Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Phlebotomus argentipes Vector of Leishmaniasis in India and Sri Lanka.

Phlebotomus argentipes is the predominant sandfly vector of leishmaniasis in the Indian subcontinent. India and Sri Lanka primarily report visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani. We compared Ph. argentipes from two locations, focusing on its morphological, molecular, and salivary protein characteristics. Sandflies were captured using CDC light traps and cattle-baited net traps. Species identification and morphological comparisons were carried out using standard taxonomic keys. DNA extracted from 12 Sri Lankan sandfly samples was PCR-amplified and sequenced for the variable region of Cytochrome oxidase subunit I. Existing DNA sequences of India from GenBank were utilized for a phylogenetic analysis between Sri Lanka and India. Salivary protein profiles were studied using SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and electrospray ionization/LC/MS/MS. The morphological similarities observed between female Ph. argentipes from India and Sri Lanka suggest the presence of Ph. argentipes var. glaucus. A phylogenetic analysis showed genetic divergence between Ph. argentipes populations, but both shared a similar salivary protein profile. A common, strong 30 kDa immunogenic band comprised PagSP05, PagSP06, and PagSP17 proteins of Ph. argentipes. The similarity between the immunogenic salivary proteins suggests their potential use as common markers for vector exposure or immune response stimulants across regions. The use of multiple samples for each category of serum would improve the comprehensiveness of the immunogenic profiles obtained.

A New Record of Rochia maxima (Koch, 1844) Through a Species Clarification of Lola Snail, Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia

Graphical Abstract Highlight Research Lola snails originating from the Bangka Belitung Islands (Nasik Strait, Rebo Waters, and Ketawai Island) were identified as a maxima not to be R. nilotica species based on morphological molecular identification. Maxima and R. nilotica have the same morphological form, but they are genetically different. The clarification of the Lola snail species in this study serves as a reference in determining the conservation status of the Lola snail. The clarification of the Lola snail species serves as a reference in determining the catch quota from the Bangka Belitung Islands. Abstract The use of Lola snails (Rochia maxima) in the Bangka Belitung has continued to increase. However, research focused on Lola snails originating from the Bangka Belitung has not been thoroughly conducted. In a previous study, the Lola snail sample found in the Bangka Belitung was Trochus niloticus (current name: Rochia nilotica). This study aimed to identify Lola snail species using the DNA barcoding as a way of clarifying Lola snail species that originated in the Bangka Belitung. Lola snail sampling was carried out at three locations, which were Nasik Strait, Ketawai, and Rebo Waters. This study was conducted through five stages, including Lola snail tissue sampling, DNA extraction, amplification by PCR, sequencing, and data analysis. The results showed that the molecular identification of the Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit 1 (COI) gene in Lola snail samples was identified as Rochia maxima species (Koch, 1844). The results of the phylogenetic tree analysis showed that Lola snails found in the Bangka Belitung were close to Tectus maximus (or Rochia maxima) species. R. maxima has a lighter shell than R. nilotica, a clear conical shape, and a circle on the body that does not widen at the edges. Unlike zoologists who said that R. maxima is the primitive form of R. nilotica, the present study found that they have the same morphology and are considered similar but genetically different. The clarification of Lola snail species can be used to determine the conservation status and catching quota of Lola snails from the Bangka Belitung.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Colpoptera (Hemiptera:Fulgoroidea: Nogodinidae) from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

A new species of Colpoptera, C. stonei sp. nov., (Colpopterinae: Colpopterini) is described from Costa Rica, during a survey of planthoppers associated with palms. Molecular data for the five-prime region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and 28S rRNA gene are provided for available members of Colpopterini to support placement in Colpoptera.

Identification of Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Aves: Phasianidae) Using Feather Calamus by Molecular Genetic Method

The ornate and vibrant bird, Pavo cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 belongs to Phasianidae family and is proud to be the national bird of India due to it is extravagant feathers and cultural significance. Thus, the accurate identification of this species is significant for its conservation as well as for areas where it is endangered due to factors such as habitat destruction and hunting. This study applies molecular analysis for the identification of the Indian peafowl by analyzing shed feather samples non-invasively through DNA barcoding. Barcoding the species was done by using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. The study is rightly able to establish that DNA obtained from shed feathers can generate DNA barcodes, which help with species identification. This method provides a useful instrument for the wildlife tracking and the conservation of birds by providing an efficient and non-harmful way of identifying and tracking the population of the species. These results show that DNA barcoding could be useful in increasing the efficiency of species identification, differentiation in avian research to the broader field of molecular ecology for the monitoring, conservation and management.

First record of ectoparasites (Phthiraptera and Acari) from the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) in Colombia.

Several species of ectoparasites, including chewing lice and mites are closely associated with their hosts. The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is globally listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and its population has been steadily declining in recent decades suggesting a potential extinction of associated entomofauna. The purpose of this study was to record the species of ectoparasites infesting three individuals of Andean condor found dead in the 'Páramo del Almorzadero' Santander Department, Northeastern Colombia. One juvenile (male) and two adults (male and female) Andean condors received for necropsy were carefully examined for ectoparasite infestation. Specimens were collected and preserved in ethanol (70%) for taxonomic studies. Morphologic identification and morphometric records were made under light microscopy. Some specimens were also prepared for scanning electron microscopy and others were subjected to DNA extraction to amplify and obtain sequences of the cytochrome-C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for phylogenetic analyses. Lice were collected from the juvenile condor and the adult female and identified as Falcolipeurus assesor (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) in the juvenile condor (8 females, 19 males and 8 nymphs) and the adult (1 female); Colpocephalum trichosum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (19 females, 24 males and 1 nymph) and the adult (2 females, 2 males and 3 nymphs); and Cuculiphilus zonatus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (40 females, 43 males and 15 nymphs) and the adult (1 male and 2 nymphs). Moreover, one mite collected from the juvenile condor was identified as Ancyralges cathartinus (Acari: Astigmata) (1 female). Morphometric data was obtained for the adult stages of F. assesor (6 females and 13 males), C. trichosum (9 females and 9 males) and C. zonatus (10 females and 10 males). We obtained the first DNA sequences of COI for F. assessor, and C. trichosum, where phylogenetic tree analysis showed that F. assessor is more closely related to Falcolipeurus marginalis, and C. trichosum to Colpocephalum kelloggi. This represents the first record of parasites in Andean condor from Colombia and contributes to the knowledge of chewing lice and mites associated with an endemic and endangered bird species. Further studies on Andean condor ectoparasites should be focused on documenting host-parasite interactions and potential health impacts in these wild birds.

Identification of Sparidae species based on COI and 16S rRNA DNA barcoding along the coast of Oman

Fish species belonging to the Sparidae family hold significant commercial value for Oman’s fisheries. Although 18 out of 132 known sparid species have been reported in Omani waters, accurate morphological identification remains challenging for many species. We used DNA barcoding based on cytochrome oxidase subunit І (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) to identify commercially important sparid species. Sixty-three specimens were collected from three major Omani fisheries landings, namely Khasab, Suhar, and Salalah, spanning over 3165 km of coastline. Sequences of 16 S rRNA (521 bp) and COI (506 bp) identified 16 species by 16S rRNA, ten species by COI. Notably, Dentex gibbosus was reported for the first time in Omani waters. The identified 16 species, phylogenetically, belong to two genetically distinct groups. The interspecific genetic distances among species ranged from 0.011 to 0.279 based on 16S rRNA and 0.104–0.259 based on COI, indicating different groups within Omani waters. DNA barcoding provided high taxonomic resolution of sparid biodiversity in Oman and the surrounding region. Additionally, the study contributes to establishing a reference database for the Sparidae family of species from Oman.

Genetic Confirmation of the Striped Eel Catfish Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787) from Iskenderun Bay (Eastern Mediterranean, Türkiye)

The records of the striper eel catfish Plotosus lineatus have been assigned based on morphological characters in the Mediterranean Sea. However, molecular and genetic analyses are needed to confirm the morphological taxonomic determination and avoid misidentification. In this study, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene region was used for genetic confirmation of Plotosus lineatus in the Mediterranean Sea. The obtained P. lineatus sequences were found to have a 100% identity match with the Red Sea and Mediterranean records. The present molecular genetic study confirms the presence of P. lineatus in Turkish marine waters. Also, this study is the first genetic confirmation of P. lineatus on the coast of Türkiye and in the Mediterranean Sea.

Phylogenetic and pathogenic characterization of Phytophthora species associated with decline of horticultural crops in high humid tropic region of Western Ghats, India

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the Phytophthora species responsible for various diseases in horticultural crops, including avocado root rot, black pepper quick wilt, cacao black pod, guava fruit rot, and papaya root rot. Samples were collected from the Kodugu district of Karnataka, India, which falls within the Western Ghats. The favorable climatic conditions of the Western Ghats support the cultivation of diverse horticultural crops, encompassing fruits, spices, and plantation crops. However, this conducive environment also promotes the presence of Phytophthora species, which act as causative agents for various diseases in horticultural crops. Several recovered isolates exhibited typical colony morphology associated with Phytophthora, featuring a white cottony mycelium. Colonies displayed various patterns, ranging from non-distinctive to stellate with a chrysanthemum shape. Both sporangia and chlamydospores were observed upon induction in a sterile soil solution. The mycelial appearance and sporangial shape of the isolates resembled different Phytophthora species. Through a concatenated analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI), and β-tubulin (β-tub) genes, three species infecting avocado were identified: P. cinnamomi (3 isolates), P. nicotianae (1 isolate), and P. tropicalis (1 isolate). Additionally, a species identified as P. tropicalis was found to infect black pepper (2 isolates) and cacao (1 isolate). The isolates causing disease in guava were identified as P. nicotianae (2 isolates), while those infecting papaya were identified as P. palmivora (2 isolates). Notably, this study reports the first instance of P. nicotianae and P. tropicalis infecting avocado in India, expanding our understanding of Phytophthora species distribution and host interactions.

Microdous hanlini (Gobiiformes: Odontobutidae), a new species of the fine-toothed sleepers from Guangxi, China

Microdous (Gobiiformes: Odontobutidae) is a genus of freshwater sleepers distributed in southern China and Vietnam. There are two described species in this genus, M. chalmersi widely distributed in Hainan Island and Guangxi province of China and M. amblyrhynchos with a very restricted distribution range in Baise, Guangxi. It has been reported that M. chalmersi of Guangxi might be a cryptic species, which is different from M. chalmersi of Hainan. Here, we describe the cryptic species from Guangxi as a new species, Microdous hanlini, and compare it with the other species of Microdous. Microdous hanlini can be distinguished from M. chalmersi by its wider head (head width/head length = 0.51–0.58 vs. 0.48–0.53 in M. chalmersi) and wider interorbital width (interorbital width/head length = 0.15–0.19 vs. 0.09–0.13 in M. chalmersi). Microdous hanlini can be distinguished from M. amblyrhynchos by its longer snout, (snout length/head length = 0.29–0.35 vs. 0.26–0.28 in M. amblyrhynchos); slenderer head (head width/head length = 0.51–0.58 vs. 0.61–0.65); and protruding eyes (vs. not protruding). Phylogenetics analyses based on partial sequence of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene (~1500 bp) showed that M. hanlini, M. chalmersi and M. amblyrhynchos formed reciprocal monophyletic clades and M. hanlini is more closely related to M. amblyrhynchos than to M. chalmersi. Genetic distance between the three species is greater than the interspecific distance between some species of Odontobutis.

The origin and insecticide resistance of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes established in southern Mozambique

BackgroundThe Aedes albopictus mosquito is of medical concern due to its ability to transmit viral diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya. Aedes albopictus originated in Asia and is now present on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica. In Mozambique, Ae. albopictus was first reported in 2015 within the capital city of Maputo, and by 2019, it had become established in the surrounding area. It was suspected that the mosquito population originated in Madagascar or islands of the Western Indian Ocean (IWIO). The aim of this study was to determine its origin. Given the risk of spreading insecticide resistance, we also examined relevant mutations in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (VSSC).MethodsEggs of Ae. albopictus were collected in Matola-Rio, a municipality adjacent to Maputo, and reared to adults in the laboratory. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences and microsatellite loci were analyzed to estimate origins. The presence of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations within domain II and III of the VSSC were examined using Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe COI network analysis denied the hypothesis that the Ae. albopictus population originated in Madagascar or IWIO; rather both the COI network and microsatellites analyses showed that the population was genetically similar to those in continental Southeast Asia and Hangzhou, China. Sanger sequencing determined the presence of the F1534C knockdown mutation, which is widely distributed among Asian populations, with a high allele frequency (46%).ConclusionsThese results do not support the hypothesis that the Mozambique Ae. albopictus population originated in Madagascar or IWIO. Instead, they suggest that the origin is continental Southeast Asia or a coastal town in China.Graphical

Alike but genetically divergent: The resurrection of Urotrygon asterias (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883) from its closest relatives, the Munda and the Blotched stingray.

The genus Urotrygon comprises small- to medium-sized endemic round rays on the American continent and has undergone several synonymization processes. Here, we used an integrative taxonomic approach, including meristic, morphometric, and mtDNA analyses, to resolve the particularly intricate relationship among Urotrygon munda Gill, 1863, Urotrygon chilensis (Günther, 1872), and Urotrygon asterias (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883). The latter species is currently a synonym of U. munda but is also considered the U. chilensis "northern morphotype." These taxonomic entities have historically been confounded, mainly due to their phenotypical resemblance along their geographic distribution in the eastern Pacific. We assessed 78 specimens (43 "northern" and 30 "southern morphotypes" of U. chilensis, as well as 5 U. munda) using 19 external variables for taxonomic and morphometric analysis. Distinct meristic patterns, including pectoral and pelvic ceratotrichia, vertebrae number, and thorn distribution along the dorsal midline, were observed in the series-type specimens of the three taxonomic entities. Our multivariate morphometric analyses consistently differentiated the three groups as distinct taxonomic entities, with an overall classification accuracy of 66.7%. The meristic results also provided reliable information distinguishing the three entities. Based on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH2) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes, our phylogenetic analysis were consistent with the morphometric and meristic data, supporting these three entities as distinct species having their own evolutionary lineages. Our comprehensive approach confidently demonstrated that the northern U. chilensis morphotype matched and corresponded to the description of the Starry round ray, U. asterias, confirming its taxonomic resurrection as a valid species distinct from U. chilensis and U. munda. The geographic distribution of U. asterias spans from the tropical west coast of Mexico (including the Gulf of California) to Costa Rica, revealing that microevolutionary processes have well-defined population clades within this range. Furthermore, U. chilensis is unequivocally established as the sole Urotrygon species occurring south of the Guayaquil marine ecoregion. In addition, the public COI and NADH2 sequences available for Urotrygon hosted in the ad hoc online databases were found to be misidentified, emphasizing the need for rigorous taxonomic scrutiny in this group. Finally, our research underscores the significance of an integrative approach that combines morphometric, meristic, and molecular techniques with historical data to disentangle the complexities of closely related taxa.

Molecular characterization of Armigeres Subalbatus from Hyderabad region of Telangana state, India.

The mosquito Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett, 1898) is a significant vector for Japanese encephalitis infection, and breeds in high organic polluted water. Understanding mosquito diversity and there abundance in relation to mosquito-borne diseases is an important component for public health managers. Though the conventional methods for systematic position of mosquito species by using morphological characteristics is a classical method, but it requires perfect expertise and well preserved specimen. Conversely, the molecular analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) serves as a gene-centric DNA barcoding approach and offers a promising alternative method for mosquito species identification. The study at hand delves into the morphological characteristics of Armigeres subalbatus were compared with COI- gene to ensure a more dependable verification for identification of mosquito species found in Hyderabad region of Telangana. The 489 base pair amplicons were acquired and deposited into the NCBI Gene Bank nucleotide database under the accession number MG686500. The maximum likelihood tree infers that, the Hyderabad species was diverged from USA and Japan species but had ancestral relationship with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharastra, Kerala and Goa species. Mitochondrial gene (COI) based DNA barcoding is the most reliable and potential alternative technique to identify the mosquito species.

Non‐destructive molecular methods to identify Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a major vector of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae)

AbstractMonochamus alternatus is one of the most important borers of conifers and the main vector of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causal agent of pine wilt disease. It causes massive death of pine trees and seriously affects the health of forest ecosystems. Traditionally, adults or larvae are identified by morphological or molecular methods. However, diagnosing M. alternatus larvae at different instars collected from forests is expensive and time‐consuming. Non‐destructive molecular diagnostic protocols are, therefore, being developed to detect biological traces (i.e. exuviae, excreta) and to determine the distribution and spread of this pest. In this study, based on the alignment of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences of M. alternatus and other insect species, we designed the primer pair of Mal‐SF/Mal‐SR and probe of Mal‐P for M. alternatus. TaqMan probe‐based qPCR was developed to identify the occurrence of M. alternatus in forests by amplifying the DNA samples obtained from its adult, larva, frass, excreta and exuviae. The amplification results were very effective. The lowest amount of M. alternatus DNA that could be detected with a Cq of 31.93 in the mixed samples was 0.64 pg, showing very high sensitivity. This assay can easily identify M. alternatus from other non‐target wood‐borer species using its frass and exuviae, providing a new diagnostic protocol for monitoring the occurrence and distribution of M. alternatus in forests.

Phylogenetics, Molecular Species Delimitation and Geometric Morphometrics of All Reddish-Brown Species in the Genus Neotriplax Lewis, 1887 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Tritomini).

To date, five species of reddish-brown Neotriplax have been described, but their highly similar body color and other phenotypic traits make accurate taxonomy challenging. To clarify species-level taxonomy and validate potential new species, the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was used for phylogenetic analysis and the geometric morphometrics of elytron, pronotum, and hind wing were employed to distinguish all reddish-brown Neotriplax species. Phylogenetic results using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of COI sequences aligned well with the current taxonomy of the Neotriplax species group. Significant K2P divergences, with no overlap between intra- and interspecific genetic distances, were obtained in Neotriplax species. The automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD), assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP), and generalized mixed Yule coalescent (GMYC) approaches concurred, dividing the similar species into eight molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). Geometric morphometric analysis using pronotum, elytron, hind wing shape and wing vein patterns also validated the classification of all eight species. By integrating these analytical approaches with morphological evidence, we successfully delineated the reddish-brown species of Neotriplax into eight species with three new species: N. qinghaiensis sp. nov., N. maoershanensis sp. nov., and N. guangxiensis sp. nov. Furthermore, we documented the first record of N. lewisii in China. This study underscores the utility of an integrative taxonomy approach in species delimitation within Neotriplax and serves as a reference for the taxonomic revision of other morphologically challenging beetles through integrative taxonomy.

Molecular and immunological studies on Theileria equi and its vector in Egypt

Equine piroplasmosis is not fully understood regarding pathogenicity, prophylaxis, host immune response expression, and specific vectors. Accurately identifying the parasite vector is crucial for developing an effective control plan for a particular infection. This study focused on morphologically identifying two Hyalomma species (H. anatolicum and H. marginatum) and one Rhipicephalus annulatus (R. annulatus) at the species level. The identification process was followed by phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining method based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COXI) gene as a specific vector for Theileria equi (T. equi) in horses. T. equi was diagnosed morphologically and molecularly from infected blood samples and crushed tick species using conventional PCR. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis based on the amplification of the 18 S rRNA gene was conducted. The obtained sequence data were evaluated and registered in GenBank under accession numbers OR064161, OR067911, OR187727, and OR068139, representing the three tick species and the isolated T. equi, respectively. The study demonstrated that T. equi infection leads to immune system suppression by significantly increasing the levels of oxidative stress markers (CAT, GPx, MDA, and SOD) (P ≤ 0.0001), with this elevation being directly proportional to parasitemia levels in infected blood cells. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between parasitemia levels and the expression of immune response infection genes (IFN-gamma, TGF-β1, and IL-1β cytokines) in infected horses compared to non-infected equine. Common macroscopic symptoms indicating T. equi infection in horses include intermittent fever, enlarged lymph nodes (LN), and tick infestation.

Thyasirid species composition (Bivalvia: Thyasiridae) and genetic connectivity of Parathyasira equalis (A. E. Verrill & K. J. Bush, 1898) in deep basins of sub-Arctic fjords

BackgroundThyasirid bivalves are often recorded as a dominant component of macrobenthic infaunal communities in depositional environments such as fjord basins. Fjord basins comprise patchy soft-bottom habitats bounded by steep walls and sills; however, little is known how this semi-isolated nature of fjords affects benthic populations. Accordingly, data on the composition and population connectivity of thyasirids can provide valuable information on the ecology of these ecosystems.ResultsThe species composition of thyasirid bivalves has been studied in the basins of three sub-Arctic fjords (Nordland, Northern Norway). Overall, six thyasirid species were recorded: Parathyasira equalis, Parathyasira dunbari, Mendicula ferruginosa, Genaxinus eumyarius, Thyasira sarsii, and Thyasira obsoleta. The species composition remained stable within the basins during the sampling period (2013–2020) and suggested the importance of local reproduction over advection of individuals for population dynamics. Only one species, Parathyasira equalis, was common in all fjords. We have further investigated the population genetics of this species by combining two types of genetic markers: a 579 bp fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and 4043 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated by genotyping-by-sequencing. The latter provided a more in-depth resolution on the population genetics of this species and revealed a weak but significant differentiation of populations within fjords, further indicating limited connectivity between basins.ConclusionBased on our findings, we conclude that limited dispersal between the basin communities results in weakly connected populations and might be an important structuring factor for macrobenthic communities.

First records of Parahelice K. Sakai, Türkay & Yang, 2006 and Pseudohelice K. Sakai, Türkay & Yang, 2006 from Vanuatu, with description of a new species of Parahelice (Crustacea: Brachyura: Varunidae)

The genera Parahelice K. Sakai, Türkay & Yang, 2006, and Pseudohelice K. Sakai, Türkay & Yang, 2006, are widely distributed in estuarine, mudflats, or mangroves in the Indo-West Pacific, and species of them are often sympatric. Species identification of the two genera is generally difficult, mainly due to the similar morphology and large intraspecific variation. Our study is the first report of the two genera from Vanuatu, including one new species, Parahelice ngankeeae sp. nov., as well as Par. pilimana (A. Milne-Edwards, 1873) and Pseudohelice subquadrata (Dana, 1851). These species can be distinguished from similar species by the characters of the suborbital cristae, the male chelipedal manus, and the first gonopods. The new species is also supported by the molecular results from the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI).

Tiwaripotamon keeae sp. nov. (Crustacea: Decapoda: Potamidae), a new miniature species of freshwater crab from the China-Vietnam border in Napo, Guangxi

A new miniature species of freshwater crab from the genus Tiwaripotamon Bott, 1970 (Potamidae), is described from a montane karst area in southern Napo, at the China-Vietnam border. It is the twelfth known species of the genus, and is also the smallest known, with the largest adult specimen observed barely exceeding 20 mm in carapace width. Apart from the small size, features of the eyes, carapace and ambulatory legs further set Tiwaripotamon keeae sp. nov. apart from its congeners. Pairwise genetic distances of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene also support it as a distinct species.

Confirming the occurrence of two fiddler crabs, Tubuca dussumieri (H. Milne Edwards, 1852) and T. coarctata (H. Milne Edwards, 1852) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Ocypodidae), in Hong Kong by DNA barcoding and morphology

The Indo-West Pacific region has a rich fiddler crab fauna. In East Asia, some species of fiddler crabs, such as Tubuca coarctata (H. Milne Edwards, 1852) and T. dussumieri (H. Milne Edwards, 1852), are considered insular, being present in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Ryukyus, but with no consistent record on continental China. Although T. dussumieri has been previously recorded in continental China, these records were considered dubious or misidentified. The nature of the Kuroshio Current and the colder waters of the China Coastal Current, compared to the currents along the eastern coasts of the Philippines and Taiwan, are considered barriers to the entrance of larvae of these species into the region. Nonetheless, using the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and morphological evidence, we present the first record of T. coarctata and show the presence of a T. dussumieri population in Hong Kong SAR, China. We hypothesize that the newly found T. coarctata in Hong Kong may be related to water temperature increases due to anthropogenic climate change, which allows its larvae to survive in this region and develop into adult crabs. Furthermore, our findings corroborate previous records of T. dussumieri in continental China. The restricted distribution of T. dussumieri in China and the smaller size of individuals, however, may indicate suboptimal habitats for arriving larvae. The limited presence of the two crabs on Chinese shores indicates that the intense coastal development in the country, such as in Hong Kong, may destroy suitable habitats and render these species susceptible to local extinction.

Impaired mitochondrial quality control in fibromyalgia: Mechanisms involved in skeletal muscle alteration

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a persistent syndrome marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain and behavioural symptoms. Given the hypothesis linking FMS aetiology to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, we examined the biochemical correlation among these factors by studying specific proteins associated with mitochondrial homeostasis in muscle. Additionally, this study investigated the role of Boswellia serrata gum resin extract (BS), known for its various functions, including the potent induction of antioxidant enzymes, in determining protective or reparative mechanisms in the muscle cells. Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with reserpine to induce FMS.These animals exhibited moderate changes in hind limb skeletal muscles, experiencing mobility difficulties. Additionally, there were noteworthy morphological and ultrastructural alterations, along with the expression of myogenin, mitochondrial enzymes and oxidative stress markers in the gastrocnemius muscle. Interestingly, BS demonstrated a reduction in spontaneous motor activity difficulties. Moreover, BS showed a positive impact on musculoskeletal morphostructural aspects, as well as a decrease in oxidative stress and mitochondrial alterations. In particular, BS restored the mRNA expression of citrate synthase and cytochrome-c oxidase subunit II and the activity of electron transfer chain complexes. BS also influenced mitochondrial biogenesis, upregulating PGC-1α expression and the related transcription factors (Nrf1, Tfam, Nrf2, FOXO3a, SIRT3, GCLC, NQO1, SOD2 and GPx4), oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, GSH levels and GSH-Px activity) and mitochondrial dynamics and function (Mnf2 expression and CoQ10 levels). Overall, this study underlined the key role of the mitochondrial alteration in FMS and that BS had a very high antioxidant effect in these organelles and also in the cells.