USA) and NCBI-BLAST analysis. Results We estimate the prevalence of P. odocoilei infection in Pennsylvania white-tailed deer to be 0.6% (1 of 170 samples). Sequencing of the positive sample revealed a 621-bp sequence with close sequence identity to previous North American isolates of P. odocoilei (query cover 91-100%, percent identity 99.34-100.00%). Biobank metadata showed the positive sample originated from a roadkilled yearling male picked up at GPS coordinates (40.8423, -79.0409) on August 15, 2022. Conclusion P. odocoilei is endemic to Pennsylvania white-tailed deer. Our future directions include screening of additional samples, determination of host hemoglobin allele frequencies, detailed parasite genetic studies, and entomologic studies to elucidate vector biology. In addition, granular sample metadata collected by the PennVet Wildlife Futures Program will allow us to analyze the effects of geographic, demographic, and temporal variables on epidemiology. In sum, our survey data empowers future Pennsylvania-based studies to take advantage of the only known naturally occurring animal model of sickling and its association with protozoan infection.

Simultaneous Detection of Eight Dairy-Derived Components Using Double-Tube Multiplex qPCR Based TaqMan Probe.

The authentication of milk and dairy products has great significance for food fraud. The present investigation entailed the development of a novel method that amalgamates the double-tube approach with multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, incorporating TaqMan probes, to facilitate the high-throughput screening and detection of animal-derived constituents within milk and dairy products. Eight dairy-derived animal-specific primers and probes were designed for the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) gene of eight dairy products, including cow, buffalo, yak, goat, sheep, horse, donkey, and camel. Through the developed double-tube detection assays, the above eight targets could be simultaneously identified with a detection limit of 0.00128-0.0064 ng/μL. The multiplex qPCR assay was effectively validated using simulated adulterated samples with different mixing ratios and demonstrated a detection limit of 0.1%. Upon analysis of 54 commercially available dairy products, a mislabeling rate of 33% was revealed. This method affords an efficacious means of detecting dairy product ingredients, thereby offering robust technical backing for market oversight and regulatory enforcement of milk and dairy products.

Megaselia scalaris and Senotainia tricuspis Infesting Apis mellifera: Detection by Quantitative PCR, Genotyping, and Involvement in the Transmission of Microbial Pathogens.

The Megaselia scalaris and Senotainia tricuspis parasitoid flies of the honeybee Apis mellifera were found to infest apiaries of different European and Mediterranean countries but their prevalence and impact on apiary health are little known. Therefore, in this study, quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based methods were developed for their rapid detection directly in hive matrices. The newly developed qPCR assays were targeted at the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for the M. scalaris and the cytochrome B (cytB) gene for the S. tricuspis. The tests were preliminarily applied to 64 samples of adult honeybees and hive debris collected in the Abruzzo and Molise regions, Central Italy, and the Republic of Kosovo showing that both flies occur in the two countries and more frequently in Italy. The positive apiaries in Italy were re-sampled by capturing viable forager bees and isolating emerging flies to carry out the genotyping and analyses aimed at defining if these flies can transmit honeybee pathogens. Genotyping based on the COI and cytB gene sequencing for M. scalaris and S. tricuspis, respectively, identified one S. tricuspis genotype and diverse genotypes of M. scalaris highly similar to those from distant countries. Some fly isolates harbored the DNA or RNA of honeybee microbial pathogens Paenibacillus larvae, deformed wing viruses A and B (DWVA and B), black queen cell virus (BQCV), chronic paralysis virus (CBPV), and Nosema ceranae. The results indicated that these parasites should be efficiently controlled in apiaries by using rapid detection methods to facilitate the large screening studies and early detection.

Diversity and Host Specificity of Avian Haemosporidians in an Afrotropical Conservation Region.

Afrotropical regions have high bird diversity, yet few studies have attempted to unravel the prevalence of avian haemosporidia in conservation areas. The diversity and host specificity of parasites in biodiversity hotspots is crucial to understanding parasite distribution and potential disease emergence. We test the hypothesis that biodiverse regions are associated with highly diverse parasites. By targeting the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene, we molecularly screened 1035 blood samples from 55 bird species for avian haemosporidia infections to determine its prevalence and diversity on sites inside and adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Overall infection prevalence was 28.41%. Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Plasmodium presented prevalences of 17.39%, 9.24%, and 4.64%, respectively. One hundred distinct parasite lineages were detected, of which 56 were new lineages. Haemoproteus also presented the highest diversity compared to Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium with varying levels of specificity. Haemoproteus lineages were found to be specialists while Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon lineages were generalists. We also found a positive relationship between avian host diversity and parasite diversity, supporting an amplification effect. These findings provide insight data for host-parasite and co-evolutionary relationship models.

Detection of Amphibian Species based on Cytochrome b Metabarcoding using High-Throughput Sequencing Approach

Abstract Amphibians are essential in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, contributing to multiple ecological functions. The presence of amphibians in a particular area usually signifies a healthy ecosystem as it indicates that the habitat meets the requirements of their life cycles. However, the amphibian population have been declining due to human activities including pollution and habitat destruction. Researchers are using new methods to monitor amphibian diversity to address this decline. Conventional sampling methods were compared with new DNA metabarcoding techniques using advanced sequencing platforms. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the early detection of amphibian species using Cytochrome b (Cytb) gene with metabarcoding methods and next generation sequencing techniques. Thirty-one samples were used in this study and underwent processes such as extraction, amplification using Cytb gene, library preparation, and sequencing. The result showed that the total number of reads was 658,655, with reads in OTUs numbered 474,061. Out of 31 samples, only three species were successfully detected: Fejervarya limnocharis with the highest abundance (20.6%), followed by Polypedates leucomystax and Pulchrana baramica. The results indicate that Cytb has low capabilities in detecting amphibian species, which might be due to its highly conserved region and the lack of databases for this gene. For future studies, an enhanced DNA metabarcoding procedure should be applied, including better choice of genetic marker and bioinformatics pipelines to minimize error and to improve the accuracy and reliability of detecting amphibian’s species using NGS and DNA metabarcoding. This would enhance efforts to protect amphibian biodiversity.

Identification of Haemoproteus infection in an imported grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) in China

Blood parasites from the order Haemosporida infect many vertebrates and cause malaria-like diseases. In this study, a haemosporidian infection was detected in a sick grey crowned crane imported into China using a combination of morphological and molecular approaches. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and processed for morphological identification of infective parasites using stained blood smears and microscopy. No merogony occurs in the blood cells, and sporadic pigment granules were observed. Nested-PCR assays were employed for a molecular examination, which indicated that the cytb gene of this parasite had 94.1–94.9% identity to Haemoproteus antigonis. Subsequently, its mitochondrial genome structure was determined by high-throughput sequencing using the DNBSEQ-T7 platform. The determined structure was confirmed by the Sanger sequencing using amplicons. The mitochondrial genome obtained for this parasite exhibited a low CG content (32.0%) and possessed three protein-coding genes, encoding 1068 amino acids, which constituted 53.7% of the genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this parasite clustered with Haemoproteus sp. is detected in grey crowned cranes from Africa. This parasite was likely acquired during importation of this animal; thus, strict quarantine of imported ornamental animals is required to prevent the entry of new pathogens.

Complete mitochondrial genomes and phylogenetic analysis of native and non-native fishes in a national key wetland of China

Fish are considered objective indicators of environmental health and ecosystem stability. Establishing regional reference databases of mitochondrial genome sequences from local fish communities can significantly enhance fish monitoring using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. For non-native species, the eDNA technique provides early detection and rapid monitoring. It is also crucial to include fundamental genetic information for both native and non-native species in genetic databases. This study presents the complete mitochondrial genomes of 17 fish species inhabiting the Baiyangdian Basin, a national key wetland in China. The mitochondrial DNA of these fish was analyzed to investigate their characteristics, and their phylogeny was determined using maximum likelihood (ML) methods. Various analyses were performed, including the examination of nucleotide composition, evaluation of AT-skew and GC-skew, analysis of codon frequency, and determination of relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values, and assessment of selection pressure on protein-coding genes (PCGs). The analysis showed that all PCGs in all fish underwent purifying selection. Using Xenocyprididae as a representative, this study investigated the genetic selection tendencies of native and non-native fish species in the Baiyangdian Basin. Significant differences were found in five of the 13 PCGs: COI, COII, COIII, Cytb, and ATP8. Except for ATP8, the findings indicated that the genes of non-native species underwent stronger purifying selection during evolution compared to native species. Additionally, comparing the population ω values of non-native species to those of native species showed that the Cytb and COIII genes exhibited greater differential purification selection than COI and COII. These differences may be the result of the evolution of non-native species to migrate and adapt to the Baiyangdian Basin, thereby affecting the evolution of related genes.

Geographic genetic variation in the Coral Hawkfish, Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus (Cirrhitidae), in relation to biogeographic barriers across the Tropical Indo-Pacific

The Tropical Indo-Pacific (TIP) includes about two thirds of the world’s tropical oceans and harbors an enormous number of marine species. The distributions of those species within the region is affected by habitat discontinuities and oceanographic features. As well as many smaller ones, the TIP contains seven large recognized biogeographic barriers that separate the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, the Indian from the Pacific Ocean, the central and eastern Pacific, the Hawaiian archipelago, the Marquesas and Easter Islands. We examined the genetic structuring of populations of Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus, a small cryptic species of reef fish, across its geographic range, which spans the longitudinal limits of the TIP. We assessed geographic variation in the mitochondrial cytb gene and the nuclear RAG1 gene, using 166 samples collected in 46 localities from the western to eastern edges of the TIP. Sequences from cytb show three well-structured groups that are separated by large genetic distances (1.58–2.96%): two in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP), one at Clipperton Atoll another occupying the rest of that region and the third that ranges across the remainder of the TIP, from the central Pacific to the Red Sea and South Africa. These results indicate that the ~4,000 km wide Eastern Pacific Barrier between the central and eastern Pacific is an efficient barrier separating the two main groups. Further, the ~950 km of open ocean that isolates Clipperton Atoll from the rest of the TEP is also an effective barrier. Contrary to many other cases, various major and minor barriers from the Central Indo-Pacific to the Red Sea are not effective against dispersal by C. oxycephalus, although this species has not colonized the Hawiian islands and Easter Island. The nuclear gene partially supports the genetic structure evident in cytb, although all haplotypes are geographically mixed.

Colletotrichum species causing Glomerella leaf spot and apple bitter rot in the southeastern United States exhibit disparities in relative frequency, morphological phenotype, and QoI sensitivity.

Glomerella leaf spot (GLS), Glomerella fruit rot (GFR) and apple bitter rot (ABR), caused by Colletotrichum spp. are amongst the most devastating apple diseases in the southeastern United States. While several species have been identified as causal pathogens of GLS, GFR, and ABR, their relative frequency and fungicide sensitivity status in the southeastern U.S. is unknown. In total, 381 Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from symptomatic leaves and fruit from 18 conventionally managed apple orchards and two baseline populations in western North Carolina and Georgia in 2016 and 2017. Multilocus DNA sequence analysis revealed that C. chrysophilum was the predominant cause of GLS and GFR, and C. fioriniae was the causal agent of ABR. Baseline and commercial populations of Colletotrichum spp. were evaluated for sensitivity to pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin and no statistical differences in sensitivity between the two species were observed for conidial germination. However, EC50 values were significantly lower for C. fioriniae compared to C. chrysophilum for both fungicides regarding mycelial inhibition. Isolates recovered from commercial orchards revealed that 5 populations of C. chrysophilum and 1 population of C. fioriniae had reduced sensitivity to trifloxystrobin, and 1 C. fioriniae population had reduced sensitivity to pyraclostrobin via conidial germination assays. The cytb gene for 27 isolates of C. fioriniae, C. chrysophilum, and C. fructicola with different QoI sensitivities revealed the G143A mutation in a single isolate of C. chrysophilum with insensitivity to both fungicides. Results of these studies suggest that two Colletotrichum spp. predominantly cause GLS and ABR in the southeastern U.S. and that a reduction in sensitivity to some QoI fungicides may be responsible for control failures. This study also provides basis for monitoring shifts in QoI sensitivity in Colletotrichum spp. causing disease on apple in the southeastern U.S.

Unravelling the Molecular Identity of Bulgarian Jumping Plant Lice of the Family Aphalaridae (Hemiptera: Psylloidea).

Psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) are plant sap-sucking insects whose identification is often difficult for non-experts. Despite the rapid development of DNA barcoding techniques and their widespread use, only a limited number of sequences of psyllids are available in the public databases, and those that are available are often misidentified. Here, we provide 80 sequences of two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cytb), for 25 species of Aphalaridae, mainly from Bulgaria. The DNA barcodes for 15 of these species are published for the first time. In cases where standard primers failed to amplify the target gene fragment, we designed new primers that can be used in future studies. The distance-based thresholds for the analysed species were between 0.0015 and 0.3415 for COI and 0.0771 and 0.4721 for Cytb, indicating that the Cytb gene has a higher interspecific divergence, compared to COI, and therefore allows for more accurate species identification. The species delimitation based on DNA barcodes is largely consistent with the differences resulting from morphological and host plant data, demonstrating that the use of DNA barcodes is suitable for successful identification of most aphalarid species studied. The phylogenetic reconstruction based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses, while showing similar results at high taxonomic levels to previously published phylogenies, provides additional information on the placement of aphalarids at the species level. The following five species represent new records for Bulgaria: Agonoscena targionii, Aphalara affinis, Colposcenia aliena, Co. bidentata, and Craspedolepta malachitica. Craspedolepta conspersa is reported for the first time from the Czech Republic, while Agonoscena cisti is reported for the first time from Albania.

Optimizing growth and mitochondrial function in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss through eco-friendly dietary and changes in water temperature regimen strategies

Developing sustainable aquaculture remains a challenge, notably finding suitable alternatives to marine ingredients in carnivorous fish diets such as rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in changing climate. These new diets are especially important because rainbow trout are an ecologically and economically significant aquaculture species. Therefore, we investigated the impact of sustainable ingredients and water temperature manipulations on rainbow trout growth characteristics and mitochondrial function. A total of 432 fish were fed four isocaloric, isolipidic, and isonitrogenous diets comprised 40 % crude protein and 20 % lipid and formulated as diet 1 (animal-based protein +25 % fish oil/ 50 % plant oil/ 25 % terrestrial animal oil), or diet 2 (animal-based protein +100 % plant oil), or diet 3 (plant-based protein +25 % fish oil/ 50 % plant oil/25 % terrestrial animal oil), or diet 4 (plant-based protein +100 % plant oil) at 14 °C or 18 °C or 20 °C water temperature. Results showed percent weigh gain (PWG) and specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), and feed intake (FI) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fish reared at 14 °C and 18 °C compared to 20 °C. The PWG, FE, FI, and SGR levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for fish fed diets 1 and 2 than those fed diets 3 and 4. Dietary composition influenced whole-body proximate composition, while temperature affected protein, moisture, and lipid contents. For protein, lipid, and energy contents, temperature-diet interactions were significant (P < 0.05). There were differences in mitochondrial enzymatic activities in muscle, liver and intestine. Diet affected only complex V activity in the liver, whereas temperature significantly (P < 0.05) affected the activities of complexes II, III, and V. A temperature-dietary interaction was observed for complex V. The temperature regimens, but not dietary composition, affected muscle mitochondrial enzymatic activities. There were significant (P < 0.05) effects of temperature on complex III, IV, and citrate synthase activities in the intestine, whereas dietary composition had no significant impact (P > 0.05). Based on diet, temperature, and diet-temperature interactions effects, selected genes were expressed differently in different tissues. The nd1, cox2, cytb, cox1, atp6 and PPAR-α genes were significantly influenced by diet and temperature interactions in muscle, liver and intestine. Overall, our results showed that both temperature and dietary composition had significant effects on growth characteristics, proximate composition, mitochondrial enzymatic activities, and their interactions on gene expression levels in rainbow trout. These findings underscore the importance of considering these factors in the development of plant-based aquafeeds in order to optimize growth and productivity.

Genetic Polymorphism of Invasive Populations of Amur Sleeper Perccottus glenii (Perciformes: Odontobutidae) from the Irtysh Basin Determined by the Sequencing of the Cytb Gene Region

Genetic Polymorphism of Invasive Populations of Amur Sleeper Perccottus glenii (Perciformes: Odontobutidae) from the Irtysh Basin Determined by the Sequencing of the Cytb Gene Region

Genetic Diversity of Bluefish Population in Türkiye Coastal

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) is a commercially important, highly migratory predatory fish species distributed along the coasts of Türkiye. Conservation and sustainability of bluefish populations requires knowledge of the genetic structure of the population, but There are no genetic studies on bluefish in Türkiye. In this study, the population structure of Bluefish in the coastal regions of Türkiye was investigated by sequence analysis of mitochondrial DNA gene regions (Cytochrome b and Displacement-loop) and nuclear gene region (Rhodopsin). We tried to identify bluefish samples collected from 14 regions in the coastal region of Türkiye by analyzing two mtDNA gene sequences (Cyt b and D-loop) and nuclear gene region (Rhodopsin). While a total of 35 haplotypes were found in the Cytb gene region, a total of 132 haplotypes were found in the D-loop (control region) gene region. A single haplotype was detected in all stations for Rhodopsin. Also, the maximum likelihood trees based on Cyt b and D-loop sequences suggested relationship of Bluefish populations from Türkiye and the world. Results showed a low level of genetic differentiation between Bluefish populations in the study area, but Aegean and Mediterranean populations are more diverse than other populations due to migratory trait of this species.

Characterization of mosquito host-biting networks of potential Rift Valley fever virus vectors in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

BackgroundRift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus with serious implications for livestock health, human health, and the economy in Africa, and is suspected to be endemic in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The vectors of RVFV in this area are poorly known, although several species, such as Aedes (Neomelaniconion) mcintoshi, Aedes (Neomelaniconion) circumluteolus, Aedes (Aedimorphus) durbanensis, and Culex (Lasioconops) poicilipes may be involved. The aim of the study was to determine the vertebrate blood meal sources of potential RVFV mosquito vectors in north-eastern KZN and to characterize the host-biting network.MethodsBlood-fed mosquitoes were collected monthly from November 2019 to February 2023 using a backpack aspirator, CO2-baited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) miniature light traps and tent traps, in the vicinity of water bodies and livestock farming households. The mosquitoes were morphologically identified. DNA was extracted from individual mosquitoes and used as templates to amplify the vertebrate cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Amplicons were sequenced and queried in GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data systems to identify the vertebrate blood meal sources and confirm mosquito identifications. All mosquitoes were screened for RVFV using real time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR.ResultsWe identified the mammalian (88.8%) and avian (11.3%) blood meal sources from 409 blood-fed mosquitoes. Aedes circumluteolus (n = 128) made up the largest proportion of collected mosquitoes. Cattle (n = 195) and nyala (n = 61) were the most frequent domestic and wild hosts, respectively. Bipartite network analysis showed that the rural network consisted of more host-biting interactions than the reserve network. All mosquitoes tested negative for RVFV.ConclusionsSeveral mosquito species, including Ae. circumluteolus, and vertebrate host species, including cattle and nyala, could play a central role in RVFV transmission. Future research in this region should focus on these species to better understand RVFV amplification.Graphical

Mitochondrial Genomes of Streptopelia decaocto: Insights into Columbidae Phylogeny.

In this research, the mitochondrial genome of the Streptopelia decaocto was sequenced and examined for the first time to enhance the comprehension of the phylogenetic relationships within the Columbidae. The complete mitochondrial genome of Streptopelia decaocto (17,160 bp) was structurally similar to the recognized members of the Columbidae family, but with minor differences in gene size and arrangement. The structural AT content was 54.12%. Additionally, 150 mitochondrial datasets, representing valid species, were amassed in this investigation. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic trees and evolutionary time relationships of species were reconstructed based on cytb gene sequences. The findings from the phylogenetic evaluations suggest that the S. decaocto was classified under the Columbinae subfamily, diverging from the Miocene approximately 8.1 million years ago, indicating intricate evolutionary connections with its close relatives, implying a history of species divergence and geographic isolation. The diversification of the Columbidae commenced during the Late Oligocene and extended into the Miocene. This exploration offers crucial molecular data for the S. decaocto, facilitating the systematic taxonomic examination of the Columbidae and Columbiformes, and establishing a scientific foundation for species preservation and genetic resource management.